I came across something that I found extremely motivating and inspiring, and I thought that I would share it with you guys.
Meet Joan MacDonald:
Joan started weight training at the age of 70. She says in her website, “I was on medication for high blood pressure and acid reflux, I had terrible edema in my ankles, my arthritis was extremely painful, and I had difficulty walking up and down stairs. I was tired, I was emotional, and I was in desperate need of a change.”
Here is her now at 76, versus then:
Joan strongly feels that exercise saved her life.
Meet Ernestine Shepherd:
In her mid fifties, Ernestine began working out for the first time. Now, at 86 years old, she likes to compete in marathons, 5K and 10K races. She also weight trains 4 days a week. On her website, she says she is, “is having the time of her life at an age when many folks only see themselves as declining and getting old. She’s in the best shape of her life by far, more successful than she’s ever been and a supreme role model to senior women everywhere and to the rest of us, too. She has a lot to teach us about thriving at any age — if we are but ready and open to learn.”
I hope you guys found this inspirational! These ladies are by far not the only examples of what taking care of your health looks like for senior folks. I found their stories particularly worth sharing here, but there are plenty of people who are similar.
What stands out for me is their refusal to think that aging equals fragility. I also think it’s inspiring to hear that they did not start out as athletes. Neither of them had been working out since their 20s. In fact, they both started in their 70s and 50s, respectively.
How about you?
Now, think back to when you first started your fitness journey. It can be hard to see how much progress you have made if you keep looking ahead at only the things you still would like to achieve. If you take the time to turn around and look back, then you can see just how far you have come.
What are some of your accomplishments? What are some of your goals that you have attained or gotten closer to? How about things that you have noticed that you didn’t expect would be an additional benefit of regular exercise (such as more focus)?
Let me know what you guys think, and if you found some role models in these lovely ladies. Please email me back highlighting all of your accomplishments! I would love to hear it come from you guys this time (I already know because I see it every day). Now is the time to toot your own horn
