Check out this 95 year old spitfire. She's a living attribute to how exercise makes you younger. 

Syrnie Sermay will compete in powerlifting at the Natural Athlete Strength Association's New Mexico State Powerlifting and Power Sports competition as the oldest competitor ever. 

Sermay can curl a cool 30 pounds, bench press 45 pounds, and in the deadlift (her favorite event) she can heft 60 pounds. She may face some competition from youngsters — she's entered in the 75-and-up division.

She was initially inspired by her daughter, Storm, who is now 75 yrs. old (also competing that day) but has much to say about working out with a trainer.

"I was so busy for years with business and traveling," she said. "Then I started with workouts, always with a trainer, never on my own."

"Her balance and strength have improved since she started with Richard," her daughter said. "I think it's great. I think it's fantastic..."

A great trainer can make all the difference in one's success by listening and challenging his/her clients, thus guiding them safely to their true potential.  

...The challenge of competitive lifting was just too enticing to pass up. She hoped to compete in the Senior Olympics, until that organization removed weightlifting from its lineup.

On a recent afternoon at the gym, her competitive nature came out.

"You mean you're not going to let me do 60?" she asked Kahle after a 50-pound deadlift.

"She's better under pressure," he said. "She's excellent, comes in and does what is asked of her. She's an overachiever. She's notorious for asking for more weight..."

She makes an awesome note (as I mentioned the other day) about the importance of laughter.

...The workouts and vitamins may keep her healthy, but she attributes her ability to go full-throttle at 95 to a more philosophical factor.

"It's laughter, be happy," she said with a wink after working out. "It's a sense of humor."

Read more of my blogs on exercise and aging here.

Thanks Conditioning Research.