At age 75, Ernestine “Ernie” Shepherd is living a life she could have never dreamed of decades ago. She is a personal trainer, a professional model, and a competitive bodybuilder. Not bad! Not bad at all! But how did this woman go from a sedetary lifestyle as a school secretary and never working out a day in her life to a bodybuilder?
At 56, Ernestine and her sister Velvet with swimsuit shopping. Going through that experience made them both realize that they needed to get in better shape and decided to join their local gym. Shortly after, Velvet died from a brain aneurysm. A devastated, Ernestine stopped going to the gym. After some months of mourning Velvet’s untimely death and encouragement from friends, Ernestine return to the gym with a new found determination to live a healthy lifestyle.
Her day starts at 4 A.M. and begins with 10 mile runs on the treadmill and strength training at least four times a week. In 2007 (at age 72) she asked Yohnnie Shambourger (former Mr. Universe) to train her to compete as a bodybuilder.
After a 
grueling seven months, she entered her first competition and won first place in her class at the Natural East Coast Tournament of Champions bodybuilding competition.
You would think that all that exercise would cause a woman at her age to become easily injured, but not so. Ernestine has improved her quality of life, injury free, with proper nutrition and a commitment to exercise.
Now what excuses do you have about not getting in shape? C’mon people, don’t let a grandmother look better than you in a swimsuit!
Thank you for sharing this story, it is truly motivating to read about people like Ernie Shepherd. Thank you for sharing stories that address all aspects of living the right kind of life!