'I'm in good health': 101-year-old who attends gym three times a week credits workout routine as key to longevity

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Solen Le Net

By Solen Le Net


Published: 15/10/2025

- 12:58

The centenarian has followed the same exercise regimen since retirement

A 101-year-old woman from Virginia Beach has captured hearts online after a video showed her powering through an impressive gym workout.

Ruth Lemay was filmed pedalling away on a recumbent exercise bike, having just completed three miles in 30 minutes.


The footage, shared by health brand @evrydayclub on Instagram, shows the centenarian's energy as she casually mentions she'll do another half-hour session afterwards. "And I walk, I'll do a mile," she told them matter-of-factly.

Ruth visits the gym three times weekly alongside her 78-year-old daughter, maintaining a fitness routine that would put many younger people to shame.

RUTH HEADSHOTS

Ruth visits the gym three times a week

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TIKTOK / @EVRYDAYCLUB

Her workout sessions include the recumbent bike twice for 30 minutes each time, covering roughly three miles per session.

After the cycling, she walks 1.4 miles and is working towards reaching a mile and a half.

"When I don't go to the recreation centre, I still try to walk from one end of my house to the other," she explained to Women's Health.

That home routine involves 170 steps repeated 40 times, totalling an incredible 6,800 steps or about 3.22 miles. It's a commitment she's maintained since retirement, when she began walking four miles daily.

"That's just what keeps you going," she said. "A lot of exercise."

Her approach to eating is just as disciplined. Lemay loves vegetables, a passion that started during her childhood in the countryside, where her father grew fresh produce.

"I love vegetables. I grew up in the country, and my dad grew all kinds of vegetables, and they were wonderful for you," she said.

Her daily meals include fat-free yoghurt, walnuts, porridge with banana and milk, or scrambled eggs on toast for breakfast. She sticks to chicken, turkey or seafood for protein, and enjoys red grapes and blueberries.

Lemay has never touched cigarettes and doesn't drink alcohol. "I'm in pretty good health for my age," she noted.

Her daughter Annette Parker revealed that her mum has "always been very conscious of her diet".

Beyond the physical habits, Lemay credits good mental health and staying socially connected as crucial factors in her longevity.

Ruth headshot

Ruth has avoided major health issues throughout her century of life

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TIKTOK


She goes to bed at 9:30 every night and lived independently in her own home until recently, even driving until she was 98.

Her late husband of 56 years used to encourage her evening walks, offering to cook dinner while she exercised with the dog.

"He said, 'You just take the dog and go for a walk, and I'll fix dinner,'" she recalled. "It was wonderful."

Despite having a heart valve replacement, she's avoided major health issues throughout her century of life.