I found it! The picture that lauched 1000(plus) lifts... what got me started...

[Puddles]

Here in Florida we have a large retired population. I'm gonna print out that picture and pin it to the bullitin board at the gym to give the ladies (expecially the older ones) some extra inspiration. Many of them seem to be afraid to push it...maybe this will help them really try and not just go through the motions.

 

[Fyre]

Seeing a women of that age, and definitely not looking her age, shows that anything is possible no matter what age you are. She is truly an inspiration. Wow!

 

[MS]

"............Of course, the question she hears most is how does a 70 year old woman look
like that. The answer is lots of work and a strict diet.
Nelson bikes 14 miles to the gym, works out an hour and a half five days a week,
then bikes back home. that's the routine five days a week, along with whatever
additional runs or rides she feels like taking. Sometimes it varies, adding
additional cardiovascular workouts.
Nelson is just as regimented with her diet. Vegetables, fruit , beans and rice
make up much of her nutrition....................."

Completely awesome, she sounds a lot like me (though I spend a little less time in the gym and a little more time backpacking ). Her achievements are truly amazing. Just goes to show how important drugs are if you're in this game for long term health instead of short term glory......food, exercise and a positive outlook (along with a dose of good genetics) are the only drugs you need!

 

[valerie]

Kelly started out lifting in a garage, with some guys. This was before there was a gym in her town. She showed me pics from when she started. She looked just like a normal woman, just an average lady for that day. She has told me some funny stories from the old days when bb was just getting started.

As far as genetics, shes pretty average. Small frame, contest wt is around 105 @ 5'2'. She has always eaten real clean, most emphasis is on carbs. She has told me more than once, "You can build muscles from peanuts!" Very much anti steroids.

I used to drive to her home every sunday and practice posing and doing our routines, during precontest prep.

She did undergo surgery last year and is right back at training and riding her bike. She had mentioned writing a book..To be honest Kelly is one tough old bird and does'nt put up with much bs when it comes to dieting and health. -valerie

 

[SteelWeaver]

Speaking of being tough, and no bs, and older women .... I don't want to sound facecious or anything, but this seems to be a fairly common characteristic in older women lifters. The ability to cut the crap and focus on the essentials. I've found it here on the boards, and in my trainer, and other older female lifters I've met. I have to say, I'm REALLY impressed by this attitude. I like it - it's straightforward and to the point, no time-wasting or nonsense, with strength and character. What to do you think? Is this a result of lifting / competing, or does this just happen as one matures? Or is it something innate in the type of women who are drawn to weight training? IMO it's related to lifting, just because in my own experience so far, I'm finding changes in the way I deal with people and issues in my life - more decisiveness, less dilly-dallying, more certainty, confidence. The ability to know rapidly what's not important and just leave it there, not fret about it ...

Y'know?

Anyway, here's to lifting as a lifestyle and the women who keep it up decade after decade. I salute you, envy you, respect you, admire you, and look to you as role models. Younger women need as much exposure as they can get to these "tough ol' birds"

 

[valerie]

Its hard to pin point where those qualities come from, I imagine it may well be an innate feature of those who go beyond the normal. For example I have a tendency to be very short with what I call "fussy eaters", people( just about aways women) who complain about healthy food not tasting good. Or people who insist that their protein drink tastse like a milkshake-get over it-protein powders serve a purpose, get your tastse goodies from the food! Being fussy just keeps you fat!

The toughness does come from having achieved a result. Knowing that disicpline will not cause death. Lifting weights that challenge and sometimes scares you. Having faced down temptation and winning.

Time is precious and so is health.

In my business I have been very blunt with people, some folks I need to tone it down(or lose their business) but others, mostly men really like it!