When I am 70-years-old, I hope I am half as fit and look as good as Peggy Hilbert. Hell, I wouldn't mind looking as good as she does now!
Peggy has always been a fitness fanatic but she only took up weight lifting in her 50s. And less than twenty years later she still looks amazing. People are astounded when she tells them her age; she could easily pass for fifteen years younger.
Fitness has taken over the 70-year-old's life; she works as a personal trainer and aerobics instructor in Florida, alongside from training for bodybuilding competitions.
Advert
Her husband died of motor neurone disease three years ago and it's made her think that life is for living.
"It's important to stay fit and healthy as you age so you can remain independent and happy as you grow old. I never give into my age," Peggy told said.
"When I tell young people as well as older people how old I am their eyes open wide and they are astounded - which makes me feel on top of the world.
Credit: Caters News Agency
Advert
"I stay young because I feel young in my mind and stay up with today's music, news and sport. Most of my friends are 15 to 20 years younger than me. It's all in the mind."
Peggy credits weight lifting with giving her a new lease of life and improving her confidence, despite always working out, it was only in her 50s that she turned to weights. She was amazed at how far she could push herself in the gym.
"Most of my life I have been athletic but now I would say I am fit.
"I was a runner until age 32. I am so happy I stopped then because I wouldn't be doing what I am doing today.
Advert
"Then I started attending aerobic classes and it became a permanent high.
"I then started working out with a personal trainer in groups of four and weights became my best friend."
Exercise is a big endorphin boost. Not only does it keep you physically fit and healthy, it keeps you mentally healthy, too.
Peggy with her niece. Credit: Caters News Agency
Advert
Peggy advocates lifting weights instead of just sticking to cardio.
She told bodybuilding.com: "My body started to change dramatically and I got compliments wherever I was, be it in the grocery store, mall, church, etc.
"I was thrilled to say the least because I was so shy and had a self esteem problem! To my surprise, I went to an audition for QVC at my gym and out of many people (mostly younger) I was the only one picked!"
It's pretty impressive to get chosen to model on TV when you're in your 50s!
Look at those abs. Credit: Caters News Agency
Advert
Her niece Jennifer is also a fitness star and the two work out together. "Ever since I can remember Aunt Peggy has been moving," Jennifer said.
"My first memories of her were when she was in her mid to late 20s and as the years progressed and I grew up, she never seemed to change much except that each year she was more and more fit."
That's one fit family. I think I need to book in some personal trainer sessions.
Featured Image Credit: Caters