The weightlifter’s health has changed completely since he started bodybuilding at the age of 70.
Joan McDonald, 77, is a fitness trainer who published a health book last year called Flex Your Age: Defy Stereotypes and Reclaim Empowerment.
she has about 2 million followers Instagram account (@trainwithjoan).
On the app’s bodybuilder page, she revealed her goal of becoming a trainer.
“My mission is to inspire and uplift as many people as possible,” her account said.
Joan recently shared a post celebrating progress on her fitness journey.
The collage featured photos of her before and after she started lifting weights.
One is of her at age 57 and the other is of her now, at age 77, much slimmer and bare.
She captioned the photo, “Never believe you can’t turn your life around.”
“I had a hysterectomy when I was in my 40s, leaving me with only one ovary,” Joan admitted in the caption.
She continued: “I didn’t get any advice about HRT, hypotensive exercise, pelvic floor strengthening, etc. I didn’t know how to eat healthy.”
“I was alone, failing fail after fail, gradually gaining weight until I was over 200 pounds, as you can see in this picture.”
Joan revealed that she is just 5 feet 3 inches tall.
A weightlifter’s healthy daughter and son-in-law helped her turn around in her 70s, she said.
“Now I carry the flame and do my best to light as many candles as possible,” her caption explained.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are, what happened in the past, or how bad you’ve been feeling. Small daily actions that point you in the right direction, just being consistent can make a big difference.”
She continues, “The power of mindset, building community, starting small, changing your eating habits, and starting strength training is detailed in my book, Flex Your Age.” continued.
“I also provide a ton of free information in my feeds and highlights here,” she added.
“My wish is to help as many of you as possible get started.”
This inspiring woman even used the caption to show recognition to other “older women” who are healthy and inspiring.
“Today, so many older women share a simple truth about flipping aging, gaining muscle, losing body fat, and getting their life on track,” she said.
She inspired others to share their life stories. “If you have a great story to tell about getting your health back, we’d love to hear it!”
Many of Joan’s followers who are inspired by her commented that they were amazed at how different she looked in the makeover images.
An Instagram user said, “Let’s talk about aging backwards!”
Their comment continued, ‘You continue to inspire me and those around you! It reminds me that I can be healthy no matter what.”
Another said, ‘Wow! You literally look like two different people!’
“I love that you are redefining what aging women are like. I am always inspired by you,” the user added.
