is not your run-of-the-miLL grandmaBY CRYSTAL WOOD

JACKIE LEE

totalPACKAGE

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 mystory@oxygenmag.com, or by mail toTotal Package c/o Oxygen, 5775 McLaughlin Rd.,Mississauga. ON, L5R 3P7,