Joan MacDonald decided it was time for a life style change at age 70. Her health was declining due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and acid reflux. Instead of continuing to increase her medications for her chronic conditions, she decided to make some major changes in her life.
For Joan it was time to focus on her health and realize her capabilities. She wanted to be done taking medications for her declining health. She was ready to adopt healthier habits and began to pave her way to fitness. Joan had strong support from her daughter who helped her plan her initial workouts in order to reach her health and fitness goals.
Joan started from the beginning with walking to build cardio endurance and yoga to ensure mobility and flexibility. Then she added weight training to build strength, beginning with light weights and slowly working her way up to heavier weights.
Three years later at age 73, Joan has lost 62 pounds and no longer has to take any medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or acid reflux. According to her doctors she is a healthy 73 year old.
It took dedication on Joan’s part to commit to the necessary time and hard work to make her lifestyle changes. Joan was very consistant with her time in the gym and eventually worked up to a two hour exercise routine, five days a week. She now devotes two of her gym days to cardio on the stationary bike or rower. The other three days a week she mixes in strength training with her cardio.
Joan realized that diet and exercise go hand in hand, so she had to make dietary changes to realize her weight loss goal. She knows it’s not just about losing weight, but also about feeling strong. Joan takes pride in her ability to do a few unassisted pull-ups.
Joan’s daughter encouraged her mother to improve her physical body, but also her mind. Joan enjoys taking Spanish and doing crossword puzzles.
Joan has put in a lot of hard work and has devoted herself to making healthy lifestyle changes with the help of her daughter. After reaching her goals, Joan is truly enjoying this chapter of her life.
Improving physical and mental fitness is hard work but worth it, making your older years healthy. Start your own fitness program by joining a gym or finding a walking path. With some determination you can prevent your body from breaking down as you age. Joan is an inspiration for us all.