Download - Jackie Lee 2005 oxygenmag interview
is not your run-of-the-miLL grandmaBY CRYSTAL WOOD
JACKIE LEE
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number of serious events later in life,
including emergency gall-bladder sur
gery, a car-jacking and a mugging in
which she wrestled the gun away fromthe assailant. '" could still wrestle a
mugger today if he was foolish enough
to try it," Jackie says with determina
tion. "I do believe you can overcome just
about anything. I rehabilitated myselffrom these events, so I know I can reha
bilitate other people too."
'n addition to her private clients,
Jackie teaches two yoga classes eachweek and an exercise class at OASIS, a
cultural and wellness center for older
adults, Jackie still finds time to get to
the gym herself six times a week,
alternating upper-bodyworkouts with
legs and abs. For cardiovascular exer
cise, Jackie enjoys "jogging with her
dog, Chynna.
Regular exercise is vital to Jackie,
who is an active participant in fitness
competitions. For five years, she com
peted in the Miss Senior America of
California pageant. She also partici
pates in regular competitions wherethere is no seniors division, so sheoften finds herself beside women in
their 20s and 30s when she competes
in the figure and bodybuilding classes.
Though it can be difficult competing
about the benefits of fitness. She trav
els throughout Los Angeles and the
San Fernando Valley to help her
clients, most of whom are older adults
and people with disabilities, including
one multiple sclerosis victim who
requires a wheelchair. "I believe every
one deserves a quality life," Jackie
says. "I can help them attain that."Jackie feels she has something to
share with her clients, as she overcame
not only her childhood ailments, but a
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a young age. As a child, she suffered
from Reynaud's Syndrome, a condition
that leaves the body incapable of regu
lating temperature. In addition, she
endured migraine headaches, thyroid
deficiencies, pernicious anemia and
allergies to dairy, dust and pollen. "Oneof these is a concern in itself, but com
bined, it's all quite serious," Jackie
says. "I've learned to control these
problems through exercise, good
nutrition and a positive attitude."
Today, through her job as a per
sonal trainer, Jackie teaches others
Jackie Lee doesn't know the
meaning of the word retirement, At 71, she lives a busier
life than most people even half
her age, and is showing no signs of
slowing down, The Mar Vista,California, resident is a personal
trainer, fitness competitor, actress,
poet, mother, grandmother and much
more, Staying busy is very important to
her. "For me, the idea of retiring is like
jumping in your grave," Jackie says,Jackie's determination to live an
active lifestyle was instilled in her from
74 march 2005 Dxygenmag.com
against younger woman, Jackie is still
motivated, "I continue to compete to' I
provide a role model to older adults."
Jackie says the other competitors are
often encouraging, as are her two chil-'dren, Bonni and Jack.
To maintain energy for her busy
schedule, Jackie follows a vegetarian
diet, which includes plenty of fresh
vegetables and fruit. She isn't often
tempted by sweet treats, but does
indulge in raw, unheated honey or a
small piece of dark chocolate when she
gets the urge, "I have a small appetite,
so , guess that helps," she laughs.Jackie also believes it is important to
stay near her contest weight, as gain
ing and losing weight frequently can be
hard on older people.When Jackie isn't training herself
or others. she keeps busy with a variety
of activities. She's a true "triple threat"
- she sings in an award-winning choil-.
takes an acting class each week and
performs an acrobatic dance at localevents and convalescent homes. Living i~--Iclose to Hollywood, Jackie has acted as
an extra in several film productions,
and has her sights set on larger roles.
"I want real parts, with lines and every
thing," she laughs. Jackie is also a
published poet, and designs her own
greeting cards.She also loves to spend time with
her pets, her dog and her cat,Maximillian, and considers it extremely
important to take time each day to
enjoy life. "'love jokes and I love laugh
ter. Every day I make a point of laughing
a little," she says.With all that she does, Jackie is
determined to do even more. "I have a
secret desire to be in the Olympics,"
she says. "There must be a category forme." Jackie cites race walking as a
possible event.
"My advice is never let anyone tell
you you're too old to do something,"
Jackie says. "I believe older is better, andif older is better then I'm magnificent."(;1
Do you do it all? Raise a family, work full time andstill manage to stay fit? Send us your photos andstory to [email protected], or by mail toTotal Package c/o Oxygen, 5775 McLaughlin Rd.,Mississauga. ON, L5R 3P7,