Would you like to have a body that looks at least 10 years younger, maybe even 15-20 years younger? Or if you’re currently a teen or twenty-something, would you like to keep your body looking hot when you get older? Last week I posted proof that it’s possible through the bodybuilding lifestyle, showing a video of 74-year old masters bodybuilding champion. Although it drew gasps and wows and inspired the crowd, it also drew some skepticism… mostly from women who didn’t think it was likely or possible for their gender. Au contraire! Read on for pictures and proof…
In my post last week I wrote, “After you check out this video of a 74-year old championship winning bodybuilder, I don’t EVER want to hear the excuse ‘I’m too old’ ever again!”
Wouldn’t you know it – I heard excuses anyway. A couple of bozos were saying “steroids” (which I will rant about another day), but namely the excuse was: “But I’m female!!!”
A Burn The Fat Blog reader wrote:
“How about a woman that old since women have a lot more “fat” or “body fat” than men. I’m sure it’s still inspiring but as a 44 year old woman forever fighting the middle age spread, I’d like to see a 74 year old woman.”
OK, you asked for it.
Here’s my friend Jackie Lee. I’ve met her twice, once in New York and once in Los Angeles and on both occasions she was in great shape so I can vouch that there’s no photoshop going on here:
This photo was taken a couple years ago when Jackie was 74 (as requested, dear reader).
When you take care of yourself and start hitting some real workouts with some REAL IRON (lifting REAL WEIGHTS, that is), 44 years of age is not time for “middle aged spread”, it’s more like puberty – youre just starting to get developed.
I’ve known Jackie for some time now, as she is one of the “role models” profiled in the book, Fit Over 40: Role Models For Excellence At Any Age, which I co-authored with Life coach Jon Benson, a few years ago.
Inspired by the former Miss Olympia, Rachel McLish, Jackie took up weight lifting about 20 years ago when she was in her 50’s. She hasn’t stopped since.
Let me tell you, this lady is a ball of fire… what an inspiration! She is 74, but she looks 54.
Jackie does cartwheels out onto the stage and still does the splits. She told me she stopped doing her handstands a few years ago, but she’s going to start practicing again so she can add that into her routine too!
What’s even more striking is that Jackie has the mind and the ambition of a 22 year old. She insists that life can BEGIN at 70!
Jackie is not just a bodybuilder and fitness competitor, she is a vocalist who has performed at Carnegie hall, she’s also a yoga instructor, personal trainer, actress, acrobatic dancer, and motivational speaker!
Incredible! (I just LOVE people who bust bodybuilder and aging stereotypes, male or female)
“I guess I’m pretty ‘spry'”, says Jackie, “In fact, I plan to remain active my entire life – and live to be 120! Care to join me?”
It’s a shame, but some people are so pessimistic that I’m sure yet another reader is thinking (if not itching to post a comment) that Jackie is just another “rare case”… an “anomaly of nature” so to speak… or maybe just “great genetics” right?
Think again. These types of over 40, over 50, even over 60 success stories are getting more and more common as collective belief systems are starting to change with the passing generations.
May I introduce you to another friend of mine?:
Maxine Johnson is a masters fitness champion and mom in her late 50’s… with a body and level of fitness that could pass for 25 years younger.
Maxine took up the fitness lifestyle in her mid 30’s, was in the best shape of her life at age 40, competed in her first fitness competition at age 53 and was winning fitness and figure contests at age 56. She developed a fat-free, muscular, fit and fabulous bod after having three kids, holding down a job and managing life crises and stresses of all kinds, including the “joy” of menopause.
“It’s not just the accumulation of years that causes aging, says Maxine, “our age is more determined by the exercise we get or don’t get, by the kinds of foods we eat or don’t eat, and how we emotionally handle the ups and downs in life… There is no difference in how I feel when I work out now compared to 20 years ago. Nothing is more difficult — quite the contrary – I am stronger and more coordinated than ever now.”
[Tom Venuto inner circle members can read my complete interview with Maxine here:Secrets of Fighting Female Flab Over 40 ]
MALE OR FEMALE, it doesn’t matter. Age is just a number and you are about as old as you think you are! If you believe you’ll be weak or fat or decrepit at age 74, or fighting middle aged spread age age 44, well then, I reckon you’ll be right!
I’d recommend that you change the way you think about age, because your behavior will always follow your beliefs.
To your health and longevity!
– Tom Venuto, author of:
Burn The Fat Feed The Muscle (ebook)
The Body Fat Solution (Hardcover )
PS. If you’re curious about how bodybuilders and female figure/fitness competitors eat and train to get so lean, check out Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle: Fat Burning Secrets of the World’s Best Bodybuilders and Fitness Models.</b.
PPS. If you’d like to see and read the stories of more ageless role models, from 40 to 80, visit the FIT OVER 40 website to learn more about the book, Fit Over 40:Role Models For Excellence at Any Age (NOTE: Jackie Lee and Maxine Johnson are both profiled in Fit Over 40, along with more than 25 other women, including a 77 year old grandmother-bodybuilder who could probably kick your arse in the gym!)
PPPS. Look up Maxine Johnson online at: www.Temple-Fit.com (Maxine is a trainer and fitness coach working out of the Seattle WA area).
Thanks Tom. This is very inspiring, to say the least!
Bravo.I’ve always believed that nutrition and exercise is the true fountain of youth. I know so many people over the age of 40 that stun most people when they learn their real age. And these are ALL people that take proper care of themselves, eat clean and workout as a lifestyle.Genetics keeping you looking youthful can only take you so far. If you want to keep your youthful vitality take a tip from these ladies.another great post Tom. Thanks. You never let me down! :-)J
“Wow that’s incredible. No more excuses!!!”
Thanks for the inspiration Tom. I’m 52 and “ain’t so bad” as “Rocky” would say, but there is nothing like a good role model! Love it!
Wow! What an inspiration. Maxine looks incredible.
LOL 44 is the new 14. Love you Tom.PS. Middle age spread is an excuse to not have to do the work.I will do my first figure comp at 44. Because I can. I couldn’t at 24. I’m sure my excuse went something along the lines of, “But I just had a baby! My body will never look like that.” Or , “I’m a real woman!”Still not too sure about the cartwheel thing though – they scared me even when I was a kid! ;)
Hey dale, I didnt realize you were in pre contest prep… be sure you send me all the details and then results!
Wow! I’m a female turning 63 in a couple of weeks — and I now have a new goal! How long does it take (reasonably) to get from 180 lbs and 36% body fat to being at least able to make the cut into a competition?
I’m 65 with about the same weight/body fat stats as Diana. I also have a stent in place following a heart attack and am on heart medication. I too want to know – can I even try to do this and. if so, how long before I can even think of entering a comp and where do I start?
Why not? It’s apparently possible at any age! I am 200 lbs and 40 percent fat, as of last measure, and I have high hopes at 38 that I will regain my level of fitness. There’s never been a person who succeeded in the success that we are seeing above who did not believe it possible, right? that’s the first step!Erika
Tom, as usual your information is spot-on. At age 44 I started weight training to replace fat with fit. I had 44% bodyfat BTW. At age 46 I stood at stage at my first bodybuilding show, and won my category + the Overall title. I’m back in serious training again to compete again next year. My ambition is to stand on stage at the National Championship for my age division, knowing I will be only 7 weeks away from turning 50, AND in the best physical state of my life, ever! Do I intend stopping ever? No. Sure I cop a lot of negatives from ‘Those Who Don’t’. Do I look my calendar age? Definitely not. It’s a lot of work and dedication, but isn’t that what having a valuable life is about?? Thanks Tom, again for the inspiration and motivation. BTW, it BFFM that helps me with my nutritionals.
This is awesome. I just sent it to my Mom. I am 35 and still feel that my best physique is ahead of me. It’s never to late to start a new chapter for yourself!
Go on bodybuilding.com, and see how some of those women trimmed down for competition. About nine months, maybe eight? Not unreasonable with serious effort. Pay attention to nutrition.
WOW! I am 45 plus and sometimes feel my prime time is passing me by. I am changing my beliefs and choosing to let life be one of constant thriving! Thank you so much!
Okay, I’m motivated. I’m 47 and I’ve lost the weight (took a year). So maybe things could get even better (?) I’m getting VERY strong, but what about all this loose SKIN?Also, I had a c-section – will my tummy skin ever look nice again, or will it always look like a big fleshy bag hanging over the scar?
re: stomach and c-sections see this article by david grisaffi: http://www.amazingabdominals.com/ab_guru/csection.shtmlre loose skin, see my article here:http://www.burnthefatinnercircle.com/public/149.cfm
Dear Tom,Very inspirational. Brava ladies! Thanks for all of your excellent articles.All the best,Lauren Fessenden
I believe that you can do anything at any age. I will be doing my first figure competition in November and I just turned 40! Several years ago, I was 190 lbs and fought my way down to a lean and muscular mother of 3! I have never felt better. I am always inspired by ladies in the blog – they make me continue! I find that my loose skin is getter better as I get tighter. Ladies, keep it going – I am truly inspired!BTW, I plan on winning this competition!
Hey Tom,I’ve been watching you for a while but this is my first post here. Thanks for another great post (as usual). :)You know what, what amazed me the most is not the physique of these ladies (though it’s incredible) but their mindset. I’m sure that their mindset is what motivated them all the way through to their achievement today.I love fitness and I’m sure about that, but sometimes lifting weight just seems daunting to me. How about you, Tom? Do workouts always make you happy? If so, do you have any secrets or that’s just the way it is?Keep up the good work!Thong
Thong, mindset is a huge part of it – Ive spent as much time studying the subject and working on my mind myself as I have studying nutrition and exercise science and working on my bodyproductive training and the results it produces not only can make you happy, it brings a sense of satisfaction, pride, self confidence and much much more. Physical training is so much more than physical.check back a few weeks in the blog archives for more posts on mindset and motivation – I had an entire mind/motivation bloginar not long ago with many articls on the subjectcheers!
I am a 37year old mother of 4. I always have ad an excuse for my laziness… Not anymore. Tomorrow I start training again. Thanks for the inspiration. By 40 I should be the hottest momma around.
Tonight I just came back from celebrating my friend’s 50th birthday. What’s amazing is that Carol looks like she’s in her mid 30’s. She just finished competing in her first fitness figure competition (at age 49!!). She eats well, works hard and NEVER MAKES EXCUSES. It’s hilarious to see 30 something year old men try to pick her up. She’s got no secret formula, just CONSISTENCY.
Wow thanx for real inspiration!!So age ain’t a problem–now all ‘s that’s left is time & painful legs. Can you helpus with that,too, Tom? Thanx in advance—-Rina
Oh my god. That Maxine Johnson is over 50? She could pass for 30!
Hello, tom i have been reading your news letters and your blog for quiet some time now. you always inspire to achieve more. the information you provide is very useful, practical and based on truth.ThanksRegards
The story is great,but it is always a-true-life-matter.If you love exercise you gonna love life.Iam 42 and for the last four years a bb trained person.I have seen my life ,and my body changed,and i don’t want to stop here,but be on the move for the rest of my years,God’s will..Tom ,you are always an inspiration,especially for the Greek Bodybuilding.Keep going strong!
At 46 I entered my first “All Natural” Bodybuilding competition. I won all my catagories, including best overall and got a pro-card out it. I did it using “Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle” principles. I was in the best shape of my life. Turning 50 next year I’d like to try again and see what happens. I have lots of friends in masters bodybuilding, all look great.
Thanks for the inspiration Tom!I’m currently recovering from a 13 year illness. It’s only this past year that I can walk around the block without nearly fainting. So, while your website is still way too advanced for this former thiathlete, I appreciate the inspiring photos and stories. It helps me keep in mind that there is still plenty of time to regain health and fitness. Thanks again.Naomi
I’m 38 yrs old & feel like I’m in the best shape of my life – I’m stronger, leaner, more flexible, & faster than when I was in my 20’s or early 30’s. When I gave birth I was 35 lbs overweight & with the help of a trainer, I discovered interval cardio (I was always just a slow runner for years), weight training & yoga. I reached my one year maintenance milestone this month. I’m a full time working mom & I get up most days of the week before 5:00 am to fit in my workout so there are no excuses.Even with this weight loss, I feel like there are those who are waiting for me to gain the weight back as I approach 40 because they couldn’t take it off or keep it off. I’m determined not to follow their predictions: “it’s all downhill from 40”, “your metabolism will slow down” “you’ll gain weight as you get older” blah blah blahI always look forward to your newsletters, especially inspirational stories like this because I too believe age is just a number. Thank you.
Exercise really is something you must do so you can maintain your youth. Also, meditation can help! Thanks for the post! It is an inspiration.
Hi Tom,we who were slimmer when we were younger, and started to put on some weight around 35, and found ourselves obese at 45 need these kind of rolemodels to know that nobody is a lost case.There is a lot of these wonderful people who can inspire. Here in Sweden we´ve have Wanja Sjödin who turned 72 this year, she started to weighttrain in her late 40s and is a real scream, fit and beatiful (say, how many are that even at 25?). There is a video on Youtube with her. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5o2Usdc8a4Enjoy.
Hi Tom:What is Maxine’s age in the pic above ?You can also post a pic with Albert Beckles who was still ranked within the best 50 bodybuilders in the world when he was 63 years old.Regards,
Tom,I am 50 years old, my trainer Marie Loose is 53. She can kick ass. So I did my 2nd Sprint Triathlon in Tucson and first Perimeter Bicycle race at Cochise County a week apart right after turning 50 this month.Never felt better, even with all the muscle soreness that comes with it.PS whatever muscle wasn’t sore Marie took care of that yesterday!
Thank you for another great article Tom. There are now so many great role models for women. Along with the above mentioned another is Tosca Reno fitness model and author at 50. These women inspire me to do better as I now know I can achieve results and am not “too old”.
Oh Tom, I’m in shock and awe that you really read and quoted my comment. I use to body build, not for competition or anything just for strength and overall well being. I admit I stopped for several reasons (one being a very bad auto accident) but need to get back to it. In fact, I’m re-joining the gym tomorrow. I love following you and enjoy your emails and will most definately have to get that book you co-wrote “Fit Over 40: Role Models For Excellence At Any Age”. In fact I cannot wait to go out and buy this book on the way to the gym tomorrow………Thanks Tom