Meet the 80-Year-Old Bodybuilder

Ernestine Shepherd defies nearly every physical stereotype for an 80-year-old woman. For one thing, she's ripped. In fact, she’s a record-holding bodybuilder who spends more than 30 hours each week exercising. But get this: she didn’t so much as pick up a dumbbell until she was in her 50s! Now she’s training other women and completely embodying her nickname, “Granny Six-Pack."

This story is a part of our Human Condition series. Come along and let us connect you to some of the most peculiar, stirring, extraordinary, and distinctive people in the world.

[amyduong]

She started at 71!? damn I would've assumed it was something she's done all her life. What an inspiration.

[ste.b.]

She started training at 71 when most of the people stop living. Great example of determination

[corncrus]

"You lift like your grandma"

*"thank you"*

[MoonlightAmor]

I knew I saw this lady before in Baltimore, she looks even better in person . So youthful looking.

[hexingcan]

When your sergeant says " My Grandma can lift more than you can!"

[Shamsi]

So 80 year old women are fitter than me now. Well that's just fooking great

[lourainevillalon]

she doesn't even have loose skin, wow

[TurboVirgin]

So this is the grandma that the P.E teacher was talking about

[bradgaines]

That's why I laugh when people in their 40's or 50's say they're too old.

[johnreesed.]

She wakes up at 2:30 in the morning everyday. That's like my night just started.

[jawaheralanezi]

4 years later she’s still here and active on instagram, truly an inspiration and shows that aging is nothing to be scared of ❤️

[userk]

This woman ist stronger than many 20 year old men today! Amazin'!

[TheOrientalNightFish]

In high heels as well!! This woman is mind-blowing!

[shashishekharsingh]

She sounds like someone trying to sound old. If she could talk a little fast there is no way anyone can tell she is 80.

[navalarchitect]

Other grannies: drinks tea and talk about their past life, always say "I am too old for everything"
This granny: hey joe load this stick with 150 kilograms! My guns can handle em!

[lvelytingles]

I'm 24 & I run outta breath bringing the trashcan up the road🤦‍♀️

[RitchieVevo]

Imagine she is ur grandma And u talk back to her

[t.b.]

I loved it when she said she does her devotionals. She is a blessed person and is blessing others!

[deborahpurvis]

You Go M's Ernestine! I grew up in church around her, Union Memorial United Methodist Church, Baltimore, MD. She and her husband Colin were devoted members, and friends to my mother, who helped shape my life. She can sing too! often having solo parts on the Sanctuary Choir. Her husband Colin, was Head of the Male Ushers for ions, and was like a father figure to all the Youth.

[dede]

I like the way she speaks nice, slowly and smooth.