Ernestine Shepard - role model

Professional bodybuilder, fitness center coach, model. Such a biography will not surprise anyone today, unless we are talking about a 77-year-old woman. Many will exclaim: "Is this possible?" Of course, yes!

Meet Ernestine Shepard

This charming American woman with a dazzling smile became famous for her unique achievement worthy of the Guinness Book of Records. In 2010, her name was listed in the famous collection due to the fact that she was recognized as the most elderly woman in the world of professional bodybuilding. And although to this day it has not managed to keep its record, it does not detract from its success.

In 1937, the heroine of our article, Ernestine Shepard, was born in the city of Baltimore. Her biography was nothing special: an exemplary wife and mother, an ordinary secretary in an elementary school. According to her, she led a sedentary lifestyle and considered herself lazy. Ernestine Shepard in her youth never went in for sports.

How it all began

According to the record holder herself, everything happened during the selection of a swimsuit. She suddenly saw in the mirror a plump woman with a swollen figure and decided that something must be done about this. And it was at that time neither more nor less than 56 years.

In the decision to change the way of life she was fully supported by her older sister, with whom they were very friendly. They started with hiking in the Baltimore area, aerobics and rare visits to the gym. The sisters quickly got involved and spent more and more time running and practicing athletic gymnastics, constantly complicating the training program. Gradually appeared the first results, which only inspired for further work and eventually led to competitions in bodybuilding.

But not everything is so smooth

Everything turned out perfectly. It was not only a great form that was received, but also success in sports, and even at that age! But there is a tragedy: Mrs. Shepard's sister suddenly dies of an aneurysm. This event so shocked Ernestine that she began to feel depressed and abandoned her studies. And only after a while she found the strength to resume training and gave herself the right to become famous for her beloved sister.

Successes in sports

Ernestina Shepard pays special attention to running. She took part in 9 marathon races. In 2007, a woman decides to become a professional bodybuilder. She turns to Jonny Schamburger - Mr. Universe, the winner of the BB championship at the 1995 Pan American Games - and starts training under his direction. Already in 7 months she participates in the East Coast Championship and ranks first in her class, leaving behind her younger rivals. Then there was another victory at the competitions and participation in various contests for BB. But the most important thing she believes is the victory over the numbers in the passport and the word "impossible."

Nowadays

How does Ernestine Shepard feel today? The photos prove that everything is wonderful in the life of this amazing woman. She continues to lead a rich life, and every day is painted by the minute.

According to the athlete, the regime of the day is of paramount importance for health and success. Ernestina's day begins at 3 am with meditation. Then follows a multi-kilometer run and training in the gym. Mrs. Shepard does not get tired of talking about how important rest and recovery is for an athlete. This is a dream after lunch and retirement no later than 22 hours.

Ernestine Shepard follows a balanced diet, thanks to which she can boast a relief press. Her menu consists of brown rice, chicken breasts, raw proteins, cereals, lots of vegetables and fruits, and Ehrnestina eats four times a day, mostly steam and baked food. Care for food is entrusted to the husband of an athlete who personally prepares her food.

After training Ernestina Shepard conducts fitness classes with elderly women, among whom there are also those who have exceeded 80. There are always a lot of people in her classes, some come to this fitness center for tens of kilometers. Now not only women but also men train in her group. She became an example for imitation. Its success motivates people to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. But most importantly - looking at her, you know that it's never too late to start.

But that's not all. The athlete is invited to various TV shows and fashion shows, where she demonstrates clothes for older women.

Personal life

With her husband Collin Shepard Ernestina has been living for more than 55 years. Today the spouse is more concerned than ever with the number of admirers of his wife. They have a son and a grandson. By the way, the latter wants to see in the grandmother is not a bodybuilder, but the most ordinary grandmother.