As a teenager, I was physically fit, but after two toxic marriages, my confidence, body image and self-esteem were ruined. As a result, I struggled with an eating disorder and part of my colon was damaged so badly that I needed surgery. After surgery and a stay in hospital, I knew it was time for a change. I wanted to live longer and happier.
I started my fitness journey in 2015, at 58, when most people were slowing down. My son Ryan became my trainer and started a keto diet and Beachbody workouts with me at home. Overall, I felt weak and my knees were driving me crazy at first. But after a few weeks of consistent strength building, my pain disappeared.
I trained at home for four years. Then Ryan suggested I join a gym to expand my fitness routine and reach my potential. To be honest, it took me a while to gain confidence. I wasn’t used to training with other people and to be honest, I felt uncomfortable doing it. But I’m so proud that I stuck it out.
Now you can’t keep me away from the gym.
When I joined a gym at age 62, I was able to transform my trauma into strength training and reach my true potential.
I always wanted to be happy, but with abusive partners and a lack of support, I struggled to achieve this. However, I quickly found a way out in the gym. I learned to move forward by focusing on myself and channeling my energy into strength and progress.
To hold myself accountable, I get up every morning and do 15-20 minutes of ab exercises. Not only does this make me feel strong, but it’s the right way to start my day.
Around lunchtime, I head to the gym with Ryan. I train seven days a week and start each workout with 15 minutes on the elliptical. Because of my existing shoulder and foot injuries, the elliptical is gentle enough to get blood flowing and warm up my muscles without causing pain.
I do strength training and organize my workouts so that I train a different body part every day. I usually train my lower body twice a week, dedicating one day each to chest, back, arms and shoulders. One day I do light cardio on the cross trainer, bike or rowing machine.
Back is my favorite muscle, but I also like to train legs because it’s a challenge. Lower body has always been my weak spot, but I focus on the progress I’ve made. Whether it’s an extra rep or a weight gain, my goal is to get a little stronger every day. Today I can do 110 pounds on the lat pulldown and 170 pounds on the leg press.
After struggling with restricted diet, I finally learned how to nourish my body properly.
I have always struggled with body image and battled a severe eating disorder for years. With the guidance of my son, I learned that eating right is not only crucial to my workouts and energy levels, but also to living a longer life.
I’ve cut out diet soda and processed snacks and instead focused on filling my plate with whole foods, paying special attention to eating more protein and less sugar. I love eggs, oatmeal, fish, lean beef, and lots of vegetables (cauliflower will always be my favorite). I also drink a protein shake after a workout, which is crucial for building muscle and recovery.
Once I started nourishing and caring for my body properly, my energy levels skyrocketed. I was less lethargic, more mentally sharp, and overall stronger when training.
Finding a supportive community gave me the family I needed.
For most of my life I was unhappy and lacked support. I felt like I wasn’t good enough for anyone and my two marriages really got to me. After falling in love with the gym, I also connected with the most incredible fit family.
I started posting my journey on Instagram and it quickly went viral. I became known as the Granny of the Internet (Granny Guns) and strangers called me their inspiration. Because of my age, men and women online and at the gym tell me they are impressed with my dedication, drive and strength transformation. For the first time in my life, I felt important.
With passion and drive, I stuck with my journey and now at 66 years old, I am the oldest person in the country to be a sponsored athlete. Today, I am sponsored by YoungLA, Ryse Supplements and Village Hidden In Iron and I am so proud of myself. It truly is a dream come true.
Through this strong community, I have also met some of my role models such as Arnold Schwarzengger, Noel Deyzel and Ronnie Coleman who have given me endless support and encouragement. Aside from lovingly calling me Grandma, I know they support me and have my back always. Their recognition of my journey fills me with purpose and motivates me to push my limits while inspiring others to do the same.
Not to mention the comments I get online are so positive. I had no support at all before and now I have all the support in the world. I have honestly never been happier.
My next goal is to get my pro bodybuilding card.
I never thought I would be a bodybuilder, but last year I built up my confidence in myself and entered two shows. I was the oldest competitor in every category, so it definitely took a lot of confidence. I felt like I belonged and was so proud of myself.
This experience has inspired me to work towards my pro bodybuilding card. Along with intense training and a stricter diet to make my muscles visible, this will require a lot of concentration and focus. I know I’m ready for it. I’ve come this far and I love a good challenge.
These three things were the key to my power transformation.
1. Through strength training I learned to put myself first.
You can’t forget trauma, but you can forgive it and move on. Fitness has shown me that I am worth something, and as I saw my body change, so did my mind. Nothing is holding me back, and with my physical and mental transformation, I know my power is limitless. I have started a new life, and I’m just getting started.
2. I connected with the community to support my training and stay motivated.
Through my gym, my Instagram community, and my YoungLA network, I’ve connected with an incredible group of athletes who share my journey and celebrate this lifestyle. Plus, seeing other athletes achieve their goals motivates me to keep going and try harder. This is my second chance at life, and the fact that I get to share my journey with others is very special. I have more support than I ever imagined.
3. I use my challenging past as motivation for a stronger future.
Life hasn’t been without its challenges, but I know it’s made me stronger to get to where I am today. Instead of dwelling on my past, I use it as motivation.
My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, because it is never too late! At 66, my age is just a number. It is not a limitation, but rather a badge of honor that I wear proudly.
