TAIPEI (Reuters) – Cheng Chen Chin-Mei smiled broadly as he hoisted a 35kg weightlifting bar to his waist, dropped it and waved confidently to the enthusiastic crowd at a contest in Taipei.
Cheng Chen, 90, has been coaching in bodybuilding since final yr, inspired by her granddaughter to take up the game after she was identified with Parkinson’s illness. She credit the routine with serving to her right her posture.
Three generations of his household have been amongst a couple of hundred folks watching Cheng Chen and 44 others aged 70 and over at a weightlifting competitors on Saturday.
Within the three-round competitors, Cheng Chen lifted as much as 45 kg (99 kilos) utilizing a hexagonal bar that reportedly permits the lifter extra stability and grip choices.
“I wish to inform all seniors to take part in coaching,” mentioned Cheng Chen Reuters after the competitors. “You needn’t work arduous, however that is to remain wholesome.”
Cheng Chen was not the one nonagenarian within the competitors. The oldest participant is 92 years outdated.
Taiwan is predicted to turn out to be a “super-aged society” subsequent yr, with 20% or extra of its 23 million inhabitants aged 65 or over, in response to information from the Nationwide Growth Council.
The federal government has created health facilities throughout the island with tools appropriate for seniors to encourage them to coach, in response to the Well being Promotion Administration, which inspires wholesome existence.
“The hex bar deadlift is a simple exercise. It is just like squatting or sitting down and standing up,” mentioned Cheng Yu-shao, head coach at LKK Wellness, who organized the occasion. It might assist forestall muscle loss and reduce the danger of falls, he mentioned. Reuters throughout a coaching session with Cheng Chen this week.
Through the exercise, Cheng Chen mentioned that weight coaching helped with a few of his well being issues. “My shoulders felt lighter after a while of steady coaching,” she mentioned.
Cheng Chen solely received a medal and a certificates for his efficiency, however he obtained the general public’s adulation and the chance to wave like a star.
