A WOMAN who is nearing 60 and has an incredibly toned physique has revealed how she shed a stone in 11 weeks.
Alison Cantwell, 59, who towers at 6 foot tall, recently won her first bodybuilding contest, as she showed off her rock hard abs.
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She revealed that becoming a bodybuilder later in life initially felt intimidating but is now so proud of her achievements.
She said: “It was intimidating to be the oldest competitor, but I was so proud of what I brought to the stage.
“Hearing my name called for those placements was a surreal moment.”
To prepare for the bodybuilding competition, Alison was told to wear heels around the house, even whilst cooking and vacuuming.
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“It was tough but worth it.”
Alison’s bodybuilding journey started when she became inspired after joining a Facebook group for older athletes.
She said: “I’ve been fairly active for years, but I didn’t have a clear direction.
“When I saw amazing athletes over 50 achieving transformations, I thought, ‘I want that! I want to be a part of that! Why not me?'”
Alison got herself an online coach, and through following a few key tips, managed to shed 15 pounds in 11 weeks.
Detailing her regimen, Alison revealed that she wakes up at 6am, starting the day with a cup of coffee to get her motivated.
She then checks her Facebook group, and uses others who have already completed their daily workouts as motivation.
Describing how she feels about her transformation, she said: “I love the way I look and feel, emotionally and physically. I have more confidence now than ever.
“Friends, family, and coworkers have all been incredibly supportive.
“I never expected people of all ages to seek my advice, asking how to get started on their own fitness journeys. That’s been such an accomplishment for me.”
Tips to age well
There are a number of habits you can take up to care for your health and wellbeing as you age.
Age UK shared the following tips:
- Do things that you enjoy everyday – whether that’s cooking, seeing friends or enjoying a good book
- Stay hydrated – drink six to eight cups of water a day
- Eat plenty of fruit and veggies to lower your risk of heart disease and certain cancers, have beans, pulses, fish, eggs and meat to repair your body after injury, starchy carbs for energy dairy to help keep bones strong
- Manage long-term health conditions to prevent them progressing or having a greater impact on your health
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake to no more than 14 units a week
- Make mental health a priority and get treatment for it, as it can also impact physical health
- Make sure you’re getting quality sleep
- Keep socialising – and call a friend or loved one if you can’t make it out the house
- Be physically active to lower the risk of depression and dementia, heart disease, stroke, Parkinson’s and some cancers
Sharing a message of inspiration to older people, she added: “Age doesn’t define me, and it shouldn’t define anyone.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too old or that it’s too late to start.
“Don’t use age as an excuse, and don’t listen to anyone who says you’re crazy or can’t do it.
“Everyone starts somewhere. Make small, achievable goals and surround yourself with people who support you.”