Ann Prokenpek: Not your average “granny”

The word “grandmother” doesn’t typically bring to mind a woman running trails and blazing through obstacle courses. But when that woman is Ann Prokenpek—all bets are off. She balances her life as a “granny” to two with her passion for helping people reach their health and fitness goals. And she loves both roles.

On Sharecare, Prokenpek blogs about topics such as surviving the holidays (don’t give up on that fitness plan!) and offers advice on everything from exercise for seniors to having the right attitude about your fitness program.

Read on to learn more about Prokenpek’s fitness tips, weight-management secrets and what keeps her so young.

Day job:  Fitness coach

Weekend job: Dog walker/pet sitter

Current challenge: “I’m helping a client prep for the Tough Mudder in December. We do a lot of SAQ [speed, agility, quickness] drills and obstacle course work.”

Favorite quote: “The struggle to achieve success is much less painful than the regret of never having tried, or quitting once you start.” —Craig Holiday

Proud to be: The mother of two fabulous adults, and the grandmother of two very adorable grandchildren. “And I am especially proud to be associated with Sharecare.com and to be able to help others reach their health and fitness goals.”

Client successes: “I have worked with people with all types of injuries, ailments and diseases. My proudest accomplishment was helping a client with MS strengthen his legs while the MS was doing its best to atrophy them. I have also been able to help people with fibromyalgia live as normal and pain-free a life as possible.”

Favorite hobby: Hiking

Health mission: “To help people reach their fitness goals and remain as fit and active as possible well into their golden years.”

What’s always in her fridge: Almond milk, Greek yogurt and fruit.

Healthy thing she does every day: “No matter what, I always walk. During the week it’s usually about three miles per day, but some days it may be just one mile.”

Weight-management secret: “I eat anything I want but pay very close attention to portion control. I discovered several years ago that by not depriving myself of the things I like best, I lost the cravings for them.”

Advice to live by: “Dream big, and don’t allow others to discourage you from pursuing those dreams.”

Research by Cathy Poley

File under: Fit Friday