Ernestine Shepherd: 74 years old and in the best shape of her life!
74One of my goals for 2011 is to change my body shape. I want definition, tone, fitness and stamina. Yes, I want it all!
It has been exactly one year since I last did ANY form of exercise, so I decided to buy some gym equipment and have set up my own fitness plan to begin working out at home. I then thought wouldn’t it be a great idea to have a picture of the physique of someone whose shape I aspire. Being a highly visual person, it is important that I can physically 'see' what it is that I want to achieve.
So, I started browsing the internet in search of this image that I could see in my mind.
And, during my search I stumbled across Ernestine Shepherd.
Some of you may have heard of her, but I had not.
Now, brace yourself folks, whether you are a gym junkie or couch spud, this woman is going to leave an indelible mark on you today... and maybe for a long time.
Ernestine Shepherd is 74 years old, excuse me 74 years young!! Yes, I repeat, seventy-four years of age.
She was awarded a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the oldest female bodybuilder, ever. She began working out at the age of 56 after her sister passed away from brain aneurysm and has dedicated her life to her own health ever since.
Her motto is: ‘Determined, Dedicated and Disciplined’ and she can be seen daily wearing her motivational tee shirts where she trains members at her local church in Baltimore, US.
Now to give you a little background on this wonderful lady, she wakes up at 3am every single day to commence her workout, which usually starts with a 10 mile run and THEN she hits the weights. This 5 foot 5 inches iron woman is also a certified personal trainer and can bench press 150-lbs!
Just looking at this woman, I feel breathless, in awe, humbled, hope-full, inspired – but mostly empowered because of what she has achieved and continues to achieve within herself. Of course she has an amazing physique, but she is also highly disciplined, happy, strong and her beauty shines from the inside, out. This is one woman I would like to meet one day.
Mrs Ernestine Shepherd is a true inspiration to me and how I now envisage myself physically, mentally and spiritually at the age of 70 and beyond. Ernestine, you have sparked a lifestyle commitment for me now and I commend your determination, discipline and dedication. Thank You.
I hope this has touched you in some place in you as it has me, so that you can also take action on your health. Today.
Stay Blessed.
Are you going to take action on your fitness goals this year?
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Hi, Wow! how fantastic! what an inspiration, now I can see that there is no reason for not exercising, what a fantastic lady!
I'm also a fitness buff.I enjoy my early morning run and on alternating days I hit the gym.I hope at 74 I can be in as good a shape as Mrs.Shepherd.I can see why you would use her as your role model.She inspires people.Thank you for sharing this amazing woman.
@Imatellmuva, thanks for your comments.. what a coincidence that she lives in your town. She seems like a beautiful person, the type of person I'd love to have as a friend..
@NellRose, yes, an amazing lady, who proves that age is absolutely no excuse. Thanks for your comment.
@SilentReed, thanks for your stopping by, yes I'm totally awestruck by this woman. I would so love to train with her.. aesthetically and physically she puts most 20 years olds to shame! Men included!
Man, I can't get over this woman. All I continue to say is...This is not the body of a 74 year old, Wow she looks terrific, a gift from God she is.
@Hi jagandelight, yes Mrs Ernestine's motto is 'dedicated, determined and disciplined' and this is now my daily mantra! An awesome woman.. Thank you for your comments :)
I'm a fitness lover and am so impressed and grateful to the amazing Ernestine. Thanks for introducing me to my new role model. Impressive and very doable for us all, lets all follow along and have amazing powerful and capable bodies well into our golden years! Well Done! :) Katie
@Hi katiem2, I'm so glad to hear she has inspired you also, doesn't this woman just give you a high! Remember 'dedicated, discipline, determined' all the way! Thanks for stopping by :)
You're right Ashantina, I am impressed. I've actually seen her on several TV shows. I went out a bought some fish after reading the hub about that 109 year old man. LOL! Now I'm going to the gym in the morning. Very inspirational hubs.
@Hey fastfreta, ..and I'm very impressed by your pro-activeness, lol! Apparently, there's a transfatty acid in fish that contributes to youthful skin.. I'm going to write a hub on this very soon, so watch this space!
And have fun working it at the gym. You go girl! :)
Great Hub Ashantina what an amazing body for a 74 year old!!! I am jealous and nearly 40 years younger...
@Hi Colette Morris, yes this woman is surreal!! Can you believe that she first began working out at the age of 56!! If she can do it, then we all most definitely can with a whole lot of 'determination, dedication and discipline' as she says.
Thank you for stopping by.
What an amazing commitment to her health and wellbeing. It's a big reminder - believe you can. Thanks for sharing!
@Hi Germaine, thanks, you've hit on two very crucial words here: 'commitment' and 'believe'... so so important! Its pointless starting any fitness routine [or anything in life] if you lack this. I've got a picture of Ms Shepherd on my desktop, to remind myself daily, that I can!
Thanks for commenting!
Wow! I have never heard or seen this woman before but I am full of admiration for her! She looks amazing! I know that I will never get up at 3am in the morning and run 10 miles every morning, but it is an inspiration anyway! I began working out at the age of 47 and I am happy to see that I have many years left! Thanks for telling me about this lady! I am so impressed!
@hey thoughtforce, and yes you have plennnnty of mileage left!!! Glad to hear you're working out!! Ms Shepherd is just one example of the beauty of the human spirit and what we can achieve if we believe..
Thanks for stopping n sharing.. :)
I'd ask her for a date, but if she is gonna get up at 3AM I will have to pass...She looks great but that is a crazy schedule! Nonetheless, Vote up and awesome!
@3AM early?! Are you kidding? Sleepin is for babies!!
Seriously, though Ms Shepherd is uber-human, I think she must be taking a high dosage of resveratrol or something! lol, but I'm lovin her. Thanks for stoppin PR.. and um go get some sleep!!
My racquetball partner is also 74 and she gives me a run for my money. She is also the world's oldest 3rd degree black belt in karate which she achieved last year. There are many women this age still achieving amazing fitness awards and it is awe inspiring! Go Ernie!!
Truly amazing lady. I to workout and dedicate myself to good health and looking goodr. I am 43 in 4 months and have worked out since being a teenager. I to have defied the aging process. By looking at Miss Ernstein, I hope ro look that incredible at her age. To stay that focused and disciplined is remarkable and inspiring. On days when I don't feel like staying with it, I think of herooo and get recharged. Hail to you miss. Ernstein, keep up the great results.
Fran
Amazing ! what an inspiration ! Only 1 other person I know who has that dedication, commitment, and discipline. and this person also has amazing results to show for it.
@Hi Sara, thats awesome! It just goes to prove that age is just a number.. but only if one 'believes' this to be so...
@Hey Franfit, it sounds like you are well on your way to defying your age through your commitment to your physical health. Keep pushing forward, I wish you continued success!!
@Thanks for commenting Bruce M. These people are our teachers and our role models. We can only achieve our true wants and needs through what they show us: dedication, commitment and die-hard discipline!! "..no pain, no gain" as they say :)
Ouch! That's hurt! I am way younger not even half of every age but she still stronger and slimmer than me. Wow!
Ouch, I felt that too :) Yes she works very very hard! And she gives us hope that we can look hot in our 70s!!
Thanks for reading Freya :) And have a great day!
Wow! What an amazing woman. We love it. Age is no limit to fitness anymore
Hi claphamgym, and thank you so much for stopping by.
And youre absolutely right, age has no limit or boundaries on what you want to achieve physically and health wise, and Ms Ernestine Shephard is living proof of this.
Keep up the great work you do guys!
Take care.
This has been so inspiring. Not just because of her age (I shared it on my Facebook page) but because it made me realise that sometimes it can take a while to achieve our dreams. From age 56 to her current level of fitness is 18 years and she kept going... now I am inspired again about my own fitness in particular and life in general!!
Diane, youve hit on it... about it taking a while to achieve our dreams. We really need to absorb that ole saying age is just a number, and I guess so is time. However, we gotta keep it real and remember we can achieve sooo much, and more, if we use time [and age] to our advantage.
Glad youre inspired, keep it going :) And thank you so much for stopping by and sharing my article. Drop by again soon!
Wow Iam blown away... I just dont know what to say..I guess no more excuses for me. wow truly inspiring.
...youre right gustavotorres, NO more excuses!!!
Have a wonderful day :)
Lord how beautiful she has worked very hard,and it shows.
Great hub and the person you featured did a very great job.
Hi prettynutjob30, ..it sure does show! Lots n lots of hard work as you say, pays off.
Thanks for stopping by ):
Hey masmasika, thank you. Ernestine is truly a work of [her own] art!
imatellmuva Level 4 Commenter 16 months ago
Ernestine Shepherd and I hail from the same city. She looks even more amazing in person! I have not met her, but I have seen her, and she makes EVERYONE do a double take!