I became a ‘fit-fluencer’ at 70 (it’s never too late to transform your body)

There may not be many women who celebrate their 75th birthday by ziplining through a canyon, but I have rafting, skydiving, and skydiving on my wish list for future birthdays.

It’s hard to believe that I’ve become the daredevil of the family, but over the past six years, I’ve transformed my body and outlook, giving me a whole new zest for life.

At 70, I weighed over 14, with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, terrible insomnia, acid reflux, ankles so swollen my legs looked like stumps, and painful arthritis in my knees. I had resigned myself to a downward spiral into old age and ended up in a nursing home like my mother.

I could never have imagined that I would become a fitness fanatic with 1.7 million followers on Instagram.

But here I am, 76 years old and without medication. I am 5th lighter, with strong defined muscles, a flat tummy, shapely legs that I never knew I had. And I don’t mind wearing lycra leggings and figure-hugging crop tops (not just at the gym), and even posting bikini pics on social media.

I am delighted that my transformation has created such a stir, and I love how my photos and videos inspire others to get fit and strong.

At first I found social media complicated, the technology made me cry in frustration, but people quickly started reaching out and I was responding, and then someone said I was ‘influencing’ them. I thought, really?

I was so excited to hit 1000 followers, but things have grown so fast that I’m having a hard time keeping up. I spend a few hours a day chatting online, answering questions and cheering people up.

I love reading the uplifting stories of the people I have inspired, often they are much younger than me. When you feel loved like this, it’s easy to return it, and the love and support is simply magnified.

To be honest, I only started lifting weights because my daughter Michelle told me to.

And honestly? She saved my life.

Michelle, 51, and her husband, Jean, 41, are competitive bodybuilders and fitness trainers. When Michelle came to visit me and she saw me dragging her feet up the stairs one at a time, she told me to join her online course.

At first I resisted, I was miserable, I didn’t feel well and I thought it might be too late for me, but I finally gave in and started three workouts a week and a yoga session to increase the range of motion in my joints.

It wasn’t easy, but I was determined to quit the cocktail of drugs I was taking for all my ailments. And it was very gratifying to discover that he actually had muscles hidden under the layers of fat that had accumulated over the decades.

As I got fitter and stronger, Michelle increased the intensity of the workouts, adding new challenges (like the pull-up bar, can you imagine?) weekly gym sessions (combining bodybuilding, cardio, and stretching). ).

I may only be 5 foot 3, but I can push 145kg on the leg press and a 95kg barbell for hip thrust, more than many fit young men.

I have repeatedly read that people who do weight training plus cardiovascular exercise (such as running or cycling) get the most health benefits, and research shows that weight training can help reduce the death rate by 40%. percent.

I’m at the gym every morning and it’s the best part of my day. The work I do is just for maintenance and because I love how it makes me feel. I couldn’t have achieved this transformation without making radical changes to the way I eat as well.

I yo-yoed for most of my life, but only gained weight until Michelle taught me about the importance of eating protein (fish, meat, or eggs) with every meal, and switching from three to five or six small meals. up to date. .

Canada is my home, where the winters are really harsh, so I know how hard it can be to motivate yourself to keep up your exercise regimen when it’s cold and dark outside.

I used to be a terrible hibernator, huddling indoors and rarely going outside. But that’s no way to live. You can’t sit back and wish for a change in your life, you have to make it happen.

The good thing is that you don’t need an expensive gym membership or a personal trainer. You can do a lot of things at home, without any fancy equipment, as long as you have some kind of expert guidance through an online course or app.

I am living proof that you are never too old, never too sick or too overweight to change things. You just have to believe in your own potential and get to work. You will be surprised what you can do if you put your mind to it. If I can do it at 70, anyone can.

Big changes like mine only come as a result of daily triumphs over negativity and old habits. Every day I have to recommit to my new habits and my new attitude, but heck, is it worth it!

• Follow @trainwithjoan on Instagram or download her training app: Train with Joan ($19.99 per month). Her book, Flex Your Age: Defy Stereotypes And Reclaim Empowerment is now available, £20, DK, via amazon.co.uk.