'I'm still determined, still dedicated, and still disciplined!' Bodybuilding grandma proudly shows off her incredibly ripped physique as she celebrates her 80TH birthday

  • Ernestine Shepherd, who lives and trains in Baltimore, is one of the world's oldest bodybuilders
  • The fitness fanatic began bodybuilding at 56 and has since won two titles; she currently stands at 5'5, weighs 130lbs, and has just 9-10% body fat
  • She was declared the oldest competitive body builder in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records between 2010 and 2011

By Valerie Siebert For Dailymail.com

Published: | Updated:

One of the world's oldest bodybuilders has recently reached 80 years old - and shows no signs of slowing down.

Ernestine Shepherd, from Baltimore, only started weightlifting when she was 56, thanks to her sister. She swiftly found she had a talent for it and even went on to win two bodybuilding titles - and was even declared the oldest competitive body builder in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records between 2010 and 2011. 

On June 16, Ernestine took to Facebook to address her 160,000 followers, saying: 'I am 80 years young today and I thank God for bringing me this far. I'm still determined, I'm still dedicated and I'm still disciplined to be fit!' 

Big celebration: Ernestine Shepherd from Baltimore, one of the world's oldest bodybuilders, recently celebrated her 80th birthday
Big celebration: Ernestine Shepherd from Baltimore, one of the world's oldest bodybuilders, recently celebrated her 80th birthday

Big celebration: Ernestine Shepherd from Baltimore, one of the world's oldest bodybuilders, recently celebrated her 80th birthday

An inspiration: The grandmother told her 160,000 Facebook followers that in her 80th year she is 'still determined, I'm still dedicated and I'm still disciplined to be fit'

An inspiration: The grandmother told her 160,000 Facebook followers that in her 80th year she is 'still determined, I'm still dedicated and I'm still disciplined to be fit'

She added: 'I look forward to all that God has in store because I'm just getting started.' 

The post has been liked more than 19,000 times and shared over 8,000 times by the grandmother's dedicated following.  

Every morning the octogenarian wakes up at 3am and spends her days running - up to 80 miles per week - and lifting weights at the gym.

She keeps her energy up with a lean diet of egg whites, chicken, and vegetables and tries to drink plenty of water.  

Record breaker: In 2010 and 2011, Ernestine was the oldest bodybuilder in competition, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records

Record breaker: In 2010 and 2011, Ernestine was the oldest bodybuilder in competition, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records

Taking it home: She lives on a lean diet of chicken, egg whites and vegetables as well as plenty of water
Taking it home: She lives on a lean diet of chicken, egg whites and vegetables as well as plenty of water

Taking it home: She lives on a lean diet of chicken, egg whites and vegetables as well as plenty of water 

Going and going: Ernestine runs up to 80 miles per week as a part of her regular fitness regime

Going and going: Ernestine runs up to 80 miles per week as a part of her regular fitness regime

All muscle: The fitness buff stands at 5'5 and weighs 130lbs with just 9-10 per cent body fat

All muscle: The fitness buff stands at 5'5 and weighs 130lbs with just 9-10 per cent body fat

At 5'5, 130lbs and with just 9-10 per cent body fat, all her efforts and eating habits add up to an enviable figure, with no medication for help and not so much as a minor injury. 

She keeps things going in remembrance of her sister, Mildred Blackwell, who used to compete in bodybuilding under the name Velvet, but who tragically passed away in 1992 of a brain aneurysm. 

Following her beloved sister's death, Ernestine fell into a depression, but with the help of her family, she returned to training, keeping it up ever since. 

Today, in addition to her rigorous workout schedule, she also works as a trainer, helping mainly other senior women get and stay fit.   

Getting back up: Ernestine fell into a deep depression after her sister died, but with support of family and friends, got back in the gym in her honor

Getting back up: Ernestine fell into a deep depression after her sister died, but with support of family and friends, got back in the gym in her honor

Show of strength: She also works as a trainer, helping mainly other senior women with their fitness

Show of strength: She also works as a trainer, helping mainly other senior women with their fitness

Love and support: Ernestine's husband of 52 years Collin Shepherd helps his wife with her fitness by cooking for her

Love and support: Ernestine's husband of 52 years Collin Shepherd helps his wife with her fitness by cooking for her

Big winner: Though she is no longer in competition, the grandmother has won her share of awards, out-posing women decades younger

Big winner: Though she is no longer in competition, the grandmother has won her share of awards, out-posing women decades younger

Showing her appreciation: Ernestine blows a kiss to fans at the 2013 Musclemania - Capital Tournament of Champions Contest held in Silver Spring, Maryland

Showing her appreciation: Ernestine blows a kiss to fans at the 2013 Musclemania - Capital Tournament of Champions Contest held in Silver Spring, Maryland

Along her journey of fitness she has been held up by the full support of her husband of 52 years, Collin, who helps Ernestine stay healthy by lending his skill in the kitchen. 

Recently, Ernestine also celebrated her success with the release of a book The “Ageless” Journey of Ernestine Shepherd, where she recounts her story and offers tips on keeping healthy.

With her motto being 'Dedication, Determination, Discipline to Get Fit', Ernestine hopes to be an inspiration to anyone that might think about giving up.   

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