Deloris Aldridge is 75 years old and she can do more chin-ups that you. In fact, she can do more than almost any woman in her 20’s. She is walking, talking, and weight-lifting evidence that anyone at any age can get fit. More importantly, that at any age you can stay fit.

At 49 years old something began to happen to Deloris. She started getting fat. Then she did something out of the ordinary: she decided it was not okay, and that something must be done.

So, before this writer was even born, Deloris found her way into Power House Gym in downtown DC, and started sweating to what are now oldies.

Back in those days they kept men and women separate at the gym. The guys lifted weights and the ladies did aerobics.

Something about the intensity of the men’s side intrigued Deloris. So, she started reading up on weight lifting, hired a male coach, and started “working out like a man.”

Working out “like a man” helped her look and feel great as a woman.

She enjoyed lifting weights so much that she even began to compete at both power lifting and bodybuilding. Her first power lifting meet was in 1983 at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club on 14th Street, NW.

At 5’0” tall, and not much over 100lbs, Deloris has lifted a personal best of 235 pounds.

Deloris still works out six days per week. And she is NOT slowing down or “acting her age.” She lifts weights, runs five days per week, and goes hiking on Saturdays with her Brentwood Running Club. She still has fitness goals for herself instead of just “trying to maintain.”

Deloris’ philosophy on fitness is simple: “get out and exercise. A lot of people don’t like to, but I don’t understand because it feels so good,” she says.

After retirement, Deloris decided to take the gift she has given herself and share it with others – especially women, who, too often, are afraid to lift weights. She has become a fitness coach, offering sessions in her home gym (which is small, but very well equipped).

For more information about Deloris’ services or the Brentwood Running Club (which she runs for free) call (202) 529-6867.

Josef Brandenburg is a Brookland-based fitness coach and author of The Body You Want. For more information and free workout advice go to www.thebodyyouwant.com.