Joan MacDonald is 73 and living her best life after losing 62 pounds. She decided to transform her life and now is on the cover of fitness magazines.
Never Too Old To Be Fit
In 2016, MacDonald was 200 pounds, on daily medication for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and acid reflux. She’d had tumors removed from her abdomen, progressive arthritis, and had knee surgery. She was in a negative place, she says, and uncomfortable with herself.
MacDonald told CBC, “I was very uncomfortable and unhappy. I would do anything to not be in a picture because if I had a picture taken, I’d hate it.” (1)
Eventually, her doctors informed her that she would need increased doses of her medication. That was when MacDonald decided something had to change.
“[My health] was going downhill on a slippery slope. I had lost control and it wasn’t a good feeling,” said MacDonald. “It had to change. I didn’t want to end up in a nursing home like my mom did.” (1)
MacDonald’s daughter and her husband, professional bodybuilders with a private gym in Mexico, approached and offered to help. Joan agreed.
Working Out At 73
After a tough discussion with her daughter, who put Joan’s situation and condition straight to her, Joan went to Mexico. She spent two weeks with her daughter learning healthy eating habits, proper form and technique with gym equipment, and free weights. Up to that point, Joan had a gym membership, but she never went regularly and didn’t know how to use some of the machines. Joan’s daughter also taught her how to use her phone for training, tracking progress, and meal planning.
“It was very hot and humid. I’m telling you, I sweat buckets. It was really, really difficult,” Joan MacDonald said. (1)
Her daughter, Michelle, added, “She pushed herself very hard and she’s stubborn, so I had to get her to slow down. I always have to tell her to slow down.” (1)
After the two weeks, MacDonald returned home.
A New Lease On Life
MacDonald kept up her program. She belonged to an online fitness group of women and she reported in weekly with her progress and pictures. A difficult task at first for her. Within 6 months, she was down 45 pounds and posed for the cover of a fitness magazine with her daughter.
It was hard work, and she says sometimes she was ready to quit. But she also knew that she had to continue to see the results she was looking for.
“There were times I would get angry that something wasn’t happening that I wanted to happen. I still had that anger in me for a couple of years. I’m getting rid of it slowly.” (1)
In November 2018, Michelle created an Instagram account for her mother to inspire others and it’s already gained 119,000 followers.
It’s remarkable that I can possibly influence people. It wasn’t to gain notoriety, but it ended up that way,” Joan said. “I do what I do and I don’t think about being a [role] model. If someone wants to take it that way, that’s great.” (1)
But the biggest improvement and what she cares most about is being completely off medication. She has a new lease on life, her body, mind, and relationships are much healthier.
“Even in your 70s, you can grow muscle. It’s beyond any expectation or inspiration,” MacDonald said. “If you’ve got bad health, you’re not happy with the way you are or the life you’re living, then start to take charge. Surround yourself with positive people who are going to back you.” (1)
