14 DAY TRIAL // Age is nothing but a number: this is the motto of the oldest female competitive bodybuilder. Ernestine Shepherd, from Baltimore, Maryland, is 75 years old and started bodybuilding at the “tender” age of 71.
BBC caught up with her in her hometown church and got her to speak about her drastic, life-altering decision, as well as of what she perceives as her duty: motivating others like her to stay in shape and enjoy a long, healthy life.
As you can see, “Miss Ernie,” as she's known in the world of bodybuilding, hardly looks her age. Not only that, but she's also more glowing and apparently healthier than women half her age.
Upbeat and optimistic, Shepherd is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest female competitive bodybuilder, a title in which she takes pride because she's worked hard to achieve it.
She says it was her sister who inspired her to get in shape, after they had both vouched to do so together.
Unfortunately, her sister passed away from an aneurysm but made sure to remind Ernestine of her promise, by visiting her in her dream one night.
She was 71 at the time, which is when she started working out intensely.
A regular day in her life is like that of a professional athlete, just in case you thought differently. Ernestine is up at 2.30 in the morning to go for a 10-mile run every day, without exception.
She's not alone either, she says: she has friends who accompany her.
Asked about the secret to a lifelong of happiness, health and youth, Ernestine swears it's exercise.
She also proudly states that she always does what she preaches: in other words, if she recommends a healthy diet and regular workout, she is the first to do just that.
Right now, Shepherd thinks her mission is to motivate others to stay in shape. They don't have to become bodybuilders as well, she laughs, but no one can possibly mind having health and good looks.
Check out her interview below – she's truly something else.
