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Determined, Dedicated, Disciplined to Be Fit: The "Ageless" Journey of Ernestine Shepherd
Ernestine Shepherd is in better shape than most people, decades her junior. She is
up at 3 a.m. every morning, she spends her days running, lifting weights and working
out. She also works as a certified personal trainer at her gym. Feeling better than
she did at 40, "Bodybuilding Champion" Ernestine Shepherd shows us that being out
of shape as we age truly is merely an option, NOT a mandate! She is a role model
not just for senior women everywhere, but for every one of us. She is having the time
of her life and constantly shows that "age is nothing but a number." When many folks
only see themselves as declining and getting old, she is in the best shape of her life
and is a supreme role model to seniors every where and to the rest of us, too. She
has a lot to teach us about thriving at any age, if we are but ready and open to learn.
What's her secret? What exactly is she doing to defy "normal" aging? How did she
transform herself from an average middle-aged woman to bodybuilding diva? Are
you ready to go on her life journey and see the world from her eyes? Ready? Ok,
let's get determined, dedicated and disciplined to be fit through the eyes of Lady
Ernestine Shepherd, and ghostwriter and publisher, Theresa Royal Brown. This book
will make you laugh and cry and help you get started on your own fitness journey.
up at 3 a.m. every morning, she spends her days running, lifting weights and working
out. She also works as a certified personal trainer at her gym. Feeling better than
she did at 40, "Bodybuilding Champion" Ernestine Shepherd shows us that being out
of shape as we age truly is merely an option, NOT a mandate! She is a role model
not just for senior women everywhere, but for every one of us. She is having the time
of her life and constantly shows that "age is nothing but a number." When many folks
only see themselves as declining and getting old, she is in the best shape of her life
and is a supreme role model to seniors every where and to the rest of us, too. She
has a lot to teach us about thriving at any age, if we are but ready and open to learn.
What's her secret? What exactly is she doing to defy "normal" aging? How did she
transform herself from an average middle-aged woman to bodybuilding diva? Are
you ready to go on her life journey and see the world from her eyes? Ready? Ok,
let's get determined, dedicated and disciplined to be fit through the eyes of Lady
Ernestine Shepherd, and ghostwriter and publisher, Theresa Royal Brown. This book
will make you laugh and cry and help you get started on your own fitness journey.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2016
281 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 26, 2017
First off let me say that I think Ernestine Shepherd is an amazing woman. That is why I feel so disrespectful with giving her book a low rating. She is very inspiring, however her book really doesn't do her justice. I am completely fine with her faith throughout this book, after all, that is who she is. The problem I have is that, after reading the entire book, I feel as though I don't know any more about her than I learned when I first saw her in a YouTube video. If you want to know what gets her up and working out at that age, you won't really find the answer. The Q&A at the end has fan questions and one was just that. Her answer was, "Because I want to". Obviously! I guess I was hoping that there would be more about her training and what it's like to workout hard at that age and how that changes as she ages. There is also a handful of exercises demonstrated but they seem to be thrown in the book just so they can say there are exercises inside.
Again I feel bad for his review but this book could have been so much better, there just isn't much to it.
Again I feel bad for his review but this book could have been so much better, there just isn't much to it.
September 18, 2016
Before I start with this book itself, I have to speak on why I read it so quickly and all. It was and still my thought to buy a copy of the book. But, when it was first published on Mrs Shepherd's website, www.agelessjourney.com, you couldn't get a copy and had to be put on a waitlist as well as back order. This went on for a couple of months because the demand to buy this book was real high. Well, recently, her site noted that you could order through them as well as check on Amazon.com if you want to get it there. So, I went there and saw that you could order it as well as get it on Kindle Unlimited. So...I went on Kindle Unlimited, and read the book. And I'm still going to order the book for my own, as well as get her tshirt listed on her website. Mrs Shepherd is a role model for us older ladies over 50. She really started getting into fitness due to her late sister, who pushed, encouraged her and trained with her until she died from an aneurysm. With that, she was depressed and discouraged, but somehow, she was reminded of her promise to her sister, and she went back at it. I am so glad she did because she is an inspiration to many. This book is also her life story, on how she got started on the fitness journey she's still on, and on her family. She includes ways to get started. She stated that you have to ask the Lord for the determination to stick it out and always seek your physician before starting any fitness regimen. She also includes pictures of her exercises, motivational quotes and ways to get started. She said it was best to have an accountability partner as well. Highly recommended book for those who feel that age is prohibiting them from being more fit. No more excuses with this shining example in this lady.
January 23, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was like having a conversation with your favorite aunt. Ernestine shares her life story; and how she got into fitness at the age of 56. She does not hide anything; she makes herself vulnerable and shares her mistakes. Then just as an aunt would, she proceeds to tell you to learn from her mistakes and provides many life lessons. The story introduces her family, and you understand how her relationships with them shape her.
Towards the end of the book, she shares her favorite exercises, eating habits, and nutrition tips. You will also find a lot of inspirational quotes. Faith and prayer are also a part of her daily routine.
"Age is nothing but a number, and you can get fit." (Ernestine Shepherd)
"Always be Determined, Dedicated, and Disciplined in whatever you do." (Ernestine Shepherd)
This book was inspirational and uplifting.
Towards the end of the book, she shares her favorite exercises, eating habits, and nutrition tips. You will also find a lot of inspirational quotes. Faith and prayer are also a part of her daily routine.
"Age is nothing but a number, and you can get fit." (Ernestine Shepherd)
"Always be Determined, Dedicated, and Disciplined in whatever you do." (Ernestine Shepherd)
This book was inspirational and uplifting.
September 15, 2017
An easy read. Ernestine Shepherd is such an inspiration to young and old alike. Her belief that age is just a number is so true. If she can run/walk more races, lift more and especially eat clean, then so can I! It starts with the decision to love yourself and have faith. Thank you Ernestine for all that you went through to be the inspiration you are today. Yours and your sister's goal is realized!
March 9, 2017
I loved this book. Such a fantastic lady! So inspiring!
April 21, 2021
I feel bad rating this book kind of low because I definitely admire this woman’s dedication to being fit. But I read it because I was hoping it would be a good one to recommend to some older people I’m working with (I’m a health coach). I was under the impression it would have some fitness and nutritional advice but most of the book is about her life.
There are a handful of exercises, with photos, included but not as many as I hoped. Some of the nutritional advice is also inaccurate. She talks about red meat being a healthy choice and advises to avoid carbs because they make you gain weight. Of course these are old myths. She also recommends drinking raw eggs which is a terrible idea unless you want to get salmonella. There are some good tips such as not eating junk food and starting a food diary.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book for someone looking for fitness and nutrition tips, but if you are interested in learning more about Ernestine, than check it out.
There are a handful of exercises, with photos, included but not as many as I hoped. Some of the nutritional advice is also inaccurate. She talks about red meat being a healthy choice and advises to avoid carbs because they make you gain weight. Of course these are old myths. She also recommends drinking raw eggs which is a terrible idea unless you want to get salmonella. There are some good tips such as not eating junk food and starting a food diary.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book for someone looking for fitness and nutrition tips, but if you are interested in learning more about Ernestine, than check it out.
September 17, 2025
I truly admire this woman! She decided to start bodybuilding at 56 and was determined to succeed. She’s amazing!
March 8, 2023
I learned about Ernestine Shepherd via a random link on YouTube. Being older myself and trying to get fit I am inspired by the likes of David Goggins and Cameron Hanes. I also like to learn about individuals who are over 60 and still keeping fit. Finding out about Ernestine was fantastic and then learning she had a book, well, I had to get it. I am very glad I did.
This book is an over-view of Ernestine's life and beliefs leading up to the point, at 56, where she began her fitness journey. It then goes on to tell of the journey that lead her to being in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest competing BodyBuilder, who actually took two wins in her age category, and beyond. Included as well are an example of her workouts and diet.
I enjoyed the story, the pictures and the presentation of this book. Learning about Ernestine, her outlook on life and faith, was very refreshing. If you are looking for motivation, particularly if you are an older individual who has let things go and now want to right that wrong, this is a great book to help with that process. 5 stars!
This book is an over-view of Ernestine's life and beliefs leading up to the point, at 56, where she began her fitness journey. It then goes on to tell of the journey that lead her to being in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest competing BodyBuilder, who actually took two wins in her age category, and beyond. Included as well are an example of her workouts and diet.
I enjoyed the story, the pictures and the presentation of this book. Learning about Ernestine, her outlook on life and faith, was very refreshing. If you are looking for motivation, particularly if you are an older individual who has let things go and now want to right that wrong, this is a great book to help with that process. 5 stars!
May 16, 2025
Inspiring!
While this wasn’t the must eloquently written story, it gets higher points for Ernestine being an amazing person with a great story. Ernestine Shepherd truly lives her mantra and shows it in this book about her life. She describes her early life and what led her and her sister to pursue a healthier life. Once she finally started on her path, she became a force for better health. She is known as one of the oldest body builders, but her greatest strength lies in her faith in God. This book was a fun peek into her fitness routines and guidance as well as her spiritual and emotional journey.
There was a part of the book that seemed to skip over a section so I don’t know if it was just the version I downloaded, but my kindle unlimited version went from calling up her former trainer to help her to all of the sudden being in photo shoots and some competitions. So I do think I missed a little transitional section.
While this wasn’t the must eloquently written story, it gets higher points for Ernestine being an amazing person with a great story. Ernestine Shepherd truly lives her mantra and shows it in this book about her life. She describes her early life and what led her and her sister to pursue a healthier life. Once she finally started on her path, she became a force for better health. She is known as one of the oldest body builders, but her greatest strength lies in her faith in God. This book was a fun peek into her fitness routines and guidance as well as her spiritual and emotional journey.
There was a part of the book that seemed to skip over a section so I don’t know if it was just the version I downloaded, but my kindle unlimited version went from calling up her former trainer to help her to all of the sudden being in photo shoots and some competitions. So I do think I missed a little transitional section.
February 7, 2021
Fascinating Woman
This book was so inspiring to me, that it has made me what to get up out of my chair and start moving. At 61 years old I feel like I've been to sedentary and that I had stopped living, this fascinating woman has given me hope that there is life after 60 and that you are never to old to dream big. One day I hope I will be so lucky to meet her and thank her personally for her uplifting testimony. In the meantime I plan on starting my own fitness journey and I plan to refer back to this ebook to give me inspiration. Thank you, so much Ernestine.
This book was so inspiring to me, that it has made me what to get up out of my chair and start moving. At 61 years old I feel like I've been to sedentary and that I had stopped living, this fascinating woman has given me hope that there is life after 60 and that you are never to old to dream big. One day I hope I will be so lucky to meet her and thank her personally for her uplifting testimony. In the meantime I plan on starting my own fitness journey and I plan to refer back to this ebook to give me inspiration. Thank you, so much Ernestine.
November 9, 2020
Such an inspiration!
I’ve seen Ernestine in magazines and on television, and I always wished I could ask her questions about her journey and her faith. When I saw that she (unknowingly 😉) answered all of my questions throughout her book, I was excited to keep reading! I love the stories of her dear family and friends, and how they all played a part in her journey. Ernestine is a true inspiration to every woman, of every race, of every shape, and of every age! I highly recommend this book; very inspirational 🙏🏻
I’ve seen Ernestine in magazines and on television, and I always wished I could ask her questions about her journey and her faith. When I saw that she (unknowingly 😉) answered all of my questions throughout her book, I was excited to keep reading! I love the stories of her dear family and friends, and how they all played a part in her journey. Ernestine is a true inspiration to every woman, of every race, of every shape, and of every age! I highly recommend this book; very inspirational 🙏🏻
September 14, 2020
Very inspiring
My first thought when I saw a picture of this incredible, 80+ aged lady was: “she really raises the bar on fitness at any age!”
This journey reads as though the author and reader are in a face-to-face conversation. She briefly takes you through her early life then details why her dedication to fitness began in her middle 50’s. The photos are beautiful.
My first thought when I saw a picture of this incredible, 80+ aged lady was: “she really raises the bar on fitness at any age!”
This journey reads as though the author and reader are in a face-to-face conversation. She briefly takes you through her early life then details why her dedication to fitness began in her middle 50’s. The photos are beautiful.
February 4, 2019
Amazing!
I’ve been hearing about this amazing woman for a number of years and am thankful to read her story. She is truly an inspiration and, after reading her story, am inspired to take my game to another level.
I’ve been hearing about this amazing woman for a number of years and am thankful to read her story. She is truly an inspiration and, after reading her story, am inspired to take my game to another level.
September 20, 2020
Beautiful!
I love the fact that she is an inspiration to fellow Christians that our faith is so important to how we live our lives both through tragedy and triumphs! Also it's never to late to make a change in our lives for the better!
I love the fact that she is an inspiration to fellow Christians that our faith is so important to how we live our lives both through tragedy and triumphs! Also it's never to late to make a change in our lives for the better!
June 22, 2021
I've been inspired by Ernestine Shepherd for several years now, so I was excited to pick up her book. It's an interesting overview of her life and journey, and of her motivations. She seems like such a fun and vivacious lady, and her power and determination are second to none.
July 3, 2021
She's inspiring
I love Ernest one, and I found her story inspiring and interesting. Somewhere around the 44 to 46% point, TBE book gets to be a bit jumbled. I feel lime a chunk is missing. I would like to have read more about what she actually did, but what there was was good.
I love Ernest one, and I found her story inspiring and interesting. Somewhere around the 44 to 46% point, TBE book gets to be a bit jumbled. I feel lime a chunk is missing. I would like to have read more about what she actually did, but what there was was good.
December 1, 2022
AWESOME
I’m 75. In my 30’s was into body building. Kept making excuses not to do it. Hoping this will get me back. My motto is determined dedicated disciplined to be fit today and for the rest of my life. Thank you so much Ernestine.
I’m 75. In my 30’s was into body building. Kept making excuses not to do it. Hoping this will get me back. My motto is determined dedicated disciplined to be fit today and for the rest of my life. Thank you so much Ernestine.
December 4, 2023
Inspirational and Motivational!
Ernestine Shepherd is a prime example of what you can do if you set your mind to it. Her mantra of "age is just a number" is inspiring for those of us with a high number!
Ernestine Shepherd is a prime example of what you can do if you set your mind to it. Her mantra of "age is just a number" is inspiring for those of us with a high number!
February 23, 2025
INSPIRATIONAL!!!!!!!!!
The journey of Ms. Ernestine is so inspiring! She started at 56! A time when a lot of people start slowing down. I loved her outlook on life and her dedication.
The journey of Ms. Ernestine is so inspiring! She started at 56! A time when a lot of people start slowing down. I loved her outlook on life and her dedication.
May 9, 2025
This is an upbeat book for older people looking for exercise inspiration. I loved it. It's a thoughtful memoir of her life and losing the people she loves the most. It's also a statement of unrelenting person strength for embracing life.
March 12, 2018
Thank you!
I read this book in o e sitting/ she has been my inspiration for years now. But even more so after hearing her journey of faith love and loss and determination
I read this book in o e sitting/ she has been my inspiration for years now. But even more so after hearing her journey of faith love and loss and determination
August 26, 2019
This is a testament to the old saying that "age ain't nothing but a number". We can succeed at most of the things we put our minds and action behind! Very inspiring.
October 2, 2019
Inspiring
I was looking for a book to help motivate me to begin a healthier lifestyle. Being over 60 this is the he inspiration I needed. Highly recommended.
I was looking for a book to help motivate me to begin a healthier lifestyle. Being over 60 this is the he inspiration I needed. Highly recommended.
Read
January 23, 2020WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!
August 29, 2020
Inspiring!
A quick read with great impact. I love how Miss Ernestine shares her personal story of loss and triumph and how it led her on her path to health and fitness.
A quick read with great impact. I love how Miss Ernestine shares her personal story of loss and triumph and how it led her on her path to health and fitness.
September 22, 2020
Fair
I enjoyed the spiritual and motivational aspects and her personal story but felt like it lacked the fitness information I was personally looking for.
I enjoyed the spiritual and motivational aspects and her personal story but felt like it lacked the fitness information I was personally looking for.
December 16, 2020
Inspirational Book
Easy to read, like you are listening to Ernestine telling you her story. Gives exercise program and healthy eating tips.
Easy to read, like you are listening to Ernestine telling you her story. Gives exercise program and healthy eating tips.
March 12, 2022
Good book
A very inspirational and from the heart. it just goes to proves that age is just a number! I’m fired up!
A very inspirational and from the heart. it just goes to proves that age is just a number! I’m fired up!
April 7, 2023
InspirationL
Ernestine inspires everyone regardless of age. I want to be like her and not worry about age, trying to be the best I can be.
Ernestine inspires everyone regardless of age. I want to be like her and not worry about age, trying to be the best I can be.
December 6, 2023
incredible athlete
Great read about her journey. She is an inspiration esp to older women athletes. What a spirit she has and a message to get fit!
Great read about her journey. She is an inspiration esp to older women athletes. What a spirit she has and a message to get fit!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews