I would like this thread to be posts of women who are fit after the age of 42. If you run accross some on the net and can copy and paste their picture (before and after would be great!) and their story, would be great. A link to their website would be great as well.

Even if all you can do is provide a link--that would be great.

EDIT-UPDATE: If you are a newbie -- you might want to be sure to look through the whole thread :)

Success Stories Link to site here (http://www.bodyforlife.com/success/successStories.asp?cmsId=964)

Look at the pictures at the bottom of this post!! it is almost too good to believe!!! Shows that its never too late!

Lorinde Williams: It’s Never Too Late


“You’re doing what? You’re too old to do that.” That’s what Lorinde Williams, “Rindy”, a Safeway bakery sales clerk in Puyallup, Wash., now 61, heard when people found out she was going to start lifting weights for the first time in her life at age 59. Two and a half years later, after becoming a second runner-up in the Body-for-LIFE Challenge (a 12-week nutrition, training and supplementation program) and with three bodybuilding competitions under her belt, Rindy still doesn’t let her age, osteoporosis or what other people think stop her. “I’m never too old,” she says. “Age is a state of mind. What people said didn’t bother me at all because I had a goal in mind, and I was going forward.”

Ready to try something new

In May of 2000 Rindy was fed up with her fitness program. She’d been doing aerobic classes for 20 years and had just started a flex class. “I kept throwing my back out and my body shape never changed—I had no muscle development.”

An article in the local paper about Jana and David Patterson’s studio, Personal Training Systems, was the catalyst for Rindy’s new program, which would include supervised strength training and nutrition—two areas Rindy had never focused on. “I was sitting at the kitchen table looking at the photo of Jana in that article and decided, I’m getting in the car, and I’m going to sign up with this girl right this minute. It was a godsend.” Rindy did just that and went in for her first training session the very next day.

Her goal was to “harden up.” “I told Jana I was tired of being like mush. We started with very light weights and progressed as we both felt I was ready. I knew I could do it because I had the mindset. I had a real drive to be there.” Rindy also wanted to set an example for women of all generations, including her daughter, Shaun-Dee, who is 26. “I hoped I could inspire my daughter to start working out, too. And because not many people go in to a gym at this age, I wanted to show ladies it can be done, no matter what.”

Rindy was so “pumped” that getting herself to the gym and doing her workouts wasn’t ever a problem. But eating six small meals a day was hard for her at first. “I thought I was going to blow up!” she laughs. “But I didn’t, because I was burning fat with the weights and the cardio. If you don’t take in enough protein and carbs and eat the right kinds of foods, you can’t build anything. You have to have fuel for your engine.”

Turning a negative into a positive

When Rindy wanted to start increasing the weight she lifted, Jana suggested she have her bone density checked because Jana had noticed a curve in Rindy’s spine. Rindy was due for a physical anyway. “When the doctor looked at me he said, ‘You’re the healthiest looking specimen I’ve had in this office forever, I can’t believe your bone density is so low.’,” Rindy says. “It was 50 percent of what it should be.”

Rindy responded by telling him she would make it better. “It’s recommended that women with osteoporosis work out with free weights, so he was in favor of the weight lifting,” she says. Even though the doctor also prescribed medication, Rindy didn’t fill the prescription. Instead, she became even more dedicated to her strength training and overall health and fitness. “I was determined to keep from becoming a stoop-over old lady before my time and resolved to turn the negative osteoporosis diagnosis into something positive for myself without having to use prescription drugs.”

Jana was so impressed with Rindy’s unrelenting upbeat attitude and determination, she suggested Rindy enter the Body-for-LIFE Challenge. At the end of her 12-week Challenge, in April of 2001, Rindy had reduced her body fat from 29.3 percent to 17 percent; her weight from 127 pounds to 121 pounds; and the size of her jeans from a 10/12 to a 5.

But the number Jana feels is most important—and impressive—is Rindy’s gain of 11 pounds of lean mass. “She actually accomplished this while becoming smaller in size,” Jana explains. “As her trainer, this was the goal foremost in my mind for her because of the research on osteoporosis and strength training for bone mass regeneration. It’s very important for all women to understand that gaining lean mass is a good thing!”
When Rindy learned she won Second Runner-Up in the Women Age 50+ category of the Challenge, she was “floored”, especially when she realized it’s a worldwide contest. “I’m a person from Puyallup. I’m 61 years old. I work at Safeway. Who would have thought?”

And her doctor was floored when she came back in for her six-month follow-up. She had increased her bone density by 5 percent, which Rindy says, according to her doctor was quite unusual—especially since she did it without medication.

Taking it to the stage

But Rindy didn’t stop there. Shoulder surgery in July of 2001 kept her out of the gym for a few weeks, but soon she was back at it. And with Jana and David’s encouragement and the support of the entire gym, as well as her daughter, she began entering bodybuilding competitions in September of 2001, placing second in her first one. “I’ve never been one to stand up in front of hundreds of people in a two-piece bathing suit—I was this quiet, mousy girl in school. But I had a great support system and once I saw that my body could take on such shape by lifting weights, I had no problem getting on stage.”

Rindy says her transformation has been much more than just physical, though. “I developed a big attitude. I can hold my own. Getting stronger on the outside has made me stronger on the inside.”
At her last check-up in May of 2002, the doctor told Rindy she’d done so well at increasing her bone density that she didn’t have to come back to see him again for two years.

Rindy’s wish to inspire her daughter also came true. “She’s my hero,” Shaun-Dee says. Shaun-Dee now goes to the gym four to five days a week. And when their busy schedules coincide, mother and daughter work out together. “It’s a good way to keep in touch,” Rindy says. “It’s a bonding time.”

Rindy plans to continue hitting the gym and competing in bodybuilding events for as long as she can. “Some people can’t understand why I still pursue this. If you stop to think about it, it’s a lot cheaper to go to a gym than to pay hospital bills or to lay around with broken bones. If you don’t have your health—it doesn’t matter how much money in the world you have—you don’t have anything. And if you don’t take care of yourself, nobody else is going to do it for you.”

By sharing her story with others, Rindy hopes women of all ages see anything is possible with a positive outlook and focus. “I want to break the mold for women over 50. If we don’t step up to the plate, how are we going to know if we can hit the ball?”

“No matter what the obstacle, be it your age or even a medical condition, keep sight of your goal. My intention is to use myself as an example to show it is never too late to start improving yourself!”



Rindy’s workout program

Cardio:
45 to 60 minutes on the elliptical trainer five days a week
Keep in mind, Rindy built up to this. “The first time I got on the machine, after five minutes, I was totally out of wind. I thought, ‘45 minutes? That’ll be the day.’”

Weight training:
Rindy slowly increased her weights under the supervision of her trainer.

Monday
Legs/Abs:
Leg presses: 5 sets of 15 to 8 reps, 50 to 225 pounds
Squats: 5 sets of 15 to 6 reps, 70 to 125 pounds
Leg extensions: 4 sets of 15 to 6 reps, 50 to 70 pounds
Leg curls: 4 sets of 15 to 8 reps, 60 to 80 pounds
Calves, standing: 3 sets of 15 to 12 reps, 140 to 160 pounds
Calves, seated: 3 sets of 12 reps
Cable crunches: 2 sets of 25 reps, 60 pounds
Swiss ball crunches: 2 sets of 25 reps

Tuesday
Back/Triceps:
Assisted pull-ups: 4 sets of 15 to 10 reps
Supported T-bar rows: 4 sets of 12 to 6 reps, 20 to 25 pounds
Cable rows: 4 sets of 12 to 6 reps, 60 to 70 pounds
Tricep dumbbell extensions: 3 sets of 15 to 12 reps, 15 to 20 pounds
One-arm kickbacks: 3 sets of 15 reps, 5 to 8 pounds


Wednesday
Chest/Biceps/Abs:
Bench presses: 4 sets of 15 to 6 reps, 45 to 65 pounds
Dumbbell incline bench: 3 to 4 sets of 8 reps, 25 to 27.5 pounds
Smith machine incline bench presses: 4 sets of 10 to 6 reps, 50 to 60 pounds
Dumbbell flat flyes: 3 sets, 15 to 17.5 pounds
Preacher curls, superset with concentration curls: 6 sets total of 15 to 6 reps, 15 to 20 pounds
Cable crunches: 2 sets of 25 reps, 60 pounds
Swiss ball crunches: 2 sets of 25 reps

Friday
Shoulders:
Dumbbell shoulder presses: 4 sets of 15 to 7 reps, 15 to 22.5 pounds
Upright rows: 4 sets of 15 to 8 reps, 22.5 to 42.5 pounds
Dumbbell shrugs: 4 sets of 25 to 30 reps, 25 pounds
Dumbbell front and side raises: 3 sets of 10 reps, 8 to 5 pounds



Rindy’s food program

Breakfast:
1 cup cooked oatmeal or 1 slice whole-wheat toast (sprayed with olive oil before toasting)
1 cup egg whites fried in a light spray of cooking oil or ½ cup cottage cheese
Green tea

Snack:
Nutrition shake blended with strawberries, 1 tablespoon flax seed oil, ice and water

Lunch:
4 pieces chicken breast tenders
Green salad with fat-free dressing
Green tea

Snack:
Nutrition shake blended with strawberries, 1 tablespoon flax seed oil, ice and water

Dinner:
4 pieces of chicken or 1 can of tuna mixed with a big bowl of green salad
1 cup vegetables, vinegar and oil
Decaf herbal tea

Snack:
All-natural peanut butter spread on two oatmeal cookies

Her site doesn't state her age but she was champion for women over 51+

Really exciting to see what she could do! Look at before and after pictures at bottom of this post.

See her link here (http://www.bodyforlife.com/success/successStories.asp?cmsId=974)


Carolyn Culverhouse: A Desire to Change


After years of feeling trapped in losing a battle with her weight—and hitting over the 200-pound mark—Carolyn Culverhouse, a pediatric nurse from Wilmington, North Carolina, knew a change was needed. “I knew I desired to be healthy,” she says. “That desire burned inside me and motivated me to make all the changes necessary to succeed.”

She started by entering the Body-for-LIFE Challenge, a 12-week nutrition, training and supplementation program. But she didn’t stop there. After completing three consecutive Challenges, she became the 2001 Grand Champion (women age 51+). But that still wasn’t the end of it for Carolyn; she went on to complete two more Challenges.

“I stayed in the Challenges until my body was where I wanted it to be,” Carolyn says. “I wanted to see the muscles in my legs and wear a swimsuit; something I had not worn in eight years.”

In her quest to wear a size 8, Carolyn surpassed her expectations. She went from 41.5 percent body fat to 18 percent; 223 pounds to 137 pounds; and a size 20 to a size 4. “My confidence level is through the roof, and that smile in my after pictures says that without a word.”

The will to succeed
Once deciding to transform her body, Carolyn became ill. “My body swelled to the point where I couldn’t wear my size 20 clothing, and my blood pressure was 190/109.” Her doctor said she had a rare disease from earlier cases of bronchitis and pneumonia. Though shocked and frightened, Carolyn was determined to accomplish her fitness goals. “I changed from being scared to saying, ‘I’m going to be OK. I’m going to win the Challenge. I’m going to live,’” Carolyn says.

On a mission
The beginning of Carolyn’s training was a struggle—she was scared she would hurt herself and embarrassed to look at herself in the mirror. “I was a sweaty, red-faced, 223-pound woman in an extra large T-shirt that wouldn’t fit over my 51-inch hips.” Leaving puddles of sweat on the floor, Carolyn thought she should apologize to everyone at the gym. Then one day she realized, “I was on a mission—sorry everyone, you’ll just have to get over the view or turn your heads—I’m going to do this with all I have.”

Taking control
At first, Carolyn did not give up any food, but on her free day she binged on junk food; food she craved all week. “One day I did a calorie count on my free day of 8,000!,” she admits. “It took me two to three days to recover from days like that.” The momentary enjoyment was not worth the suffering, and Carolyn knew enough was enough. “I began to eat more protein and vegetables, drank a gallon of water a day, and I limited my salt intake. Now I enjoy my free day, but I don’t live for it.” She also started taking protein bars, nutrition shakes and food on her nutrition plan to work, the movies and friend’s homes. Carolyn kept telling herself that eating healthy and working out was like climbing a mountain, “the closer I get to the peak, the harder it is. Give up now, and I’ll miss the panoramic view from the top. The top is the thrill you can’t know until you get there.”

To motivate herself through each workout, Carolyn relied on positive self-talk. “When I would do my cardio I would visualize climbing a mountain and reaching the peak, or running in marathon and winning,” Carolyn says. “I always told myself I was having fun exercising.”

Rewards for life
Completing five Challenges successfully has brought many rewards to Carolyn. Before, she would get winded bringing groceries up two flights of stairs or running for the phone. She’s now bursting with more energy, and she’s stronger at work. “My attitude has become more positive, I continue to live a healthy lifestyle, I have more confidence, and I’m more outgoing.” Carolyn’s biggest reward was having her spirit of adventure return and having enough energy to act on it. “I’ve returned back to horseback riding, kayaking, biking and roller blading,” she says. “I have spent some time learning how to apply make-up, restyling my hair and shopping for new clothes. It’s like coming to life again only with a healthier body than before. My friends say I’m 51 going on 15.”



Carolyn’s workout schedule
Carolyn does upper body on Monday and Friday, and lower body on Wednesday and then rotates each week. She does reps of 12, 10, eight, six and 12. She then does one set of 12 reps of a different exercise for the same muscle group. Her cardio and ab days are on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Upper body
Dumbbell incline presses: 15, 20, 25, 30 and 25 pounds per hand
Dumbbell flyes: 25 pounds with a spotter

Assisted pull-ups: 140, 130, 120, 110 and 120 pounds
Wide-grip lat pulldowns: 75 pounds

Bent over front raises: 8, 10, 12, 15 and 12 pounds per hand
Lateral raises: 12 pounds per hand with assistance

Concentrated biceps curls: 15, 15, 20, 25 and 20 pounds per hand
Preacher curls: 20 pounds per hand with assistance

Cable extensions: 50, 55, 60, 65, 60 and 12 pound per hand
Lying triceps: 12 pound per hand

Lower body
Leg presses: 275, 295, 315, 335 and 315 pounds
Leg extensions: 105 pounds

Straight leg deadlifts: 30, 35, 40, 45, 40 and 20 pounds
Dumbbell lunges: 20 pounds each hand

Standing calf raises: 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 pounds
Seated calf raises: 90 pounds

Cardio:
30 minutes of cardio on an elliptical cross-trainer, treadmill or she climb stairs

Abs:
Reps of 12, 10, eight, six and 12 for declined sit-ups, hanging knee raises, ball crunches and floor crunches

Carolyn’s nutrition plan

7:30 a.m. Breakfast
Egg-white omelet with fat-free cheese, tomato
1 teaspoon jelly on whole-wheat toast

10:00 a.m. Snack
Low-carb ready-to-drink shake
Raw carrots

12:30 p.m. Lunch
Low-fat cottage cheese
Fresh fruit
Salad with fat-free dressing

2:30 p.m. Snack
Low-carb ready-to-drink shake
1 tablespoon all-natural peanut butter on whole-wheat toast

4:30 p.m. Snack
Low-carb ready-to-drink shake

6:30 p.m. Dinner
Chicken or steak
Vegetable
Sweet potato

Mary has been working out for 15 years so there are no photos of her "before." However, look how great her stomach is. :eek: She's actually seeking to be a fitness model. :claphigh:

This is what she says at this web site (http://www.bestforminc.com/female-body-builder.cfm)

There are a number of female fitness models on this page so you have to scroll down a bit to find Mary.


Mary Aspiring Fitness Model and NABBA USA Gold Cup Masters Female Body Builder Class Winner
Hi-
I am a dedicated to the fitness lifestyle and want to become a fitness model. I'm proud to say that I am 54 years old and the mother of two college age sons. I have been weight training for 15 years. I believe that the fitness lifestyle keeps me young! In 1996, I entered the NABBA USA Gold Cup Classic in Anaheim, CA and placed 1st in the Masters Female Body Builder category. I know that I can be an inspiration to women over the age of 45, who want to improve the way they look, but more importanly the way they feel. I can be reached at IronMOM3@aol.com
Thanks,
Mary

Nice thread! It is true it is NEVER too late! Other then skin, which looses its elasticity and 'shine' from youth, there is no reason anyone of any (post pubescent) age can't have the body of an athletic 20 year old!

And the health benefits / LIFE benefits (improved quality of life) mean everyone should do it!!

-Allen

The Feb 2005 issue of Oxygen magazine features women in fitness who are over 40. It's great motivation to keep up with the nutrition and fitness over a lifetime. :tucool:

The Feb 2005 issue of Oxygen magazine features women in fitness who are over 40. It's great motivation to keep up with the nutrition and fitness over a lifetime. :tucool:


Thanks for the reference--here is a link to an online-excerpt: Link (http://www.oxygenmag.com/cvexposed.php)

This is great thread. I never met many women over 45 staying fit and
georgeous.....Please find more examples ! I'll look too :nod:

This is great thread. I never met many women over 45 staying fit and
georgeous.....Please find more examples ! I'll look too :nod:

That would be great!! :tu:

And welcome.

Wow! Look at what she did in 12 weeks! And look at her expression on her face before and after! Jeremy Likness is right. It is a whole life transformation.

Here is a link to an interview with her: http://www.bodychangers.com/patz_inter.shtml

Scroll to the bottom of this post to see her pictures. Read the following to see what she has to say!

Name: Pat Z Beginning Weight: 164
Age: 44 Ending Weight: 148
Program: Body for Life Starting BF%: 27%
Transformation Time: 11.5 weeks Ending BF%: 21%
E-Mail:PKZimmer@aol.com


Supplements Used:

Cytovol, Betagen
Myoplex Shakes
Myoplex Deluxe Bars
BioChem Ultimate Lo Carb Whey Protein
Country Life Maxine Multiple Vitamin
Tips From Pat:

Stay as organized as possible (workouts, meals, etc) and plan as much as you can in advance.
Always keep a bar or "legal" snack with you, so you are not without food when you need it.
Eat 5-6 small meals a day and drink at least a gallon of water.
Keep records of your workouts and meals.
Do not rely on the scales for your progress.
TAKE PICTURES!!!!
If you have a "slip" don't let it become a full blown fall. Get right back on the wagon with your next meal.
Read as much as possible about weight training, fitness and weight loss.
Remember your body is unique and what works for some, might not work for you.
Other Comments:
Get to know what your body needs and don't compare your progress with others. Just be patient and results will happen. Try not to get discouraged and if you need help, don't be afraid to reach out to others for help.

Great Topic Justitia.

Some months ago a female friend of mine who is 45 and slowly putting on weight (though she still looks fine) confided in me that she would like to lose some weight. I gave her some advice and encouragement and wrote her up a program. Everytime I see her I ask how its going and she keeps making excuses (in between gulps of wine) that its too hard at her age and shes too tired etc.

Well, I'm going to make sure she reads every inch of this thread and it might get her into to gear. The transformations are amazing! And to think my friend is only 45, she has no excuses now! :db: :bb: :nod:

Just ask her to post how she feels: the lack of time, the lack of energy, the feeling of uselessness, etc. She will hear from many people who feel exactly the same way, young, old ,and in-between, male and female. Just hearing that can bring solace and may be a little motivation. After all, one can't change one's habits completely overnight. It has to be done by accretion.

Getting a heart rate monitor and just proposing a goal of trying to walk 20 minutes once a week at a pace that will reach 65%-75% of her maximum heart rate (MHR = 226 minus age for females) is a great way to start. It's the maximum fat-burner rate and an easy walk rate. It may take some time to have any degree of regularity. If she achieves that, (and it doesn't have to be perfectly once a week, just at the point where it is more often than not) she can then aim to either increase the walk to 30 minutes or to doing it twice a week. It is just to start.

Desire to do more will come naturally later. And this site is a great place to browse to find what she might like to add over time if she wants to. And not to give up hope. Just start with a little piece-- goal of eventually a 20 minute walk once a week.

Tell her we all wish her :gl:

Don't Fret Justitia, in a few months, you'll be one of those before/after examples YOURSELF as you see above.

:nod:

:tu:

~SC~

http://www.finallyfit.net/lynnoglesby.html

http://www.finallyfit.net/lynnposter.jpg

daDUDE -- :D

Didn't know if I should insert that big pic in here or not.

Lynn looks awesome doesn't she? I met her a few times before, she's very cool and very nice.

daDUDE -- :D

Didn't know if I should insert that big pic in here or not.

Lynn looks awesome doesn't she? I met her a few times before, she's very cool and very nice.


Yes the picture is most welcome--and yes she looks awsome. Thanks, Fast, for posting it. :tu:

Hello...I just happened upon this BB. I'm glad I did! The success stories are very inspirational. :d_smile:

Wow Lynn looks great, I remember her from my first bfl challenge and she didn't have a six pack even in her after photo. SHe really did an amazing job.

Wow Lynn looks great, I remember her from my first bfl challenge and she didn't have a six pack even in her after photo. SHe really did an amazing job.

When was your BFL challenge?

When was your BFL challenge?
I did a couple of challenges ....2001 and 2002. BFL is what got me to lose roughly about 90% of my fat. Bill Phillips book was a great motivator.

Go to www.grayironfitness.com to see some amazing pictures. I am really loving this thread! :lol:

Justitia, I just came across this thread for the first time today and I love it. Great idea! I'm subscribing to this one. :tu:

Justitia, I just came across this thread for the first time today and I love it. Great idea! I'm subscribing to this one. :tu:

It is great to be inspired, isn't it!?! I am glad you enjoy the thread!

Go to www.grayironfitness.com to see some amazing pictures. I am really loving this thread! :lol:

Thanks for the great link, Erin!


Just to prove it doesn't take years, even when you have many years, to get in shape, here is something from there. Patty Reyes Franklin accomplished her goal in 12 weeks!!!! Woo-woo!!! Be sure to see the before and after pictures below!


Mrs. Gray Iron Fitness

I was born February 10, 1949. As I write this today [9/10/01], I'm 52 years old, closing in on 53. Other vital statistics include brown eyes, gray hair (I color it), 5'8" tall, post-menopausal, and a size 6 or 8 dress, depending on the manufacturer. I've had two children.

Usually this information shouldn't be of interest to anyone but my husband and me. But because we maintain a fitness web site and teach exercise classes, people are curious. You know what I mean. Does she walk the talk?

Logan and I met eight-and-a-half years ago when I was much heavier. He was a fitness buff, and I got interested. Six years ago I joined a health club. At first, my workouts were sporadic. I felt better and I'm sure there were health benefits, but my shape and body fat percentage stayed about the same as it had been.

One day I stumbled across an article in Modern Maturity about a couple my age who transformed themselves from paunchy to super fit. They had followed Bill Phillips' Body-for-LIFE program. I bought the book, devoured it, and entered the Body-for-LIFE Transformation Challenge." That was in the summer of 2000.

Previously, a 14 had been the smallest dress size I'd ever gotten into. And there were times when I'd balloon up and get really fat. Then a size 14 would seem 'small' to me. I'd pretty much accepted that I was just meant to be heavy.

Well I'm not petite, but I was wrong about being sentenced to carry around all that extra body fat. Today I'm in the best shape of my life. Logan says that Mike Meyers in Wayne's World would say, "She's a Babe!"

Was it easy? No. If it was, nobody would be fat. Unhealthy food choices surround us, and we're cajoled from all directions to eat them. In general, America is a fat nation, and it's getting worse. On average, young kids today are fatter and in worse shape than preceding generations ever were. I'm a school teacher. It's a serious problem.

When you make big lifestyle changes like I did, some friends want to see you succeed. But let's be honest here. Some people, even family members, can be less than encouraging. Remember, although you are rejecting unhealthy habits, they are habits that unfortunately have become accepted as normal. You are challenging the status quo.

On top of that, many people figure that after reaching fifty, you ought to "act your age" and accept ever expanding belt sizes. Well I'm a realist. Of course age gradually takes it toll. But overeating and eating the wrong foods, plus a sedentary lifestyle, greatly accelerate the rate of decline.

I've always been a self-confident person. I've never beat myself up over what the scale told me, and I'm tall enough that I've always looked pretty good in clothes. My big mistake was that I'd resigned myself to a false belief that I was destined to carry excess fat, that those were the cards I'd been dealt.

The thing is it just wasn't true. We all have different body shapes that are genetically determined, but carrying around excess body fat and being physically unfit is a choice we make. Don't blame your genes. Sure, some have to work at it harder than others. Life's unfair.

So is it worth it? Well, first of all, my body is far from perfect. But after lugging around all that unnecessary fat all those years, nothing -- and I mean nothing -- compares to getting into a size 6. And if my husband thinks I'm a 'Babe' . . . well, trust me, that isn't hard to take, either.

--Patty Reyes Franklin
September 10, 2001

E-Mail Patty at mrsgrayiron@yahoo.com

Patty's Before Picture was taken August 20th 2000; her after Pics were taken 12 week later November 11th, 2000 !!

Browsing the internet, I cam across Renee Young! Amazing woman! Didn't start bodybuilding until she was 51 years old! And then she went on to win all kinds of contests, including against some with 20-30 year olds!

Be sure to check out her contest photos at the bottom of this post!!!

Even Bodybuilder.com picked her as "Amatuer of the Week". See link here: Renee Young BB.com (http://www.bodybuilders.com/renyou.htm)

And check out this piece: Forever Young (http://www.bodysport.com/archives/Jan%2020-04/Renee%20Young.html)

And contact Renee here: DRYTherapy@msn.com

Here is an article about Renee written by Lindsay Spann for the Daily Bruin in 2002. See link to article here (http://www.dailybruin.ucla.edu/news/articles.asp?id=21691)

Renee is now 56 (Hey! Same age as me!!! :jumping: :claphigh: )

53-year-old Renee Young has taken a drink from the fountain of youth.

At her age, when most people are thinking of retiring, Young is working as a physical therapist at the UCLA Medical Center, helping to improve patients' lives. In her free time, she is also a competitive bodybuilder.

It's ironic that her last name is Young, because her youthful appearance suggests she's much younger than she actually is.

However, life wasn't always this enjoyable for Young.

Young had a difficult start in life. When she was just 18 months old, she contracted polio. From ages 4 to 19 she took ballet, which helped her overcome the disease.

At the time, Young wanted to be a physical education teacher or a nurse, but her uncle suggested that she become a physical therapist so she could combine her gift and passion for helping others.

Because of her bout with polio, Young "wanted to give back."


Photo Courtesy of Renee Young

Renee Young began body building less than two years ago, and is now representing the U.S.A. Team in bodybuilding competitions.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Six years ago, Young started working at UCLA as a physical therapist. She works at the UCLA Medical Center three days a week, commuting from her home in San Diego and staying with family in Santa Monica during the week.

As a physical therapist, Young is well-liked and highly-respected.

"Young is very creative, very motivational and works hard to get patients up and moving," said Cindy Jaeger, lead occupational therapist, and one of her co-workers.

"She has a lot of experience and is able to bring her background to her treatments."

"And if one doesn't work, she has a lot of tricks to try and get the best treatment session she can."

In February 2001, Young became interested in bodybuilding. She was flipping through a medical magazine that was showing the life cycle of both a male and a female. The article showed the mental and physical changes of degeneration in every organ of the body. This drew Young's attention to how dramatic the body changes were.

"Having gone through the battle of polio," she said, "has given me much in regards to staying in shape, and a perseverance to deal with whatever life puts in front of me."

"I looked in the mirror and didn't want to be the stereotype of the menopausal woman with a thickening midriff," she said.

"I said to myself, 'no way am I going to do that.'"

At that moment, she made a decision to get herself a trainer and work out at the gym. So she went to the gym to find herself a trainer who really knew what he was talking about.

"If I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it right," she said.

Young enlisted the help of her trainer Ivan Higashi, her "master and mentor," as she calls him.

At first, Young had no intention of pursuing competition. Higashi agreed to help her reach her goal of trimming some body fat and getting into the same shape she was in her during her 20s and 30s.

"I've always done cardio," she said. "I love running – I've always run. I've done my skiing and rollerblading. I've never lifted weights before this because I was afraid I would bulk up like a guy. As a teenager, I was also muscle bound and afraid to work out with weights."

Young was just glad about the 15 pounds she lost. But Higashi had other ideas about competition.

In September 2001, he tried to convince Young to compete. At the time, she was completely against it.

"Well, my insightful Ivan never gave up planting the seed," Young concedes.

She eventually succumbed to her trainer's pressure and entered a local bodybuilding competition in the Grand Masters category (for women ages 50 to 59).

"I'll do one," she said. "I'll do the Grand Masters, but I'm not going to compete with people who are younger then me. It's bad enough getting up there in a freakin' bathing suit with a bunch of people watching in an auditorium doing this stuff."

"That's not my personality; I'm not an exhibitionist in that regard."

At the competition, Young took home second place. With a taste of success, she entered and won nine more competitions, many of them competing against the 20- to 30-year-old crowd.

Young recently changed trainers before representing the U.S.A. Team at the Natural Olympia in Phoenix, Ariz. on Nov. 10, winning a bronze medal in the Grand Masters Physique category, and taking home fifth place in the Masters Figure, competing against younger women in the 40 to 49 age group.

Young is considered an inspiration in the body building world, at work and in the health industry. Trainers and judges have asked for pictures of her to use as an example for others.

"Some of my clients, they're in their 20s and 30s," Young said. "I get so tired of them saying that they can't do this, they can't do that."

"I want to put my picture up there and say 'look at this woman, how old do you think she is?' and then they'll guess ... and I'll say 'well, she's 53 and if she can do it you can do it too."

Young's next competition is the Natural Universe competition, held this weekend at Fairfax High School. She will represent the U.S.A. Team against bodybuilders from all over the world.

Gosh, I probably don't belong on this site but here I am. I've never posted on a web site before so please bear with me. I'll be 66 in June, have been working out (never with a personal trainer) for eight full years in Sept of 2005. My entry into fitness was very unspectacular, I just looked into a mirror one day and saw a rather sweet but very old looking, stooped, matronly woman staring back..........dear God, it was me.........not the way I felt but certainly the way I looked! I decided I had to do something for myself and quickly. In that flash of a moment I realized I had and would continue to loose my wonderful God given body and that the longer I waited to get started the greater the loss! It was 1997 and at that time there were many shows on the sports channels featuring woman's weightlifting personalities, Kiana Tom, Corry Everson to name just two. I started watching, absorbing all the tips and information and instruction on proper lifting technique etc. I had no prior knowledge of any of this.......it was a different world for me. I continued to watch and finally purchased a home gym my assault on the ravages of time had begun. I have no before pictures to post and feel too shy to post current ones. I don't look like the same woman though. I am 5''7.5, and 8 years ago weighed 163 lbs., dress size then 14 and precariously close to 16. Today, 8 years later I weigh 133 and wear a size 4 or 6 pants and size 8 shirt. I have never dieted but do eat in a healthy manner owing to cholesterol and other health issues. This means no red and very little other meat. I think what I really want to say is that weight lifting is the grandest thing an older woman especially, can do for herself. The health benefit are astounding, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, decreased risk of all those horrible things we fall victim to as we advance in age. But you know what, in all truth, the thing I really like best is having located that not altogether unattractive, fit, dare I say even "buff" mature woman that I just knew 8 years ago had to be somewhere in that mirror. It is hard to find women my age who have discovered how to virtually turn back the clock and make themselves so very much better than they were before and talking with some would be fun and interesting..............

What a wonderful story!! turning back the clock of time. Music to any older woman's ears! Find pictures!!! Before and afters. Even if the befores are old. You can get them scanned if they are not digital. If you would like you can e-mail them to me and I will fix them up so they can be posted here.

Don't be Shy!!!

Be an Inspiration!!! :nod:

Just take a look at my pictures -- I am just really starting and have a long way to go. If I can post, you can too!!! :claphigh:

Justitia's progress pics (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=12073)

Hi Justitia, Thanks for your reply, I don't think I really expected someone to acknowledge my remarks, much less so quickly. I'm trying to "screw up" the courage to post a picture or two. There are a number of women at the gym I work out at that are pretty amazing. We take a pump class and do pilates together and work the floor on our own. Perhaps I can convince them to post pictures too. Our range in age in the pump class is from 43 to approximately 74. Need I mention that I'm from Florida?
I'll get back to you. Thanks again............Carole

There are a number of women at the gym I work out at that are pretty amazing. We take a pump class and do pilates together and work the floor on our own. Perhaps I can convince them to post pictures too. Our range in age in the pump class is from 43 to approximately 74. Need I mention that I'm from Florida?
I'll get back to you. Thanks again............Carole

Yeah, I've been doing body Pump and Pilates for a couple of years. I am doing something a little more traditional right now..but I can't wait to get back tot body pump. The change you see on my progress picks form last September to this mid January is all due to body Pump and Pilates (and I stopped working out about 6 weeks before the January pic--so I probably looked better 6 weeks earlier.)

There are a couple of women here who do Body Pump and Pilates.

I sure hope you can get the others to post here along with you. Tell the 74 year old we need her as a halfway mark for the age range. :nod:

Yeah, I've been doing body Pump and Pilates for a couple of years. I am doing something a little more traditional right now..but I can't wait to get back tot body pump. The change you see on my progress picks form last September to this mid January is all due to body Pump and Pilates (and I stopped working out about 6 weeks before the January pic--so I probably looked better 6 weeks earlier.)

There are a couple of women here who do Body Pump and Pilates.

I sure hope you can get the others to post here along with you. Tell the 74 year old we need her as a halfway mark for the age range. :nod:

I don't know how to navigate the web site yet help! At any rate, if this is right and you get this message, it is............I have several pictures I'd like to post but haven't the foggiest notion how. Would you spare some insite as to how to go about it?

I don't know how to navigate the web site yet help! At any rate, if this is right and you get this message, it is............I have several pictures I'd like to post but haven't the foggiest notion how. Would you spare some insite as to how to go about it?

What I would suggest, if you are not already, is to join the John Stone FItness Forum. Then you can post your queries as to how to post pictures in the technical section. People are extremely helpful there.

It doesn't cost anything to join... it is just a way John has to prevent certain types of invasions (like spammers, etc.) You won't get spammed from joining, you won't be put on any e-mail list, It just gives you access to a number of forums you can't otherwise, including the technical forum.

One restriction in posting pictures is their size in terms of # of pixels. The way to reduce their size without loss in image is 1. to convert pictures to JPEG files, 2. reduce their actual size, and 3. to cut an crop the parts you really want. All the pictures I have on my progress thread are cut and cropped and converted to JPEG.

There are a number of sophisticated progras tha tallow you to do that easily. I don't have any of them. So I use a program that comes with my operating system, which is an old version ofwindows--WIndows 98. The program is Paint, which I find when I press the START button, go to the top ot the drop "up" box and click onaccessories and the drop down box from there has Paint.

It is a pretty simple program and doesn't allow you to do much but you can convert, cut and crop with it.

You probably have a similar program that comes with your OS (operating system.) I would look for that. If you use Paint, I figured out some trick to make the process relatively simple. You can PM me here when you get to that point.

I am SOOOO Glad! you decided to post pictures! Everyone here will be extremely grateful. :nod: :nod: :tu:

I would really like to thank you for starting this thread. I am one of the 40+ (46 to be exact) crowd, and am trying to get myself back in shape. I joined a gym in September, thinking a couple of months should do it. Was I ever mistaken! It doesn't quite work the same way it did when I was 25. I've been following along on some other sites, but realized that I was driving myself crazy trying to do the same thing that the more "younger" girls were. I go to the gym 5 days a week, doing cardio all five and lift weights 3 days. I have seen results, but want things to happen quicker, like yesterday. PLease keep posting as I really need to see that I am not alone in this quest. It really helps to know that it does take longer than a couple of months for all this to work. I would love to hear how long it has taken others to come close to their goals, and that I can do it too. :nod:

I love this thread. I’m 53 years old and trying to undo some of the physical changes I’ve gone through since menopause, such as the twenty pounds I put on in the last two years without any change in my diet. How the heck did that happen?! I was always a size 8 and now I’m squeezing into a size 12, knowing full well I should be wearing a size 14.

I’ve just started to exercise in earnest, but it seems like I have so far to go that it’s almost hopeless. It very motivating for me to see posts from/about women over the age of 50 who are healthy, fit, and look fabulous.

I love this thread. I’m 53 years old and trying to undo some of the physical changes I’ve gone through since menopause, such as the twenty pounds I put on in the last two years without any change in my diet. How the heck did that happen?! I was always a size 8 and now I’m squeezing into a size 12, knowing full well I should be wearing a size 14.

I’ve just started to exercise in earnest, but it seems like I have so far to go that it’s almost hopeless. It very motivating for me to see posts from/about women over the age of 50 who are healthy, fit, and look fabulous.

What I think is really important to note is that many of them didn't even start getting fit until their 50's...it is never too late. :tucool:

Edit: Below is a picture of a 74 year old woman BB, who has won many contests. rtestes posted a picture of her winning a contest but it isn't on the thread for the moment.

So here is an alternate picture until we get that one back up. The posts following this post refering to rtestes' post are referring to the other picture of this same women. But, man, this 74 year old woman is the one that most inspired me to get started.

Carole here, still trying to reply and post pictures..........

:o Carole here, still trying to reply and post pictures.......... :o


Hi Justitia, I went to the techinical forum as you suggested and asked for help and a very nice young man provided me with information. We'll find out if I can follow directions. (Not usually a skill area for me) I'll be going back to the gym tomorrow for pump and pilates and will see my little "older" ladies. Perhaps they will let me take their pictures. Would I be able to post a picture of someone else who isn't registered here? Provided, of course, I figure out how to do it. Oh dear, now for the hard part........I'm going to try and post my picture..........here goes............... Well there's been a very long pause and still no pictures. I don't think I'm savy enough to use this web site and the pictures are hardly special enough to warrant all this bother! :rolleyes:

I can't help either, I would if I could. But you can use your last post to keep playing with it until it works by using edit.

I did it. Go to below your message entry box , look for manage Attachments box and click on it. You will see 5 boxes with a browse box, click on it. Now a window should open to allow you to go to folder and file on your computer, find it. click open then upload. The picture will be an attachment at bottom of your message.

The woman below is 74 years old.


Wow, she's wonderful and enough to make all of us out here press on. Of course, good genes play a part but we can all improve to the very best of our ability. Thanks for responding...........I really appreciate your encouragement. I do however believe I did everything just as directed, alas, no results. I'll try again though. :d_smile:

I can't help either, I would if I could. But you can use your last post to keep playing with it until it works by using edit.

I did it. Go to below your message entry box , look for manage Attachments box and click on it. You will see 5 boxes with a browse box, click on it. Now a window should open to allow you to go to folder and file on your computer, find it. click open then upload. The picture will be an attachment at bottom of your message.

The woman below is 74 years old.


Thanks Rtestes, I have been looking for that picture ever since I started that thread. I saw it a couple of others of her when I first came on to JSF...I have to admit that that photo motivated me more than anything else that it was possible to look and be fit at such an age and therefore definitely I could. I am glad you knew where to get it.

:o :o


Hi Justitia, I went to the techinical forum as you suggested and asked for help and a very nice young man provided me with information. We'll find out if I can follow directions. (Not usually a skill area for me) I'll be going back to the gym tomorrow for pump and pilates and will see my little "older" ladies. Perhaps they will let me take their pictures. Would I be able to post a picture of someone else who isn't registered here? Provided, of course, I figure out how to do it. Oh dear, now for the hard part........I'm going to try and post my picture..........here goes............... Well there's been a very long pause and still no pictures. I don't think I'm savy enough to use this web site and the pictures are hardly special enough to warrant all this bother! :rolleyes:

I am sure the pictures are special and worth the bother. :tu:

Ine thing i often forget to do when i am loading pictures here is that i go to manage attachments, hit browse select the picture i want and then it is listed on the list. But there is one more step before it actually get posted. While you are still in the manage attachment screen, you have to press the "Upload Now" button. It is not enough to get the picture on the list of attachements. That just tells the website where to go on your computer to actually get the picture. You have to hit "upload now" to get the website to actually load the picture onto the web site. when you hit that button, you will then see a message that says something like "This will take a few moments- wait please." Then it will signal it is done and only then can you close the window for attachments.

I don't know if that is the hang-up.. I am just guessing. It's just because when I am doing a lot and get tired Iforget to hit that and then I have to start all over again. :p

Let me know if that helps. :nod:

http://www.agelesstraining.com/indexx.htm

Mother and Daughter, Kelly and Colleen, finally after 20 years of being their own "case study" in the area of weight training & fitness, are sharing their insights and secrets as to what has kept them lean, healthy and youthful. "With so many gimmicks in the area of physical fitness and exercise, we have decided to help people become healthier and more physically fit through our instructional weight training video series". You need not be an athlete of any kind! Included on these tapes is a very important nutrition segment.

Kelly did not start weight training until she was 53 years old, with no athletic background what so ever! This is a lifestyle and a passion for the mother and daughter team. Both share a love of fitness and enjoy not only the sport of competitive bodybuilding, but are avid bicyclists, cross country skiers, and lovers of the animal world.

Colleen is a certified personal trainer and has been training people for the last 18 years. Both have a background in sales and marketing. They are sought after as speakers for different groups around the country.

I went to the site and realized I was confused in the picture you posted as to which one was th emother and which one was the daughter. :lol:

Thanks for the link. They are both truly inspiring!! :bb:

Wow, she's wonderful and enough to make all of us out here press on. Of course, good genes play a part but we can all improve to the very best of our ability. Thanks for responding...........I really appreciate your encouragement. I do however believe I did everything just as directed, alas, no results. I'll try again though. :d_smile:

Justitia, here are my pictures. “rtestes” resized them for me. I think I shall call them “before” pictures inasmuch as I have just about decided to hire a personal trainer. I really don’t know why I haven’t done this sooner. Having read the postings on this web site it is plain to see that many people do seek professional help and with great results and very quickly. Not at all like my slow, at times plodding odyssey. Oh well, I am happy to be where I am today and eager to begin my effort to improve those areas that I haven’t yet achieved the results that I would like.

Carol,
You look fabulous! You have a beautiful athletic build. Love your shoulders and arms. I am very inspired.
Thanks for posting your pictures. I hope some day I can look as good you.
Jane

Justitia, here are my pictures. “rtestes” resized them for me. I think I shall call them “before” pictures inasmuch as I have just about decided to hire a personal trainer. I really don’t know why I haven’t done this sooner. Having read the postings on this web site it is plain to see that many people do seek professional help and with great results and very quickly. Not at all like my slow, at times plodding odyssey. Oh well, I am happy to be where I am today and eager to begin my effort to improve those areas that I haven’t yet achieved the results that I would like.

Great pics! I sent you a PM....

Another testament to the fact that it is never too late, Carole has the honor of being the First JSF member to be posted to this list!

"A little old Lady!" she descried, looking in the mirror in her late 50's one day..."No More!" she said, and she made good on her promise to herself.

Scroll up this thread to see her first post when she first joined JSF --where she tells her story!

She claims in a later post that she now considers these "before" pics! as she has decided to get a trainer. She did all this without one!! Don't need a million bucks to look like a million bucks!

And we certainly look forward to future posts of Carole's progress!

Hey, Carole -- when are you going to send us real "before" pics, back in the "little old lady" days ? :nod: :lol: ;) :tucool:

Hi Justitia,

I am one of the ladies that works out with Carole at the gym. We do pump, pilates and work the floor together.
I started working out four years ago when I was 65 yrs, thanks to Carole. I have dropped 15 lbs which does not sound like much, but my dress size has decreased. I have not really changed my diet. I am too old to want to deprive myself from foods I enjoy.
I am enjoying the web site specially your thread for older women.
Thank you for listening.

Lucy

I would really like to thank you for starting this thread. I am one of the 40+ (46 to be exact) crowd, and am trying to get myself back in shape. <snip> PLease keep posting as I really need to see that I am not alone in this quest. It really helps to know that it does take longer than a couple of months for all this to work. I would love to hear how long it has taken others to come close to their goals, and that I can do it too. :nod:

Hi, Diamond! I just joined the forum a week ago or so, and the inspiration is fabulous. I turned 45 last week, and a couple weeks before my birthday I realized that the only person I was shortchanging by not being "Fit, Fabulous and 40+" was myself. So, I've been heading out at 5 a.m. every morning, feeling great all day afterwards, starting to see small changes, and looking forward to more visible healthy changes to a stronger body.

One thing that is keeping me going besides how good I feel through the day and the commitment to doing this for myself, is that my almost 11-yr-old daughter is signing my workout logs every day <grin>. Nothing like a determined kid who wakes up and the first thing out of her mouth is, "Got something for me to sign?" The deal is, at the point that I miss 5 days she gets a pedicure <grin>. That has already gotten me out of bed on a couple of mornings to get my (shrinking) butt in gear!

Good luck - I keep coming back for more tips and motivation, and this is a terrific forum for that! Thanks!

~Lisa

Another testament to the fact that it is never too late, Carole has the honor of being the First JSF member to be posted to this list!

"A little old Lady!" she descried, looking in the mirror in her late 50's one day..."No More!" she said, and she made good on her promise to herself.

Scroll up this thread to see her first post when she first joined JSF --where she tells her story!

She claims in a later post that she now considers these "before" pics! as she has decided to get a trainer. She did all this without one!! Don't need a million bucks to look like a million bucks!

And we certainly look forward to future posts of Carole's progress!

Hey, Carole -- when are you going to send us real "before" pics, back in the "little old lady" days ? :nod: :lol: ;) :tucool:

Hi Justitia, thanks for your help posting the pictures. I was wondering how one goes about inserting the information that appears on the right hand side of the screen opposite your picture/name? Also, the statistics and goals that appear at the bottom left hand side of the screen when you post? Should I attempt to do this when I post or just let it go as unnecessary? How are your workouts coming along? It’s interesting to see the various stages of progress that you and others choose to share. Thank again……..Carole :claplow:

Hi Justitia, thanks for your help posting the pictures. I was wondering how one goes about inserting the information that appears on the right hand side of the screen opposite your picture/name? Also, the statistics and goals that appear at the bottom left hand side of the screen when you post? Should I attempt to do this when I post or just let it go as unnecessary? How are your workouts coming along? It’s interesting to see the various stages of progress that you and others choose to share. Thank again……..Carole :claplow:


It's great to see your active interest and wanting to participate more fully in the forum! And congratualtions on being the first JSFer to be posted to this thread!

WIth regard to your technical questions with regarding to how your posts look, you should defintely make the effort!! It heols everyone here to know more about you and at least I feel, for me, in doing so, I feel more part of this community which I have grown to love over the 6 months or so since I have joined.

Because It seems it would be good to keep this thread on its original goals of posting b/f and after pics of women who are fit or who have become fit after the age of 42, I would like to direct you attention again to posting the exact same query but do it in the technical forum. You will get much better advice on how to do all the things you want there than you could get here, and it will help you become more familair not only with how htis site works but how a lot od such sites work, with some variation.

Basically though what you want to do is look at the very top of this screen, the very top. You will see a string of options to click on: Home, user cp, quick links, etc. You want to click on: user cp (user control panel.) Once that screen comes up, scroll down, look at the left and you will see a column of options. clicking on Edit signature will give you the opportunity to add or change what comes up on the bottom what you post. Clicking on Edit profile will allow you to add or change information about you some of which will come up when you post, the rest will show when people click on your name at a post to see your public profile. Just remember that anyone can see this info. SO don;t put much in the way of identifying info. I would put down your date of birth, a genral location (i.e., what state you are in), a general idea of your profession. If you want to a picture of you or something else in the upper left hand corner of your posts, that is called an avatar, you cna click on that in that column and add an avatar.
Fool around on th euser control panel and see what your options are. I would not put down any personal e-mail address -- that could get abused. You can give that selectively to people you wish here through privat PM's.

In the technicla forum not only can you post questions about these items but you can also do a search to find older threads that already explain this. Ask how to do a search there. That is an extremely useful tool.

Wecome aboard :)

Hi Everybody, the first thing I wanted to do after I registered was to post on this thread, so here's my ispiration:

http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/champions/2003/bio.asp?comp=patricia_retoriano

:D

Hi Everybody, the first thing I wanted to do after I registered was to post on this thread, so here's my ispiration:

http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/champions/2003/bio.asp?comp=patricia_retoriano

:D

Welcome, Gila!!! Thanks so much for the link!...Great inspiration there; be sure all to click on it to see a wonderful transformation. :nod:

How many of us have gone through our adult lives yo-yoing up and down trying the weight-loss choix du jour only for temporary weight losses to be gained back with even more of a vengence. :o

Look at Deb Baxter...beautiful to start but beautiful and healthy in the end. Here is her link: http://www.leannesslifestyle.com/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/dpower21/htmlos.cgi/6616.1.1092372749310451142

and here is her story :cool: ..... (her before and after pics are at the end of the post...)

"I am 44 years old. Always in the low 120s (size 4/6) up until 6 mos after my engagement at 32 yrs old, I began yo-yo dieting with my first diet (Jenny Craig) in preparation for my wedding. Within 1 yr after marrying, the scale read 140, I got pregnant, delivered at 177, then stayed at 145-150 range for 3 yrs, then dropped to 127 (Jenny again), then slowly climbed back to 150 by age 39. On my 40th birthday, I was a size 8 & 133 lbs (Atkins this time!) Within 6 mos, I was back at 145. Keep in mind, I NEVER worked out…I dieted…when I was "thin", I was skinny/fat, never fit. Next came BFL in April 2001, which at least got me in the gym in an attempt to get in shape for a wedding in July of 2001. I worked out 6 days a week and ended up gaining 7 lbs (and it wasn't muscle) only to show up at the wedding at 152 lbs in a size 10...but I plugged along for another 5 mos.

We are told that after 40, we are destined for continued weight gain...age, hormones, perimenopause, life, etc. are all the reasons given. Was I gonna buy this? Other women, even older than I had gotten fit. When you take a look at where your time goes....what's an hour a day for yourself??? I decided that I would resign from the SUV butt club (since that is where a lot of us moms live) and I would do whatever it took to never rejoin! Enter The Leanness Lifestyle!

I began LL Dec 2001 at 152 lbs and 33% BF. Starting the program with help from Stace Piver, I lost 8 lbs in 8 weeks. Then I stalled...for 2 mos. Workouts were on, but…I wasn’t honest and accurate on my food consumption. After 2 mos of hitting a wall, Stace encouraged me to join the Coaching Club and apply for the DIVA 2 challenge, which I did. I started DIVA 2 4/30/02 at 140 & 30% BF. I ended the 10 week challenge at 122.2 & 20% BF. My final goal was 15-16% BF. I have since exceeded that. Since July 02, I have been in maintenance. I am also now a certified personal trainer and assist other women in their own transformations."

This is such a great thread, thank you for so much inspiration in one place. Here is my contribution. I found this through Kelly Adair’s blog at BFL.

This lady is my hero of the moment: http://www2.oprah.com/health/beauty/slide/slide_beauty_younger_104.jhtml

There are other inspirational ladies on the site as well.

What A Great Link!

I have been looking for a woman of color to post on this thread.

I wish I could upload this woman's picture but it belongs to Oprah's site.

But check it out and the other inspirations there as well...quite a diverse group! :nod: :nod:

This is such a great thread, thank you for so much inspiration in one place. Here is my contribution. I found this through Kelly Adair’s blog at BFL.

This lady is my hero of the moment: http://www2.oprah.com/health/beauty/slide/slide_beauty_younger_104.jhtml

There are other inspirational ladies on the site as well.

All she will admit to is 40+ but she is garandmother and has competed in 40+ contests for many years now.

What an inspiration!!!

Here is a link to her site: http://www.deborah-jackson.com/

And below is an interview--an interwsting person is she.

Be sure ti check out photos at bottom of post!

An interview with Deborah Jackson

Deborah Jackson is a native New Yorker living in Jamaica, New York, the mother of two sons and has a 5 year-old grandson.

She competes in "Masters" bodybuilding (women over 40), and was the promoter of the INBF (International Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness) 2002 All Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness Explosion.

She began training to keep fit in the mid-1980's with a longtime friend and entered her first bodybuilding competition at the Bernard Sealy 2001 Natural New York City.

She works as an Executive Assistant to the Senior Partner of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, an international law firm in New York City.

Besides bodybuilding, she likes to travel, enjoys cooking and entertaining at home, and spending time at the beach.

Because we live on opposite coasts, Patty and I have never met Deborah in person. Our contacts have been periodic e-mail exchanges concerning weight training. From the first, we liked her and think she's an ideal example and advocate for women's fitness and natural bodybuilding. --Logan Franklin

Logan: I forget how you first happened to find our web site and make contact. Do you remember?

Deborah: I am not exactly sure either, but I think I was surfing for information on getting in shape naturally, particularly for people 50 and over.

Logan: I think you've mentioned that serious weight training is something fairly recent in your life. Am I right? When did you start?

Deborah: Competition is something fairly recent in my life. Believe it or not, I started weight training in the mid-80's but due to being a single mom, competition was out of the question due to the monetary and time commitment necessary even as a hobby.

Logan: Generally, were you a physically active person before, playing sports and getting in any sort of regular exercise?

Deborah: Actually, no. I had run some track in high school but nothing serious. I always had a pretty good physique, even when I was much heavier, and I exercised sporadically. I never yo-yo dieted. I was "thick" and I stayed that way.

Logan: Describe some of the physical changes that have come about as a result of weight training. Deborah, this one of the few places I can think of where a gentleman might appropriately ask a lady about her weight. Since you started training, has your bodyweight gone up or down?

Deborah: When I seriously decided to become a competitive bodybuilder in 2001, I weighed 171 lbs. How much bodyfat? I have no idea. Today, I weigh 130 lbs. and I estimate that my bodyfat is around 10%, which is still pretty high for a competitor. I have gone from a size 14 to a size 4 or 2 depending on the garment.

Logan: Once you had gotten into training, how long was it before you began thinking about competing?

Deborah: I had a 12 year layoff from the gym and went back to help a friend get in shape. After investing so much time and energy in her, I decided to compete myself.

Logan: What was it like being in your first contest, and how often do you compete?

Deborah: I'll never forget my first show, the Bernard Sealy Natural New York City. I was so excited about this show. I hadn't had a lot of help in the preparation so there was a great deal of trial and error but I knew I wanted to do it. So, I had my posing suit custom made, experimented with the coloring for my body, even though I am African-American, I knew a deeper coloring would enhance my look. It was great getting all gussied up (lol) like a movie star. That's how I felt. I selected my music and began rehearsing my routine over and over again. That year, I competed in three shows. This season I am doing six -- one in the Cayman Islands in August.

Logan: What are your training and competition goals?

Deborah: My training goal is to maintain my level of fitness and reduce my bodyfat to real competition levels. I have to tell you that I find the diet so arduous -- most bodybuilders will tell you the same thing if they're honest. Then, when you want to do it "natural," it's really difficult. I know I'll never be a world-class bodybuilder, only because I started a bit too late but I would like to get my pro card in either bodybuilding or figure.

Logan: I noticed that in a recent contest you were entered in the "heavyweight" category. What are the contest classifications, such as lightweight, heavyweight, age categories, experience, etc.?

Deborah: Any female bodybuilder who comes in 120 lbs. and over is a heavy weight. I compete as a Master. The age requirement is 40 and over. When it comes to age, I always say 40+ and leave it up to one's imagination to guess how much "plus."

Logan: Talk about your workout and how many days per week that you train, and how you divide your time between weight training and cardio?

Deborah: Contest time, I train six days per week in order to "hit" or train the bodypart twice a week. Usually, I am out of the gym in 1 1/2 to 2 hours. The cardio is so, so important for me. Ideally, I should do 45 minutes in the morning and 45 minutes in the evening, but with an extremely busy full-time job, the morning session sometimes doesn't happen. When I am very close to contest, I do my cardio first. I know the age-old practice of weight training first and then cardio is still ritual. But when you're tired, and using every ounce of energy you have to get through the day, you have to make a choice, and the cardio at that time is more important to me. I have a lot of muscle that you can't see so I really need the cardio at this time. In addition, I diversify my cardio: cross trainer, stair master, cycle and boxing. I do pilates for flexibility and ballet for grace.

Logan: Do you work with a trainer or other specialists?

Deborah: Last season I worked with a personal trainer four days per week with good results. This season, I have a trainer to focus on my legs, which are wonderful from what I hear, but they're not "cut" enough.

Logan: Describe your diet.

Deborah: My diet consists predominately of protein and fibrous carbohydrates. I have to limit the complex carbs as they have a tendency to fill me out pretty quickly. I like to maintain a lean appearance all year round. I do eat red meat. When it comes to fish, I stick with flounder, sea bass and salmon -- all fresh. This season I began weighing my portions which is not as much of a chore as it may sound. I drink a gallon of water a day. It takes some people a while, including me, to be able to push it but it really makes everything work better and you look harder. Why? I have no idea, but it really does. I drink spring water in the off-season and distilled (supposedly more pure) during contest prep.

Logan: Do you take any supplements?

Deborah: Yes. I take a multivitamin, extra calcium, B complex all year round. Contest time, I add a fat burner and Taraxatone to rid myself of excess water.

Logan: You compete in "all-natural" contests. I have pretty good idea what that means -- no steroids or other banned substances -- but, in brief, what are the rules regarding the competitions? And how are the competitions monitored to keep out steroid "enhanced" bodybuilders?

Deborah: The INBF has posted a "Banned Substance List" which is self-explanatory. On the amateur level, we are polygraph tested. If you enter a pro-qualifying show and place first or second, you get a pro-card. At that point, a urinalysis is required in addition to the polygraph.

Logan: As a senior fitness buff, I'm always curious about how people react to seniors actually motivated enough to turn off the TV and to regularly go to a gym. Any stories, either positive or negative?

Deborah: It's amazing. When I hear "senior," I think of my grandmother. Today, you can really be as young as you feel. In my opinion, the key to "healthy" longevity is proper nutrition, diet and exercise. I feel better today than when I was in my twenties. Actually, if I could stay the way I am right now for the rest of my life, I would be marvelously happy. Women stop me all the time and ask me how can they look like me or what do I do, how do I eat. It's wonderful, and I am happy to give them whatever information I can. People are amazed when I tell them about my grandson, Darion. Often, they think he's my son!

Logan: How would you advise someone in training and now thinking about competition?

Deborah: I would advise them to join a good gym with excellent cardio and fitness equipment, as well as free weights. If a personal trainer is within their budget, that would also help. Have patience and don't be so hard on yourself. Results are not achieved overnight but with time and consistency, you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

Logan: Deborah, thank you for taking time for the interview. Patty and I wish you the best of luck at the Cayman Islands competition next month. We'll be pulling for you, and I'll bet a lot of other people who read this will be, too.

P.S. On Sat., July 12, Deborah did an NPC (National Physique Committee) show and won the Women's Middleweight and Women's Open Overall!

Success Stories Link to site here (http://www.bodyforlife.com/success/successStories.asp?cmsId=964)

Look at the pictures at the bottom of this post!! it is almost too good to believe!!! Shows that its never too late!

Lorinde Williams: It’s Never Too Late



WOW!!! That's all I can say! WOW!!!
I'm gonna send this link to my mother right away!!!!!!!!!
:spaz:

Well, I just had to expand the age range...

I have been pretty careful to keep the postings here for women fitness successes in the age range stated at the start of the thread.

But when I found Edith at the Body for Life Fitness Challenge, there was no way I could pass up posting her accomplishments here.

Talk about it never being too late!!!

Edith began her physical fitness transformation after the age of 90!!!! :eek: :claplow: ....after a stroke and being unable to even open her front door, let alone climb some stairs.

The link to her site is here -- Edith Odoms (http://www.bodyforlife.com/success/BeforeAfterAfters.asp?cmsId=1026)

And here is her story: (pictures below)

Edith Odoms

After a stroke and a broken hip at the age of 90, Edith Odoms had trouble getting around and found it difficult to do simple tasks like opening her front door or climbing up stairs. Her sister and daughter were becoming increasingly concerned about her well-being and decided to help her to regain her health.

In 1999, they told her about the Challenge and she decided to go for it. During her first 12 weeks, Edith made amazing progress. She didn’t stop there. Edith has continued to improve her physical fitness and become more healthy and active. Five years later, Edith still goes to the gym five days a week to work out with weights, walk or go to her martial arts class.

“I’m 95 years old and there are a lot of things I have learned about taking care of my body,” Edith says. “I watch where I step, never give up, and condition my mind and body with positive thought, exercise and nutrition.” Edith is an inspiration to many.

“I enjoy living, and have a lot of friends,” Edith says. “My mission is to help others keep going; and if I was just sitting in a rocking chair I wouldn’t last very long. My goal is to reach 100. When I get there, I’ll set a new goal.”

Years Edith has kept the weight off: 5 years

Here is Tracy, another woman in her 40's transforming herself for the first time.

Here are links to her story:

http://netconex.com/kenchi/women's_photos.htm

http://pages.sbcglobal.net/tracyla2/

http://www.leannesslifestyle.com/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/dpower21/htmlos.cgi/373.2.283701253426547215?trainer=tracyl100&AESTIVACVNLIST=trainer

Here is her story. She is advocating the particular program she used but as we all know, we all have to find our own way. But her pictures are inspiring.

Total Weeks in Action
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20

Height
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 ft 2 in Start Weight
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
148

End Weight
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
106

Start Body Fat
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30%

End Body Fat
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11%



My Story
This transformation took about 6 months. It couldn't really start until I was "ready to change" on the inside. I was in the DIVA2 intensive, and made it to my dream body. At one point my idea of my dream body was different. But I realized that my dream body better be a body type that was attainable for me. I am muscular and have a petite frame of 5'2" tall, so it would do me no good to fantasize about being tall and willowy. So I set about becoming the best I could be!

I could not have done this without all of the coaching, support and tools that I got from this club.

If you think that weight loss starts with cutting back calories, then you are destined to be a perpetual dieter, that is never happy with the temporary results you achieve.

I struggle and have setbacks the same as anyone who has ever had weight issues. That is why I am still a member after 3 years. That is why I always come back to the tried and true principles of Leanness Lifestyle, with Lifestyle being the key word.

Is Lifestyle defined as eat right and exercise? But if you aren’t motivated, what then? What if everyone in your family is eating dessert and watching TV, what then? When you are frustrated at your spouse/kids/boss and go to the potato chips/ice cream/etc. what then? Do you feel better? For how long?

I can tell you one thing, my spouse was a disbeliever. But that was a looooong time ago!

Tracy

Well, I just had to expand the age range...

I have been pretty careful to keep the postings here for women fitness successes in the age range stated at the start of the thread.

But when I found Edith at the Body for Life Fitness Challenge, there was no way I could pass up posting her accomplishments here.

Talk about it never being too late!!!

Edith began her physical fitness transformation after the age of 90!!!! :eek: :claplow: ....after a stroke and being unable to even open her front door, let alone climb some stairs.

The link to her site is here -- Edith Odoms (http://www.bodyforlife.com/success/BeforeAfterAfters.asp?cmsId=1026)

And here is her story: (pictures below)

Edith Odoms

After a stroke and a broken hip at the age of 90, Edith Odoms had trouble getting around and found it difficult to do simple tasks like opening her front door or climbing up stairs. Her sister and daughter were becoming increasingly concerned about her well-being and decided to help her to regain her health.

In 1999, they told her about the Challenge and she decided to go for it. During her first 12 weeks, Edith made amazing progress. She didn’t stop there. Edith has continued to improve her physical fitness and become more healthy and active. Five years later, Edith still goes to the gym five days a week to work out with weights, walk or go to her martial arts class.

“I’m 95 years old and there are a lot of things I have learned about taking care of my body,” Edith says. “I watch where I step, never give up, and condition my mind and body with positive thought, exercise and nutrition.” Edith is an inspiration to many.

“I enjoy living, and have a lot of friends,” Edith says. “My mission is to help others keep going; and if I was just sitting in a rocking chair I wouldn’t last very long. My goal is to reach 100. When I get there, I’ll set a new goal.”

Years Edith has kept the weight off: 5 years
:d_smile: What a delight to have you back Justitia. I like others have missed you. I must say I find you to be as inspirational as the many and varied examples of women of all ages you find to post about!! You keep digging and coming up with the stories of so many exceptional ladies who’ve brought about such incredible changes in themselves. All the while you continue your own quest. Thanks for Edith’s story. What a beautiful woman she is. It’s good to be reminded that with luck and health all of us might reach the same level of maturity that Edith has and how with determination and work we just might be able to look and feel as wonderful as she!! :claplow:

Thanks...I've missed being gone... I had no idea so many people even noticed..it's nice to be appreciated. :nod:

Well, back to the fitness journey... :cool:

SO here is another sory of inspiration! Another bodybuilder in her 70's :eek:

Yes, a second one for this thread. :spaz: :claplow:

Jackie Lee is not only a contest winner but also a physical trainer... SHe is also featured in Jon Benson's and Tom Venuto's book Fit over 40 (which I have and enjoy very much.) (The other woman in her 70's here, Kelly, is also featured in Fit over 40 and is also a trainer.)

Here is a link to her website so you can read more: http://www.bodiesbyjackie.com/index.html

but I reproduce a little form her website here. Check out her pics at the end of the post..... :tucool:


"Many people find it hard to believe that I am a 72-year-old competitive bodybuilder, personal trainer, yoga instructor, actress and I sing with an award-winning choir which will be performing at Carnegie Hall in June!

I guess I'm pretty "spry". In fact, I plan to remain active my entire life—and live to be 120! Want to join me? Want to learn how to be fit at ANY age, no matter what?

Great...then you're in the right place!


What it takes
I believe there is always an opportunity to improve your quality of life, no matter what the obstacles. I was able to overcome poor health as a child and was only twenty minutes from death when I received an emergency gall bladderectomy. I also survived being thrown from my car at 85 m.p.h., feet first, into three lanes of oncoming traffic by a car jacker. Two years later, I wrestled a mugger who held a gun to my temple for fifteen minutes.

I'll help you learn not to dwell on the limitations life has given you, look for a better way and always follow your dream."

Wow! :claphigh:

Thanks for sharing, that! How inspirational!! :)

It was seeing a woman of 44 that made me take the decision to change, the day I turned 41.

She's not a bodybuilder, but she's seriously fit.

Her name is Merlene Ottey, and when I saw her succeed at an Olympic 100m sprint heat, at 44, I was shocked out of my depressingly bad habits. Nothing has been the same for me since then.

She runs fast and looks great, and she is my inspiration whenever training feels hard.

Vincent.

:) Ah Justitia, yet more roll models to inspire us to “keep on keeping on”! It is so good to have you back and posting on your thread again! The two women are phenomenal! Thanks. :tu:

Vincent thanks for the heads up! She looks just awesome!

Merlene's web site (http://sport.si21.com/atletika/ottey/english/olympiads/athens_2004.htm)

And Justitia, Jackie is just a doll! 72! :flex:

:eek: wow Marlene is truly awsome!!! thanks for the link. When I get back home I will see if I can post some stuff on her on htis thread. Truly inspiring woman!!! :jumping: :jumping:

What a great thread! I've never said 'wow' so many times in my life (no, not even when doing that)! I look forward to many more inspiring stories. At 30, I now feel like a spring chicken!

What a great thread! I've never said 'wow' so many times in my life (no, not even when doing that)! I look forward to many more inspiring stories. At 30, I now feel like a spring chicken!

And what might that be :lol: And anyway, you will see that even that gets better as you get older :nod: :d_smile: :nod: Wait til you hit your 40's :cool: An advantage of being a woman :D And fortunately, the men slow down and become more experienced... :tucool: (of course I am talking about heterosexual relationships...and I know it doesn't always happen :rolleyes: but hopefully it will, because it can :)

Check out Leslie Franklin-Hall...what an inspiration!!! At 49 1/2 --she said "enough"! She wanted to compete before she was 50--not too long to go. But she succeeded...and look at her today..at age 54!!!!

Be sure to check out the pics below---do they feel familiar to you---the before pic? The after pics can be you too!!!

Here are 2 links to websites about her:

http://www.nabba.co.nz/profiles/lesley_franklin_hall.htm
http://www.gofigure.co.nz/wonderW-LesleyFH.html


From GoFigure:

After putting her competition plans on hold for 16 years to raise her family, Leslie Franklin-Hall has now immersed herself in the wonderful world of competitive figure competition.

Leslie made a commitment to herself to compete in a figure contest before her 50th birthday. 3 years on, and after losing the initial 14kg to compete in her 1st show, Leslie has continued to shape her figure and has competed in numerous competitions.

In this profile we find out what has spurred Leslie to stay committed to her new lifestyle, and what plans are in the pipeline for this youthful 53 year old! (She is now 54!)

Family and children (ages):

My age is 53 and I have a husband and three daughters Cloe 16, Sophie 14 and Laura 12, and a multitude of animals and cars.

Have you always participated in a fitness lifestyle?

I have always kept a sort of fit type of lifestyle. Wanted to do competition when I was 34 and guess what I found out- I was pregnant with my first daughter so it had to be put on hold for 16 years. Had always said that I wanted to do a competition but I didn't think that I would ever do one. Then one day I committed myself to do one before I turned 50 and at that time I had about 5 months to get ready and about 14kgs to get off.

I did my first one in the November before my 50th and have gone on from there.

This is my 3rd year competing.

How do you feel weight training has helped you with general health and fitness?

Before I started training to compete I really didn't think that I would get anywhere near a competitor as I resigned myself to the middle age spread. And that was normal for women of my age to have this thick middle and flabby arms, legs and rear end! I have now proved that wrong.

Not saying that it is easy as I do believe that it gets harder to get your bodyfat down and get in shape as the years creep on.. but not impossible.

I now have a much more in life, I have more energy, my general health is great, I have confidence and it has done wonders for my self esteem.

(Leslie's before photo (below) was taken on 30 October 2000)

What do you think of women who feel they’re ‘too old’ to compete?

As for women who feel they are too old to compete, well I suppose it depends on what you call too old and how much they want to change themselves. I have alot of women say that they couldn't have the discipline or time to through with the diet and training.

Well my comment is how time do you have? Do watch TV each and you can always go to bed an hour earlier and up before the family.

And as for the diet ( I like to call it a lifestyle change), how much do they want to look good, feel good, go into the shop and fit into a size 10 pair of jeans. I feel that we owe it to ourselves and our creator to look after the body that we have been given, and I look at food as fuel not as comfort. And what we put in is what we get out.

I look at the forbidden goodies and sometimes tempted and even have the odd one or two but I have to remind myself after 'was the pleasure of eating it worth it'. That brings me down to earth again. I would encourage any women to give it a go, maybe not all will get to the stage but even going through the process it would give any women a great sense of self worth and confidence, and a time out just for them as most of us at our age have given heaps to our families.

It comes time to give yourself something back and that I have found bodybuilding has given me my time for myself and the confidence and discipline to take control of my life, my health and look after my body. As I get older I would rather have toned muscles than saggy skin.

Leslie looking tanned and terrific at Nabba Nats 03 where she placed 2nd o45 Sen Fig. (See picture below)

Is there any particular area of your body you need to take more care of
as you’ve matured?

As a more mature bodybuilder I need to take a lot of care of my skin as that is one area that we lose the elasticity. I use a lot of body oils and now try to keep out of the sun. I do use the sunbed prior to a comp but I am considering using fake tan next time so as to keep the tone of my skin. I also pay a lot of attention to training my triceps and legs as they are also areas that tend to sag alot as we mature. And the middle, it is still the area that I have to work hard at and that is the area that tends to put on the weight first for me.

How do you feel ‘mixing it’ with some of the younger competitors backstage?

I don't have any problems mixing it with the younger competitors backstage, in fact, they are very encouraging. I get a lot of compliments and a lot of the ladies are encouraged thay they too can keep on going and keep in shape in their later years.

How do you keep motivated to train?

I love training and the feeling of achievement when I had a good workout, it is part of my life. I am amazed when I look at the photos of myself over 3 years and how much I have changed.

My goals for this is to compete overseas and encourage more mature women to give it a go.

But it wouldn't have been possible for me if I didn't have such a fantastic trainer, without him I wouldn't be writing this. I know that I would have given up and accepted second best, but he only trains winners! That would be another bit of advice to anyone starting out is to find a really good trainer, one that will take you all the way.

What advice would you give some of the younger athletes who want to stay fit and healthy for life?

My advice to young athletes who want to stay fit and healthy is: keep things in perspective. Have goals in life and plan your way to get them. Treat each day as the best day of your life. Get out of bed and enjoy life as you are only young once and make your dreams come true. Have a vision and make it come true.

I wish I had taken up the sport in my much younger years, as you learn so much about yourself and how to control yourself.

I encourage all my daughters to give all aspects of sport a go. All three play soccer, my middle daughter competes in gymnastics and my elder one in martial arts, netball and soccer. With them all I encourage them to keep their fitness up in the off season. Now I have some of their friends and a few of their boyfriends asking me about my sport and how to get into it. What I tell them is a good start is join a good gym that will give you advice and support.

:claplow: :claphigh: :claplow: :jumping:

(The large picture below is Leslie at 54....mmm..mmm...mmm :bow: )

Gawd, I love this thread. I joined the gym at 50 and now, at 51 am doing Body For Life. I finished my first challenge today, and although I didn't make as much progress as I was hoping for, these women give me hope that in the next few months, I can accomplish my goals.

Gawd, I love this thread. I joined the gym at 50 and now, at 51 am doing Body For Life. I finished my first challenge today, and although I didn't make as much progress as I was hoping for, these women give me hope that in the next few months, I can accomplish my goals.

Don't give up...keep tackling it. I have been in a slump for 3 months and am trying once again to get going. Once I tasted being on the road to fitness, I find it is a great motivator when I fall off the wagon and see how bad I am feeling compared to before.

I don't know if you started an on-line fitness journal here but it helps a lot. :tu:

SO technically she was only 41 when she did her first Body for Life Challenge. But check out her pics below. SHe keeps looking better and better with each year and now over 45 years old, is gorgeous ! :p

And she has sustained it all this time....

Here is the link to her story on BFL: http://www.bodyforlife.com/success/BeforeAfterAfters.asp?cmsId=1027

And here is here story:

"Donna Szabo

Donna Szabo, a 41-year-old decorative painter and mother from North Carolina, was unhappy with her body. Her clothes were becoming increasingly tight and she wasn’t as fit as she had been in the past.

After the minister at her church completely transformed himself by following the Body-for-LIFE Program, she was inspired to accept the Body-for-LIFE Challenge. Within 12 weeks, Szabo’s body fat dropped from 19.5 percent to 12.5 percent, completely changing her body and her outlook on life.

“I’ve learned so much about myself,” Donna says. “I’m much stronger emotionally and physically that I thought. I know this has saved my marriage. The Challenge has been a completely life-changing experience. I feel so fulfilled—filled to overflowing.”

Four years later, Donna continues to live the Body-for-LIFE lifestyle and is in better shape today than she ever has been in her life.

Body fat lost: 19.5% to 12.5%
Years Donna has kept the weight off: 4 years

Hello all you over 40 buff or work in progress, buff women. I just thought I'd pop in here and give an update on what's been happening. Competition got put on hold for awhile as I tore cartilage in my knee and had to have surgery 7/1/05 :spaz: just as I was leaning out for a 7/22/05 all Masters competition in Pittsburgh. Lost two inches of hard earned muscle off my thigh and it's gross to see hanging skin without the muscle underneath.Oh well, life goes on & I've gained an inch back. This week, I'm back in the gym :claplow: to see if I can now hit the leg weights. Running will maybe start next week. My goal is to get on TEAM USA 9/13/05 :jumping: so I have my work cut out for me as I have 8-10 lbs to get off to get to competition weight. :bb:

Renee Young
http://bodybuilding.usana.com

I don't have pictures yet, but I wanted to stop by and share my mother's success with everyone here, because she inspires me!

My mom has been heavy as long as I can remember, and she's never been happy with her body. Last July, she weighed well over 200lbs (I don't know her exact weight), and wore size 16-18 clothes. A year ago, my parents separated after almost 25 years of marriage (that is the sad part of the story). The divorce kicked my mom into a total-life makeover. She moved to be closer to her mother, got a full-time job (she was always a stay-at-home mom), and started exercising and eating right. Not too long ago, she finally reached one of her major goals- so at 48 yrs, 5'5", she weighs 135 lbs and wears a size 6 (which is just 10 lbs more than me, and I am 5'1 and 21 yrs)! I'll be showing her this thread, so everyone congratulate her!

Wow, I can tell you're proud of her. What was her exercise routine? She is my height and she is at my goal weight! I have 7 pounds to go before I'm at 135. Tell her, "Good Job!"
P.

Wow!!! Renee, thanks so much for dropping by and getting us caught up. I will certainly follow your progress avidly. So sorry about your surgery but it is inspring for all of us to hear how you are getting just back on track as soon as you can.... :tu:

As you can see, by the views listed, this is a well followed thread and certainly you are one of the really inspiring ones on here..

:gl: in your competition goals. :)

Justitia

[For those unfamilar with Renee, scroll up to earlier parts of this thread and see Renee'a Story and Pics (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=10747&page=2&pp=20)


Hello all you over 40 buff or work in progress, buff women. I just thought I'd pop in here and give an update on what's been happening. Competition got put on hold for awhile as I tore cartilage in my knee and had to have surgery 7/1/05 :spaz: just as I was leaning out for a 7/22/05 all Masters competition in Pittsburgh. Lost two inches of hard earned muscle off my thigh and it's gross to see hanging skin without the muscle underneath.Oh well, life goes on & I've gained an inch back. This week, I'm back in the gym :claplow: to see if I can now hit the leg weights. Running will maybe start next week. My goal is to get on TEAM USA 9/13/05 :jumping: so I have my work cut out for me as I have 8-10 lbs to get off to get to competition weight. :bb:

Renee Young
http://bodybuilding.usana.com

If anyone has any suggestions of someone to post here, the suggestions owuld be more than welcome. I am only able to look on the internet for an addition about once every 2-3 weeks and my resources are running dry :nod:

So any contributions would be more that well recieved.

I don't have pictures yet, but I wanted to stop by and share my mother's success with everyone here, because she inspires me!

My mom has been heavy as long as I can remember, and she's never been happy with her body. Last July, she weighed well over 200lbs (I don't know her exact weight), and wore size 16-18 clothes. A year ago, my parents separated after almost 25 years of marriage (that is the sad part of the story). The divorce kicked my mom into a total-life makeover. She moved to be closer to her mother, got a full-time job (she was always a stay-at-home mom), and started exercising and eating right. Not too long ago, she finally reached one of her major goals- so at 48 yrs, 5'5", she weighs 135 lbs and wears a size 6 (which is just 10 lbs more than me, and I am 5'1 and 21 yrs)! I'll be showing her this thread, so everyone congratulate her!

I so forgot to mention congratulations ... and your mother and her pics...before and after will be more than welcome here. Tell her congratulations on turning a totally sucky situation into an incredible one. I am sure, even if she feels lonely, she is 20 times happier inside now than she was during the marriage...and who knows... a hot man may be waiting for her. :nod:

Robin Hydebrady: After just 4 weeks-Vanishing Cottage Cheese thighs & butter tummy.

A registered nurse who made vast improvements in under a month... shows what dedication can do.

"My results after my first 4 weeks were unbelievable and totally awesome!” Robin’s successful transformation includes losing 9lbs. of scale weight, decreasing her bodyfat from 22.1% to 16.4% calculating a loss of 8.3lbs of unhealthy, unsightly fat and gaining 6.4 lbs. of lean body mass. Wow! Being 42, a full-time working mom and wife was beginning to take its toll. In just 4 weeks the challenge motivated Robin to improve her body through proper diet and exercise. In addition, Robin says,” My self-esteem and self-confidence has vastly improved and instilled a sense of pride and excitement that radiates a glow from within.”

See her link Here (http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/champions/2004/Round1/bio.asp?comp=robin_hydebrady)

Robin Hydebrady: After just 4 weeks-Vanishing Cottage Cheese thighs & butter tummy.

A registered nurse who made vast improvements in under a month... shows what dedication can do.

"My results after my first 4 weeks were unbelievable and totally awesome!” Robin’s successful transformation includes losing 9lbs. of scale weight, decreasing her bodyfat from 22.1% to 16.4% calculating a loss of 8.3lbs of unhealthy, unsightly fat and gaining 6.4 lbs. of lean body mass. Wow! Being 42, a full-time working mom and wife was beginning to take its toll. In just 4 weeks the challenge motivated Robin to improve her body through proper diet and exercise. In addition, Robin says,” My self-esteem and self-confidence has vastly improved and instilled a sense of pride and excitement that radiates a glow from within.”

See her link Here (http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/champions/2004/Round1/bio.asp?comp=robin_hydebrady)

She did this in only 4 weeks. I thought the bfl challenge was 12 weeks. Is the plan she used the same bfl plan Bill Phillips developed and Eating for life as well. Count me in if it is!!!

Apparantly, BFL decided to show results for people who made it through 4 weeks. Perhaps this decsion was in hopes of motivating people to start and not find the 12 weeks too daunting.

People seem to forget that when one embarks on a journey of change, one is not going to stay the "old way" the whole time until bam the 12 or whatever # of weeks are up and then become suddenly the "new way." But instead it is a transformation. And though there will be tough periods along the way, overall, one will be feeling (and looking) better and better with each passing day.

I think it was a great idea to show 4 week progress picks, to show how great a change even a relatively short duration of transformation can accomplish.

Robin Hydebrady: After just 4 weeks-Vanishing Cottage Cheese thighs & butter tummy.

A registered nurse who made vast improvements in under a month... shows what dedication can do.

"My results after my first 4 weeks were unbelievable and totally awesome!” Robin’s successful transformation includes losing 9lbs. of scale weight, decreasing her bodyfat from 22.1% to 16.4% calculating a loss of 8.3lbs of unhealthy, unsightly fat and gaining 6.4 lbs. of lean body mass. Wow! Being 42, a full-time working mom and wife was beginning to take its toll. In just 4 weeks the challenge motivated Robin to improve her body through proper diet and exercise. In addition, Robin says,” My self-esteem and self-confidence has vastly improved and instilled a sense of pride and excitement that radiates a glow from within.”

See her link Here (http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/champions/2004/Round1/bio.asp?comp=robin_hydebrady)


That is one hell of a transformation for only 4 weeks. She looks fantastic in the after pic.

It's so encouraging to see all these women looking so fabulous!! I turned 40 this year and that number hit me hard. I'm not sure why, but it didn't feel good to have that number attached to me. Suddenly saying I was 40 and a mother of 4, sounded frumpy and dowdy!!

I saw a lot of these women's pics when i started looking at bodyforlife before I started a challenge in june...i figured if women older than myself could look this great, I had no reason to complain or just figure it was my lot in life to look like cr*p!:D

Thanks for starting and continuing this thread. It is very motivating! :tu:

Check out Melanie Granada! A True Miracle Transformation Proving It Is NEVER To Late!

Melanie's story has got to be one the top most inspiring stores around! Here she was, overweight and out-of-shape at age 47.

I remember when I was at my heaviest, how hard it was to keep up the motivation to gain what progress I could.... I was too far gone, too much damage to my body...I was too old!.... I would never get my old body back!! How could I stay on target when I knew what little strides I gained, in the end..it just ain't gonna look that great.

But even at my heaviest, Melanie had even more to go than me....

And look what she did!! Starting for the first time at age 47!

In 2 years, she was placing 3rd in bodybuilding contests and selected by BodyBuilders.Com as Amateur Bodybuilder of the Week!! If this is not really true inspiration...then I don't know what is....

Here is some of what she said...and check her out not only at BodyBuilders.com (http://www.bodybuilding.com/bodybuilders/granada.htm) but also at Stunptuous.com Women's Weight Training (http://stumptuous.com/weights.html)

"I almost died from a bleeding ulcer in 1996, after that I had a reality check and decided to turn my life around. In 1997 I found a couple trainers at gold's gym, one was into fitness the other bodybuilding. I had always wanted to get into bodybuilding, even when I was in high school, but it never happened, I never found anyone to train with, then I was inspired by my trainer Julie, she got me on the road to bodybuilding and has been training me ever since."

"As of the 25th of March, I have now lost 92 lbs.; here is a before and after picture... I will be competing in the Mr./Ms. Buffalo contest on the 27th. My trainer Julie was the motivating force
behind my success; she knew before me that I would reach this weight. By following her instructions and working hard at the gym I accomplished my goal... doing a contest after 33 years is a dream come true. My body fat at the start was 40%. It is now 10.9%. Whew... :) I went from 215 down to 123. Not bad for a 47 year young female wouldn't you say? It took two years of hard work but it was worth every bit of it."

Now Melanie is preparing for a new round of contests where she will be in the over 50 years old division.... :jumping: :claplow: :db: :bb:

Robin Hydebrady: After just 4 weeks-Vanishing Cottage Cheese thighs & butter tummy.
...


Unbelievable!!! And amazing!

Check out Melanie Granada! A True Miracle Transformation Proving It Is NEVER To Late!
...

That's absolutly incredible!!
Although she enters my 'too muscular' category, her transformation is very inspiring!!!

I am just bumping this thread up so it will be on the first page. I have been incredibly busy and have not had time to add to it. I am facing a deadline for the past 2 months and it is now coming up. Once that is done I will add to the thread.

But please, anyone is welcome to add to this thread... :tu:

This one's a little different from the others, not a transformation, just a fit woman over 42.

http://www.lynnecox.org/

Lynne Cox is an open water swimmer who has crossed the English Channel and the Bering Strait, among numerous other amazing swims, and 3 years ago she swam over a mile in 25 minutes in Antarctica at the age of 45. She's been swimming all her life, and she's built for swimming long distances in cold water. In other words, she's well insulated! And amazingly strong... perhaps a little crazy! :lol: Her book Swimming to Antarctica is a fascinating read, and a showcase of determination and human adaptation.

I think she's just amazing.

I really like this thread. It's a good reminder that you don't have to be out of shape or heading for Dullsville as you get older.

..a couple of ladies who are in the top 15 of the body for life challenge of 2005...

here are the links.....

http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/vote.asp?voteId=6
Deana Langham is 62..... :D

http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/vote.asp?voteId=4
Elizabeth Miller is 46..... :)

Always inspiring! :)

:) bigboy, thank you for posting this picture. This was the woman (she was featured in the Parade or USA magazine eight or nine years ago), who inspired me to lift weights. I had forgotten her name but not her accomplishments and would remember them when I was stuck on a weight plateau or trying to squeeze out one more rep. It is so nice to know it now……..Marjorie Newlin. Thank you for the information. :)

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1264/is_9_30/ai_58398631
Marjorie Newlin

Thanks so much, bigboy and everyone else who has made additions here. I am still working on my project but hope to be finished soon.

For those who would like to read more directly about Marjorie Newlin, here is a reprint from the link bigboy provided.

MARJORIE bodybuilding champion, mother of four, grandmother of four, great-grandmother of two

79

marjorie newlin

"I'm a retired nurse, so health has always been important to me. I began lifting at 72, after doctors had found that weight-bearing exercise could offset osteoporosis. I didn't want my children to have to take care of me. I weight-train so I can be strong and do the things I want to do."

"The more I worked out, the more I enjoyed it. Then my trainer talked me into competing. I like doing my routine to `Respect' by Aretha Franklin. I really feel that song when I'm out there. Now I have 25 trophies! When I go onstage, the crowd goes wild. I don't understand all the fuss. I just do what I can to stay healthy."



Happy holidays everyone!!!!:tucool:

WOW!!!

These additions are pretty incredible......

That last group of women are all on steroids.

That last group of women are all on steroids.

One thing we all want to be careful of here on JSF is making accusations of steroid use. :nod: Certainly John, himself, is often accused of steroid use, :nope: despite the well-documented progress he has made over years of hard work.

The implication of the above accusation is that women would not be able to achieve the gains demonstrated in the last group of pictures without the benefit of steroid use. Normally, as a rule, I do not attach pictures here of women under the age of 42 -- as the purpose of this thread is to show that women can start out at any stage of life and get physically fit and look great.:tucool:

But in this instance I am going to break with my tradition. :doh:

Since the above poster is implying that the physiques we observe in the previously posted pictures could not be achieved by women naturally, through hard and disciplined work, I thought it would be useful to post some pictures from the International Natural Body-Building Association's (INBBA) site.

INBBA's website (http://www.naturalbodybuilding.com/)

INBBA oversees a number of competitions and is extremely strict about testing contestants and very strict about substances that can be used. Far more than just steroids are banned.... you can go to the site to see the extensive list of substances that are banned.

Also on that site, one can click on a link to the left called "Judging Criteria."

What you see there are two individuals who are posing for INBBA for the purpose of showing how contestants will be judged. One of them is a woman. I attach pictures of her below. :tu:

If you notice, she is not as leaned out as one would get for a BB contest. But the muscularity, shape and form comes close, equals or exceeds the musculature of the women in the pictures above, depending on which part of the body you are considering, and she is not even posing for a contest. Presumably she would be in even better shape when getting ready for one.

She is an INBBA representative and so there is no question of steroids or a whole host of other performance enhancing substances here.

So, I am given to understand that National Physique Committee (NPC), one of the leading amateur bodybuilding contests, has some controversy because it does not test for substances and therefore there is strong suspicion that steroid use is widespread. :eek: However, that does not mean that all contestants abuse steroids and there are a number of known INBBA qualified natural bodybuilders who compete in these contests and do well. The two last women on this thread above this post, MURIEL BREWER and DEE LAZARD, have competed successfully at NPC.

So with all that information...I think it is good that this question was raised. I think it was worth our while to look at pictures of an INBBA Representative to see what gains a woman is quite capable of, completely and very strictly, naturally.... :bb:

Certainly I feel quite inspired by these pictures and I hope everyone else can join with me in that. :claplow: And I would like to thank our newcomer, GettingBuffAgain, for raising this question for us to consider. :nod:

So I present to you the pictures below. You can go to the INBBA site to find them there as well. ;)

Also I would check out the posts earlier on this thread of Renee Young and Melanie Granada..both over 50. Renee is also linked to on the INBBA's site...so my guess is...she's pretty clean.....;)

Robin Hydebrady: After just 4 weeks-Vanishing Cottage Cheese thighs & butter tummy.

A registered nurse who made vast improvements in under a month... shows what dedication can do.

"My results after my first 4 weeks were unbelievable and totally awesome!” Robin’s successful transformation includes losing 9lbs. of scale weight, decreasing her bodyfat from 22.1% to 16.4% calculating a loss of 8.3lbs of unhealthy, unsightly fat and gaining 6.4 lbs. of lean body mass. Wow! Being 42, a full-time working mom and wife was beginning to take its toll. In just 4 weeks the challenge motivated Robin to improve her body through proper diet and exercise. In addition, Robin says,” My self-esteem and self-confidence has vastly improved and instilled a sense of pride and excitement that radiates a glow from within.”

See her link Here (http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/champions/2004/Round1/bio.asp?comp=robin_hydebrady)


I'll be honest, most of the women in this thread look way too masculine for me - too muscular. This one here though I find attractive.

I'll be honest, most of the women in this thread look way too masculine for me - too muscular. This one here though I find attractive.


Yes, she is quite pretty and attractive...and it's nice to see a young man be able to appreciate a pretty woman regardless of age....:nod: :nod: :tucool:

So my article that I have been working so hard on for the last 4 months, is supposed to be finished this Friday :jumping:

And I have had not time this fall to really up-date this thread....but I do have something interesting planned soon! ;)

But in the meantime, I came across this article through a link Chicanerous recently provided and it warmed the cockles of my heart....

Can anyone quess why?


From: Jesse and Callie Marunde's website (http://www.marunde-muscle.com/articles/faithireland.htm)

Faith Ireland has been a Justice of the Washington Supreme Court for six years. Before that she was a King County Superior Court Judge for fifteen years. She graduated one of two women in her class from Willamette Law School and was a trial lawyer for thirteen years.

Justice Ireland is a late-blooming athlete. She took up skiing at 30 - for which she is grateful because that's how she met her husband.

She took up competitive powerlifting at age 57! She is two-time Women's National Powerlifting Champion for her age and weight class and holds numerous records. She won a bronze in international bench press competition in the Czech Republic in 2003. She will be a member of the USA Powerlifting Masters World team competing in India in October 2004.

We hope you are inspired by her story!


TRANSFORMING YOUR LIFE WITH POWER AND GRACE.
By Faith Ireland


IF YOU'D LIKE TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE - Know this:
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE - YOU'RE NEVER TOO BUSY.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE - Know this:
NO MATTER WHAT STUFF HAS HAPPENED TO YOU - YOU CAN TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE - Know this:
YOU ALREADY KNOW THE MOST IMPORTANT THING - YOU NEED TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE.

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A TIME WHEN EVERYTHING WENT AS RIGHT AS COULD BE AND AS WRONG AS COULD BE -- ALL IN THE SAME YEAR? A terrific thing happened to me in 1983 when I turned 40. I was appointed by the Governor to fill a vacancy on the King County Superior Court. This was a great honor for me, because at the time there were only a handful of women judges in this state. But, two weeks later while campaigning for election, I was hit and run rear-ended in the middle of downtown Seattle. So, I learned first-hand what it was like to be a crime victim. I also suffered a sever neck and back injury. Of course I didn't take off work and I was sure it would be resolved within a month or so. But, then two weeks later something wonderful happened. My husband and I found out I was pregnant with our first child. Our whole family was elated. Being pregnant limited what I could do for the back pain, because I put the baby first. But then, less than four weeks before I was to deliver, I lost the baby. It was devastating. After losing the baby, I still had all the neck and back pain and an unwanted extra thirty pounds that I just couldn't seem to lose.

Have you ever suffered with chronic pain? Something that lasted months or years? If so, then you know what I went through. I tried everything - physical therapy, pain medications, even "far out" stuff - like acupuncture, and bio-feedback. Nothing really worked. By the time I was 55, I had suffered with pounding headaches, neck, back and sciatic pain for 15 years. I felt old, tired, and fat. Oh yes, and I had a healthy dose of self-pity.

Then one day I heard a juror talk in court about how he overcame his back pain. He said he overcame it with weight lifting. I thought to myself - "yea. I tried that and it didn't work." But then he said something else - He said that he did not take his doctor's advice - which was to work up to the point of pain. Instead he worked through the pain and kept going. My doctor had told me the same thing and I wondered if that is why I did not get results. I decided to give it a try - and was referred to a gym where there was a physical therapist on site. But I was warned that this gym was a magnet for powerlifters. I said "That's OK. I'll stay out of their way!"

I started with the big rubber balls and the exercise bands. Then I worked up to the three-pound weights. In the beginning I felt very awkward among all those hard bodies. And it did hurt - at first - even a calf press hurt my neck and back. But like the juror - I just kept going. Sometimes I would be so exhausted after trial that I would have to bargain with myself to even make it to the gym. But I persisted. After about two months I noticed that when I would be driving home after my work-out all of a sudden I would be smiling for no reason as I drove down the road. I didn't know what that was - but if you are an athlete you probably do. Endorphins. That pleasurable feeling of joy that just comes upon you - some call it "runner's high." Those endorphins made the self-bargains a lot easier to drive after a hard day on the bench. And the persistence paid off. After about two years I could work out completely pain free.

One day in the fall of 1999 I was working out with my trainer Willie Austin, a former world champion powerlifter, now a coach and motivational trainer for youth and adults. He had an appointment with a woman who was getting ready for a powerlifting contest. Since I was there at the same time, he asked me to come into the power lifting room and work out with them. He had me do the same things as her only with lighter weights. I had never done a squat, bench or deadlift before. After we were done - he decided I should be in the meet too. Now this was the person who had made me well - so I just said yes! That's how I became a competitive power lifter at the age of 57 .

It transformed my life. It was a fountain of youth . I lost 30 pounds and so long as I stay in the gym, I have no pain. In addition to being a fountain of youth it has become my magic carpet . Powerlifting has taken me to Argentina, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and in October, India as a member of the USA Powerlifting Masters World Team.

If you'd like to have your life transformed. Take a minute right now. What was the most important thing you learned growing up? After you identify that thing, think about whether you have ever experienced a life transformation, whether through fitness or in some other way? Think back, when did it happen for you? Take a minute and describe that transformation and what it meant to you.

Now ask yourself was there any connection between that transformation experience you had and some lesson that you learned growing up. For me the lesson I grew up with was "work hard and skillfully and never give up." Working hard and skillfully and persistence in the gym is what allowed me to transform my life through weight lifting.

I like being a fitness evangelist because people understand that if a busy judge could overcome a serious back injury and become a competitive power lifter in her late fifties - then for sure: IT'S NEVER TOO LATE AND YOU'RE NEVER TOO BUSY!

In this life - STUFF HAPPENS! I'm sure everyone has had a year like my fortieth - where the best and worst happened. There's no answer to "Why Me" other than: stuff happens. It's what we do when stuff happens that makes the difference between a life of misery and self-pity, or a life transformed.

What is the key to transformation? It's tapping into your most deeply held values.

There are three steps in this process: Step 1: Find your most cherished values. One way I find out about people's most cherished values is by asking that question about the most important lesson you learned - there is usually a transforming value in it.

If you haven't experienced a transformation, or can't readily identify your most cherished values- tomorrow spend three minutes thinking about and writing down your cherished values. If they don't come readily to mind - just ask yourself that question and let your subconscious work on it for 24 hours. Come back and spend three minutes the next day. Feel free to change the list until you are satisfied that you've identified your most cherished personal values.

Step 2: Once you have identified your most cherished values ask yourself, "Am I living by these values?" If so it's very likely your life is already transformed. Just keep it up!

If not, Step 3: Start living your most cherished values. Your life will be transformed. Living your most cherished values free you. You will feel free, authentic and fulfilled in all you do.

Stuff Happens - but its never too late and you're never too busy.
Live your cherished values. Your life will be transformed with Power and Grace.

Faith Ireland - Seattle, Washington
Washington Supreme Court Judge,
Wife and Athlete!

This is a truly inspirational thread, thank you for starting it....:tu:

I love this thread and I am always amazed by the additions.

Any excuse any woman could make for not achieving her best is busted here.

These woman truly look excellent - each in her own way. And while their stories are diverse there is one common theme – if you put your mind to it, your body will follow and you will get to where you want to be.

You would have to be dead to not find a healthy dose of inspiration here!:claphigh:

Thank you both Katie & Polyphony.... I check out here myself when I get discouraged....

In a few more weeks, I will be abel to start doing more updatres agaoin. As I said in an earlier post I have a pleasant treat for my next major addition here....:)

It's been a while since I have added new pictures to this thread and I thought it was time. BFL_redhead had posted a link earlier in this thread to Deana Langham, age 62.

I thought people might like to see not only pictures of her but hear a little of her story.

This is from Body For Life Challenge Champions (http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/vote.asp?voteId=6)

Her BFL pictures are at the bottom of this post.

This grandmother refused to let personal heartache keep her from reaching her goals.

For 34 years, I was in a very abusive marriage and by the time I divorced in 1997, I had lost all self esteem and purpose. I felt that my life was over and that I had nothing to offer anyone. I spent the next four and a half years doing grief work and seriously looking at myself.

By 2002, I felt that spiritually and emotionally I was a new person, but my physical self had turned into someone I didn’t know. I was a couch potato and I weighted 150 pounds! My efforts at dieting never resulted in more than a 10-pound loss—because I considered myself “too fat” to go to the gym. When my mother had a heart attack and stroke last summer, I weighed 164 ½ pounds and I realized I was well on my way to developing her age and dietary-related diseases. I decided that I either had to change my lifestyle or resign myself to becoming old.

I used my approaching 62nd birthday as my benchmark and decided it was time to do an “about face.” I can now ride bikes, play ball and swim with my grandsons. The first time the 8-year-old saw me in a bathing suit he said, “Nana, you look good,” that was priceless! In the last 12 weeks, I have received 42 years worth of affirmation from people in the gym to total strangers at the store. I now have a purpose in life and that is to help other women in my past situation to know that they too can re-define themselves and the person they want to be! I am living proof—at the young age of 62.

Before
Weight: 154 lbs.
Body Fat: 32%
Lean Mass: 105 lbs.

After
Weight: 136 lbs.
Body Fat: 12%
Lean Mass: 120 lbs.

--Lost 32 pounds of fat. Gained 14 pounds of muscle.--

I don't know if this woman's story has been mentioned here before, (I searched and came up empty), but I have her picture up in my home gym, on my treadmill and on my bathroom mirror. You can read about her here (http://www.oprah.com/tows/slide/200502/20050214/slide_20050214_104.jhtml)and here (http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/champions/2000/bio.asp?comp=mina_hobbi).
My goal is 125 pounds and I started at 152. If she can do it...so can I!
Just amazing!:claphigh:

I don't know if this woman's story has been mentioned here before, (I searched and came up empty), but I have her picture up in my home gym, on my treadmill and on my bathroom mirror. You can read about her here (http://www.oprah.com/tows/slide/200502/20050214/slide_20050214_104.jhtml)and here (http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/champions/2000/bio.asp?comp=mina_hobbi).
My goal is 125 pounds and I started at 152. If she can do it...so can I!
Just amazing!:claphigh:

Wow those are amazing links... I'll see if I can't get her pictures and story up here in a couple of weeks. (I am proofreading right now.)

Thanks so much!

And yes...you can do it....:tu:

I know it's been a while since I have posted on this thread. There is a lot going on in my personal life as those who keep up with my journals know.

I just want to say that I hope this thread remains an inspiration for everyone as it has for me while I am out recouperating from surgeries,etc.

In the meantime, I thought I would post a link and a couple of pictures of picture of Minna Hobbi (http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/champions/2000/bio.asp?comp=mina_hobbi) who was suggested by pminn in an earlier post. The cardboard cutout photo is of Mina when she first began her transformation. That is her on Oprah WInfrey's show. The othere two are pictures of her before she started Body for Life and 12 weeks later.

Mina Hobbi from Hawaii — This 46-year-old business owner had been struggling with her weight for years. She accepted the Challenge knowing that if she could transform her body, she could achieve anything. Mina definitely transformed her body. In 12-weeks, she dropped 33 lbs. going from wearing a size 10, to a size 2. "The Body-for-LIFE Challenge has changed everything for me. I realize now that being overweight was a way for me to hide from life. Not anymore! I now have a level of energy, self-confidence and personal power that I can achieve any goal I set for myself."

I am just bumping to keep this thread on top. I have not had time for a while to update it, as people who follow my recovery thread know why...

But please everyone... please take inspiration from this....:tucool:

Hi Justitia - I was just showing this thread to a friend of mine yesterday, I was hoping that the pictures might inspire that person's mother.

I've been a member here for a while but haven't posted much, if at all. I'm so glad I caught this thread. I'm 47 and sometimes it seems hard to find someone in my age group who cares about being fit. I can't tell you how good it felt to see this thread. I really should visit here more often.:)

Thanks.:tu:

Irene

I've been a member here for a while but haven't posted much, if at all. I'm so glad I caught this thread. I'm 47 and sometimes it seems hard to find someone in my age group who cares about being fit. I can't tell you how good it felt to see this thread. I really should visit here more often.:)

Thanks.:tu:

Irene

So glad you are here, Irene... there are more of us than people realize... after alll we are the baby boomer generation... and we always swore we wouldn't get old.... ;)

Hi Irene,
I'm 52 and wish I'd become more interested in fitness a long time ago. But at least I am now! I've lost 20 lbs since January 3, 2006 and it's in large part to the support I've found here on this site. AND in particular to this thread started by Justitia. :tu:
Good luck and don't be a stranger.
Pam
BTW, my husband and I are making our annual trip to California in a few weeks and would love to visit San Diego, any tips on where to stay downtown?


I've been a member here for a while but haven't posted much, if at all. I'm so glad I caught this thread. I'm 47 and sometimes it seems hard to find someone in my age group who cares about being fit. I can't tell you how good it felt to see this thread. I really should visit here more often.:)

Thanks.:tu:

Irene

Hi Pminn!!!
I didn't get on the bandwagon until my 40's. I feel much better about my body, health, fitness and self than I did in my 20's or 30's. I don't want to go back! I'm looking forward to my 50's!

There's a zillion places to stay in San Diego. I must say that I'm somewhat partial to the San Diego Gaslamp Hilton, only because one of my very good friends works the night shift there. :D They also have a decent work out room. We've stayed in both the suites and their regular rooms. It's right near the convention center, with in walking distance of Petco Park and the trolley, and of course, right in the Gaslamp district. We go there for our anniversaries since my friend works there. We've also stayed at the Omni, which is right next to Petco Park, and that's very nice as well. There's a very nice hotel right at Horton Plaza, but the name escapes me... My sister and family have stayed there before. It's the only hotel located in that Horton Plaza square...

I hope the weather will be kind when you make your trip out here!
I'll try and post here more often. :cool:



Hi Irene,
I'm 52 and wish I'd become more interested in fitness a long time ago. But at least I am now! I've lost 20 lbs since January 3, 2006 and it's in large part to the support I've found here on this site. AND in particular to this thread started by Justitia. :tu:
Good luck and don't be a stranger.
Pam
BTW, my husband and I are making our annual trip to California in a few weeks and would love to visit San Diego, any tips on where to stay downtown?

Thanks! The best part about being fit is it REALLY DOES defy age! Everyone thinks my grandson is mine. Gotta love that! :lol:

So glad you are here, Irene... there are more of us than people realize... after alll we are the baby boomer generation... and we always swore we wouldn't get old.... ;)

BTW, my husband and I are making our annual trip to California in a few weeks and would love to visit San Diego, any tips on where to stay downtown?[/QUOTE]


:) If you’re from California and have your own transportation, give some thought to the Hotel ‘Del’ on Coronado! Then you would have options for down town (Gas light district, Horton Plaza etc.) as well as Coronado just across the bay (Lots of wonderful places to eat, yum, yum.) and the Hotel ‘Del’ is special! Just a thought………at any rate I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time…San Diego is a really cool place with the most wonderful weather in the country! (No pun intended.);)

Irene and Carol,
Thanks for the ideas. I'd love to stay at the Del, I saw it profiled on Fine Living one evening, but I'm afraid it's a bit out of our price range! I've been told that once you visit SD, you don't want to leave! Well, that's how we feel about California in general. We're starting our trip in San Fran, then Sonoma, flying to LA and driving to San Diego and will end up in Venice/Santa Monica. I can't wait! We're definitely interested in staying in the Gas Lamp district. I'll check out the hotels you suggested, Irene.
Pam

Pam,
Sometimes the Del in Cornado has deals, so you might want to check room availability there as well, plus, Downtown is just over the bridge. :)

Well, this profile is a little different but I thought it would be an interesting addition to the thread.

Janet Marisco was a competitive body-builder 13 years ago. She decided to transform to a fitness model instead. She has just turned 40, so technically she would not qualify for this thread for another 2 years. But I find her interview and photos extremely instructive.

One of the concerns of many women, young and older alike, is getting too muscular. "I want to tone, not get big and bulky" is the cry often heard. Despite repeated assurances that unless a woman takes steroids, she cannot bulk up because she does not produce enough testosterone and the instances of women who are bulky are typically examples of women on steroids, many women new to fitness still have the "bulky" concern... I guess until after a while they finally believe the truth. But many do not stay or try hard enough at fitness to get to that understanding... many women resort to doing high reps with pink 1 lb dumbbells that do nothing for them... not even "toning." :lol:

But still many women see pictures of female body-builders who are natural, not bulky... and it is still too muscular for their taste. Even for many men, the strong muscularity of a female body-builder competitor, even all natural and not bulky, is too unfeminine for the men.

I presume this is why "fitness model" competitions were developed. Sexy, curvaceous and fit... But to achieve that, it still requires a good foundation of muscle and lean body mass... just not as lean as with body builders in competitions.

Janet went from being a body-builder competitor in her 20's to a fitness model and to figure model competitor by her 40th birthday. The contrast in her pictures is quite interesting.

Here is a link (http://www.bodybuildingsecrets.com/articles/interviews/an_inspiring_conversation_with_a_fitness_and_figur e_superstar.php) to an interview with the revered Tom Venuto in which she discusses this. There are quite a few pictures of her there. I reproduce below "before" and "after" photos from that interview to see how she changed from BB to fitness model.

I also reproduce here some portions of the interview with Tom Venuto that I found particularly interesting:

An Inspiring Conversation With A Fitness And Figure Superstar
Tom Venuto, CSCS, CPT

An Interview With Natural Fitness Star And WNBF Figure Pro Janet Marsico

what does it take to have the body of a fitness star, win figure championship titles and look 20 at the age of 40? You’re about to find out in the 3rd in our series of all natural bodybuilding and fitness star interviews, brought to you by Tom Venuto and BodybuildingSecrets.com. Janet Marsico is a WNBF figure pro, a former Miss Fitness America pageant competitor, a judge, figure coach and the founder of “The Figure Workshop.” Janet is an all-natural fitness champion and role model for women of all ages and what she has to say is sure to inform and inspire you at the same time. (Guys: Be sure to read this! I’m sure it will interest you too and you can also pass this web page link to the ladies in your life).

Janet Marsico: Sure, Tom. I was born a southern girl in Charleston, South Carolina, but mainly grew up in Westchester County, New York. All my life I was involved in dance and theater. I attended performing arts camps each and every summer as a child and loved being up there on the stage. Unfortunately, as a teenager, I began to smoke cigarettes on a daily basis and thankfully, when I was 23, I quit the habit. Along with quitting smoking came the dreaded weight gain. I had always been 118 lbs and a size 5 most of my teen years so when I ballooned to 130 pounds and found myself in Weight Watchers, I knew something had to be done.

In 1990, I remember watching the ESPN network and admiring the bodybuilders’ amazing sculptured physiques and that’s when my fitness journey started. I joined Jack LaLanne and developed a passion for the sport much like my passion for the stage.

I was one of the only girls in the free weight room, but that didn’t bother me one bit. I would ask many trainers and members how to train and the weight started to drop and my physique started to change. Back then there were no fitness competitions or figure competitions, only bodybuilding. My first bodybuilding competition was the ANPPC New York State Championships in 1991 and I placed third in the tall class weighing in at 118 with a 19” waist (yes, 19”!).

Tom venuto: On a similar note, I’m sure you’ve answered this question a thousand times before, but this is something that still keeps coming up over and over again. What would you tell women who are primarily interested in losing weight and they’re afraid of lifting weights because they think they’re going to get too big or muscular or lose their femininity?

Janet Marsico: Well, I myself was one of those women so I can definitely relate to this question and completely understand where these women are coming from. Heavy weights are intimidating and a bit overwhelming, absolutely. BUT, it takes a lot of eating, and a lot of time to gain serious muscle so they need not worry. Plus, they have to remember, what is on top of the muscle at times is not always “muscle”. The muscle tends to get covered by water and fat tissue. They just don’t realize it.

The majority of women don’t have enough testosterone naturally to get “big.” The women that have given bodybuilding and weight training a bad rap have enhanced themselves with male hormones. With proper diet, cardio and training, you can definitely achieve the look they want. But lose their femininity with heavy weights? No way. In fact, going back to genetics, you won’t believe the amount of weight I have to put on a leg press machine (which is NOT a lot), just to maintain the size on my quads. I put three 45 lb. plates on each side and that’s not even my maximum weight. And Tom, you’ve seen my legs, they are not monster quads by any means. So ladies, do not be afraid of those heavy weights, challenge them!

Tom Venuto: Thanks for sharing that. I know many women have heard this before – “Women don’t have enough testosterone so they wont get too big from lifting weights” – but they STILL have fear about getting bulky. I think if they look at the pictures of your physique and take a look at your legs and hear that you train very heavy, that’s the best proof of all.

Tom venuto: That’s quite a list of achievements, congratulations. So you started in bodybuilding back when there were no fitness or figure contests, then you moved into Fitness America pageants, and today you compete in figure. For our readers who don’t know, would you explain the difference between female bodybuilding, fitness and figure?

Janet Marsico: This one is a fun one to answer Tom, especially since I’ve competed, judged and coached in all three of these arenas. All three of these types of competitions consist of a pre-judging portion and an evening portion. I’ll go over each type of competition in detail and the differences between each.

A bodybuilding competition has two rounds during the pre-judging portion which consists of quarter turns and mandatory posing. The evening portion consists of a 60-90 second routine choreographed with music. The routine is not a “fitness” routine where they are performing jumps, splits or athletic movements, but displaying their muscles in an artistic manner to the music. The look for bodybuilding competition is more muscular and as with each of these types of competitions, also symmetrical, very defined and with an extremely low percentage of bodyfat. This is so the judges can see each and very muscle and the development, size and structure of each. The art of posing is essential in this type of a competition.

In a “fitness” competition you are judged in a two piece swimsuit in heels, (sometimes also in a one piece, depending on the organization), then a second round where you perform a series of quarter turns in a group and then there is a third round where you perform a 1 1/2 minute fitness routine to music. This is usually performed during the pre-judging portion as well as the evening portion, but the group comparisons are not repeated in the evening portion again. The look for fitness is much softer than for bodybuilding, which is extremely hard and defined and with an extreme low body fat level. In fitness, the judges are looking for a softer, but tight, symmetrical and well conditioned physique. And just like in a bodybuilding competition, in fitness, your routine here counts for a large percentage of your score as well as your physique, overall conditioning and how you are able to display your physique on the stage.

In a “figure” competition, you have two rounds, the first in a two piece swimsuit and heels (again, in some competitions a third round will be in a one piece swimsuit). The first round is what I call the “T Walk” which is where the competitor will walk across the stage by herself in a T formation and display her physique to the best of her ability. This is where your stage presence really needs to be up to par because in a figure competition there is no fitness routine to be judged, so the judges place a large percentage on your stage presence. The next round in the pre-judging portion is the group comparisons, which is the quarter turns, just like in the fitness competition. In the evening portion the only round performed is the T Walk again, then the placings are announced.



The first picture below is Janet in a body building competition circa 1992 competition. The other pictures are from between 2004-2006. The photo of her as the winner of the 2006 WNBF Figure - Pro Master’s Champion -- the year of her 40th birthday!

You can also learn more aobut Janet and her approach to fitness not only in the rest of the interview with Tom Venuto but also at her website: http://www.thefigureworkshop.com/index.html

heres to hoping I will be in awesome shape by the time I hit 50

heres to hoping I will be in awesome shape by the time I hit 50

You are already there!!! :)

It's been a while since I have posted on this thread. But I was browsing about today looking for some new inspiration and I came across Diane Roberston on the Body-for-Life site.

Here is a woman at the age of 43 decided she was tired of being a mountain of fluff. So she joined the Body-for-Life competition and recieved special recognition for her accmplishments. She went through the challenge 3 times and here is the link to her on BFL (http://www.bodyforlife.com/challenge/champions/2000champions_specialrunner.asp) (scroll down)and here is her story (notice that they don't mention her weight loss, just fat loss and dress size change from 18 -> size 2 -- and you can see by her pictures below she built a good amount of muscle -- point out again the importance of composition of lean body mass to fat instead of focusing on weight loss) :

Diane Robertson from New Jersey
This 43-year-old accepted the Challenge because she felt like she was “physically exploding and mentally imploding.” She knew she had to make a lifestyle change to accomplish her goals and set a good example for her children and husband.

She completed three consecutive rounds of the Challenge this year, dropping from a size 18 to a size 2. With the 71 pounds of fat she lost, Diane also lost 12 inches off her hips, 17 inches off her waist, and almost 10 inches off each leg. Her cholesterol dropped from 235 to 158. She has become involved in helping many others and has set and achieved countless other goals.

“While my physical change is remarkable, the greatest change for me has been on the inside. First and foremost, I feel revitalized and can live life on a natural high with an abundance of energy. Inner peace and lack of fear have made me feel invincible. I can now trust my heart and follow it. By doing the Challenge I tapped into my unknown potential in ways I've never envisioned, which continues to have a positive impact on our family life. I am comfortable with who I am for the first time in my life.”

That is an awesome transformation and my hat is off to her. But there is no way she is a size 2.

You are probably correct that she is not a size 2... ;) But my own familiarity with how sizes have expanded since I was a young woman... when I was a young woman and quite slender as well as fairly muscular I wore a size 8. I am about 35 lbs heavier and I wear a size 8 today. Even though the additional weight is not all fat by any means.... I know I could never wear today what passed for a size 8 then.. which is probably closer to a size 4 today. So though she may not be a size 2 in those pictures, she may not be too far above that. And she is only a half a generation younger than me... so she probably exaggerates a little in her mind... :) And noticing that you are in a similar age range... you may be thinking of a much smaller size 2 for similar reasons than what size 2 runs today. When I was young, it was impossible to even find a dress size below size 6.... it was not sold anywhere. The odd number sizes (e.g., 5. 7, 9) were called "junior" sizes and were essentially the same as their 1 up even number, but cut for a younger, slimmer figure. SO when I was young I wore a size 7/8. If I became underweight, which I did occasionally I would drop down to a 5/6 but that only happened a few times in my teens and I weighed about 110-112 at 5'5" for the size 7/8.

It's a shame they couldn't find the fountain of youth sooner. Many lives could have been saved if they had just invented workouts sooner. Seriously though its amazing how much younger people look when the work out. NOT only do they feel younger, but they look younger as well. A very awsome side effect!

Express / Ruehl / Abercrombie & Fitch / white house black market size 4 -6 is like gap size 2.

gap and old navy sizes are REALLY 'friendly' to the people who want to have a low number on what size they wear.

so she is probably size 2 with gap / old navy ;-)

Risa is just outside the usual age bracket that this thread is about but she's close enough.

Be sure to check out the before and after pics at the end of this post.

This is from bodybuilding.com (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/transf104.htm)

Turning 40 was a critical point for Risa given a very serious health problem that is a part of her family history. See what she did to lose 45 lbs, over 20% body fat and become a fit mom for her kids right here!

Vital Stats


Name: Risa Stein

Before:
Weight: 170 lbs
Body Fat: 32%
Pants Size: 14/16

After:
Weight: 125 lbs
Body Fat: 9%
Pants Size: 2/4


Why I Got Started
Turning 40 was a critical point for me given a very serious family history of heart disease. I also have an 11 year old son and 3 year old daughter who need their mother to have energy to keep up with them.
The final breaking point, however, was reached when my family returned from a Hawaiian vacation we had been looking forward to for quite some time. For a number of reasons including my discomfort, both physically and emotionally in a bathing suit in addition to chronic lower back pain, that trip was a disaster.
However, upon our return, when I was developing the trip photos, I realized there were no photographs of me and the ones we did have in the house repulsed and disgusted me. If I died that day, my family would have precious few decent pictorial memories of me. So, I decided to quit being the "fat mom", the "heart attack waiting to happen", and consistently down on myself and decided to promote a change.

How Did You Do It

I signed up with a personal trainer who had been an acquaintance of mine and she helped tailor a workout routine for me. She kept me to my appointments and made certain I pushed myself as hard as I could to reach my potential. She also told me about the "Body For Life" program.
The structured diet really helped me establish healthy eating habits and portion control for the first few months. As the time drew nearer for my competition, I began a more structured and rigid diet protocol and increased my cardio gradually.
I began training and dieting seriously on March 6th, 2006. After following the "Body For Life" diet for several months I made terrific progress. By Thanksgiving last year, a personal trainer friend had convinced me to take the next step and to compete. In January 2007, my diet became pretty strict. By April 7th, 2007 (13 months and 1 day after starting this journey), I stepped on stage.
I have surprised even myself over the past year by accomplishing something I never would have thought possible. At age 41, I competed in my first bodybuilding competition.
I also lost approximately 30 inches overall. In the Missouri Natural Physique open class, I took second. In the Southern States Classic open women's and sub master's divisions, I placed third. I was thrilled with the results of my hard work and the competition.

Supplements

I took fish oil capsules, glutamine, l-arginine, a multivitamin, vitamin C, and another antioxidant.
I try to use only high quality whey protein isolate powders.

Sample Off Season Diet

I now eat every 2.5-3 hours throughout the day. I never use a plate larger than a salad plate and always have food with me so I avoid getting too hungry. I try to keep my starchy carbs early in the day as I am very carb sensitive and quickly regain weight if I eat too many. I cook with Enova or olive oil and drink 1-1.5 gallons of water each day.

Meal 1: 4 egg whites, 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 tsp. flax seed oil
Meal 2: 6 oz. of fish, 3 oz. green veggie, 1/2 cup of rice
Meal 3: 4 oz. chicken breast, 4 oz. sweet potato, 3 oz. green veggie
Meal 4: 4 oz. very lean ground beef meatloaf, small salad with fat free dressing
Meal 5: 4 oz. chicken breast, 3 oz. green veggie
Meal 6: protein shake

Sample Workout

I try to maintain a 5-day split as follows:
Chest
Back
Legs
Arms
Shoulders

I do one warm-up set for my first of 1-2 compound exercises and 2 isolation exercises. I lift as heavy as I can while retaining good form for 8-10 reps. I also do 30-35 minutes (including a brief warm-up and cool-down) of cardio, 5 days per week on either the treadmill or the step mill.

I have not had time to search for new transformations to add to this thread so I thought I would bump it up so newbies would be sure to see it. :tu:

Thank you, Justitia, for creating this thread. Even those of us under 40 are finding inspiration! I was feeling a bit lazy today, and was trying to avoid my workout. But I told myself if I do some research on the internet, I'm at least working out my brain, right?

Then I came here and learned about Edith Odoms. That lovely 95 year old lady works out 5 times a week!!! How can I not kick my butt into gear after reading that?

Again, thank you. I really enjoyed my workout today. :bb:

Well... I really need to find some more inspiration women. It has been too long since I have updated this.

I am open to any suggestions. :D

Okay I did a Google search for ya Justitia. :)

Found this one that you might like, hopefully she wasn't already mentioned (I have not visited this thread in a long time).

http://www.fitbygeno.com/morjorie_newlin-getting_older.htm

Six years ago at 72, Morjorie Newlin won her first bodybuilding contest. "When the judge announced her age, the audience went haywire", recalls her former trainer, bob Rivers. "I thought they were applauding because the old lady made it onto the stage", jokes Newlin.
http://www.fitbygeno.com/images/Bodybuilder-Marjorie_Newlin-6in.jpg

Same lady:

http://www.sherdog.net/forums/showthread.php?t=579631

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z217/mgonzo069/PPNewlin.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z217/mgonzo069/morjorie.jpg

Thanks 1fastgx... Actually we had photos of Marjorie Newlin on this thread already but when I went back to link to them, they were gone -- as well as bigboy who originally posted them. And a number of others that seemed to have disappeared.

That's what I get for not downloading them.... :(

I don't even remember who the other one was -- but a somewhat later poster accused Marjorie and the other person of being on steroids... :lol:

Marjorie Newlin

At 86, great-grandmother Marjorie Newlin keeps pumping iron.

Fourteen years ago, when Marjorie Newlin was 72, her neighborhood supermarket had 50-pound bags of kitty litter on sale. Without anyone to help her carry the bags back to her house, she struggled mightily under the load. Never a particularly athletic woman, but staunchly independent, she decided that she had to do something about her deteriorating physical capabilities.

Though osteoporosis was also on her mind, the septuagenarian began lifting weights — for her cat. "I want to be as independent as I can be, for as long as I can," says Newlin, a great-grandmother and retired nurse who will be 87 in August. "I just want to do things for myself."

After 13 years of weight training, Newlin is more than taking care of herself. At her two-story home in Mt. Airy, Newlin, who runs up the stairs with the sprightliness of a 10-year-old, has a room dedicated entirely to plaques, certificates and trophies (some almost as tall as her) from bodybuilding competitions that have taken her as far away as Italy, France and Germany. She's won more than 40 trophies in her late-blooming career. "There are so many, I don't know what to do with all of them," she says.

"I chuckled when I saw this little old lady walk inside the gym," says Richard Brown, a personal trainer at Rivers Gym in Mt. Airy, where Newlin began her training. "I was a little leery. I was just training young athletes at the time."

The little old lady quickly showed him what an older athlete could do. "She kept coming in day after day, week after week, and month after month," Brown remembers. "She didn't want to do 'girly' workouts. She wanted to train with us fellows." "After a few months of training, I looked at her physique and knew she was ready for a show," he continues. "She definitely had something to show." Newlin was bench-pressing 65 pounds when she was 73 years old. A year later she was throwing up 85.

The bodybuilding competitions are broken into two divisions. Newlin's first competition was in the Amateur Athletic Union, which is open to the public. Newlin recalls being a little reluctant when she saw the string bikini she'd have to wear in front of the bodybuilding audience. "I knew the contest meant a lot to my trainer so I went along with it," she says. To everyone's surprise, Newlin won. The crowd went crazy on hearing she was 74 years old.

Newlin began her competition career in that AAU's Master's Division, which splits contestants into two categories: under and over a certain age limit, usually 35 or 45 years old. Newlin obviously fell way over the dividing line, wherever it was set, but was competing and winning against women half her age. "I was always the oldest in all my competitions," says Newlin.

The daughter of very active Barbadian immigrants, Newlin admits that athleticism is in her genes: "My family is used to walking and running long distances."

Although she's taking a break from bodybuilding competitions for now, Newlin is still training at least three days a week, now at Bally Total Fitness in Cedarbrook, and can still throw down with the best of them. "I could bench-press 90 pounds with a spotter. I can dead lift 95 pounds. I can squat 135 pounds," says Newlin.

She's been featured on Oprah and The View, and has appeared in commercials in Barbados. She spends her time out of the gym as a motivational speaker at schools and banquets, discussing the importance of exercise, weight training and dieting. "A lady called me earlier this week from Hawaii," Newlin says. "She asked questions about how to use weights."

Though some in her position might wonder how much longer they can keep it up — or how far they might have come if they'd started earlier — those questions never cross Newlin's mind. "Every day is different. The next day will take care of itself," she says with Zen-like calm.

"Age is only a number," says Brown. "There is only one Marjorie Newlin. ... She could do this for as long as she wants."



So thanks for these photos.

By the way -- did you know that Marjorie was selected this past August for "Hot Slut of the Week (http://www.dlisted.com/node/13508)"? I kid you not... :tucool:

[B]From Hot Slut of the Week

Age: 86 or 87?
Birthday: ? Let's just say she was born a long ass time ago
Birth Name:?
Original Date of HS of the Day: August 4, 2007
Claim to Fame: Marjorie is known as the body building great granmama. She started body building when she was in her 70s. She's won 25 trophies and isn't stopping.

Where is she now? Lifting weights or drinking protein shakes or something. I mean that's what body builders do, right?

Why is she HS of the Week? She's in her 80s and isn't letting a little thing called age get in her way of being a hot ass piece.


:lol:

Here (http://www.npr.org/templates/dmg/popup.php?id=11459451&type=1&date=27-Jun-2007&au=1&pid=34523412&random=2766721070&guid=000E4E170FDD06E50156CB5261626364&uaType=WM,RM&aaType=RM,WM&upf=Win32&topicName=People___Places&subtopicName=Interviews&prgCode=TMM&hubId=-1&thingId=11459448&ssid=&tableModifier=&mtype=WM) is a link to an interview with her on NPR -- (the interviewer -- a woman -- asks what "weight class" she competed in --- :doh:

And here (http://www.webfitnetwork.com/tagsearch.php?tag=senior)is a link to Marjorie, demonstrating in videos -- like our own chicanerous -- how to do the following: Free Weight Leg Squats, Body Weight dips, Military Style push-ups, Bench Press, Incline Bench Press, Knee Raises, Leg Raises, Bicep Curls and Tricep Extensions.

Hello I just finished reading the seven pages of inspiration! Wow am I ever phsched!!

My name is mary and I am 55 & have been exercising for about 18 years do aerobics, light weights, speed walking mostly with dvds . Anyway for some reason I am overweight and more workouts and less food isn't even working :(

Bodybuilding has also been of interest to me ... any input suggestions are appreciated!
mary

BTW I am a female - need to fix that ;)
mary

Hello I just finished reading the seven pages of inspiration! Wow am I ever phsched!!

My name is mary and I am 55 & have been exercising for about 18 years do aerobics, light weights, speed walking mostly with dvds . Anyway for some reason I am overweight and more workouts and less food isn't even working :(

Bodybuilding has also been of interest to me ... any input suggestions are appreciated!
mary

Welcome to the site!!

What I would suggest you do is create a new thread where you list out your current routine (training, diet, schedule, etc.). Be really specific if you can (meals, times you eat, exercises you do, sets/reps, etc.). Once you do that I'm sure some of the members here would be glad to try and help you out. :)

BTW I am a female - need to fix that ;)
mary
Up at the very top of every page on this site is a button that says "User C/P" - click that. Then on the left click the link that says "Edit Profile." From there you can change it from "male" to "female."

:)

thank you!

When you post the thread 1fastgtx suggests, you will get great advice from him and others.

But the bottom line will be lift weights and lift to build up to being able to build heavy. Every one of the women you saw on this thread lifts weights.

The reason lifting weights works to get you to finally lose weight and get the good shape you desire is that it builds muscle and muscle does three great things:

1. it will replace the fat on your body and pound for pound, muscle takes up less room than fat -- so even if you do not lose a pound you will look and be thinner. You can probably drop at least one dress size just from that alone.

2. the muscle on your body burns up more calories than the fat on your body -- so even if you still consume the exact same amount of calories, you will lose weight just by building up the muscle which will replace the fat -- which means actual weight loss in addition to reason number 1 and so you will drop dress size even faster and look even better. (But you need to be careful about what and how much you eat -- you have to eat the right foods to feed the growing muscle or you will just keep the fat instead -- and you have to make sure you eat enough food to feed the growing muscle. Just severely cutting your calories will not cause you to lose much weight if at all because your body will go into deprivation mode, slow down your metabolism and start consuming everything in your body for nutrition including what ever muscle you are trying to build.)

3. muscle makes you look shapely (not bulky -- can't happen to a woman unless she takes steroids to get male levels of testosterone) -- it is muscle that make Angelina Jolie, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Biel look so hot. And if you would like older role models, try Joan Allen (http://www.imdb.com/gallery/granitz/4027/JoanAllen_Caulf_6998967_400.jpg.html?path=pgallery&path_key=Allen%2C%20Joan%20(I)&seq=11) (52) in addition to the women on this thread.

Thanks so much - those are wonderful points!
mary:tu:

Sorry to tell you, but Majorie passed away a few months ago. She contracted Leukemia, but her obituary stated that she worked out until the very end. What an awesome woman, and such an inspiration.

:blank:It’s been awhile since I’ve checked the forum so when I stopped by the other day I was surprised to read the previous post regarding the death of Marjorie Newlin. I found Ms. Newlin to be particularly and personally inspiring to and for me when I started lifting 12 years ago and was sadden to learn of her death here on your Fit Women thread Justitia. As I hadn’t read about it in my local newspaper or seen/heard of it on
TV/radio I ‘googled around’ and found the following link which is an obituary and thought there might be other women, like myself, who would be interested in reading it. I have taken the liberty of posting the link below ……….hope you don’t mind.

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/obituaries/15103046.html

:blank:It’s been awhile since I’ve checked the forum so when I stopped by the other day I was surprised to read the previous post regarding the death of Marjorie Newlin. I found Ms. Newlin to be particularly and personally inspiring to and for me when I started lifting 12 years ago and was sadden to learn of her death here on your Fit Women thread Justitia. As I hadn’t read about it in the my local newspaper or seen/heard of it on
TV/radio I ‘googled around’ and found the following link which is an obituary and thought there might be other women, like myself, who would be interested in reading it. I have taken the liberty of posting the link below ……….hope you don’t mind.

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/obituaries/15103046.html

Thank you Carole, for posting this. Whenever I read about her, I was always very inspired, and I loved her interviews. I was sad to read that she died.:(

Thank you so much both China2u and Carole.... That report of her life in your link ,Carole, is pretty incredible. :blank:

Hi....I'm new here.....I'm 55 yrs old and workout 6 days a week, 4 WT days, 3 cardio....my problem is this roll that I'm getting. I did the Jillian Michaels routine for 6 weeks and it worked great.....I lost weight and muscle.....but I still looked toned. Now, I've gone back to WT and lifting heavy ......but i'm not liking this roll....either I'm not eating enough and I'm starving myself, which could be the answer, and I need to eat more. I'm trying to eat balanced, but don't want to go over the 1600 calorie mark, but I might have too.....any help would be appriecated.

I just read through a few of these stories and they have me MOTIVATED!! I've never thought "I'm too old" (I'm almost 47), but it's still so cool to see these women make such great transformations at ages that most people would assume is too late. I've thought about the BFL program in the past and have just been inspired to take another look at it! :tu: Who knows - maybe I'll be posting my before & after pics on this thread in a few months! :nod:

I just read through a few of these stories and they have me MOTIVATED!! I've never thought "I'm too old" (I'm almost 47), but it's still so cool to see these women make such great transformations at ages that most people would assume is too late. I've thought about the BFL program in the past and have just been inspired to take another look at it! :tu: Who knows - maybe I'll be posting my before & after pics on this thread in a few months! :nod:



It is never to late I am 47 but when I was 44 I was overweight and out of shape I didn't give up on myself and now I feel better than I ever have. If I can anyone can, I wish you well. :)

I'm 45 years old, will be 46 next month, and I feel better than I did at 20! I have always sort of done some excercise, but not seriously, and kind of off and on. If I got busy, forget I didn't exercise. I just did some kind of aerobic activity, but that was about it, and I never thought I could run/jog or do an elliptical.

Even though I am small framed, I had a fair amount of body fat. I guess "skinny fat". Flabby belly and arms, oh and legs. In December I decided I wanted to do something about it. I got a book on clean eating which really helped to change my mindset about food and what I put in my body. I gave up soda (drank a ton of diet soda) and most all processed foods. I started to lift weights and get aerobic activity in everday. I would do treadmill or elliptical for 25-30 minutes, do stretching and ab work, then do upper body one day, lower body next day for 6 days a week. I did machines for lower body, and dumbells for upper body (though not too heavy).

After finding this forum, I made some additionl changes to my routine to help further me along. I now do 30 minutes cardio every other day, and do more heavy weightlifting on the alternate days for an hour (including ab work). I am hoping to get more definition in my arms, especially my shoulders and keep working towards toward that six pack. I also upped my protein intake to about 100-120 grams a day (I currently weigh 104 at 5'2")

I don't have any before pics, but this is my most recent pics. Goofy as I had to use a mirror.

Just an average gal who works all day and has a great supportive husband and two daughters 16 and 21.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Wow Beachbunny, you look awesome, well done on your progress so far. :tu:Maybe you could post your wts routine and we can help a little with your stated goals of building up shoulders/arms a little :)

I love the photo on the bed ;)

:)Well, having been blessed with another birthday I’d like to post a
visual reality check and in light of the fact that I am possibly one of the
more ‘mature’ members of the forum I trust that you, Justitia, won’t mind
if I use your ‘ Fit Women Over da dah, da dah’ to do so. This year was good
for me and although (and try as I might) I was unable to add the much coveted
bulk I seek (happily though I was able to increase the weights I use) I fear
I must post a bathing suit picture instead of what I would much prefer…..a stronger
looking more striated me in an honest to goodness ‘muscle pose’. Oh my kingdom
for Rockenmama’s body, whoa! Given health I will continue to work and who
knows……….just maybe one day!

wow carole... you look amazing. keep enjoying your youth! :tu:

Happy Birthday, Carole, and I echo Dejavue, you look absolutely fantastic... :bow:

:)Well, having been blessed with another birthday I’d like to post a
visual reality check and in light of the fact that I am possibly one of the
more ‘mature’ members of the forum I trust that you, Justitia, won’t mind
...
I fear I must post a bathing suit picture instead of what I would much prefer…..a stronger
...


Wow Carole. That is one positive visual reality check. When the scale refuses to budge upward, all you have to do is look in the mirror and you can see your accomplishment.

I thought I would post a photo of one of my best friends (with permission). She is 46 years old. She is a woman who has been inspirational in my own journey in fitness. Early on, she pointed out that when I would lift, I would stop about the time I was just getting going and also that if I didn't start to get sufficient protein, I might as well stop, things I didn't understand and quite life changing. She rattled off workouts and diet changes over the phone that made all the difference in the world. She also drove home the point that life just takes on a different perception and is more manageable after a workout.

Her name is Laura, mother of a 4 year-old, juggling a full time professional career as a Quality Management Systems manager, owner of a large Shiloh Shepherd breeding facility, and keeping a house together with full time relationship and mom-duties, yet also now competing in figure competition when time permits.

She is no stranger to out-lifting the men, having originally used Olympic Weightlifting workout, diet and competition in college as a method of countering a history of early anorexia. Rather than merely overcoming the life issues, she ended up placing in the top 5 nationally 3 years in a row. After diving into her career, she once again found life issues bothering her, and being diagnosed with Lupus, again turned to fitness in response. At that time she began running and eventually competing in marathons. It managed the symptoms. She tends to be sold on fitness being the first and foremost answer to whatever ails (and is not afraid to say so).

In 2004, at 42, she gave birth to her pride and joy son, Kai. As all pregnancies tend to do, there was work to be done after the birth. This time she adopted bulking and cutting as a lifestyle. She quickly cut the fat off, increased her muscle mass dramatically, and eyed figure competition as a method of having a goal to maintain this. Right now, at 5'6", she maintains between 138 and 156 pounds depending on whether she is preparing for her possible three shows a year. She uses normally 4 weight workouts a week and during show prep after periods of bulking, includes periods of nearly daily cardio.

Her schedule is characteristically over the edge, but she makes sure to prioritize her workouts. Her attitude is that they facilitate everything else in her life rather than detracting from it. Her mantra is that before you try to fix the inner struggles, fix the outside and you will find at least some of the inner issues evaporating. She uses bulking techniques to create her body and has no fear whatsoever of looking "bulky", she never does either, the feminine appearance in street clothes is dramatic... and, her bench press makes mine look like I'm using a broomstick!

I don't have a before picture. I emailed her this morning and she quipped that NO cameras were permitted when she had gained the weight. I think many of us can relate to that, it's one reason why we embark on the journey. I will say that at that time we worked together at the same facility, her weight lifting program results left all of us astounded with the speed of eliminating the impact of pregnancy.

This photo is about 2 months ago, I think the day of the northwest's Emerald Cup in Bellevue.

http://novinyl.com/images/laura_kathryn.jpg

I belong on this thread. My name is Mary Ann and I am 56. I introduce myself on the Intro. thread. I love looking at all the success stories, Hopefully one day I can be one also. I'm from Central Pa. and I have been lifting weights for years. I am not consistent, and have not made any changes to my body. I was eating a higher protein/lower carb plan that a PT I was working with gave to me. I lost 10 lbs., and dropped to a size 12 from a 14 but..the meal plan never changed and it was pretty strict so I couldn't stick with it. Now I'm back to normal mode which is eating clean about 80% of the time, but not eating every few hours like I should be. As you can see, I need help:lol:. What I should do is a 12 week challenge.

Mary Ann

etb -- don't get discouraged --- come back... read 1FastGx's post a few posts up as to how to get started. You do not need to live with that roll... it can be made to disappear. Look at Carole's pictures above. Now that is one hot, smokin' body :nod::tu:

You know, grandma, you don't have to wait until you've done your transformation to post. This thread is to show what can be done. Start your own fitness journal in the Fitness Journal forum and post pictures, report what's happening -- even if you are not moving forward -- you'll get a lot of support from people here, no matter how slow or fast your progress is.

Hey, buffedstuff long itme -- no see.... Yeah I remember your transformation thread -- it was pretty fantastice. Maybe you woul consider posting before and after pics with a little bit about your story here?

Sexy!!! beachbunny Those are some photos! :nod: Glad ot have your pics on this thread! It is great to have JSF'rs as examples on this thread.


ANd Carole what can be said except WOW!!! I was just mentioning how women in their 50's were just starting to be considered sexy as the better aging show business stars are showing how it can be done. I was saying to PGC that it will take about 10 years before being in your 60's will be considered sexy.

Well, Carole, you prove me wrong. On the brink of turning 70!! you have one hot, sexy, turn-on bod there..... :bow: :bow: :bow:

oh BTW --- http://bestsmileys.com/birthday1/9.gif


(And I am not ashamed to admit -- Madonna has been an inspiration in many directions since she lithely crawled on the floor in that wedding dress singing "Like a Virgin" at the MTV Awards 25 years ago. Below is Madonna jst as she is about to turn 50!)

:)Well, having been blessed with another birthday I’d like to post a
visual reality check and in light of the fact that I am possibly one of the
more ‘mature’ members of the forum I trust that you, Justitia, won’t mind
if I use your ‘ Fit Women Over da dah, da dah’ to do so. This year was good
for me and although (and try as I might) I was unable to add the much coveted
bulk I seek (happily though I was able to increase the weights I use) I fear
I must post a bathing suit picture instead of what I would much prefer…..a stronger
looking more striated me in an honest to goodness ‘muscle pose’. Oh my kingdom
for Rockenmama’s body, whoa! Given health I will continue to work and who
knows……….just maybe one day!

:eek: Wow!! You look amazing Carole! :bow:

:eek: Wow!! You look amazing Carole! :bow:

I'll second that!!!

Carole, you look incredible!

:)Well, having been blessed with another birthday I’d like to post a
visual reality check and in light of the fact that I am possibly one of the
more ‘mature’ members of the forum I trust that you, Justitia, won’t mind
if I use your ‘ Fit Women Over da dah, da dah’ to do so. !

And why should she, you look good, no matter what age group. Keep it up, girl. You walk the walk!:tucool:

So.. as I am struggling myself to get re-started after a series of medical mishaps, I came across the summary below of what exactly is the wrong thing to do to regain our comely appearance - particularly as we pass the 42 yo threshold.

And surprise, surprise -- as I read on, I found it also describes pretty much what many women, including myself when younger, either believed was optimal for achieving sexy goals or what ended up to be our actual behavior (and sorry to say, one I have relapsed into the last few months.)

So for the female newcomers reading this thread and going OMG -- can I do that!?! Ask yourselves -- up until now -- is what is listed below echo at all for you?

From Sandy Joyce "The Cardio Secret!": (http://http://www.figureathlete.com/article/training/the_cardio_secret&cr=)

The Truth about Cardio

Cardiovascular activity burns calories. Burning calories is good for fat loss. I've never heard anyone argue with that! Most people join a gym in attempt to lose weight and have more energy. Cardio does that! Therefore, they believe cardio is the answer. Makes sense, but unfortunately, it's not that simple!
....

More goes into sculpting a lean, fit body than just the amount of cardio performed (or not performed!). And when the average woman attempts to transform her body, she makes most, if not all, of these mistakes below.

She...

• Skips breakfast (in an attempt to eat less)

• Eats too many carbohydrates (usually bad ones)

• Consumes far too little protein

• Thinks "healthy" dietary fat means no dietary fat

• Doesn't supplement her diet and training

• Under-eats in the first half of the day

• Over-eats in the second half of the day

• Doesn't lift weights adequately (if at all)

• Eats too infrequently (meals are way too far apart)

• Has her biggest meal at night, often a "binge" or "out of control" meal (therefore, she wakes up not hungry, skips breakfast, and starts that cycle over).

These mistakes are what give people the not-so-desirable results they achieve, not just the cardio they do. And it's no wonder; the above ten practices should be in a book on how to get fat, not lose fat! So of course, given this ugly equation, cardio is going to kill their muscle! They're not doing anything to maintain or preserve it!



So if any of the bullet points seem familiar to you -- you've come to the right place ... now is the time and here is the place to learn what really does work .. and get it tailored uniquely to YOU.....:nod:

:)Well, having been blessed with another birthday I’d like to post a
visual reality check and in light of the fact that I am possibly one of the
more ‘mature’ members of the forum I trust that you, Justitia, won’t mind
if I use your ‘ Fit Women Over da dah, da dah’ to do so. This year was good
for me and although (and try as I might) I was unable to add the much coveted
bulk I seek (happily though I was able to increase the weights I use) I fear
I must post a bathing suit picture instead of what I would much prefer…..a stronger
looking more striated me in an honest to goodness ‘muscle pose’. Oh my kingdom
for Rockenmama’s body, whoa! Given health I will continue to work and who
knows……….just maybe one day!


You look absolutely amazing! Keep on doing whatever it is that you do.......:tucool:

I just spent several hours reading through this entire thread. Justitia, you've got a very cool head, in all senses of the term. I love how you handled the young man who said so many of the women were "too muscular" and how you handled the fella who said that two of the women were on steroids. Very nicely done.

There are so many wonderful inspirations. Thanks. But mostly thanks for creating an atmosphere where women can really applaud each other. (And yes it's nice to get applause from the occasional man, here, too.)

Long live this thread!

Hi I'm new to posting on this forum. I was just reading through this thread, and when I saw the picture of Madonna on the cover of Vanity Fair, I was immediately reminded of another recent photo of her taken when she was leaving a Kabbalah center with her daughter. Frankly, I think she looks way too thin, and doesn't have enough (real) fat on her body. Her hands and arms don't look good to me. Thoughts?

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/07/27/article-1038955-0215EB7B00000578-734_468x626.jpghttp://www.nydailynews.com/img/2008/07/27/alg_madonna.jpg

I have returned to this thread (as a lurker) many times because it's SO inspiring and have decided to join up!!!

Justitia - thank you so much for keeping this thread going over the years!!

Carole - you are my role model!!!

I'm 59+ yrs old, from the UK, and have been on my path to fitness for the past 2.5 yrs after 40 yrs of doing nothing. For the past year I've been following Body For Life (but don't manage to eat as clean as I should!) and just finished 8 weeks of Turbulence Training. I have made great changes, inside and out, but still have a way to go. I'm beginning to think that my fat has got so cosy, it don't wanna leave!!!! My next challenge is to 'up' my cardio and get into some serious fatburning.

I look forward to seeing some more inspiring stories/pictures.

Take care

Sooze :jumping:

:)Dear Snooz I thank you for your generous assessment
of me ………I have worked hard but that said there are
so very many more people out there who have done the
same and are so much more worthy of being a ‘role
model’ for you or anyone else who wishes to do the best
by themselves and their body; I am truly humbled and
thank you.

I wish I had specific knowledge to impart to you but
beyond the suggestion of lifting weights……….as heavy
as you are able and with consistency coupled with
cardio HIIT and a reasonable diet (and not to say ‘Spartan’),
is, IMO, the best and truest way to reshape a more ‘mature’ body.
I’ll look forward to reading your future posts and watching
what I am certain will be a magnificent metamorphosis to
where you wish your body to be! :tu:

Hi I'm new to posting on this forum. I was just reading through this thread, and when I saw the picture of Madonna on the cover of Vanity Fair, I was immediately reminded of another recent photo of her taken when she was leaving a Kabbalah center with her daughter. Frankly, I think she looks way too thin, and doesn't have enough (real) fat on her body. Her hands and arms don't look good to me. Thoughts?:eek:
I had no idea she was that lean. She does seem to have pretty generous sized triceps, but I'm amazed at how prominent her veins are. And how vacant her lower cheeks look compared to the upper part. I wonder if that's closer to how she "normally" looks, or if that was an off day, or an evil photo editing job. I've heard similar criticisms of Angelina Jolie's hands and arms. And my kids hate the way my arms look and feel immediately after my workouts.

What looks gorgeous from a certain angle or pose in a particular fashion or lighting (and/or airbrushing help) might be off-putting from another view.

It's interesting that we have more exposure to candid celebrity shots as a balance to what a person looks like outside of studio lighting, and what flaws become more noticeable as a direct result of trying to achieve a certain kind of look.

:eek:

:eek: X 10000

She looks like she just walked out of a POW camp. Seriously.

However, there are lots of other inspiring women in here who have made some pretty impressive transformations. :nod:

I saw those pictures of Madonna as well and thought the same thing -- she looks incredibly thin. Given that she is and perhaps just having worked out, at her age (50) we start losing our subcutaneous fat, which is why vein start popping out. I was really distessed when it started happening to me and my dermotologist explained the cause to me.

Madonna also looks like she has collagen plumped into her lips -- and I was wondering if she had work on her cheek bones.

I've though about collagen injections myself -- but I am afraid it might numb out the sensation in my lips... and I just love kissin' I would not want to miss out on any of that. :angel:

:) I thought this an appropriate place for the following............

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear woman,
Happy Birthday to you.

Luckily for us, we have you with your willingness to share knowledge, expertise, wisdom, wit and so very many other attractive strengths and attributes that I can't even begin to enumerate. "You" are just another reason this particular forum is such a very special place .......

Enjoy your maturity and fear not..........all thing are possible and the BEST IS YET TO COME Justitia.............61 is as young or as old as you choose to make it and I suspect you will make the most of it! ;)

Thank you sooo much Carole!!! Your kind words always mean a lot to me.

It's been 1 1/2 years since I posted any new pictures here -- though of course the MOST impressive one is of our own Carole (http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showpost.php?p=621829&postcount=147) on her 69th birthday. I don't think I could count up the number of women of all ages who wouldn't kill for that killer bod!!!

But fortunately we don't have to commit homicide to look like Carole... we just have to crush those weights at the gym and improve our nutrtion.

SO I thought, as today is my 61st birthday (and thank you for the birthday congrats Carole) I would give myself of a gift of updating this thread.

I too need inspiration, particularly as I am coming back after about 3 years of medical issues and pretty much lost all the gains I made when I first join - except of course for muscle memory :D (Thank goodness for that! I feel it as I am starting to workout again.)

So here is my birthday gift to myself and to everyone out here on JSF - a new addition to the Women Over 42 thread!

And fortunate for us that we Don't need to commit homiced to get those killer bodies because our next candidate is

Police Officer Tracy Gordon of Montgomery, Texas!

Officer Gordon was the Body-for-Life 2008 Champion for Women in the age 46 category.

Here is her story (and don't foget to check out her before and after pics below.... I am sure a lot of guys on this site wouldn't mind being hand-cuffed by her...;) )

First off I would like to take the opportunity to say Thank You to all the people on the frontlines as well as behind the scenes of Body-for-LIFE.

These last 12 weeks of motivation, knowledge and support have brought me to a place within myself that I never thought I would ever be. I took a leap of faith and let BFL educate me and guide me through this life changing journey.

It would take more than one of these essay pages to list all of the truly amazing revelations that I have experienced, so I will only be able to share a few.

*The black and white world that I have viewed for many years has color in it again.
*My rough around the edges approach to life in general has softened.
*My glass half empty perspective is overflowing.
*These feelings are only a fraction of what my BFL transformation has revealed to me.

Gaining control of my physical and mental wellbeing has afforded me the chance to redirect my life towards a place I want to live in, not just exist in. This BFL challenge has given me the tools to make that happen. It is up to me to use them for assistance in overcoming the obstacles that come my way and embrace the blessings I receive each day. I know that may sound corny but it is true.

I’m a 46 year old police office of 20+ years. I have a very loving and supportive husband and 2 wonderful sons who now think I “ROCK”. With only 9 days left in my Challenge, Hurricane Ike ripped through our Texas coast, leaving in its path incredible damage. The obstacles thrown my way were enormous but the lessons I learned through BFL up to that point were instrumental in keeping me from throwing in the towel and giving up. Ike couldn’t rain on my BFL parade. WOW! What a ride. Thanks again y’all.




:claphigh: :claphigh: :claphigh:

:)TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY……….70 YEARS OF LIFE EXPERIENCE BEHIND AND LOOKING FORWARD TO EVEN MORE IF FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE BLESSED WITH HEALTH AWHILE LONGER!! :claphigh:

LAST YEAR I POSTED A ‘WIMPY’ BATHING SUIT PICTURE HERE ON JUSTITIA’S THREAD AND LAMENTED THE FACT I HADN’T A “MUSCLE PICTURE” TO PUT UP… HOWEVER THIS PAST YEAR I HAVE MADE WHAT, IMO, ARE SIGNIFICANT GAINS IN STRENGTH (NO SMIRKING FROM YOU YOUNGSTERS OUT THERE……….. 5, 10 OR 20 LBS “IS” SIGNIFICANT TO THE LIKES OF ME!) AND HOPEFULLY ‘SIZE’; ADDITIONALLY MY COMPUTER SKILLS HAVE IMPROVED AND AS A RESULT……….. I OFFER A COMPOSIT “MUSCLE :bb: PICTURE”. :o :D



I DO WANT TO EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION FOR, AND THANKS TO, ALL OF THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO SO WILLING SHARE THEIR KNOWLEDGE, OPINIONS AND INSIGHT ON THIS FORUM, JUSTITIA FOR THIS THREAD AND OF COURSE MR STONE FOR PROVIDING THIS UNIQUE VENUE.

Carole, HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY:D

AND:bow: there is no denying that you are one muscular lady, thanks for posting the pics;)

can't wait to see the bikini photos in a fortnight:)

Spacebarnotworkingsincebabyspiltwateronit,butIhadt opost,sorry

Carole,youareamazing.Ihaven'tpostedinalongtimebutf eltcompelledafterseeingyourbirthdaypost.HappyBirth daybytheway.
ItblowsmymindhowawesomeyoulookandIcanonlydreamtolo oklikeyouwhen
Iturn70orrightnowforthatmatter.Kudostoyou.Youarean ultimateinspiration.:tu::tu::bow::bow::bow::dreamy :

Happy Birthday Carole!

You've built some serious muscle there. I'm glad you are taking the opportunity to share it with us, to celebrate it, and to be proud. :)

:bow:

:) Jedi, greengirl, guava……….thank you ladies, obviously I needed the “strokes” or I wouldn’t have posted the pictures ::nod: You were most kind to have taken the time...........:)

That is just amazing :nod: :tucool:

http://bestsmileys.com/birthday1/5.gif

Gosh, I am so glad I happened to come on JSF today in time for your birthday, Carole.....

You are by far one incredible inspriation to us all.

Those are totally amazing pics....

:bow: :bow: :bow:

Carole - happy birthday!

And thank you for your hard work and generosity of spirit, thoughtfulness and encouragement in the forums. :bow:

:) I’m back now to thank you Chadster and Cocomartinez and of course you Justitia (Oh what a dazzling “Happy Birthday” wish!) for thinking to help me commemorate my (ahhhh………:rolleyes:) 7th decade!! Better than the alternative...........yes? :nod:

:) I’m back now to thank you Chadster and Cocomartinez and of course you Justitia (Oh what a dazzling “Happy Birthday” wish!) for thinking to help me commemorate my (ahhhh………:rolleyes:) 7th decade!! Better than the alternative...........yes? :nod:

:doh: ohff i missed ur birthday carole!! sorry. hope it was absolutely marvelous!!! :tucool:

edit: :doh: :doh: double ohff.... i missed ur photos (they weren't showing on other computer)....damn woman you have the most AMAZING arms. :nod: :dreamy:

looking fabulous squared my dear. :D:

I hope you had a happy B-Day Carole -- I think most of us would be pretty happy to have arms like that at any age! :nod:

Carole, you are my hero. What an inspiration!

:) Thanks deja, Joe and Modmaven............The truth is I've become fairly proficient at 'camera angles' :D.........Do note my face is not in evidence in any of the shots as I had a great big 'grimace' going in every pic from flexing which ('bitch' that she is.........) "Vanity dictated" I 'crop' out .:o ;)

Hi Everyone!

I found this forum yesterday while looking for websites that had info on us older gals who work out and are fit.

My name is Sue and I turned 51 in June. I started working with weights back in 2000 for the EAS Body Transformation Challenge. I was already taking karate with my husband and sons, so I was in fair shape, thin but with little lean mass.

I do have my before pic somewhere...I will try to find it so you can see how "soft" I was. 115 pounds of skinny fat!

During the 3 mos. of the challenge, I developed a true love of weight lifting. Although I didn't win the contest, in reality I won much more by embracing fitness. I was in the best shape of my life at the age of 42!

I have never stopped working out. I have slacked at times, but am now back at it harder than ever. I'm almost ready for a bikini pic to show my abs...my husband says I am ready, but you know how we are our own worst critics.

Anyway, here is a front and back pic of me.

http://www.secretsofathingirl.com/art/profile_pic.jpg

I want to applaud everyone from 15 to 105 who embraces fitness. It is the key to a healthy, happy life.

Rock on fitness chics!!! :claplow:

While I am not ready to post any "before" or "after" pictures (yet).. I wanted to say that THIS thread is the reason I signed up to be here. You gals are all AMAZING and beautiful. I have trained religiously in the past and have been proud to be in great shape after two kids... but then I let my weight training fall by the wayside during a difficult divorce. :( Life has improved 2000% since then and now with a supportive new wonderful (younger) husband, I am back on track and determined to be in the best shape of my life..... again :) btw ... I just turned 47.

Great inspirational thread - here's one of the 42+ Ms. Boots (taken two weeks ago). No photoshop or retouching. I am a very lucky man!

My name is Sue and I turned 51 in June. I started working with weights back in 2000 for the EAS Body Transformation Challenge. I was already taking karate with my husband and sons, so I was in fair shape, thin but with little lean mass.
I have never stopped working out. I have slacked at times, but am now back at it harder than ever. I'm almost ready for a bikini pic to show my abs...my husband says I am ready, but you know how we are our own worst critics.

I want to applaud everyone from 15 to 105 who embraces fitness. It is the key to a healthy, happy life.Wow, you're in super shape. You "won" regardless of whether or not you got the prize.

Great inspirational thread - here's one of the 42+ Ms. Boots (taken two weeks ago). No photoshop or retouching. I am a very lucky man!:eek: That's a great photo. I'm thinking about pasting one copy in view of my dumbbells, and one in view of my fridge. :p

That looks like a professional photo. Is she a fitness model?

Hi Everyone!

I found this forum yesterday while looking for websites that had info on us older gals who work out and are fit.

My name is Sue and I turned 51 in June.

Great inspirational thread - here's one of the 42+ Ms. Boots (taken two weeks ago). No photoshop or retouching. I am a very lucky man!

:)Nice to see two such marvelous additions to Justitia’s thread; obviously hard work and good strategies have paid handsomely for both of you. It will be interesting and fun to watch your continued progress……:nod:……Welcome!

While I am not ready to post any "before" or "after" pictures (yet).. I wanted to say that THIS thread is the reason I signed up to be here. You gals are all AMAZING and beautiful. I have trained religiously in the past and have been proud to be in great shape after two kids... but then I let my weight training fall by the wayside during a difficult divorce. :( Life has improved 2000% since then and now with a supportive new wonderful (younger) husband, I am back on track and determined to be in the best shape of my life..... again :) btw ... I just turned 47.

:) With that sort of attitude I feel confident it won't be long before we'll be looking at your inspirational pics up here too :tu: Do know I look forward to it.............hurry now ;)

Thanks Guava! It feels like I've won every day. Don't ever give up on your goals. I also put up pictures to inspire me...and Mrs. Boots is good inspiration!

Carole: you look amazing. I can only hope I look as good as you when I am 70. I already find it a challenge to keep the skin filled out with muscle --- each year the skin stretches and sags a little more and each year the muscle growth ebbs a bit. Consequently, each year I have to work a little harder.

But you, my dear, are a grrrrreat inspiration to me!! Thanks :-)

Thanks, everyone -- for keeping this thread going while I have been away. You all posted some amazing things.

Fitness Crush, photogen and boots -- welcome.

Boots -- does your wife's photo suggest that she boxes ... I have always wanted to do that. We have another female member who also boxes -- Boxer-In-Training.

Fitness -- your photos are amazing.

Photogen -- you will be posting here some time -- I can just feel it!

Modmaven -- I agree with you about Carole --- :)

And thanks Carole as always for keeping the torch light burning. BTW your avatar is incredible. Can I get a copy?. (I have a terrific one of Guava's back from a few years ago.) You just need to post the avatar photo as an attachment.

And Guava -- you are always there when people need you. :nod:

Thanks for all the nice comments. My wife isn't a fitness model - that pic was taken by a pro as a present for me a few weeks ago. She works really hard and of course there's the diet (the kids just love all the chicken and broccoli!).

Here's a picture from last Saturday at a natural/tested NPC figure competition. Her bf is right at 17% tested in a BodPod for those of you scoring at home. Abbie's about two weeks out from top contest shape - the big show is on the 17th. Not bad for an almost 44 year old mom of five!

I would never be in the kind of shape I am in without her.

Justitia:

Thanks! And thank you for this thread. I hope to make some new friends here who share my passion. I want to inspire and be inspired...

Thanks, everyone -- for keeping this thread going while I have been away.

:) Justitia, what a happy surprise to see your lovely countenance grace the ‘forum’ again……….I, as have many others, missed you and hope that circumstances will allow you once again to ‘frequent’ the forum…………….:claphigh:

As requested, here's a shot from the Charm City Classic last week. Abbie took 4th in the Figure Open. Believe it or not, she wasn't lean enough to win. Still, pretty damn hot for turning 44 in few weeks!

I'm going to get her to post her own pics from now on!

As requested, here's a shot from the Charm City Classic last week. Abbie took 4th in the Figure Open. Believe it or not, she wasn't lean enough to win. Still, pretty damn hot for turning 44 in few weeks!

I'm going to get her to post her own pics from now on!

:claplow::bow:

bravo. she looks great!

look at those abs! :drool:

As requested, here's a shot from the Charm City Classic last week. Abbie took 4th in the Figure Open. Believe it or not, she wasn't lean enough to win. Still, pretty damn hot for turning 44 in few weeks!

:) Well, my goodness............there they are!!! The 'abs' I was looking for this past summer!!!!;):D

She looks wonderful...............what a lucky man you are!!!:tu:

Carole, I have a feeling that your abs are awesome! :cool:

And Abbie's are amazing! No matter how hard I've ever worked I have never developed the definition needed for a six pack. For the most part I'm pretty happy with them being hard and flat (except for those certain times of the month and what'ya gonna do about that!!!?)

Well, better late than never...here is my bikini pic taken 12/12/09.

http://www.secretsofathingirl.com/art/Sue_12_12_09_five.jpg

First time in my life to post a picture anywhere of myself in a bikini. I guess I'm getting brave in my old age :lol:

:) Wow, lots of 'gym time' showing there :claplow:. You look wonderful and OBTW..........cute suit :nod:

I couldn't find anything already posted on her in this thread (if I missed it, my apologies). Check out Ernestine Shepherd. I wouldn't have believed that she was anywhere close to 73 if the article didn't say so. I would be more than happy to look that good by the time I'm in my 40s, let alone my 70s. Link goes to article plus video of Ernestine in action, leading fitness classes for seniors:

Don't mess with Ernestine Shepherd. (http://abcnews.go.com/Health/mess-ernestine-shepherd-body-building-grandma-benches-150/story?id=10480184)

:)Another year and I’m back again with birthday pictures, these taken in mid to late May…….Once again I’ve thought to post in Justitia “Fit Women……..” thread and would like to thank her for drawing attention to more mature women who strive to maintain whatever level of ‘fitness’ time (in the case of more junior women) and health (in us older ladies) permits…………AND for tolerating my choosing her venue for such.
By the end of last year’s bikini challenge I had decided to continue on in my effort to at least improve my own abdominal area even if I could never reasonably hope to achieve those striated abs I so wish I had………….I believe I have managed, albeit marginally, to make some improvement… ………Additionally I have been working on my legs………..this done in a rather ‘nonchalant but none the less methodical ’ fashion, working with weights (leg presses, extensions, flat ham curls, stationery lunges) and utilizing/combining 15 minutes of cardio on a Wave machine (resistance at 3) after weights and on off days, cardio on a Cybex arc trainer using resistance (40) for 15 min; all in all and although they aren’t great I think them to be somewhat ‘better’. The area that seems never to improve is the biceps……………”the bane of my existence”!!
Enough said…………looking forward to another year God willing!

Looking great Carole!

Looking great Carole!

Agreed -- your hard work is really paying off Carole! :tucool:

Carole,

You look absolutely amazing. You put many 20 - 30 yr old women I know to shame. What ever you are doing as far as diet and exercise it is working great.

:tucool:

:)Thanks guys ……………. Your words of encouragement are most appreciated………….. that’s why I’ve been posting pictures in recent years I suppose------ for the encouragement which serves as the impetus to continue to push. :nod:

damn carole! you, my friend, are SMOKIN! :tucool:

you never cease to impress me with your dilligence towards your goals. bravo. :bow:

you never cease to impress me with your dilligence towards your goals. bravo. :bow:

:)And YOU 'darling girl' never fail to impress ME with how sweet and supportive you are.............Do know it means a great deal :hug:
I have tried to be diligent about my abs and will continue on that course coupled with the "stepped up" effort (albeit "passive" by JSFF standards.:D) on the legs............Oh well, given another year.......who knows??:)

http://http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/jleemarino/


I think age is a number not an excuse and I live it everyday.


no excuses. Jlee

http://http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/jleemarino/


I think age is a number not an excuse and I live it everyday.


no excuses. Jlee

This link seems to be broken.

here's the link.....

http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/jleemarino/

amazing jlee!!! :bow::bow:

+1

Damn, I'd just like to look like the before photo.

I have always been a dance enthusiast: I have studied modern, jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, and Latin ballroom. I discovered pole dancing for fitness in 2007 and totally fell in love with it, I began teaching at the gym were I was a dance fitness and pilates instructor. I now run my own pole fitness business in San Francisco and have competed in 3 major competitions, one of which I placed 2nd amongst ladies who were at least half my age. My upper body and core strength is incredible as a result of my training, I have always had strong legs from my other dance training, but I never would have imagined that my upper body would ever feel or look like it does now. I am 47 yrs old.

So excited about this site. I read and re-read the entire thread last night (couldn't sleep). I will be 68 this month. I also will see my husband in the middle of May this year, havne't seen him for 6 months. Would really like to change my body. I am moderately active, not a typical 68 year old. But - I don't even know where to start. Does anyone have any ideas Our Senior Center has a state-of-the-art gym, including free weights, elliptical bikes, and treadmills.
What do you recommend to begin with - and what about supplements, etc.
I hope I'm not asking too much. I really would like to surprise my husband.
Thankyou so much. This is truly inspiring.

So excited about this site. I read and re-read the entire thread last night (couldn't sleep). I will be 68 this month. I also will see my husband in the middle of May this year, havne't seen him for 6 months. Would really like to change my body. I am moderately active, not a typical 68 year old. But - I don't even know where to start. Does anyone have any ideas Our Senior Center has a state-of-the-art gym, including free weights, elliptical bikes, and treadmills.
What do you recommend to begin with - and what about supplements, etc.
I hope I'm not asking too much. I really would like to surprise my husband.
Thankyou so much. This is truly inspiring.




Here is some info that could help you get started...

http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=45975

And, if you have some specific questions, you might try posting a few of them in the beginner forum on the main forum page.

Good luck and welcome! :)