Wow! Well, I had an amazing Spring 2012 physique competition season and picked up plenty of hardware to add to my mantel. Finishing off the season on a high note, on June 16, I received the first ever SAF "Fab Over 45" prize. It was an honor to accept it and I received many congratulatory comments afterwards. Many were from young women who were shocked to discover that I was 48 years old – old enough to be their mom.

I have discovered the Fountain of Youth. It is really quite simple: eat properly and exercise regularly. Don’t smoke and keep alcohol at a minimum. I am convinced that this simple formula will work for anyone. Granted, we all have different genetics, different physical limitations, and different goals. Not everyone can have chiseled abs or wants veins bursting across their defined biceps. Not everyone wants to be onstage to compete. But these are my personal preferences. Therefore, my diet and exercise strategy is adjusted to meet my goals.

What are your goals? This is the first question you must answer for yourself. Do you wish to lose some weight? How much? Do you want to change your body composition or fitness level? Perhaps you want to run a race or just simply feel better – both physically and mentally. The answer: a clean diet and an exercise plan. The trick is to ensure the plan is suited to your goals.

The other trick to exercising regularly, and it is something I tell people all the time: choose a sport or fitness regimen that you ENJOY. I cannot state this strongly enough. If you hate running, then don’t! Try something else that you can be passionate about. This will help keep you motivated.

Anne-Marie with SAF Summer Spectacular MC Lianne Laing

Lastly, don’t let your age dictate what you think you can or cannot achieve. I started competing just four-and-a-half years ago. I was 45 years old. I fell in love with the sport and have stuck to it because of that. The clean diet has helped clear up symptoms I had related to irritable bowel syndrome. I feel better than ever eating pure, whole, unprocessed foods. I have the energy and stamina required to work out in the gym and consistently achieve personal bests. I am stronger and fitter than I was four years ago – or ever, for that matter.

I plan to continue to pursue this lifestyle indefinitely. Every day, I am thankful for the good health that I have been granted. My body is, indeed, my temple. I treat it well and hope that it will carry me for many more decades!

Thank you to SAF for believing in the 45-plus ladies and for adding the "Fab Over 45" prize to their long list of amazing prize packages.

Anne-Marie Brugger
2012 SAF Summer Spectacular "Fab Over 45" winner