Bodybuilder grandmother beats stereotypes – “People who complain about looking old only have themselves to blame.”
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One would typically associate the word ‘grandparent’ with someone who is a little past their physical prime, wears reading glasses, and loves knitting (that certainly describes a few of us here at the SDC, and most of us aren’t even grandparents!). But one 53 year old grandmother beat these clichés and proved that grandparents can come in all shapes and sizes.
Even though she’s a nan herself, Andrea Sunshine works out at least six times a week and even brags about how younger men constantly try to win her over.
“If people aren’t happy with something, they can only blame themselves for that. People who complain about looking old only have themselves to blame and need to be more committed to working out.”
“It’s all about attitude and choices. Workouts improve life quality both physically and mentally.”
She discovered her love for fitness while going through a divorce. Her normal workout routine lasts a minimum of three hours – regularly switching up the moves to push her body to the limit.
Eventually, the fit nan won the hearts of thousands and became a popular bodybuilder, clocking over 123,000 followers on Instagram.
The bodybuilder nan, Andrea. Image Credit: @andrea__sunshinee
She shared: “After many years of being alone, trying to find out more about who I was, and what I am here for, I have succeeded.”
“I am ready to open up my heart again, for someone interesting and passionate.”
Andrea divulged that she’s often flooded with messages from young admirers on social media – but she’s not interested unless they have grey hairs too.
“I can’t be a hypocrite. Getting attention from young guys turns me on, makes me proud of my shape, and works pretty much as fuel for my ego. It makes me feel good and empowered.”
“But even when I was younger, I was never really attracted to boys. I have been more interested in mature guys.”
“I love those with grey hair. I have had few experiences with young boys during my lifetime, as I did with older people. The bottom line is that it’s [about] the chemistry, it’s not about ages, it’s a question of how comfortable you are with who you are with.”
“In my opinion, the mature guys are more into women’s needs. The young guys are more worried about themselves, although most of the time they are fresher and hotter!”
Video Credit: @andrea__sunshinee
Andrea usually starts her day with a protein shake for breakfast followed by a high-carb lunch and finally, a protein-packed dinner.
During the summer, she opts for a raw diet (which is a diet that mostly consists of completely raw or unprocessed foods) and never eats anything heated over 116°C.
If you’re keen to get a body like Andrea, she suggested: “Flat out burpees are a great go-to exercise for a quick, intense workout.”
“As well as ski abs and touchdown lunges, these will make your quads burn in a matter of seconds.”
“Push-up shoulder taps also work your upper body strength and balance.”
Andrea opts for a raw diet during the summer. Image Credit: @andrea__sunshinee
But of course, we all have varying fitness levels and goals for ourselves that may or may not match Andrea’s. Some of us may find inspiration in huge, showy muscles, but we think you should be allowed to stick to whatever fitness routine works for you – as the end goal should be what makes YOU happy and healthy, and not what other people think of you.
So, if you’re keen to go on your own fitness journey, don’t be intimidated by complicated, overwhelming exercises! Start small and embrace being a beginner.
There’s NOTHING WRONG with not working out for three hours a day and enjoying a bite out of a delicious biscuit every once in a while.
What are your thoughts on Andrea’s story? Share them with us in the comments!
We found a great, low-impact, beginner workout that you can watch below:
Video Credit: Body Project
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