Joseph Caminiti’s biggest fitness achievement is obvious: He’s been an avid gym goer since the 1930s—so over 90 years.
“I feel that prioritizing movement and exercise my whole life must be the reason why I’m still here and going strong,” the 100-year-old who lives in Bristol, Connecticut, says.
For him, exercise isn’t just about physicality but longevity and quality of life, too.
“In this stage of my life, daily exercise keeps me moving freely and helps me stay independent,” he says. “I am also able to socialize with good friends each day at The Edge Fitness Clubs in Bristol.”
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Ahead, Caminiti shares his fitness journey, workout routine and advice for other older adults.
Joseph Caminiti’s Fitness Journey
As mentioned, Caminiti has been active his whole life. As a young adult, he enlisted in the Marines, which kept his exercise regimen strong.
At the end of March, he’s attending a Japanese-American ceremony at Iwo Jima and says he’s “able to do things like that because of fitness.”
Caminiti is busy with other commitments as a veteran, too, plus time with friends and family. And yet, he says he still makes time for a consistent gym routine.
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“I would rather stay active than sit down and freeze up over time,” he continues. “Going to The Edge each day keeps me busy, physically and mentally.”
Joseph Caminiti’s Workout Routine
A workout with Caminiti looks like this:
- He warms up with 40 minutes on the treadmill or stationary bike. He appreciates how these are low-impact options in which he can control the intensity.
- Next, Caminiti strength trains on the pin-loaded machines: a few sets of reps on the seated row/back machine and cable pulldown (usually with the lat bar).
- To keep his legs strong, he likes the pin-loaded hamstring and quad leg machines, doing a few sets of reps on each.
- Caminiti finishes his routine on the hydro beds which help his muscles—particularly his back—with recovery.
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What He Wants Other Older People to Know About Staying Fit
Caminiti’s major bit of advice is to get into a routine. “Wake up, eat breakfast, drink some coffee and get to the gym,” he says. “At 100 years old, I still drive every day to the gym, holding myself to a disciplined schedule that I have practiced my whole life.”
His advice is backed by science, too: Research in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that routine is a helpful way to enable long-term adherence to a new goal. If you haven’t gotten into a routine yet, that’s okay. You don’t need 90 years in the gym to get into the habit. “It’s never too late to start,” Caminiti says.
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Sources
- Joseph Caminiti, a 100-year-old in Bristol, Connecticut
- The Importance of Creating Habits and Routine, American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
