EverydayHealth posted a great article the other day, 10 Super Seniors We Admire. This list shows amazing feats (impressive at ANY age!) that Seniors have accomplished. A few on this list prove that fitness can be mastered at any stage in your life, no matter how old you are. It goes to show that it’s really not how old you are but how old you feel and act.
Check out some of the amazing individuals:
Gladys Burrill aka “The Gladyator”
Gladys completed her first (but definitely not her last) marathon at the age of 86 after being inspired by the early morning fireworks kicking off the Honolulu Marathon the previous year. She is now 92 and is still going strong. After the Honolulu Marathon December of 2010, Gladys became the oldest woman ever to complete a marathon according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Gladys feels that it is her attitude that keeps her going so strong. “It’s so important to think positive,” she told NBC Sports. “It makes such a difference in how you feel and your outlook on everything.” We couldn’t agree more, Gladyator!!
Frances Woofenden: The Super Skiing Senior
Frances is a competitive water skier at the age of 84-years-old. She didn’t start waterskiing until her mid 50’s but since then, she has earned over 100 medals. She wanted to pick up something new that was fun and active that would keep her feeling young and healthy. Water skiing did the trick! Frances is also as stylish as she is skilled. Even in the water she is always decked out in gold earring and hot pink lipstick. Lookin’ good Frances!
Ernestine Shepherd: Oldest Female Bodybuilder
Ernestine is the world’s oldest bodybuilder and not missing a step at 74-years-old. Her daily routine entails waking up at 3 am to run and lift weights. Ernestine is inspired by Sylvester Stallone as she is a die-hard Rocky fan. Ernestine runs over 80 miles a week and can bench press 150 pounds! How many miles are you running a week? I bet (hope) this makes you want to run more, whatever your answer may be.
John “Zapped” Zapotocky
John fell in love with the ocean in 1940 when he moved to Hawaii and has now been paddling for longer than most of you have been alive. John is the oldest Beachboy Surfer in the world and the oldest regular surfer in Waikiki. John has never let his two artificial knees or his age slow him down. In regard to eating habits, John states, “If you’re gonna eat something, eat something fresh.” He snacks on papaya and mangos, which he grows in his backyard. John as always believed it’s the ocean that has kept him young and he hopes to be out surfing until he is at least 100 years old.
Mark Covert
Mark does not have quite as many years as the rest of the seniors on this list, but considering his past 40 years, I do not see him slowing down anytime soon. Mark is believed to maintain the 2nd longest street of running every single say in the world. His streak began on July 23rd, 1968 and continues to today. Mark says he still looks forward to running every day, the trees just seem to go by a little slower now. Next time you want to skip the gym because you are too tired or think you are too busy…think of Mark Covert!
…are YOU ready to hit the gym now?
Matt
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