Alex O'Brien
Retirement Life

78-year-old grandmother lifts weights like a pro athlete

For most people approaching their 80s, when it comes to exercise, low-impact, easy workouts are the way to go. However, this 78-year-old US grandmother has proven that getting older doesn’t necessarily mean slowing down.

Shirley Webb’s previous workout of choice was mowing the lawn, until she joined a local gym and started exercising with a trainer. Webb told ESPN she used to be unable to get off the floor or climb stairs without a railing. Since she began weightlifting, she can do both.

How? Webb started weightlifting about six months ago and is already able to lift over 100kg! Her trainer, John Wright, says he’s never trained someone her age but that she’s an inspiration to those around her. "She's gotten to the point where everybody greets her and is just absolutely impressed."

Webb doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. "When I go to the gym and work out, when I leave, I feel so much better than I did when I went in, and I just feel so good. I feel tremendous."

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Tags:
exercise, gym, weightlifting