I’m still a bodybuilder at 72 but I’m as fit as any 30-year-old – my secret is all in what I eat for breakfast
WHEN it comes to age, it’s just a number for this bodybuilder, who says he’s worked out every day for decades.
Xinmin Yang looks better than most 30-year-olds, which is why it is a shock to many when they find out he’s 72 years old.
He can squat over 370 pounds and has the bone density of a younger man, according to his doctor.
Xinmin cites his physique to his strict regimen of exercising daily and following his diet plan that includes six-to-eight eggs for breakfast.
He started bodybuilding in 1984 – just one year after China lifted the ban on the sport that was introduced to the country in 1953.
In the nearly 40 years since Xinmin has been in top physical condition – with normal blood pressure and normal blood lipids.
“The first thing my doctor said was ‘you don’t look a day over 60,'” Xinmin told Chinese fitness media company Change Production in 2018.
“Over the years, I have lived a healthy life because of bodybuilding training,” he said.
Aside from all the eggs he eats, Xinmin’s breakfast also includes “tomatoes, cucumber, oatmeal…and some chicken breast.”
“I’ve been eating like this for almost 10 years,” he said.
Throughout his career, Xinmin has won more than 100 trophies and medals and calls Arnold Schwarzenegger his biggest inspiration.
“My body shape, muscle strength, and power are better than most young people even though I’m [into my 70s] now,” he said.
Xinmin calls exercise the most important part of his life and, although being a champion isn’t his goal anymore, he hopes to maintain his healthy lifestyle.
Some of his secrets to his agelessness include going for a jog every morning followed by strength training for an hour and a half each day.
“When strength training, remember three things,” said Xinmin. “Make sure the movements are standard. Build muscle and shed fat. Try and improve your balance.”
Xinmin says that self-discipline and persistence are also key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“To maintain my health and body status at my age could only be by the accumulations of years and years of daily workouts.”
His dedication has earned him the name “Iron Grandpa” in the online bodybuilding community.
“Mark my words, I will still be training at 80. Let’s make it 80,” said Xinmin.
“I want to push the limits of the human body.”