NEXT AVENUE SPECIAL SECTION
Fitness Influencer Joan MacDonald: It’s Not Too Late to Embrace a Healthier Life By Lisa B. Samalonis
Seventy-five-year-old Joan MacDonald (right) transformed her body and life over the last five years — going from overweight and on several medications to drug-free and fit. In the process, she became an Instagram fitness influencer. “My body was breaking down,” said MacDonald, who had edema, low energy, and was on numerous medicines for arthritis, high blood pressure, and acid reflux. “I had to have a conversation with myself: ‘You are not happy with life; you need to change,’” MacDonald said, adding she knew that her daughter Michelle, a strength and conditioning specialist, had improved her own health and the lives of many others. Working with Michelle, MacDonald became stronger, healthier, and more energetic. “I had to have a conversation with myself: You are not happy with life; you need to change.” Despite the TrainWithJoan Instagram page, where she posts her workouts and meals, having more than 1.7 million followers, she doesn't consider herself a celebrity. Next Avenue: What advice do you give people concerned about their health but who don't know where to start? Joan MacDonald: Start by getting up and moving. As we get older, we tend to believe the myth that once you reach 40, forget it. But that is not true. People should only jump into some things at a time. Take it slow to avoid injury. Are you in a hurry? This is the rest of your life we are talking about. Let it just
come as you are learning. Don’t expect miracles in the beginning.
Next Avenue: Did you ever get discouraged?
Joan MacDonald: Yes. My worst problems with motivation were during the first year. I wanted to be done. I didn't realize there was no ‘done.’ It’s a change you make in your whole life. It's just how you do things now. When I don't feel like working out — those feelings are fleeting.
Next Avenue: Did you think you were too old to make this change?
Joan MacDonald: I never let my age factor in trying to do this. Some people think you must be a certain way as you age. But why can’t we be what we want to be? We are not hurting anybody, and we are making ourselves healthier.
Read more stories like this on NextAvenue.org. Photo credit: @trainwithjoan/Instagram
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