What is Stopping You from Getting Fit and Strong?
How can a Shirley Webb deadlift change your life? Do you need a shot in the arm to get fit? What is holding you back from getting into shape again?
Is it your age? Do you think that once you hit 40 or 50, it's all over? Only downhill from there? Do you think it is possible to regain your mobility even after the age of 75?
This post will address these questions.
Introducing the Shirley Webb Deadlift
Only 5 years ago, Shirley Webb was your everyday grandma. By the age of 75, Shirley like many other seniors was finding it harder to get up from the floor without a chair for support. Even climbing the stairs was an ordeal without holding onto the handrails.
One day, she went into a gym to keep her granddaughter company and ended up getting a trainer. Would you believe that Shirley did not start deadlifting until the age of 76?
Well, not only did she finally start, but soon she started to compete in powerlifting.
Yes, you read that right.
And in only 2 years, Shirley could lift 225 pounds. Here is one of the first videos documenting this incredible story:
“A 78-year-old Illinois grandmother is becoming a viral celebrity thanks to video showing her deadlifting a staggering 225 pounds. 78 year old Shirley Webb of East Alton, said she joined a gym at the urging of her granddaughter in April 2014 and she soon took up weightlifting for the first time in her life.” Credit Story and Video – Người Việt TV (c) 2016 – http://NGUOIVIETTV.com
In case you never did deadlifts before, they are not easy. Shirley Webb makes it look easy, but in fact, deadlifting takes a lot of strength, power and proper form.
Deadlifting 200 pounds is great, imagine 225 pounds at the age of 78.
Related Posts:
How Deadlifts Change Your Body in 27 Powerful Ways
12 Week Deadlift Program for Beginners in Fitness or Powerlifting
39 Top Deadlift Tips For Beginners
What This Means for You
Motivation.
Inspiration.
If you thought you are all washed up because you are over 40 or 50 or older, stop it.
Can you imagine an 80 year old lady deadlifting 255 pounds ?
See how it not only is possible, but the remarkable effects that deadlifts have had on her life.
Just watch the marvel of Shirley Webb deadlift 255 pounds at the age of 80 and listen to HERcules explain how weight lifting has changed her life.
The human body is amazing. Push your body more than you usually do. See how deadlifts can miraculously change your health and fitness. Never give up.
Today, you can start to eat healthier, get moving, and start deadlifting. You can deadlift to compete or just powerlift for fitness.
Watch Shirley Webb Deadlift at the Age of 81
See the sensational Shirley Webb deadlift 259 pounds at the age of 81 in 2018.
Deadlifting Benefits are Not Just for Athletes
Deadlifting can benefit a person who never weight lifted their entire life.
Deadlifts are so powerful, that they can rehabilitate a 78-year old grandmother who could not get herself up out of a chair.
Meet the 78-Year-Old Lady Deadlifting 245 Pounds
From Better Posture to Climbing Stairs
Getting Weaker is a Dangerous Myth
Start Deadlifting Today for a Stronger Tomorrow
3. Feeling Good and Fit at Any Age
In Webb's own words:
“I hope my story encourages others to want to do the same. You don't have to go and lift 200 pounds, but anyone — no matter what age — can go out there and work out. I promise you, you will feel great.
I feel fantastic, I work out twice a week with my trainer, sometimes three times, and I'm just feeling great.”
Do you need more proof of the powerful benefits of deadlifts than this quote from an 81-year old grandmother who started deadlifting only five years ago?
4. Independence Day
Every person wants to be independent. We all want to be self-sufficient and not be a drag or drain on our family or friends. I imagine you wish you had a buck for every time you heard:
“I never want to be a burden on my family.”
Those are great intentions, but the question is how to achieve physical and mental independence. Here is a clear example of a person gaining so much strength, that she has regained function.
She has gained independence.
Without strength, every activity becomes difficult, walking, standing, getting out of a car, even going to the bathroom.
At least now you know how a person can remain strong throughout their life. Functional independence is one of the most precious of deadlifting benefits.
5. Hormonal Tsunami
The fantastic deadlifting benefits to stay young and strong is tremendous. An older person might shy away from deadlifting for fear of injury.
However, with proper form, deadlifts are not only safe, but will elicit a flood of testosterone and growth hormone.
These hormone help to keep you feeling and looking young and strong. The deadlift is so powerful because you are working nearly all the major muscle groups with one exercise, the deadlift.
Your legs, your arms, your back, your core, even your grip, just about every muscle in your body is going to get a workout.
The deadlift is a fountain of youth because you are doing right by your body.
Conclusion – Always Keep Getting Stronger
This is how the wonder of a Shirley Webb deadlift can change your life. Because you see the miracle of the human body in front of your eyes.
Your muscles get weaker because you do not use them, not because you got older.
Start moving your body, start lifting weights, exercising, whatever type you prefer. Weight training works with barbells as well as with your body.
Look how Shirley Webb regained her mobility and increased her strength by adding resistance training to her life.
You can do the same, no matter where you are on your fitness journey. If you need to lose weight before you start weight training, find out how to lose 20 pounds in 3 months here.
Check out this Infographic from http://crossfitrockhill.tabatatimes.com/author/crossfitrockhill/ which shows that you can always keep getting stronger, never give up, no matter what your age.
Rich is a 
Thanks for the wonderful article on my Mom!
Hi Ed
I am glad that you liked the article on your Mom!
I think that your Mom’s deadlifting achievements are amazing.
And even better was how much stronger she is today.
The day I read the story, it was raining here in New York and I did not feel too motivated to go to the gym to do squats and deadlifts.
After I read the story and saw the video of your mom deadlifting 245lbs, I was kicking myself and saying, you are getting your @$# to the gym. If Shirley is deadlifting, what is my excuse?!
So I wrote the article and was so motivated that I have had a full week now without missing a workout.
Thanks to your Mom.
Hope she is doing great, please share the results of her next competiton.
I wish more people can be inspired by your Mom to start strength training to improve their function and health.
Thanks !
Rich