70 and 80-year-old athletes still going strong

ATLANTA, Ga. - Having trouble getting in shape? Then consider Jon Adamson and Maxine Fredericks. Adamson is an 80-year-old triathlete, and Fredericks is a 70-year-old body builder. Although the two have never met, FOX 5 Atlanta sat down to discuss their truly inspiring levels of fitness.

Jon Adamson didn’t start running marathons until he was 45 years old. “I was pretty much a sedentary person back then. I wasn’t doing much,” he said. 

35 years later, Jon is not only running -- he’s winning races. Challenging, exhausting races. The 80 year old will be one of three 80-something triathletes, who will swim nearly a mile in  open water, mountain bike 20 miles, and run 6 and a half miles up and down a rugged trail at the Xterra World Championship in Maui. 

And when Jon isn’t racing, he’s coaching triathletes half his age. 

"I look at it as, if I can try to stay with them, I can be a better athlete," he says.

70-year-old Maxine Fredericks didn’t get serious about working out until she was 59 and she was diagnosed with the early stages of osteoporosis. Soon she started entering body building competitions, and turned pro at the age of 65. 

Maxine says she has no fear of getting older. “It’s going to happen. There’s nothing you can do about it, but there is something you can do about yourself,” she said. 

But her secret has nothing to do with cardio or bicep curls. It’s her attitude. 

“Everything is about getting ready and showing up. And showing up the best way that I can possibly show up. That’s life for me. Showing up and showing up right.” 

Watch the video to see how great they look, and how you can too!