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Flex Your Age: Defy Stereotypes and Reclaim Empowerment
How did Joan do that? Now you can find out!
As we get older, our bodies go through many changes, especially physical and mental. Most are out of our control. But for those that aren’t, all we need sometimes is advice about how to make specific, sustainable, and successful decisions that can alter the course of how our lives go from that point forward.
This is where Joan MacDonald of Train with Joan comes in. Just a few years ago, this septuagenarian wasn’t happy with how she looked and what she ate. With help from her daughter, Michelle (a certified strength and conditioning specialist), Joan developed exercise and diet goals as well as objectives for how to change her mindset—not just how she saw herself physically but how she felt about herself mentally regardless of her physical fitness or her age.
Change is hard. Doing things differently than you did them before is hard. Making different choices is hard. But in this book that's part self-help and part memoir, you'll learn how Joan made her miraculous transformation as well as how Michelle helped her mother on that journey. But you'll also learn motivation techniques, fitness and nutrition fundamentals, and how to find and contribute to a community of support.
Change is intimidating, but this book will help you learn what you’re capable of—and how to enrich yourself no matter at what stage in life you are. Everything you need to get started—and to stay dedicated to a new path—is inside this book. With Joan and Michelle by your side, you'll discover how to make changes for today, changes for tomorrow, and changes for the remainder of your life—long may you live.
As we get older, our bodies go through many changes, especially physical and mental. Most are out of our control. But for those that aren’t, all we need sometimes is advice about how to make specific, sustainable, and successful decisions that can alter the course of how our lives go from that point forward.
This is where Joan MacDonald of Train with Joan comes in. Just a few years ago, this septuagenarian wasn’t happy with how she looked and what she ate. With help from her daughter, Michelle (a certified strength and conditioning specialist), Joan developed exercise and diet goals as well as objectives for how to change her mindset—not just how she saw herself physically but how she felt about herself mentally regardless of her physical fitness or her age.
Change is hard. Doing things differently than you did them before is hard. Making different choices is hard. But in this book that's part self-help and part memoir, you'll learn how Joan made her miraculous transformation as well as how Michelle helped her mother on that journey. But you'll also learn motivation techniques, fitness and nutrition fundamentals, and how to find and contribute to a community of support.
Change is intimidating, but this book will help you learn what you’re capable of—and how to enrich yourself no matter at what stage in life you are. Everything you need to get started—and to stay dedicated to a new path—is inside this book. With Joan and Michelle by your side, you'll discover how to make changes for today, changes for tomorrow, and changes for the remainder of your life—long may you live.
- GenresNonfictionHealth
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2022
192 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 13, 2022
I have been following Joan on IG and have been inspired by her posts about diet and exercise. So, it wasn't even a question about getting her book - I even pre-ordered it. And then I got her book. Let's just say, it wasn't what I expected.
The book is about her life (some of her background, what made her want to change, her relationship with her daughter, etc), which is nice to read. It offers "helpful" ideas that are not anything new to anyone who has ever tried to engage in a healthier lifestyle - for example, like how to plan your meals to fit your schedule or engaging in mindful eating, taking supplements, fitness mind set and fundamentals. I was hoping for much more insights and actual useful information about her specific meals, HER specific exercise routines and actual exercises that I could integrate into my day- at home - and what specifically worked for her. Personally, I think this book was a way to get people to become interested in the ideas and concepts so they would sign up for the subscription and pay for her app to train WITH Joan.
The book is about her life (some of her background, what made her want to change, her relationship with her daughter, etc), which is nice to read. It offers "helpful" ideas that are not anything new to anyone who has ever tried to engage in a healthier lifestyle - for example, like how to plan your meals to fit your schedule or engaging in mindful eating, taking supplements, fitness mind set and fundamentals. I was hoping for much more insights and actual useful information about her specific meals, HER specific exercise routines and actual exercises that I could integrate into my day- at home - and what specifically worked for her. Personally, I think this book was a way to get people to become interested in the ideas and concepts so they would sign up for the subscription and pay for her app to train WITH Joan.
January 7, 2023
I want to say up front that I am only about a quarter of the way through.
I just wanted to write the review before I gave up on it. I’m going to try and finish it but I have to say it is very disappointing.
I was hoping for some thing that would help me get motivated to get back into shape now that I’m getting older it’s getting more difficult. I I’ve lost so much of my fitness since the pandemic began. I’ve been having a really difficult time staying motivated and have begun feeling like my pre-fitness self is just who I’m stuck with now.
I spent most of my life sedentary and obese and then became inspired to get in shape and lose weight when I hit 50. By the time the pandemic hit I’d lost 40 pounds, was training for my second half marathon, and was running about 25 miles a week. Now I’m pushing it if I run 1 mile and I can’t get up off the floor without leaning on some thing. In spite of that I just can’t seem to motivate and keep with a program to get me back in shape.
So that’s why I bought this book. A bit of inspiration and support on changing my mindset. That however, it is not what I got.
The authors both go on incessantly about being Instagram influencers, which is not something to brag about in my mind. They mentioned several times how popular they are, being recognized and asked to take pictures with people.
All that could easily be forgiven if the content of the book was better. It seems to be a number of Instagram posts combined in book form, and the writing is a very poor, Actually dreadful.
There is a lot of repetition, not in a good way stating something several different ways so if it doesn’t resonate with you one way stated another way might make it click for you. No this is saying the same thing over and over again in exactly the same way.
I also found this book to be full of platitudes not inspiring statements but just platitudes, things that have been said better hundreds of times.
Their origin stories are exceedingly annoying. The way they write about hardships and challenges sounds, to my ears, like they’re saying that they were the only ones who went through this. When it was actually extremely common during the times they are talking about.
Overall I don’t like the authors, they seem trite and overly concerned with their Instagram popularity and seeming somehow braver and stronger than the rest of us. It all seems a bit condescending.
I see very little value in the content. A good article in Runners World and another one in Cosmopolitan magazine would pretty much say everything they have to say.
One other point. If you’re a fitness writer and you’re expounding that you would like to help others get motivated and stating that you used to be sedentary and obese you need to provide a before picture.
You need to show readers what they can accomplish even if they look like you did when you started. Showing pictures of the end product, of you all fit and happy on a bicycle is doing the exact opposite what you’re telling people to do in the book. It’s focusing on the endgame instead of how to begin making the changes.
I am going to keep at it and see if there might be something worth reading but I think that this is going to be a DNF.
I just wanted to write the review before I gave up on it. I’m going to try and finish it but I have to say it is very disappointing.
I was hoping for some thing that would help me get motivated to get back into shape now that I’m getting older it’s getting more difficult. I I’ve lost so much of my fitness since the pandemic began. I’ve been having a really difficult time staying motivated and have begun feeling like my pre-fitness self is just who I’m stuck with now.
I spent most of my life sedentary and obese and then became inspired to get in shape and lose weight when I hit 50. By the time the pandemic hit I’d lost 40 pounds, was training for my second half marathon, and was running about 25 miles a week. Now I’m pushing it if I run 1 mile and I can’t get up off the floor without leaning on some thing. In spite of that I just can’t seem to motivate and keep with a program to get me back in shape.
So that’s why I bought this book. A bit of inspiration and support on changing my mindset. That however, it is not what I got.
The authors both go on incessantly about being Instagram influencers, which is not something to brag about in my mind. They mentioned several times how popular they are, being recognized and asked to take pictures with people.
All that could easily be forgiven if the content of the book was better. It seems to be a number of Instagram posts combined in book form, and the writing is a very poor, Actually dreadful.
There is a lot of repetition, not in a good way stating something several different ways so if it doesn’t resonate with you one way stated another way might make it click for you. No this is saying the same thing over and over again in exactly the same way.
I also found this book to be full of platitudes not inspiring statements but just platitudes, things that have been said better hundreds of times.
Their origin stories are exceedingly annoying. The way they write about hardships and challenges sounds, to my ears, like they’re saying that they were the only ones who went through this. When it was actually extremely common during the times they are talking about.
Overall I don’t like the authors, they seem trite and overly concerned with their Instagram popularity and seeming somehow braver and stronger than the rest of us. It all seems a bit condescending.
I see very little value in the content. A good article in Runners World and another one in Cosmopolitan magazine would pretty much say everything they have to say.
One other point. If you’re a fitness writer and you’re expounding that you would like to help others get motivated and stating that you used to be sedentary and obese you need to provide a before picture.
You need to show readers what they can accomplish even if they look like you did when you started. Showing pictures of the end product, of you all fit and happy on a bicycle is doing the exact opposite what you’re telling people to do in the book. It’s focusing on the endgame instead of how to begin making the changes.
I am going to keep at it and see if there might be something worth reading but I think that this is going to be a DNF.
January 17, 2023
I would like to give it more stars. There is a lot of encouragement as well as key points for getting started but in parts it also felt like a sales pitch for their programs. I follow both Joan and Michelle on Instagram so a lot of this wasn’t new to me.
I’d suggest getting it from the library.
I’d suggest getting it from the library.
January 29, 2023
Very disappointing; lacks detail of exercise and nutrition. I feel as if I have been duped.
January 27, 2023
At best, this is a pep talk…from grandma…and I say that with the utmost respect since I too am a grandma. I would call this book flippant. Did Joan pour her heart into explaining her macro diet or exercise routine? Nary a word you haven’t heard many times before. Skim through it if you’re in your 70s and looking for a role model.
April 15, 2023
Her story is so inspiring to me. The book felt a little like a skim and not a deep dive into her story, but still glad for the info.
September 1, 2023
2.5 stars.
First of all, this book apparently isn’t written by Joan MacDonald herself. Or her daughter, Michelle. Oddly, it’s written in the third person; they are discussed and referenced and quoted, as if this were a magazine article about them. But it’s not by them, in spite of how it’s being marketed.
Secondly, their intensive diet and exercise plan is discussed at length but only superficially. The book repeatedly refers the reader to apps and online information. Honestly this reads primarily as an infomercial for their Instagrams and for Joan’s app and Michelle’s coaching business.
The book does have some interesting tidbits and some motivational perspective, but it definitely doesn’t make me want to follow a program that is so incredibly rigid and intensive. I’m a big believer in balance, and this program is extreme and life-dominating in a way that wouldn’t work for me at all. Nevertheless, kudos to Joan and Michelle, they both look amazing.
First of all, this book apparently isn’t written by Joan MacDonald herself. Or her daughter, Michelle. Oddly, it’s written in the third person; they are discussed and referenced and quoted, as if this were a magazine article about them. But it’s not by them, in spite of how it’s being marketed.
Secondly, their intensive diet and exercise plan is discussed at length but only superficially. The book repeatedly refers the reader to apps and online information. Honestly this reads primarily as an infomercial for their Instagrams and for Joan’s app and Michelle’s coaching business.
The book does have some interesting tidbits and some motivational perspective, but it definitely doesn’t make me want to follow a program that is so incredibly rigid and intensive. I’m a big believer in balance, and this program is extreme and life-dominating in a way that wouldn’t work for me at all. Nevertheless, kudos to Joan and Michelle, they both look amazing.
March 3, 2024
Instagram influencer. Two of the most obnoxious words in the English Language. Ugh. I should've quit when I saw them, but I didn't. That's on me.
This book is one LONG infomercial for Michelle's businesses & Joan's apps. Want to know more about the eating plan? You'll have to buy Michelle's book. Want exercises to follow? You must fork out money for Michelle's program or Joan's apps. And the sad thing is, Joan doesn't realize she is a product for Michelle. It's great that Michelle turned Joan's health around, but that didn't happen until AFTER Michelle started her business. Why wasn't Joan Michelle's FIRST client?? Joan is nothing more than a walking, talking billboard & a way for Michelle to line her pockets. That's not to say that what Joan did isn't inspiring, but this book is profiteering at its worst. Influencer indeed.
This book is one LONG infomercial for Michelle's businesses & Joan's apps. Want to know more about the eating plan? You'll have to buy Michelle's book. Want exercises to follow? You must fork out money for Michelle's program or Joan's apps. And the sad thing is, Joan doesn't realize she is a product for Michelle. It's great that Michelle turned Joan's health around, but that didn't happen until AFTER Michelle started her business. Why wasn't Joan Michelle's FIRST client?? Joan is nothing more than a walking, talking billboard & a way for Michelle to line her pockets. That's not to say that what Joan did isn't inspiring, but this book is profiteering at its worst. Influencer indeed.
August 28, 2024
I discovered Joan like many middle-aged women—while scrolling on Instagram. Her transformation from unhealthy, overweight and depleted-looking senior citizen to fit, vibrant and energized elder was remarkable. To have her strength and cut physique at the cusp of retirement? Yes, please! So I dug in and learned as much as I could about what led to her renewed vigor. When I heard she was releasing a book, I was thrilled—all of her steps back to good health in one place. Nope. This book is nothing more than a lengthy (surprisingly uninspired) interview with Joan and her daughter, Michelle. Don’t get me wrong, I still admire them both. But I spent money on this book to get tangible guidance that I could apply to my day to day routine. What I got was surface-level platitudes. Very disappointing.
January 13, 2023
Very poorly organized and haphazardly written. I was hoping for some actual information (e.g. exercises, workout plans, useful diet information) but there is nothing like that in the book. The book seems to have been conceived as a way of convincing the reader to buy a subscription to one of the author's (or her daughter's) commercial exercise and diet programs where their system is actually explained.
January 10, 2023
Had a great time interviewing Joan MacDonald @trainwithjoan for @next_avenue about her and her daughter Michelle’s new book Flex Your Age. (Article to be published soon). The book is an inspiring look at how it is never too late to transform your mind and body. Joan shows how she transformed herself over the last 5 years and her enthusiasm and joy for life is amazing.
March 26, 2023
A holistic look at health, covering exercise, food, mindfulness, and journaling. The author is a 70-something Canadian woman who lost over 60 lbs. and became much healthier through weight-lifting, good nutrition, and remaining positive. She is an inspiration. Unfortunately, the book touches on various topics but doesn't really explore them in depth or give many helpful details.
November 6, 2023
I purchased this book as a gift for some people in my life after seeing Joan highlighted in the Women’s Health magazine. I agree with other comments, the info is basic and something you could find online. However, kudos to Joan for the life she’s leading and inspiring others!
July 27, 2024
Fun and encouraging book about the physical transformation of the lovely Joan Macdonald and how you can change your body as well. It’s a little bit of a hard sell for their program with a lot of motivation thrown in. Whatever works to get healthy!
January 12, 2023
Good book that covers the important topics for older people looking to get healthier. Mind and muscle.
January 14, 2023
Very informative
January 20, 2023
Gave me so good ideas! And I calculated my BMI! OMG! I am definitely changing some things!
Read
February 3, 2023a little disappointing no eating plans
April 18, 2023
This was a short book with mainly motivational info for older women.
June 8, 2023
Interesting and inspiring, but does not give any specific foods to eat or exercise to do.
February 23, 2024
Inspiring but a bit repetitive.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews