The most pumped-up grandmother in the world celebrated her 80th birthday

Meet Ernestine Shepard from Baltimore, she is 80 years old, and she is a personal trainer, professional model, active bodybuilder and just a wonderful woman. In 2010, she entered the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest female bodybuilder. But Ernestine wasn't always so muscular.

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Source: Facebook — Ernestine Shepherd

In her youth, Ernestine was a pampered girl and had little interest in any kind of sports. By the age of 56, she had turned into a sedentary, well-fed woman who worked as a school secretary, who did not play sports a day in her life. And the very moment came that changed her life and made her an example for many older women.

One day, 56-year-old Ernestine went with her sister Velvet to buy swimwear. When they started measuring them, they started laughing at each other. They suddenly realized that it was time to put themselves in order. Ernestine and her sister signed up for a fitness club and started working out together.

After some time, Velvet unexpectedly died of a brain aneurysm. Ernestine was so grieved that she quit the gym. After a few months of mourning, the woman listened to friendly advice and decided that her late sister would like her to continue studying. Ernestine returned to the fitness club, even more determined to get results.

Smoothly starting to work out and strengthening the body step by step, for a certain time Ernestine transformed not only her body, but also her life. She felt happier than ever. Now she trains older women and inspires them to unleash their physical potential.

Ernestine likes to participate in running competitions at a distance of five and ten kilometers, as well as in marathons. She gets up at four in the morning to run 16 kilometers, and when she prepares for a marathon, she runs 128 kilometers a week.

In addition, she does strength training four times a week and more often. In 2007, when she was 71 years old, she asked Jonny Shamburger, the former "Mr. Universe", to train her so that she could participate in bodybuilding competitions. At the first competition — the Natural East Coast Tournament of Champions — she took first place in her category, beating women who are decades younger than her.

Despite all the training, according to Ernestine, nothing hurts her and she has never been injured in all 17 years of her new life. The athlete's height is 165 centimeters, weight is 59 kilograms, body fat percentage is 9-10%. Usually such indicators of the professional sports elite are at the peak of their form. Ernestine does not take any medications. She loves her new job, feels much more energetic and successful than when she was younger.

What is Ernestine's secret? On her way to the goal, she followed several principles. Ernestine started gradually under the supervision of an experienced personal trainer and gradually transformed her body. Realizing the importance of high-quality nutrition, including a sufficient amount of protein and trace elements in the diet, Ernestine turned to a nutrition specialist.

She is fully supported by her husband Colleen, who is 52 years old. He cooks food and makes sure that there are always balanced small portions of dishes in the refrigerator, designed for seven meals.

Ernestine rests as much as her body needs. She tries to be positive about everything, considers her workouts as entertainment, and considers work a "long happy path." Ernestine knows perfectly well what she is striving for and what she wants to achieve. She believes in inspiration, support of loved ones and family and preaches the following as a mantra: "Determined—purposeful—disciplined to be healthy."