Ernestine Shepherd, World’s Oldest Bodybuilder

I love this story about Ernestine Shepherd, officially (according the the 2012 Guinness World Book of Records) the world’s oldest bodybuilder.  The 74 year old grandmother says: “I feel younger now than I did 20 years ago”.

This all started when she was trying on a swimsuit and did not like what she saw.  So she decided to make some changes.  She wakes up at 3 a.m. every morning, and runs 10 miles a day.  She then heads to the gym for pushups, pull-ups and free weights, all to the amazement of her 80 year old husband, her 53-year-old son, and her 14-year-old grandson.

According to the article:

Her 1,700-calorie daily diet consists of egg whites in the morning, vegetables, chicken and brown rice. She claims that this regime has helped her with depression, high blood pressure, panic attacks, and acid reflux — all of which she suffered from in her mid 50s

Her heroes include Michelle Obama and Sylvester Stallone.

Eggplant Sammies

Looking for something besides burgers and dogs to throw on the grill this summer?  How about fruits and veggies?  Some of my favorites are zucchini, eggplant, peppers, pineapple, and stone fruits like peaches and nectarines

Here are some other healthy grilling ideas.

Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches:  

  • 2 large eggplants
  • Olive oil
  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 5 plum tomatoes
  • one small handful of fresh basil
  • 6 oz cheve
  • One baguette
  • One large handful of spinach

Preheat grill to high. Cut eggplants into 1/2 inch thick slices, sprinkle them with salt and olive oil and set aside.  Slice red peppers into wide strips (you don’t want them falling through the grate) and sprinkle them with olive oil and salt and pepper.  Slice tomatoes.  Cut baguette in four pieces then slice them lengthwise down the middle.

Grill eggplant and peppers until they are soft and slightly charred – about 10 minutes. Remove your veggies to a serving platter and keep them warm.  Place the bread (inside down) on the grill and cook just until warm and grill marks have formed – about 2 minutes.

Assemble your sandwiches.  Spread the bottom piece of bread with an ounce or two of cheve (or your favorite cheese), then layer a few basil leaves, sliced tomato, eggplant, peppers, a few spinach leaves and the top piece of bread.  Serve with a green salad and maybe some grilled fruit.

*If you are avoiding dairy or gluten you could modify this recipe by using hummus instead of cheese, or stack your grilled veggies, herbs and tomatoes napolean style for a beautiful ap or side dish.

Angel’s Rest Hike This Sunday

Join Anne for a hike in the beautiful Columbia Gorge this Sunday at 9 am.  We are headed to Angel’s Rest – take the Bridal Veil exit off 84 and the trail head is right there.  I love this hike for it’s proximity to the city (maybe a thirty minute drive) and the variety of terrain.  You start in a wooded forest with a fairly steep climb, pass a few waterfalls, then you pop out onto these big flat rocks.  It feels like you are on the moon.  The summit offers an awesome view of the Gorge.

This is a moderately difficult hike, all fitness levels are welcome to join us.

The wagon train rolls out of Sellwood at 9.  Call Anne if you want to carpool or you are welcome to meet us there. 503-705-4762

 

Boot camp – 900 stairs at Tabor tonight!

What is boot camp?  Why are we climbing 900 stairs?  Come find out tonight.

Join us as we boogie around the park for a mix of cardio (the aforementioned stairs) strength and flexibility.  Runners/ walkers welcome.

  • Thursday May 19th
  • 5:30  – 6:30 pm
  • Meet at the north side of Mount Tabor Park (near the intersection of s.e. 69th and Belmont)

Call Anne for more info (503) 705-4762.

Travel workout

How are your summer travel plans looking?  Are you concerned about not being able to get in your regular workouts while on the road?  Check out this recent N.Y. Times article that profiles a New York City trainer and his “workout to go”.  It’s simple, quick, and you use your own body weight so no equipment needed!  The program includes jumping jacks, squat thrusts, mountain climbers, plank hold, squats, dips and bicycle.  Try it and let me know what you think.

Don’t know what a squat thrust or mountain climber is?  Call Anne and she will happily show you!  503-705-4762.