Think You’re Too Old for Exercise? Tell That to This 92-Year-Old Gym Fanatic

“If you rest, you rust.”

These are Ken’s “words to live by.” Ken Fichter is 92 years young and probably one of our most fit and active members. Looking for motivation? Just watch Ken go.

We first met Ken when he joined South Stuart Health and Fitness Center in 1997 at the age of 80. By the way, most members who have met Ken comment that he looks “70 at most.” Ken has always been active. He played football, baseball, basketball and track in high school.

He continues an active lifestyle which he attributes to “saving my life.” Heart disease runs in his family and in 2003 Ken suffered a heart attack and underwent a triple bypass.

Soon after recovery, Ken was back in the gym. A typical daily regimen for Ken starts at home in Indiantown where he starts with 50 pushups (unless “I’m tired,” he says. “Sometimes I do 40.”) His regimen also includes floor exercises and stretches – all before breakfast.

Three times a week, Ken drives to the South Stuart Health and Fitness Center where he runs through a free-weight routine, walks on the treadmill at a vigorous pace (“no strolling”) for at least 50 minutes then continues strength training on the equipment. This man is strong.

“If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you,” stresses Ken. He eats a healthy diet and is dedicated to his health. He is a motivation to others at the gym and people are absolutely stunned as they watch Ken work out. He certainly does not look 92!

“Age is not an excuse,” says Ken.

And he is proof that it is never too late to start and you are never too old to begin a healthy regimen of diet and exercise. See you at the center…

--Jane Reynolds
Health and Fitness Technician
Hospital South Health and Fitness