Joan MacDonald Bio: Age, Height, Husband, Daughter, Net Worth, Book, Transformation, YouTube, Instagram

Joan MacDonald, also known as TrainWithJoan, is a celebrated Canadian fitness influencer, content creator, author, and motivational speaker known for her remarkable transformation that began at age 70.

Through her honest sharing of strength training, healthy habits, and mindset shifts on Instagram, her bestselling book Flex Your Age, and inspiring millions to defy age stereotypes, she proves it is never too late to reclaim health, strength, and joy.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Joan MacDonald
• Stage Name: TrainWithJoan
• Born: March 31, 1946
• Age: 80 years old
• Birthplace: Newfoundland, Canada (raised in Ontario)
• Nationality: Canadian
• Ethnicity: Canadian
• Occupation: Fitness Influencer, Content Creator, Author
• Height: 5 ft 3 in (160 cm)
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald
• Siblings: Six
• Spouse: Norm MacDonald
• Children: Michelle MacDonald
• Relationship: Widowed
• Net Worth: $2,000,000 USD

Early Life And Education

Joan MacDonald was born on March 31, 1946, in Newfoundland, Canada, and raised by her parents in Ontario as the second of seven children and the oldest girl.

She helped raise her younger siblings like a second mother while growing up in a rural environment where her father hunted and fished for family meals. She worked in local government administration, married young, and raised three children. Later in life, health struggles including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, acid reflux, edema, and arthritis motivated her change. Her religion is Christianity.

Career

Joan MacDonald started her fitness journey at age 70 in 2017 after a doctor visit revealed declining health and a conversation with her daughter Michelle, a certified strength coach. Weighing around 200 pounds with a 39-inch waist, she joined her daughter’s online program, learned to use technology, tracked food, and began consistent gym training.

She lost over 70 pounds, dropped multiple medications, built impressive strength (including weighted pull-ups and heavy hip thrusts), and transformed her life. With over 2 million Instagram followers (@trainwithjoan), she shares workouts, progress updates, and motivation for women of all ages.

She co-authored the book Flex Your Age: Defy Stereotypes and Reclaim Empowerment with Michelle, offers coaching and programs, and splits time between Canada and Mexico (Tulum). At 80, she continues training four times a week, aims for daily steps, and inspires others to prioritize strength and self-care without extremes.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @trainwithjoan

Personal Life

Joan MacDonald was married to Norm MacDonald for many years until his passing in late 2023 following a fall and brain bleed. Together they had three children: daughter Michelle MacDonald (her fitness coach and business partner) and two sons. She has openly shared how family, especially Michelle and son-in-law JJ, supported her transformation.

She now enjoys time with family, travels between Mexico and Canada to avoid snow, and focuses on health and inspiration. No other past relationships are widely documented. She is currently widowed and balances content creation, coaching, and family life. She is 80 years old. Her height is 5 ft 3 in (160 cm).

Net Worth

Joan MacDonald’s net worth is estimated at $2,000,000 USD. Her income primarily comes from Instagram sponsorships and brand partnerships, book sales, online coaching programs and fitness challenges, social media monetization, and motivational speaking tied to her late-in-life transformation story.