A 91-year-old man joined an Alabama gym last year to work out.
Since then he is inspiring a lot of people by routinely showing up to the gym three times a week in his denim overalls to get some exercise in.
Lloyd Black was named Anytime Fitness’ Member of the Month in January. “Mr. Black became a part of our anytime family 1 year ago and we have seen nothing but motivation and inspiration from him since he started,” the gym wrote in a Facebook post on Jan. 13. “He says he is 91 years young and brags about how much his workout routine has helped him in his daily routines.”
“Seeing someone like him inspires others to keep it up and incorporate fitness into their life,” the gym continued. “Seeing him in the gym 3 times a week working out in his overalls brightens our day and we hope to have him many more years to come!”
Anytime Fitness shared a snap of Black’s Member of the Month announcement, where he answered a number of questions.
Mr. Black was asked why he was motivated to get started, Black wrote that “simple tasks were becoming hard, if not impossible” and that since implementing a weekly workout routine, he’s been able to “do some jobs I could not before.”
He spoke to Good Morning America recently, explaining, “I had reached the point where simple chores, like yard work, I could no longer do and therefore I started [going to the gym] and it has really helped.”
Mr. Black said his father inspired him and he got those traits from him. “He was a man who never gave up and so I hope I’ve inherited some of his traits,” he explained.
He wrote that his favorite workout exercise is the treadmill, but told GMA that he also incorporates upper body strength training and the leg press.
Ashley Seaman, the gym’s general manager explained to GMA: “[Black] started out with 10 minutes on the treadmill. Now, he would brag to me about how he has worked his way up to 30 minutes. He is just the most friendly soul I’ve ever met. He just radiates energy and positivity.”
Many people are inspired by Mr. Black getting to the gym at age 91, others are fascinated with how he chooses to wear denim overalls during his exercises instead of regular workout gear.
“They’re comfortable and it’s what I have,” Black told GMA of the fashion choice. I don’t feel very comfortable being in the limelight, but if it encourages someone else, then I’m willing to do it,” he added.
According to the gym, Black has free membership and he admitted in his announcement that the toughest obstacle so far was “making the decision I’d go ahead [with joining a gym,]” he said.
“You have to decide for yourself, but do you want to be a happy person or a grouch? And I’ve decided to be a happy person,” he told GMA. “The good Lord has blessed me with good health.”
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