Meet Joan MacDonald: The 73-year-old fitness fanatic
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Meet Joan MacDonald: The 73-year-old fitness fanatic

Updated | By Scenic Drive With Rian

Joan MacDonald is proving that it's never too late to make big life changes.

Joan MacDonald
Instagram/ Joan MacDonald

Many of us might be looking for inspiration for a better life - and to even get that perfect body. 

If you haven't found inspiration yet - you don't have to look any further because Joan MacDonald is just what you need to get rid of those extra kilos. 

READ: Rasheed Pandy: Inventor of the iconic Gatsby

Three years ago, Joan MacDonald visited the doctor and was told that her health was deteriorating rapidly. MacDonald was on multiple medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and acid reflux. 

MacDonald decided to make a few big life changes. She decided to exercise and eat healthier. 

MacDonald's workout routine has changed over the past three years, but she still spends at least five days a week at the gym.

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I thought I’d share with you how my coach actually trains me. 😅 I think a lot of women my age get really pacified at the gym. I see a lot of chit-chat going on in general between trainers and their older female clients, and not much effort. I imagine Trainer’s must think we can’t be pushed and we are there to mark time, and not accomplish much. 🤷🏼‍♀️. If I can advise you on one thing: find a trainer who really knows their stuff and can teach you good form and really push you. 🏋🏻‍♀️ I would NEVER have even thought to learn how to hip thrust or deadlift on my own. I used to just go and sit on the machines and do circuits. But that all changed when I started working with a proper coach. @yourhealthyhedonista just puts me through my paces like a drill sergeant and shows me videos of my form and also does a lot of demonstrations and hands on corrections. This has really helped me learn how to lift properly. I only get to work with her a few times throughout the year but every time I do I seem to make huge improvements. She always tells me: whether you’re young or old, all bodies respond to the same technique of proper exercise selection, proper volume, and progressive overload (making the workouts harder each week). If you dumb it down just because you’re older you won’t get the results you are looking for. Don’t be taken advantage of my dears. If you really want to make changes, decide to become strong and decide that you’re worth the effort. 🏋🏻‍♀️ I don’t know about you all but I am ITCHING to get back in the gym. I am eagerly watching people in other provinces and states and countries returning to the gym. How exciting! I can’t wait to start hip thrusting again and getting my pull up strength back. What about you? When is your gym reopening or are you already back? What do you want to train? Let’s all make the rest of 2020 something truly amazing. 💪 stay strong, love your neighbour, and work hard for your goals! With love, Joan ❤️ . @anytimefitnesscobourg

A post shared by Joan MacDonald (@trainwithjoan) on

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3 years ago I began this long, slow journey and now I realize that there really isn’t any end to it. Each day I move in a direction based on my choices. Each month is a new milestone. Each year I seem to have changed so completely I think I can’t change any more and yet I do.💕💕 At this point, I truly realize that we are limitless. At any moment we can make a decision to change. No matter how difficult or challenging life is, we must remain steadfast in our aim and keep inching forward. When I got started I never imagined I’d be where I am today. I just wanted to get my health back and get off my medication. Each door we step through leads to another door and then another. I hope you all keep choosing to grow! To learn to love yourself, take the best care of yourself, and dare to dream and love with your whole heart again.🙏🙏 . Pink outfit by @womensbest . . #transformation #hope #justdoit.

A post shared by Joan MacDonald (@trainwithjoan) on

Do you know older people who are extremely fit?

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