Name: Joan E. MacDonald
Location: Cobourg, Canada
Height: 5’3’’
Birthday: 30/03/1946
Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/trainwithjoan/
Joan Macdonald is proof that age is just a number! At the age of 74, she became a fitness inspiration for thousands of people and she is truly dedicated to working out regularly. When she was 70 years old, she suffered from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and acid reflux. Because of these health issues that were caused by a lack of physical activity and a bad diet, doctors advised her to make significant lifestyle changes. When Joan shared the news with her daughter, Michelle who is a personal trainer, helped her to develop a healthier lifestyle by focusing on different exercises including yoga and weight lifting as well as healthy eating and nutrition. By now, Joan lost 60 pounds of weight and is fitter, healthier & stronger than ever before. In the interview below, the Women’s Best ambassador Joan Macdonald will share her secrets about how she became fit at 74.
When and how did you discover your passion for fitness (and health)?
I have always been aware of my health but I have not always been able to stay focused on it, so life got in the way and my health started to deteriorate.
What is your biggest achievement?
Getting off my medication was paramount to my staying fit.
What is your secret recipe to motivate yourself to work out?
I stay motivated by being aware of how I felt before losing weight and looking younger instead of dumpy.
What are three tips you would give to your supporters and the people inspired by you?
The most important tips which will keep you healthy and fit are:
- Eat more small meals up to five a day (eat more often but smaller portions)
- Exercise consistently and only do what you can handle safely. Don’t push yourself too much not to hurt yourself.
- Handle safely until you’re stronger, then challenge yourself to get better.
What are your three favorite fitness exercises?
My favorite fitness exercises are:
- Leg presses and there are several different ones
- Pec deck machine
- Triceps exercise
How often do you work out in a week? And what is your workout routine/schedule?
I work out five days a week with one day of rest and one day when I do just cardio. Each day of exercises is different and I always change ¼ of the exercises in my workout routine. This way I make sure that my routines support the growth of all different muscles.
What does your diet look like? Do you commit to a special diet? (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, low carb, low fat)
I eat a fairly balanced diet of protein, carbs, and good fat. The first three meals in my daily diet are a little larger than the last two because I work out mainly in the mornings. My calorie count is at 1450 KC daily.
Which supplements do you use? And what is your favorite Women’s Best product?
I use the following Women’s Best supplements: BCAA, True Beauty Collagen, Protein Bars, Amino & Energy, Protein Spread and Protein Powder (my favorite flavors are chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel).
Many people find it hard to eat healthy daily. How do you make sure to keep a healthy diet in your everyday life?
I try to plan out my meals a week at a time and make changes as the week goes by.
What has inspired you towards social media? When/how did you start it and what is your favorite platform (Instagram / YouTube / Facebook etc…)?
I have been on Facebook for several years to keep in touch with family and friends but a year after starting my fitness and health transformation, my daughter created the account for me on Instagram to put me in touch with my followers.
How important do you think it is to stay active at every age?
Being active keeps not only your body in good shape but sharpens the brain and your quality of life, therefore, improves. Of course, being active and sporty already in a young age is very beneficial to have already a good condition and discipline to work out regularly.
How did your daughter’s support and coaching help you to be more active, lose weight, and improve your health?
My daughter and her husband have been the driving force to accomplishing my fitness and health goals and they never gave up on me. I might have given up at times without their support so having supportive people in your life is paramount to your success.
How do you feel about being a role model for so many people around the world, inspiring them to stay active and healthy at every age?
I feel very humbled that others would feel inspired by what I’ve accomplished. I decided on improving my health condition and do sport to make my life more comfortable and active. I never thought that my life would bloom to this degree and I only hope to be able to help many men and women accomplish their goals of a healthier life. Our lives don’t need to end when we reach out to middle years.
