Member interview: I am where I am today because I enjoyed the potential for growth from the beginner stage!


We interviewed two Central Sports members who say they "want to age like that." Tamae Kaburagi, who was 2024 years old at the time, won the women's division for those aged 3 and over at the "WELLNESS STYLE CHALLENGE" in March 80. At the age of 89, she set a new Japanese record in the 80m backstroke.
The other is 66-year-old Yoshie Takizawa, who has won the Japanese powerlifting championship many times and travels the world to compete. She has also achieved great success in triathlons, trail running, swimming, and more. In fact, what these two have in common is that they were complete beginners until they were around 50 years old. They say that they got to where they are today by continuing to train and enjoying the "room to grow" from zero. We interviewed her about the secret to enjoying life as you age.

The secret is a balanced combination of gym and pool exercise three times a week
Tamae Kaburagi (Aoto store)


I was really surprised when I met Kaburagi-san for the first time. He has a straight back and a beautiful body line. No matter how you look at him, he doesn't look like he's 90 years old. How on earth has he achieved this ideal way of aging? And what kind of training does he do on a daily basis? I immediately asked Kaburagi-san.

"I don't do anything special. I leave home at 9am, take part in some lessons before 10am, and then relax in the pool. I repeat this 3-4 hour training cycle. As soon as I joined, I was taught that 'exercise three days a week is the basis for building a good body,' so I try to come on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays."

She only ran until she was 56, and only started exercising seriously after raising her children. She started swimming, which has set Japanese records, by buying a swimsuit. It's surprising to know that her first lesson was to put her face in the pool.

"I think it was a good thing that I couldn't do anything. I was happy that I was able to do more and more each time. Once I was able to swim, I was flattered and entered a competition, and I immediately came second in the crawl and won the backstroke. From then on, I started to think about breaking the Japanese record."

Kaburagi-san says that if she has a goal, she will work hard. She says that even from a young age, once she made up her mind, she would devote herself to it without hesitation.

A cup of coffee after exercise is delicious because it keeps both the body and mind healthy.


Speaking of Kaburagi, she also won the "WELLNESS STYLE CHALLENGE" in the women's category over 2024 years old in March 3. At first glance, it seems like a smooth sailing win, but it seems that it was not so for her.

"When I was first encouraged to do it, I said no way. Every day I look at myself in the mirror and think that my stomach is flabby or that my armpits aren't toned. It's not like swimming, where you just put your all into it. But in the end, I was pushed to do it by the people around me."

Looking back, Kaburagi says that the voices of those around her played a big role in her decision to enter the competition. For women who have never competed in a competition, it is natural that they have many concerns about their body lines. "That's why instructors need to flatter them and push them further," she says, laughing.


Kaburagi-san finishes training and goes home around 14pm. She doesn't have time to make lunch, so she buys her favorite side dishes and goes home with a drink, which seems to be her blissful moment.

"I think it's because I exercise that food and alcohol taste so good. And the reason this is possible is thanks to the body my parents gave me, which has no pain or ailments even at this age. I always try to be thankful every morning and evening."

Kaburagi-san says that maybe it's time to stop touring tournaments, but her energetic appearance always gives me courage. I'll continue to support her!

The step I took when invited always opened a new door
Yoshie Takizawa (Nagatsuta store)


Yoshie Takizawa, 66, has a long list of achievements in powerlifting and triathlon. In fact, she also started exercising seriously after raising her children. How did she encounter Central? And how did she encounter each sport?

"At first, I went to the pool at another sports club, but about 16 years ago, when the Central Nagatsuta branch opened, I decided to come here. The instructor I met at the beginning invited me to run in the Honolulu Marathon, so I bought some running shoes there and that's how I got started running marathons."

Takizawa says he enjoyed practicing with everyone. He had been working hard at swimming, but then he added running to the mix. Then, another instructor told him, "Once you can do the bike, you can do a triathlon." Interested, Takizawa decided to take a new step forward.


"I also started by buying a bike and straddling it. I guess I'm the type of person who likes to take on new challenges. I think the fact that my children were no longer with me was also a good opportunity for me to devote myself to it."

It's amazing to learn that her powerlifting journey, in which she has now won the Japanese Championships many times and traveled the world competing, all began with an encounter with an instructor.

"My coach happened to be a big muscle fan, and he was planning a bench press competition. At first, I just wanted to try it out, but I was able to lift it surprisingly well. That's when you get interested. It's really fun and exciting to be able to do things you couldn't do before."
The starting point of this competition, which has produced great results, was when he was invited by an instructor.

I got qualified as a referee because I wanted to be involved in the sport I love in a comprehensive way.


Recently, Takizawa-san has found another source of enjoyment besides participating in competitions as an athlete. That is, being involved in competitions as a referee. He is gaining experience as a supporter.

"I learned from my instructor that there are three ways to be involved in sports: to participate, to watch, and to support. So I thought I'd try to provide support next. So I got qualified as an official referee for swimming, powerlifting, and triathlon. It was quite tough when I tried it (laughs) because you're on your feet the whole time. But it's a lot of fun and makes me happy."

Takizawa says that the best thing about Central is the variety of programs they offer. He says that being involved in sports brings balance and rhythm to daily life, which is great. Together with his friends who are aiming for the same goal, we will continue to support Takizawa's success!