Fitness fanatic Tim Minnick works as a trainer at Gold’s Gym in Austin, Texas, teaching multiple classes each day.
But what sets Tim apart from other personal trainers around the world is the fact that he’s in his 80s.
Tim was recognized as a world player oldest fitness instructor Four years ago, he was 81 years old and still going strong.
Before Tim, the record belonged to 65-year-old Wendy Ida from California.
Please enable JavaScript
At age 73, Tim earned his personal training certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
He says he got the job at Gold’s Gym after being turned down by two other gyms, and was given a chance at a new life after his wife’s death.
“I wanted to do something that would make me feel like I was contributing to someone,” he says.
Tim leads both individual and group sessions. Most of his clients are over the age of 50, with the oldest being 95, but he also trains some younger people.
“Hiring was easy. We’re glad he walked through the door,” gym manager Aaron Gillum said. He estimates that 15-20% of gym members are over 50 years old.
According to Tim, the fitness levels of baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) are “not great.”
He gained a new sense of purpose by helping others his age regain their strength. Because Tim started his fitness journey at an older age, he feels he has a special ability to help people in a similar position to himself.
“We start to lose muscle around age 35. If we don’t do something to maintain it, by the time we’re 75 it’s not going to be in great shape,” he explained.
“In my opinion, it’s like buying insurance. Insurance for when you get older and fail.”
Among the people Tim helped was a cancer patient who had suffered a stroke and was involved in a serious car accident. He worked with her for over two years until she was able to stand up from a sitting position.
Being able to help others in this way is one of the main reasons Tim decided to continue working as a fitness trainer for as long as physically possible.
He tries to eat as healthy as possible, and unlike many of his friends, he doesn’t drink alcohol or take drugs.
“I’m so old and people can’t believe I haven’t done anything,” he said.
“We’ve been given bodies that you’ll never understand. It’s a miracle that we’re sitting here doing this. Our bodies are a miracle.
“So I want to learn as much as possible. I’m healthy [and] I hope I can do this for a while longer.
“You can’t stop just because you’re old.”
Want more? Stay up to date with the latest information about Guinness World Records by following us on Google News and social media channels. You can find us on Facebook. Twitter/XInstagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Snapchat Discover.
Check out our videos on YouTube and don’t forget to follow the Guinness World Records WhatsApp channel and join the group chat.
Still not good enough? Click here to purchase the latest book. This book is packed with stories about amazing record-breakers.