Never Retired

Sheila is 78 years old and probably more active than you.
“Sheila’s who you want to be when you grow up,” says Dave Tillman, Sheila’s coach and owner of CrossFit Cedar Park in Cedar Park, Texas.
If she doesn’t make it into the gym, Tillman says, it’s probably because she power-washed her driveway, “and her driveway’s like - I don’t know - a football field.”
Sheila does all the yard work on her property, mowing, taking care of weeds, cleaning a pond and reservoir system she has that collects water. She claims her love of being outdoors is part of what has kept her active.
“I think that's what happens as [people] get older, even my age, they’re inside, and they’re not among people,” she says.
Sheila points out she wasn’t far from that path herself at one time. Diagnosed with a degenerated disc at a young age, she suffered from chronic back pain for 57 years. It was during a PT visit that she took her first step toward becoming pain free.
While on the table, she looked out the window across the street and saw a CrossFit gym. “I think when I grow up, I want to go over there,” she joked. But Tillman happened to be in the PT office that day. He said, “We’ll get you in there.”
Though Sheila was nervous when she started, especially after realizing she was the oldest person there, Tillman quickly put her at ease. He acknowledged her bone density and mobility issues, starting her with a PVC pipe to ensure movements were safe before building up in weight.
“This is the first time in my life … that I have not had back pain,” she says.
She thinks CrossFit is great for older people because you have a coach who can keep you on track with good form and safe movements.
She has a message for others who are considering CrossFit but are afraid due to pain or other limitations: “I’m not just this person who’s always been healthy and never had any issues … . I came from the same things that other people have that might cause you to just stop, but instead I said, ‘I’ve gotta keep going.’”
“I’m looking pretty good, I’m feeling good, and I’m staying younger,” she adds.
CrossFit® - (www.crossfit.com/)

[@zebfross]

The CrossFit Games are great but this is what CrossFit is really about

[@martenseger4223]

Exactly! It’s all about the individual doing CrossFit! All you have to do is show up! Love this side of it all.. (but the open is coming up. Need to work on those BMU’s... 😄)

[@mariahogberg7205]

This is amazing 🥰 I’m 60 and have done crossfit for 5 years, its great to know that I can do it as long as I live 🏋️‍♀️🏋️‍♀️🏋️‍♀️

[@tomas9830]

I’m 22 been training since 2017, Sheila you inspire me girl! Do crossfit, best thing that can happen to you!

[@shirazparacha2024]

Sheila , is my customer at Lakeline monogramming store and after a few times she has been in my store she told me she is almost 80 and i was in shock as to how she has kept herself so fit . What an inspiration and definitely gives me great motivation !! You rock , Sheila !!

[@WayneGlass1]

This is what we love to see.

[@tammypage5665]

This is wonderful! Reminds me of my Mom who is 72 and has more energy than most 52 yr olds. She swims, gardening, walking and painting. 🤗❤️

[@meganneedham5272]

This is how it’s done!!! So amazing!!

[@beckimorrison6788]

Sheila is an inspiration & someone to look to for motivation. She is the package! 💕

[@sharleneali4853]

Simply Amazing! Inspiring & motivating! She is a fantastic individual for sure. Years ago my son in law took us to visit Sheila. We got a tour of her beautiful home n property. She is a remarkable, adorable woman. Blessings to her. 💕

[@stephenbrown4924]

Outstanding! The best was seeing her do a thruster. At 59 I really hope that in 20 years I'm still a CrossFitter. Great job.

[@didinx8417]

What an inspiration....this is who girls should aspire to be not useless pop singers.

[@mdoyle403]

Whys she there hero, I think the phrase is "kicking ass and taking names " great job!

[@digitaluser1255]

I’m very demotivated; i used to CrossFit regularly. Now I can’t seem to get back up. I hate that physical health isn’t as much priority as money, bills, etc to me and most. It’s not really about the physical exercise, but the mind. CrossFit is missing the psychology issue that most people struggle with; how to like and want to exercise

[@didinx8417]

Try and find a good physio even if on line....get them to assess you if you have any issues and if they are good they will give you a proper programme to fix any niggles or issues...once you start you will then not be able to stop and in time you will be smashing it.

[@mobutter2879]

Sheila is amazing! 78? What?? They only thing I would add or suggest is modify her diet, add more protein w/ digestive enzymes and eliminate all dairy..and add a few days of water fasting for her inflammation. She could run all the way to 120 years of age..a body in motion, stays in motion!

[@riddhijaitly560]

Amazing 🤩 She is just amazing, pretty,gorgeous and hard working lady I have ever met🥰 You are an inspiration Sheila and i love you 😘 😍 Keep growing and inspiring 👸

[@themissjones87ify]

This is my damn colleague!!! I love you Sheila!!! Keep kicking ass my diva! 💜

[@thaddday]

Probably more active than me? Sheila mows my yard as well! Great video!

[@florencemourait6917]

She is so motivating ❤ I'll like to get old the way she does.

[@miguelcastillo306]

She’s an inspiration for all of us. I love this video

[@Prosharific]

Just have to love this!

[@tamara23ish]

Beyond inspiring.... THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@charbycharlie]

God I love it. So good.

[@susumukawano9296]

Beautiful and strong. Her lifestyle became my goal.

[@eddieavalos6574]

very good excellent example🎉

[@Manish-rf5bk]

Is it just me or does anyone else feels like she looks like the female version of Arnold Schwarzenegger 😂in the thumbnail She-Arnold.... Much Respect and love for her

[@jasminedefoore9317]

I want to be like Sheila!

[@-kenzo-blake-1091]

The thumbnail i almost thought was Bruce Jenner .

[@mobutter2879]

😂

[@5784Eva]

Too much make up !!!

[@sheilahickerson3860]

This video was provided in 2020, when I was 78 years old, I am happy to say I am still doing CrossFit & I am going to be 82 in a few months! I still feel that CrossFit is keeping me healthy & fit! I have had some new health issues but still attacking them as I did before! I continue go to CrossFit, work & still studying God’s Word, I listen to my coaches, get help from my doctors & continue to look for healthy ways to stay out of pain! Let me know how you like my video! Sheila