Somewhere in the massive LA Fitness gym in Allentown, there is an 84-year-old woman working out.
Don't look for her near the treadmills, the stationary bikes or at any of the other more passive amenities in the gym. Shirley Boyer is pumping iron in one of the leg-press machines, and she's about to lift nearly 500 pounds.
She waltzes around the machine, carrying 45-pound plates, which she adds to each of its sides. A young man walks by and casually looks at her legs. Boyer doesn't notice. She's about to add the last two plates to bring the total weight to 225 pounds on each side. Add the 20 pounds from the handle bar and Boyer is about to lift 470 pounds.
She sits down on the machine, takes a deep breath and does eight repetitions without strain. She has lifted up to six plates on each side at a time, bringing the weight to 560. But she's not trying to show off, so she figures 470 pounds should suffice to prove her level of physical prowess.
"I feel strong and fit all the time," she says. "My age really doesn't make any difference because I feel so good."
The Macungie resident is at an age when some people schedule their life around doctor appointments. But she can't even remember the last time she went to see her physician. She has very little need to. The 30 years she has spent working out consistently seem to be paying good dividends.
Boyer works out Tuesdays and Fridays from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the gym. Mondays and Thursdays, she walks three miles at the South Mall, starting also at 7:30 a.m. She takes a short nap at noon every day, which gives her plenty of energy to clean around the house and finish any chores.
She takes a baby aspirin daily to prevent blood clots as well as a calcium supplement and a multivitamin to ensure she is getting all the nutrients she needs. Some days at around 4 p.m. she forces herself to have some oatmeal or another warm cereal and that keeps her going for the rest of the night.
"My friends really don't know what I do," Boyer says. "I don't think they can believe it."
A mother of three, Boyer learned early on to make time in her life for her daily workouts. Her husband, who died in 1996, was not too fond of her exercise routine at first, but eventually agreed to take her to the gym regularly. Few things could get in the way of her need to exercise.
When she began working out, the gym was mainly a men's arena. Boyer would come in discretely and find her spot near the free weights. She was so disciplined and meticulous that the guys couldn't help but to accept her into their clan. Boyer would observe them closely and incorporate some of the exercises into her routine.
Today, Boyer is kind of a celebrity at the gym. The young people who work out there often observe her from afar and then come to compliment her. Younger women say she inspires them to keep pushing further into their exercise routine. She often encourages them as well.
"You have to want to do it," she says. "If you want to do it, do it and keep at it."
Boyer is a believer in the power of lifting free weights, a preference that is increasingly been backed by scientists as a way to prevent bone and muscle loss over the years. While she hasn't been able to persuade too many of the friends in her age group, she is encouraged by the growing number of young women lifting weights.
Boyer will be turning 85 in October and has no intention of decreasing the intensity or frequency of her workout sessions. She is confident that she can maintain her current level of activity for many more years. Her new goal: reaching the 100 year mark, still healthy and lifting free weights. The thought is reminiscent of the teachings of legendary fitness expert, Jack LaLanne, who still worked out when he died at the age of 96.
"I'll be a small version of Jack LaLanne," Boyer says with deference, "but nothing like him."
[Mcall]
Now for those of you that are familiar with LA Fitness gym, you might have come across this superwoman and obviously you might have asked for some contest and have her put the L to you lol. Say strong woman
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