Edna Shepherd is an exciting 100-year-old fitness fanatic who goes to the gym three times a week, proving that age is really a number.
Great-grandmother has been a loyal member of the Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Center in northern Melbourne for 40 years.
Despite her age, Edna can do push-ups, sit-ups, planks, barbell squats, and training with a weight of 5 kg in both hands.
“I enjoy exercising. It’s important to feel good and stay active,” Edna told FEMAIL.
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Beloved Melbourne’s great-grandmother Edna Shepherd (pictured) is a loyal member of the Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Center in northern Melbourne, attending up to five gym classes each week.
Despite her age, Edna can do push-ups, sit-ups, planks, barbell squats, and training with a weight of 5 kg in both hands.
When her husband Max, who died in the 1980s, retired at the age of 60, she “did not want him to sit at home and do nothing,” so she signed up for both leisure center classes.
Recently, she attends Tai Chi, aerobics, and weight classes every Monday and Friday to go to the gym and walks with the club on Wednesday. Sometimes she attends up to 5 classes a week.
“We do weight training and all kinds of floor exercises. I like this,” she said.
From the age of three to teens, Edna loved dancing and was doing gymnastics. When she was young, she also participated in ballroom dancing.
“At the age of 11, she won the Victoria’s” Child of the Best Physical Culture “award,” she recalled.
For the past few years, Edna has attended eight lessons a week, including swimming classes and Zumba.
Even on days when she doesn’t want to exercise, she manages to wear sneakers and visit the leisure center for training sessions.
“I do what I can. As I get older, I need to know what I can and cannot do,” she said.
In the 1980s, when her deceased husband Max retired at the age of 60, she “did not want him to sit at home and do nothing,” so she signed up for both leisure center classes. And from there she didn’t stop back (Photo: Edna exercising in front of a PE class)
During Covid’s blockade when the gym was closed, Edna used dumbbells to exercise in the comfort of her home.
And her main advice to others is not only to “work hard” and “keep moving”, but also to “understand your body”.
“Make sure you know what you can and cannot do. It’s not good to push or hurt yourself,” she said.
From the age of three to teens, Edna loved dancing and was doing gymnastics (pictured: Edna, leftmost, with her sister). She married Edna in 1942 to her late husband Max (pictured: second from right), but unfortunately he died 15 years ago.
Asked what is the secret to a long and happy life, Enda said that physical care and kindness are key.
“I never smoked or drank alcohol and always did as much exercise as I could,” she said.
“I’ve always been good at mixing with people and trying to do something for others.”
Edna said her meal consisted of “simple, old-fashioned delicious food” and she never enjoys spicy foods.
She cooks all her meals herself and eats a lot of fruits and vegetables.
“Don’t forget to take care of your body, as no one else does it for you,” she said.
Edna and Max married in 1942, but unfortunately Max died 15 years ago. Edna said that communication is the key to a long relationship.
‘If you need to listen to each other and there is a difference [in opinions]Talking about it, things go well, “she said.
“We had a wonderful marriage with Max because we were able to do it. We were always solving it.”
Earlier this year, on January 29, Edna celebrated her 100th birthday at the Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Center, surrounded by family, friends and club members.
“Exercise has always been a part of my life and I would be unhappy if I couldn’t do it,” she said.
Earlier this year, on January 29, Edna celebrated her 100th birthday at the Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Center, surrounded by family, friends and club members.
“My family came from all over Australia and it was really nice,” she said.
“Exercise has always been a part of my life and I would be unhappy if I couldn’t do it.”
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