One woman is proving that it's never too late to get in shape. Seventy-five-year-old Joan MacDonald went from struggling to walk upstairs to being a fitness influencer on Instagram with over a million followers. She began her transformation five years ago when - aged 70 - she was told by a doctor that her blood pressure was on the up, and she needed to increase her medication. At the time Joan was constantly fatigued, suffering from painful arthritis, and struggling with day-to-day activities that required physical exertion. When the doctor gave her the worrying news, Joan decided that enough was enough. Her fitness coach daughter Michelle challenged her to get in shape, and she knew it was time. [[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CVVshyOr5iS/]] "When Michelle gave me that ultimatum to do something about my life, I figured it's now or never," Joan told <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/75-year-woman-lost-60-pounds-fitness-influencer/story?id=82655773" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC News</a>. "I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. It was existing, not living." To kickstart her fitness journey, Joan ditched her Canada home in 2017 and flew to Tulum, Mexico, where her daughter owns a gym. There, she embarked on a nutrient-rich diet, eating five vitamin-packed meals rather than constantly snacking as she had been. Then with the help of her daughter, Joan hit the gym and began The Wonder Woman - a strength and bodybuilding coaching program founded by Michelle. The training regime was no walk in the park, but Joan found motivation in the instant change she felt in her body. Aswell as losing 10 pounds in the first month, she was soon able to half her medications. [[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CV-Xsi-LKPA/]] Fast forward four years and Joan is fitter than ever. Once she returned to Canada she continued to track her food on a macronutrient-focussed app and continued going to the gym five days a week, with two of those days being cardio-focussed workouts. What's more, she's maintained a 65-pound weight loss and completely stopped medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and acid reflux. Meanwhile, Joan has also taken to social media to share her inspiring journey. Her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/trainwithjoan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Train With Joan</a> Instagram - where she's racked up over 1.5 million followers - has been a huge motivation to people the world over, and such a big hit that it encouraged Joan to develop a website and an app with workout and meal plans. [[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CYwKHd7OBkC/]] As for the benefits of getting in shape later in life, Joan says it isn't easy - but it's worth it. "Nothing is magical. It's work, but it's work that you can enjoy," she said. "In the end, you are going to be stronger and healthier, and that's all that really matters." <h6>Featured Image Credit: Cavan Images / Alamy</h6>

How this 75-year-old woman became an inspirational fitness influencer after losing 60lbs

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