Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Marjorie Newlin...



I'm probably running late because I hadn't heard of this woman before today. Marjorie Newlin is an 86-year-old bodybuilder. That's right...I typed 86.
Now I as I type, I am reclined waiting for Larry King to come on (lazy, lazy, lazy)...I haven't lifted weights since 2002. I don't know why I stopped. I really enjoyed it. I'm very competitive with myself and I enjoyed pushing myself. Plus you get to see the tangible results of your efforts. Some women are afraid lifting weights will make them look masculine. I don't get that. You would have to train like a professional athlete to get those kinds of results. Plus the benefits of weightlifting--not just improvement of physique, but also maintenance of bone density, acceleration of metabolism, etc.--far outweigh any concerns one might have.
But back to Marjorie Newlin. She started training at age 72 and has won a slew of awards--often competing against women forty years her junior. Apparently, my Tivo was broken when she appeared on the Oprah show and the mail carrier swiped the copy of Essence she was featured in...cause I missed both....
I figured Marjorie was a good example and good inspiration...Age well. I need to move that coffee table and get those yoga and pilates dvds out. Get moving ladies!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes, this is an amazing story. She looks like she could pass for being in her 50s or 60s. It is a testament to keeping the body healthy by eating right and exercise. And not just any exercise, she has proven that weights are great for women too!

blackrussian said...

Did you see Oprah's show yesterday? (9/5) There was a 70 yr old woman who looked about 40 - 45...FOR REAL! Her face, body, everything was AMAZING!

True incentive to take care of myself now.

I have heard of Ms. Newlin before, but had forgotten her story. Thanks for reminding me.

I'm sure SOME of it is genetic, but it is still good inspiration - a reason to decide not to give up and give in to the supposed inevitable ravages of old age.

N'Drea ~ the Storyteller said...

Wow! 86!!! What an inspiration. She looks GREAT! I'm even more encouraged to continue investing in my health. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

the good thing is that you dont have to start until you are 72, so relax...