No Age Limit – Health, Fit and Happy!
I was born in Abilene,Texas but lived all over the South. Due to my father’s careers, I went to about 13 different schools before graduating high school. I graduated from the University of Georgia with a Psychology degree. After graduating from collage, I worked as a Parole Officer for the State of Georgia for 3 years. I then joined the FBI as a Special Agent in 1989. I started my career with the FBI in New Orleans, LA where I was assigned for 3 years and then transferred to the Los Angeles office where I have been for the last 20 years. For the first 21 years of my career I worked various types of criminal cases and in the last 2 years I have been assigned as a Special Agent recruiter. I have been in government service my whole adult life and have loved and appreciated every moment.
Being fit to me isn’t just a personal passion but I also feel it is part of my job to stay fit. Because I help recruit applicants that must pass a fitness test, which requires sit-ups, push-ups, 300 meter sprint and a 1 1/2 mile run, I like to show them that if a 51 year old can do it, so can they! I like to inspire not only those of my age group but all age groups and future FBI Special Agents as well! The stereotype is still that FBI Special Agents are men but I show a woman can do this job, be fit, healthy and fashionable (had to throw that in). I have had a fantastic career and I am very appreciative for the opportunities I have been given.
I haven’t always had an easy life, having been through personal difficulties and recently the death of both of my parents (father passed away 4 years ago in his sleep from a heart attack and my mother passed away a little over a year ago from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis -ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) but I have learned that we should appreciate each and every day. We never know what is around the corner and it is important to treat ourselves well (physically, nutritionally, and mentally) and to be kind to others. With every hardship it is important to learn and grow. We never know what individuals have gone through in life so I believe we shouldn’t judge the behavior of others but be responsible that we behave appropriately and positively. Having a positive attitude is key.
My mother suffered from a horrible disease but she never once complained. She always used to tell me “Don’t complain and don’t explain!” She was quite a character and had a lot of good advise. ALS wasn’t a disease that could have been prevented by diet but there are diseases (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) that can be prevented by exercise and eating healthy. It is important at every age to eat clean and exercise and as we get older it is even more important. I want to be a fit and healthy 100 years old and still inspiring others!
In the last couple of years I have lost 20 pounds due to eating clean and weight training. I have always been physically active but it wasn’t until I changed my eating habits and focused more on muscle building that things really changed for me physically. The adage: “it is 80% diet and 20% training” is so true!
I have always liked to try new things (rock climbing, Hapkido, road biking, motorcycling, mountain biking, outdoor bootcamps, roller blading, you name it!) I just enjoy being active! I now plan to add figure competitor (or which ever category best suits me) to my list! I want to compete next year, spring or summer, for the first time. I love the community of bodybuilding athletes and the healthy lifestyle and dedication that comes with it. I train at Gold’s Gym in Venice, which I love, about 4 times per week splitting the body parts per day as back and biceps, chest and triceps, legs and shoulders. I do a high intensity cardio session 1-2 times per week usually at the beach in Santa Monica where I include a step workout. Trying to fit everything in can be a challenge at times but I am motivated and I know that is what it takes. I love to travel and have traveled internationally and domestically but have learned that you can stay in your own backyard and have a great time! I am married to a wonderful man, have two great step-daughters and two awesome dogs.
Judith created a Facebook page with the hopes of inspiring others that at 50+ (or at any age for that matter) you can be fit, healthy and happy. Getting older doesn’t mean you have to get old! All it takes is a start! Clean eating, exercising and having a positive attitude is all it takes! Be sure to check out her Facebook community here Fabulous-Fifties-A-New-Beginning and join the conversation!
