Meet the Inspiring 96-Year-Old Cyclist Who Started at 75: 3 Tips for Staying Fit at Any Age!

At the remarkable age of 96, Jack Eckenrode is living proof that it's never too late to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Surprisingly, he only took up cycling at 75, but today, he has become a daily cyclist, actively sharing his fitness journey and tips with the world.

Jack's philosophy on fitness is simple yet powerful, as he recently shared with Business Insider. His insights include essential practices like integrating exercise into daily life and utilizing music as a driving force for motivation.

Instead of slowing down after retiring from his job as an insurance salesman at 60, Jack took a different route — moving to a farm where he put in hard work for 15 years. It wasn't until he sold the farm at 75 that he discovered the thrill of cycling. Now residing in Pittsburgh, Jack is a proud father of 12, which meant staying fit wasn’t a priority during his busy working years.

Now that he has the time, Jack dedicates an hour each day to exercise. He emphasizes the notion that age should never deter anyone from getting active. A recent study published in the journal Preventive Medicine found that staying physically active can significantly improve longevity, even for those aged 80 and above.

Jack's routine consists of 30 minutes on a stationary bike, paired with another 30 minutes of full-body calisthenics, a regimen he learned while serving as a pilot in the US Air Force in his mid-twenties. His commitment to fitness has allowed him to participate in the National Senior Games for the past two decades, where he has excelled in cycling races and even medaled in the 20-kilometer race recently held in Pittsburgh.

Remarkably, Jack assures us, “My legs never get sore, and my muscles or back never gets sore. I can go on forever,” which speaks volumes about his dedication and fitness regimen.

Here are Jack’s three invaluable tips for staying fit, regardless of your age:

1. Exercise Daily

Jack insists on the importance of daily activity. “I go out of my way to get on that stationary bike for sure. I try not to miss one day. I feel so much better after I do it,” he explains. He encourages everyone to consider investing just one hour of their day in exercise, highlighting the mental and physical health benefits that come with it.

2. Work Out With Others

For added motivation, Jack often rides bikes with his children. He fondly recalls biking with his late wife, emphasizing the joy of shared fitness experiences. Research supports this idea, as having a workout partner can drastically improve dedication and enjoyment in exercise.

3. Multitask While Exercising

Jack makes the most of his time on the stationary bike by meditating, organizing his day, and even praying. This helps him maintain a positive mindset towards workouts. “I always have music on when I do it. I talk to Alexa, and she gives me my music,” he adds, underlining the uplifting role of music in his workouts.

Jack's inspiring journey proves that age is merely a number when it comes to health and fitness. With determination, creativity, and a positive social environment, anyone can lead an active, fulfilling life at any stage. So, what’s stopping you from starting your fitness journey today?