What’s happening to women in their seventies? It seems like more and more are entering the Guinness Book of World records, and Ernestine Shepherd is no exception.
You may recall the post I wrote called: “Is 75 the new 45?” with “Paddy” Jones, the English salsa dancer with the flexibility of a young woman.
Well now we have Ernestine, and I’m even more motivated to keep lifting weights after watching this incredible 74-year-old woman. She’s a body builder and didn’t start working out until she was 56. Her goal is to inspire and motivate others to become fit naturally. She doesn’t take supplements or steroids and believes that you need to stay determined, dedicated and disciplined. She runs ten miles a day, at 4 a.m., and follows a strict high protein diet, starting with three liquid egg whites a day.
If you’d like to see her senior fitness class, please click on another short video here. She is on a mission to help and inspire everyone, young and old alike to get fit. As a personal trainer, she even trains men in their thirties.
I’m inspired by this one Gutsy lady. Are you? Her motto is: “Don’t let life pass you by. You can be fit.”
I’m off to the gym to do another set of bicep curls, and tricep extensions, what about you?
checking to see if the comments work.
Fantastic and inspirational! Thanks, Sonia.
Just today I ran across some information about Sarcopenia – the gradual atrophy of skeletal muscle tissue with age.
Briefly the best preventative and restorative measures are to incorporate weight training and protein intake (immediately following the weight workout) to rebuild muscle tissue.
Atrophy of muscle tissue with age can increase morbidity,, possibility of falls, hip fractures and loss of energy. Walking or jogging is good for cardio-pulmonary health but it does little to alleviate Sarcopenia.
Although what Ernestine has accomplished is remarkable, for the rest of us, a moderate program is probably well advised for the rest of us.
What a terrific inspiration! I'm going to check her out later today. Thanks so much for sharing. I really needed to hear something like this today!
Sonia, she's beautiful!
Thanks for the extra motivator to kick it up a notch!
She looks awesome! Hard to believe she is over 50!
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I'm not into running ten miles a day, or becoming a body builder. But if I can walk eight blocks a day and use some weights to strengthen my arms, I think that's a good start.
I've been quite sick and in pain for a long time, and I feel like I'm having to start at square one of physical phitness. But everyone has to start somewhere. Some of us have to start with just "walk a block a day." I think the important thing is starting.
She would be quite an inspiration at half her age. Running 10 miles a day at 4AM? She certainly puts to rest the silly stereotype of all older folks slowly sinking into an easy chair.
Oh my. Even her neck looks good. I wonder how many hours a day she works out though.
Ah, thanks Sonia! I thought this was going to be about a 74 year old who started blogging! I inspired a "nearly 70" year old man to get into it last month which was brilliant.
Ernestine's fitness challenge and success is equally inspiring.
It's really one in the eye for all those spring chickens my age (mid 40s;) who say "I can't I'm too old." No way:)
Thank you Sonia, Ernestine and all you ladies who just get on and do what you have to do no matter what you age.
And look at that smile too. You can see how happy it makes you:)
@Cora,
Yes, she is.
@Robert
Interesting to hear about protein intake right after workouts. I always drank a protein shake within 15 mins of my workouts, but don't anymore.
@noexcuses
Glad to hear you were inspired too.
@GulfGal
I agree she is beautiful.
Comments working again for me!
I've just joined a gym and yesterday I spent a gruelling hour with a personal trainer.
@Kelly L
She doesn't look older than 50, that's for sure. Thanks for visiting me.
@Rob-Bear
8 blocks is great and weights. Good for you.
@Bob
I dislike running, so I'm impressed with anyone who can run.
@Patricia
She probably teaches a few classes a day and has a few clients too. I used to spend my days at the gym as a trainer, to the point where I felt like I never left the gym.
@Annabel
Great to see you, and there are many over 70 who blog. I know at least four. So are you starting the gym now?
@Ladyfi
WOW! Was that Ernestine that inspired you? I hope so. I'm off to my hotel gym before the conference starts at 8:30 a.m. in Portland.
She is certainly inspiring.However, her regime would be too much for me. I've worked hard all my life, still do, and I'd rather stick to my walking, stretching, diet and protein regime, and shrink a bit in comfort in my old age.
@Pennie
As we know, this woman is the exception. As long as we do something.