GOLDEN AGE
I’m a fitness model at 76 & I’ve never been so ripped as my unrecognisable throwback photo proves – here are my secrets
A MOTIVATIONAL fitness model has shared the secrets to bagging her dream body at the ripe age of 76.
Joan MacDonald has transformed her figure over the last 30 years and says she has never been more ripped in her life.
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The plucky pensioner is barely recognisable in old photos after smashing intense workouts and lifting hefty weights each day.
She decided to redefine her relationship with exercise after doctors advised her to drastically change her lifestyle.
The author wanted to stay fighting fit while on medication for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis and acid reflux.
Joan, who lives in Canada and Mexico, decided to utilise her daughter's expertise to help her get into shape.
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She suggested personal trainer Michelle should "take her on as a client" when she was left out of breath after climbing the stairs.
The influencer said: "I had to have a conversation with myself: You are not happy with life; you need to change."
Joan started heading to the gym, with the support of her daughter, and changing her diet to five small meals a day.
She admitted her "stubbornness" and desire to make her family proud provided her with the fuel for her workouts.
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The fitness fanatic joined Instagram in November 2017 and began posting clips of her incredible workouts and tips.
She enjoys weight training and cardio, particularly swimming and biking, to help tone up her beach bod.
Joan quickly enticed a legion of 1.7million followers of all ages, who were obsessed with the confident content creator.
The influencer inspired thousands of people by sharing pictures before and after she began her exercise journey.
Documenting her extraordinary development from age 46 to 76, the mum wowed the world with her eye-popping biceps.
The throwback snap showed a plumper-looking Joan in a swimsuit, while the other pictured her proudly flexing in the gym.
She shared the post in hopes of motivating others to test their strength - no matter their age.
Joan wrote: "Your habits will either make time your enemy, or your friend.
"My advice to you thinking about getting started with a journey is to focus on your daily habits, not on the end goal.
"I had NO IDEA I would end up where I am today.
"I focused on trying to make better choices, really working hard on developing a better mindset and support system.
"And I just tried to get 1 per cent better."
Joan advised fans not to be fooled by so-called quick fixes and fad diets, saying it took her years of consistency.
She suggested keeping a journal to jot down your emotions and developing a support system with like-minded people to help bolster your enthusiasm.
The superfit mum also recommends guzzling at least 2 litres of water as one of her "great daily habits that will pay off."
She continued: "Get some exercise in! Maybe it's a 30 minutes daily walk or a 30 minute body weight circuit.
"Maybe it's my app. It's up to you, but commit to taking better care of this vessel you're in, the human body."
The social media sensation rounded off the post by encouraging her followers to "get started".
Joan added: "We can all change the quality of our lives if we want to.
"Please don't ever buy into a negative belief about yourself. We can do amazing things!"
Instagram users applauded her transformation while thanking her for the daily dose of inspiration.
One wrote: "Absolutely love this. Habits are king... or Queen."
Another added: "I'm 55 and just started doing this and your inspiring me and keeping me going on the daily."
A third chimed in: "I always think about your words, especially the ones regarding the chance to enjoy our life no matter the age we are. We all deserve the best."
A fourth simply said: "1 per cent better every day."
Joan says that in turn, her followers give her the determination to power through workouts.
She said: "Although I have wanted to quit several times, I can't because these people keep telling me I have given them hope, so I have to be there for them."
We previously told how a bodybuilder who is still winning trophies at the age of 81 spilled his secrets to success.
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Or take a look at this woman who took up weightlifting in her 60s and says she feels "fitter than ever" after dropping 40lbs.
And this legendary bodybuilder is returning to the stage in his 50s, despite taking a ten-year hiatus.
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