At 67 years old, you might think Greta Pontarelli would prefer spending her days in easy, restful retirement.
Instead, the California resident has defied expectations and inspired countless others by pushing her body to limits that even people half her age would struggle with.
It started when she began feeling early symptoms of osteoporosis at age 59. Greta searched for ways to strengthen her bones and prevent it from spreading any further. That's when she stumbled upon the perfect solution: pole dancing.
Although Greta spent her youth as a dancer and gymnast, she wasn't sure she'd be able to jump back into such a physical activity after so many years.
Despite the difficulties she faced, however, Greta explains on her official website that the pole "became my Everest," and that she "lived for those little victories of progress."
Now, nearly 10 years later, she's become a champion across the globe with her incredible talent for contorting her body along the pole. Greta shares her progress online to motivate others to follow in her footsteps.
[H/T: Daily Mail]
Before starting her career as a competitive pole dancer, Greta appeared on America Ninja Warrior in 2012 and was surprised to realize she was the oldest person to attempt the grueling course.
After that, she began pursuing her passion for pole dancing. Greta wanted to set an example for anyone who thought their age, or any other factor for that matter, should hold them back from achieving their goals.
Greta shared this throwback photo of herself and her sisters cuddling up with a tiger to prove just how long she's been conquering her own fears.
At 59, she started by looking up YouTube videos that taught her the basics.
Eventually, Greta decided to join a class where, again, she was surprised by being the oldest one in attendance.
She also admits that it wasn't easy at first. "I think the teacher assumed I wouldn't be back, but there was something about it that had me hooked."
It didn't take long for her to master the technique, and she has since racked up several medals from competitions.
Greta shares each new goal she completes with her Instagram followers to encourage them to conquer their own personal victories.
She explains, "I always hear, 'I'm too old, too heavy, too this, too that,' which I understand, because I've been there, too. But those are all just excuses."
In an interview with Senior Planet, Greta credits her age as one of the biggest factors to her success.
"You see life through a different lens as you age. You view things from a more eternal perspective. I believe seeing things from that vantage point enhances your intuition and quality of life."
You have to admit, it's hard to believe the woman in the photo above is anywhere near her 70s!
Of course, Greta's mission isn't just about looking younger but feeling happiest with yourself by never backing down from what you really want in life.
She also shares inspirational messages on each of her Instagram posts. Greta captioned the photo above by saying, "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."
Be sure to SHARE Greta's incredible story to inspire your friends and family to reach their goals, too!
