Joan MacDonald

I’ll be honest with you… I was never one of those women who loved exercise. I spent most of my life avoiding it, too busy raising kids, working, taking care of everyone else. By the time I had a moment to breathe, I was 70, tired, and on more medications than I’d like to admit. I wasn’t looking for a transformation. I just wanted to feel like myself again. So I started small. Embarrassingly small. But I started thanks to the nudges of my daughter @michellemacdonaldofficial and something funny happened…the more I moved, the more I could move. Slowly, things shifted. My energy came back. I got off most of those medications. And I started actually enjoying my life again. I’m 80 now and I move better than I did ten years ago. I’m not telling you this to impress you. I’m telling you because I was exactly where you are…tired, skeptical, wondering if it was too late. It wasn’t…and it’s not too late for you either. Comment KICKSTART below and I’ll send you the details to my APP. It’s never too late to make a change. 💛

If you’re tired of feeling like your best years are behind you because of stiff joints and low energy, it’s time to stop wishing for change and start building the strength that sets you free. 💪 I know what it feels like to look in the mirror and not recognize the person staring back. I know the frustration of wanting to eat better but feeling overwhelmed by complicated recipes, or wanting to move but fearing you’ve waited too long to start. But, if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: It is never too late. I created the Train with Joan app to be the friend I wish I had when I started my journey. It isn’t about “perfection” or grueling hours in a gym. It’s about: Confidence: Feeling steady on your feet and strong enough for everyday life. Simplicity: Eating meals that nourish you without the stress. Community: Real women, real results, and a whole lot of heart (just swipe to see those beautiful transformations!). You don’t need to be an athlete to start. You just need to take that very first step. I’ll be right there with you every move of the way. Ready to reclaim your energy and see what you’re truly capable of? Let’s do this together! 👉 Comment KICKSTART below and I’ll send you a link to start your 7-day FREE trial today. Your future self will thank you!

When my daughter @michellemacdonaldofficial told me, “Ma… you deserve to feel alive again.” I didn’t know whether to cry… or believe her. But I listened. And that one choice changed every part of my life. I didn’t start this journey confident. I started tired, overwhelmed, and honestly… afraid it was too late for me. But every rep, every walk, every shaky first step reminded me— I was still in here. I just needed to fight for myself again. If you’re watching this and feeling that tug in your chest… That’s your moment. Not next Monday. Not next year. Right now. Comment “KICKSTART” and I’ll send you where to start to rebuild your strength, your joy, and your hope.

The honest truth? Weightlifting gave me my life back. And no, it wasn’t about fitting into a certain dress size or looking a specific way. It was about living. I wanted to keep traveling, laughing with my family, carrying my own groceries, and waking up feeling capable of handling whatever the day threw at me. We don’t have to slow down just because the numbers on the birthday cake are going up. You only truly stop when you choose to stop moving. Trust me, I have days where I’m stiff, sore, and want to stay in bed. But I always tell myself: doing just a little bit is a whole lot better than doing nothing at all. Motion really is lotion, sweet friends! If I could start this journey in my 70s and still be lifting heavy at 80… just imagine what is possible for you. Keep showing up for yourself. Your best years are right here, right now. 💪 Save this post for motivation on days you feel like you are behind and send to a friend to remind them it’s never too late. 💛

Emmie Sanh is lifting heavier than ever. Emmie had always lead an active lifestyle, but the pandemic and caring for her ailing mother led to fitness taking a back seat. She was honest with herself and knew she needed to make a change if she wanted to live to her 90s. At 68, she decided to join an online fitness program led by @trainwithjoan , and never looked back. Read more about Emmie's story with the link in bio.

We are heading back to the 2026 @national.menopauseshow in Toronto!! Thank you for inviting us to speak about our passion: helping women cultivate fitness and mindset mastery through simple systems that deliver when done consistently. Follow @national.menopauseshow for more updates and get in their mailing list for early bird access. What would you like to see discussed at the show?? @trainwithjoan @anni.b.fit @elevatewithnancy

I used to think that my best years were behind me, and for a long time, I let myself believe that “getting older” meant just fading away. But at 70, I decided I wasn’t finished yet. It’s easy to look back and wish we’d started sooner, but we only have today. Every rep, every healthy meal, and every positive thought is you taking control of your own internal clock. You might not be 20 anymore, but you can be the strongest, most vibrant version of yourself at 50,60,70, 80, and beyond! Strength training didn’t just change my muscles; it changed my entire outlook on life. If I can pick up these weights and start a new chapter, I know you can too. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time. It doesn’t exist. Just start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. Let’s get to work! 💪🏼 Comment KICKSTART and start getting stronger with me today through evidece based workouts and meals from the comfort of your own home.

I miss my mother every day. She passed away almost 9 years ago but she was such an incredible woman that my mind is filled with memories of her. It’s still hard to believe that someone with that much life inside her is no longer with us. But that’s the cycle of life. One day my own daughter will be in my shoes, left with memories and hopefully no regrets. If your mother is still alive, I hope you are blessed with a strong relationship and can celebrate more time together. If your mother has passed, my heart grieves for you, but I hope you also have many wonderful memories to sustain you. Our relationships are the most dear thing we can invest in. Don’t take your time together for granted. Life passes by so swiftly. Create more memories, create more Joy! 💕 Love Joan

Incline shoulder taps might look like a simple gym move, but they’re one of the best things you can do if you’re tired of struggling to reach the top shelf or feeling “clicky” and stiff in your shoulders. This movement helps stabilize your joints, strengthens your deep core, and makes everyday reaching and lifting feel so much lighter throughout your day. Incline shoulder taps help: ✅ Fix “clicky” shoulders by waking up the small stabilizing muscles that protect your joints ✅ Build “anti-rotation” core strength so your back stays protected when you’re off-balance ✅ Improve posture by strengthening the muscles that keep your chest open and shoulders back ✅ Reduce wrist strain by using an incline, making it much friendlier than floor planks ✅ Engage your core as you stabilize your body, helping with overall balance If you’re just starting out, try this: Beginner 8–10 reps per side × 2 sets (use a high surface like a kitchen counter or wall!) Intermediate 10–12 reps per side × 3 sets Advanced 12–15 reps per side × 3–4 sets (focus on keeping your hips perfectly still) When I first started, I felt wobbly and I worried I’d lost that steady strength for good. But I kept showing up, one tap at a time, and that’s what made the difference. You don’t need to be an athlete to start; you just need to decide that you’re worth the effort. If you’re looking for more guided movements to help you feel strong and capable, I’ve put them all inside my app with programs designed to meet you exactly where you are. Comment KICKSTART and I’ll send you the details to start your 7-day free trial. 💛

Motivation is a spark, but it’s a short-lived one. If I only showed up on the days I felt “inspired,” I wouldn’t be standing here today. The truth? There are plenty of mornings when the bed is too warm and the weights feel too heavy. But I’ve learned that my goals don’t care how I feel in the moment. I remember that version of me…the one who decided she wanted more for her health, and I show up for her, even when the spark is gone. Discipline is the bridge between a goal and a result. It’s the quiet, daily commitment to keep going when the novelty wears off. That’s what got me here, and that’s what will keep me going. If you’re waiting for the “perfect” time to start, stop waiting. Just start. Your future self is counting on you. Send this to a friend who needs a little push today and save this post to look back on the next time your motivation dips. 💛

I know starting can feel like the hardest part. The weights feel heavy, the routine feels new, and the mountain looks high. But remember: every expert was once a beginner. Take that first step today. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be a start. Who’s joining me for a “Day 1” today? Comment KICKSTART and I’ll send a great starting point!

I remember those days when I just felt… heavy. Not just in my body, but in my spirit. I was tired of being tired, and I honestly thought that was just what getting older felt like. Now, at 80, I see things so differently. It was never about being perfect or hitting every goal; it was about reclaiming the energy to actually enjoy my life. Waking up and feeling ready for the day instead of overwhelmed by it. You don’t have to overhaul your whole life by tomorrow morning. You just have to start choosing yourself, even in the small ways. I promise, you’re worth the effort. 🤍 Send this to someone who needs a little reminder.