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The retired pastor who was a late bloomer now works out twice a week, lifts weights and follows a consistent routine
News18
Rudolf Goetz is 100 years old and works out regularly at a gym in Fürstenwald, a town east of Berlin in Germany.
He only started going to the gym in his 90s, after he noticed a flyer advertising the facility. Before that, he had no background in fitness and 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 won’t cooperate.” Over time, things improved.
He now trains twice a week and follows a consistent routine that lasts about an hour. During his sessions, he uses machines such as an ab trainer and lifts weights. He’s able to push nearly 40kg with a leg press, something his coach, Mark Baldo, says many people in their 50s or 60s would struggle with.
Goetz exercises quietly and without attracting attention. Despite his age, he maintains a steady pace throughout the workout.
It also keeps things simple when it comes to preparation. He does not always change into sports clothes before starting and often starts exercising with whatever he is wearing, including a jacket or dress shirt.
He says he currently does not have any major health problems and does not have artificial joints, although his blood pressure is slightly low.
He is known in the gym as “Rudy” and is the oldest member. His story has been described as “incredible” in local media, but he is not treating it as anything unusual.
He continues to attend the gym regularly and sticks to his schedule twice a week.
Goetz’s routine focuses on maintaining strength. His workouts include upper and lower body exercises using machines, and he repeats them constantly during each visit.
He does not follow a detailed fitness plan nor does he make any changes to his style based on interest or recognition. His sessions remain the same, and focus on completing the exercises he has been doing since he started.
According to his coach, he performs each move carefully and remains disciplined during the session.
More than nine years after he first entered the gym, Goetz continues to train the same way, following a simple and consistent routine.
Delhi, India, India
16 April 2026 at 06:30 IST
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