96-year-old woman works out hard at the gym, gains more than 3 kg in 3 months

The 96-year-old woman in Ha Tinh City said that each session only takes 45 minutes, including walking for about 30 minutes, then lifting weights and doing pull-ups on a power-assisted machine. Meeting and working out with young people at the gym makes her feel younger and gives her more motivation to exercise.

"I only take a break when I'm sick or have something to do at home. Going to the gym is now a hobby in my old age, helping me feel less lonely because at home my children and grandchildren are all busy going to school and work," said Mr. Huynh.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Huynh said that when she was young, although she had to work in the fields all year round to help her family, whenever she had free time, she would take the opportunity to walk around the village 4-5 km every day. Now, at nearly 100 years old, with 9 children, 29 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, she still maintains the habit of exercising.

In early April 2024, his grandson, Vo Ta Nam, 34 years old, invited him to the gym to try working out with him because he saw him walking alone in the hot and humid weather. At first, he was hesitant because there were only young people there, and partly because he had never tried this form of exercise before, but he still nodded in agreement.

When he saw the old lady with white hair and a toothless mouth chewing betel nut walk in, Mr. Luu Van Phuong, the gym trainer, initially thought she was just there to watch her grandchild exercise. But when he saw the old lady request to register for training, he was very surprised. In many years of training, this was the first time he had accepted a gym-goer who was nearly 100 years old.

On the first day, he was allowed to try running on the treadmill at a speed of 6-7 km/h. After a few minutes, Mr. Huynh asked to double the speed to be satisfied. "He practiced while jumping to the music, looking very youthful and practicing more diligently than young people. However, for the elderly with weak bones and joints, I only recommend light exercise for 30-45 minutes per session," said Mr. Phuong.

Mr. Nam said that she can still lift 10-15 kg weights and run on machines at the same level as young people. But he only dares to let her exercise at a moderate level and always supervises her to ensure her health.

After more than three months of diligently going to the gym, Mr. Nam admitted that when she got home, her appetite improved. Because she no longer had teeth, she only ate soft foods. She could eat two bowls of rice per meal. Some days, after coming home from the gym, she could eat a big bowl of rice. In particular, the 96-year-old woman also loved to eat mixed rice paper and ice cream. She has now gained 3-4 kg after going to the gym.

"My grandmother is very alert, can take care of all her personal activities, and in her free time she also helps her children and grandchildren clean the house and cook," said Mr. Nam.

As her training companion, Nam often records videos of her and posts them on social media. The video of the 96-year-old woman working out at the gym has attracted millions of likes, with some comments expressing admiration such as "I wish I could be as healthy as her when I get old", "The two of them are so affectionate", "Gymer U100 is really clear-headed and flexible".

However, some people are worried about letting the elderly go to the gym. Mr. Nam said that sports have been his grandmother's passion for decades, taking her to the gym is just an excuse for him to have more time with her and also to limit her from exercising alone around the village, unable to control the situation.

"She lived a hard life. My grandfather passed away 27 years ago. Now that her children are grown up and financially stable, they want to create many happy memories with her," said Mr. Nam.

In addition to going to the gym, he often goes swimming with his grandchildren every weekend. At the age of 96, Mr. Huynh also loves traveling with his children and grandchildren. He said that every year he has to go to several provinces and cities to explore the beauty of the country to be satisfied. His most recent trip was to Phong Nha - Ke Bang (Quang Binh) to visit relatives, more than 140 km from home.

"At this age, being able to exercise with my grandchildren and go to many places like this is satisfying," Mr. Huynh shared.