A retired pastor who took up exercise late now trains twice a week, lifting weights and following a steady routine
Rudolf Goetz is 100 years old and regularly works out at a gym in Fuerstenwalde, a town east of Berlin in Germany.
He only began going to the gym in his nineties, after noticing a flyer for the facility. Before that, he had no background in fitness and had worked as a pastor, the South China Morning Daily reported.
When he first started, it wasn’t easy. “I felt weak,” he says. “My legs just wouldn’t cooperate.” Over time, though, things improved.
Now, he trains twice a week and follows a consistent routine that lasts about an hour. During his sessions, he uses machines like the ab trainer and lifts weights. He is able to push around 40 kilograms on the leg press, something his trainer, Marc Baldow, says many people in their 50s or 60s would struggle with.
Goetz goes through his exercises quietly and without drawing attention. Despite his age, he maintains a steady pace throughout his workout.
He also keeps things simple when it comes to preparation. He does not always change into gym clothes before starting and often begins exercising in whatever he is wearing, including a pullover or a dress shirt.
He says he currently has no major health problems and no artificial joints, although his blood pressure is slightly low.
At the gym, he is known as “Rudi” and is the oldest member. His story has been described as “incredible” in local media, but he does not treat it as anything unusual.
He continues to attend the gym regularly and sticks to his twice-weekly schedule.
Goetz’s routine focuses on maintaining strength. His workouts include both upper and lower body exercises using machines, and he repeats them consistently during each visit.
He does not follow an elaborate fitness plan or make any changes to his approach based on attention or recognition. His sessions remain the same, focused on completing the exercises he has been doing since he started.
