A record-breaking powerlifter on a mission to prove 'age is just a number' has opened up about her inspirational fitness journey. Ninette Longsworth, 55, first started lifting when she was 13 years old.
But it wasn't until years later that she decided to pursue a career as a competitive powerlifter - and earned national records.
Now, the personal trainer, who loves feeling 'confident and strong', shares her love of fitness with her thousands of social media followers.
Talking to the Daily Star, the mum-of-three revealed: "I started lifting weights at around 13 years old because I wanted to keep up with my four brothers.
"They excluded me from their games and activities because I was a girl. I wanted to be just as fast, strong and good as they were in the sports they played."
Little did she know, it would spark a lifelong passion. "Being in the gym made me feel confident and strong," she said. But Ninette hasn't always worked in the fitness industry, as she first set her sights on conquering the world of fashion as a designer.
Then as she grew more passionate about lifting weights, the Canadian studied to become a personal trainer, and when her 24-year marriage ended around four years ago, she kicked her training up a notch again.
Now, the gran-of-one spends around six hours a week pumping iron; she also has national records under her belt. "I still have one world record in my age and weight class. The world record was from when I was 45 in that Masters class," said the pro.
Ninette also sells fitness clothing, combining her two passions. Talking about her success, the fitness guru emphasised the importance of looking after your mind as well as your body.
"I believe that mind is the most powerful tool we have. If you believe it, you can achieve it. I practice the law of attraction and law of assumption," she said. "I am spiritual and pray daily. I always trust my intuition."
Her message of self-belief is one she regularly shares with her Instagram followers - some of whom say they don't believe Ninette's age.
In one post sharing side-by-side photos of herself aged 37 and 52, the personal trainer said she's never felt better. She added: "NO....after you've had kids it's not over, after 40 it's not over. When you're too busy or too tired, don't throw in the towel! Keep going. Keep grinding. Strive to be the best version or YOU every single day because age is just a number."
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