Ernestine Shepherd’s story is one of determination, dedication and discipline. The 3 Ds as I would put in are much easier said than practiced and even for the most sincere and focused, the 3 Ds take some getting. However, when it comes to Ernestine Shepherd she has literally aced them. This is a story of a simple woman who transformed her ordinary life into an extra ordinary one and inspired me enough to write this post today.
Ernestine was working as a school secretary, leading a sedentary life with little or no interest in sport or exercises of any kind, until she was nudged into aerobics by her sister, so that they could stay fit and get themselves in some sort of shape. Ernestine had turned 56 then and though she was on the wrong side of 50 she agreed with her sister primarily to give her some company.
As the days went by Ernestine began to enjoy the physical activity and being with her Sister made the trips to the aerobic classes much more fun and interesting. From aerobics they went on to mild workouts and slowly bit by bit the results began to show. Ernestine started feeling much better and energetic than before which further motivated her to continue working out. However a tragedy struck, which completely changed Ernestine’s life. Her sister suddenly passed away due to a brain aneurysm.
Ernestine went into mourning and stopped working out, and only after heeding to an advice from a friend that her sister would have wanted her to continue what they had started together, did Ernestine return to the Gym with a rekindled desire to get fit. However this time around the determination was severe and the objectives clearly laid out. She wanted to do something big for her sister.
Her age notwithstanding Ernestine submerged herself into body building with a totally professional outlook to what she was doing. Right from her workouts to her nutrition everything was carefully planned and executed. Her discipline was exemplary and her body too was holding up and sooner than later Ernestine Shepherd was competing in body building competitions for women with the name ‘ Ernie ‘. Not only her body had transformed, but even she was a much happier soul. She had never felt like this before. She was fitter, healthier and happier. She was reborn as such. She was Ernie.
Ernie requested former Mr Universe Yohnnie Shambourger to help her out and Ernie was a runaway winner in her first Body Building competition in 2007. She was 71 then and much much fitter and stronger than women half her age. In 2010 Guinness World Records gave her the title of the oldest performing female Body Builder in the World. Ernie was not only physically strong but mentally too she had the ability to endure long hours of training, be on a regulated diet and stay dedicated to her cause. Her husband too supported her wholeheartedly and took great care of her daily regimen.
Ernie is 86 now. She is a professional trainer, guide, author and a tremendous role model for all of us. Many people would see themselves declining and phasing out at this age, but not Ernie. Her training sessions and motivational classes are a great success and a major hit with people who want to live a healthier, happier and a much fuller life.
It is never too late to believe in yourself and that Age is just a number is not a myth but a fact which has been proven beyond doubt by Ernestine Shepherd , the mighty ‘ Ernie ‘, from Baltimore, USA.
Let’s try and ace Age and the 3 Ds.