AT H L E T E W I T H I M PAC T
There’s Something About Joan
Incredible fitness transformation showing age ain’t nothing but a number BY NADIA MOHARIB
68 Inspiration Issue 2021
work. It was incredibly hard work. My How important are work-out buddies? motto was, ‘I don’t mind if my changes are Very important - iron sharpens iron. slow. I am going to go at my own pace and Seeing others around me level up makes this time the changes are going to last the me want to continue to pursue my best self. rest of my life.’ I think it is human nature, What are you lifting these days? especially on a long journey, to wonder if Deadlifts. I did one at 175 lb. and hip we are on the right track, but as the months thrusts around 275 lb. I lift weights five rolled by, we were all changing. The weight days a week and usually get in daily cardio and the inches were coming off. walking or bike riding. I’m now four years into my journey and I Nutrition tips? am a different woman. I know what macros Food prep items individually so you can are, can create balanced meals, know create meals throughout the week. We how to move with confidence in the gym usually have prepared salmon, chicken, and understand the importance of lifting pasta, rice and roasted veggies in our heavy weight. fridge. Where do you find inspiration? You’re a really big deal right now with Some days I am just not motivated. In 1.1 million IG followers. Why do you think those times I just lean into my habits. Your that is? good habits will carry you through always. I am really surprised by how many How has fitness changed you? people have been inspired by me. I do I am more outgoing. Having a vibrant think that I am relatable and that may community around you can keep you sharp be a part of it. I love how supportive and and grounded. Being surrounded by love encouraging everyone is and watching really fosters growth. I have more energy, people start their own transformations. nixed my medications and got strong. I Advice for others starting their fitness have arthritis but the pain goes down when transformation? I move more. Start with what you can do and make What would you say habits out of them. to your 20-year-old You may only be self? able to walk three Start taking care of blocks. That is okay. yourself. Now is your Start with walking JOAN MACDONALD investment into the those three blocks future. I wish I would on a regular basis have started my transformation earlier. until you do a little bit more. I also suggest Words to live by? tracking food intake with a free app and You can’t turn back the clock, but you looking at water intake. Don’t give up! can certainly wind it up again. Change takes time, but we are worth it.
Good habits will carry you through always.
IMPACT Magazine
MARC TORRECILLAS
A
few years ago, Joan MacDonald was pushing 200 lbs, weighed down by a sedentary lifestyle and the associated health issues. The way the 75-year-old sees it now, she was merely existing. A heart-to-heart with her daughter was the catalyst for a fitness journey that made MacDonald an Internet sensation and inspiration – a woman dubbed everything from ‘Ripped Grandma,’ to ‘Sexy after 70,’ in headlines around the world. Workouts, healthy habits and patiently pursuing results paid off. Photos don’t lie. Scroll through MacDonald’s Instagram @trainwithjoan, and you can see the transformation borne of hard work and a belief progress is possible. MacDonald, whose home is Ontario, lives in Tulum, Mexico with her daughter right now. IMPACT Magazine is delighted she took time out of her busy life to chat. Next time, we want to meet her on the beach. How did your health journey begin? I was 5 ft.3 in., 198 lbs and had a 39 inch waist. I was on medication for high blood pressure and acid reflux, had terrible edema in my ankles, extremely painful arthritis and difficulty walking up and down stairs. I was tired, emotional and in desperate need of a change. My daughter, Michelle, came to me on the verge of tears and offered me the opportunity to work with her (she’s a fitness coach) by participating in an online group with women working to change habits. I renewed my gym membership, bought a food scale, a tape measure and got to