Edna Sheppard is an inspiring 100-year-old fitness fanatic who hits the gym three times a week, proving that age really is just a number.
Great-grandmother has been a loyal member of the Broadmeadows Leisure and Aquatic Center in melbourneIt has been the north for 40 years.
Despite her age, Edna can do full push-ups, sit-ups, planks, barbell squats and exercises while holding 5kg dumbbells in each hand.
“I enjoy exercising, it makes me feel good and it’s important to keep the body moving,” Edna told FEMAIL.
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Melbourne’s beloved great-grandmother, Edna Sheppard (pictured), has been a loyal member of the Broadmeadows Leisure and Aquatics Center in North Melbourne for 40 years and takes part in up to five fitness classes each week.
Despite her age, Edna can do full push-ups, sit-ups, planks, barbell squats and exercises while holding 5kg dumbbells in each hand.
In the 1980s, when her late husband Max retired at age 60, she “didn’t want him to sit at home doing nothing,” so she signed them both up for classes at the leisure center.
These days he goes to the gym every Monday and Friday taking classes in tai chi, aerobics and weights – and on Wednesdays he walks with the club. Sometimes he participates in up to five classes a week.
“We do weights and all kinds of floor exercises, which I like,” he said.
From the age of three to her teens, Edna loved to dance and did calisthenics. When she was a young adult she also participated in ballroom dancing.
“At the age of 11 I won the ‘best child in physical culture’ award in Victoria,” he recalled.
In previous years, Edna participated in eight classes a week, including swimming classes and Zumba.
On days when he doesn’t feel like exercising, he manages to put on his sneakers and visit the leisure center for a training session.
“I do what I can, you need to know what you can and can’t do as you get older,” he said.
In the 1980s, when her late husband Max retired at age 60, she “didn’t want him to sit at home doing nothing,” so she signed them both up for classes at the leisure center. And from there she hasn’t stopped coming back since (in the photo: Edna in front of a gym class working out)
During the Covid lockdowns when gyms were closed, Edna worked out in the comfort of her own home using free weights.
And his main advice to others is to ‘push hard’ and ‘keep moving’, but also ‘understand your body’.
“Make sure you know what you can do and what you can’t do, it’s not good to push yourself or hurt yourself,” he said.
From the age of three through her teens, Edna loved to dance and did calisthenics (pictured: Edna, far left, with her sister). Edna married her late husband Ella Max (pictured: second from right) in 1942, but sadly he passed away 15 years ago.
When asked what her secret is to living a long and happy life, Enda said that the key is to take care of her body and be kind.
“I have never smoked or drank alcohol and have always exercised as much as I could,” he said.
I have always tried to relate well to people and do things for others.
Edna said her diet consists of ‘good simple traditional cooking’ and she never eats spicy food because she doesn’t like it.
She cooks all her meals herself and makes sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables too.
“Make sure you take care of your body, because no one else is going to do it for you,” he said.
Edna and Max were married in 1942 but unfortunately Max passed away 15 years ago and Edna said that the key to a lasting relationship is communication.
‘They need to listen to each other and if they have differences [in opinions]talk about it and things will work out,’ he said.
“I had a lovely marriage with Max because we were able to do exactly that, we always worked it out.”
Earlier this year on January 29, Edna celebrated her 100th birthday at the Broadmeadows Leisure and Aquatic Center surrounded by family, friends and club members.
“Exercising 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 Leisure and Aquatic Center surrounded by family, friends and club members.
“We had family from all over Australia come to visit us, it was really lovely,” she said.
“Exercising has always been a part of my life and I would be unhappy if I couldn’t.”
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