A 71-year-old Chinese grandmother, Sun Minghui, has inspired many after winning third place in a national fitness competition following four years of dedicated training. Originally from Ma’anshan, Anhui province, Sun earned the bronze medal in the mixed-gender category at the 2025 Wuhan round of the National Fitness Newcomers Quality Competition. She was the oldest participant at the event.
Before retiring, Sun worked in a steel factory cafeteria but always loved staying active. After retirement, she tried cycling, jumping rope, jogging, and hiking. She began formal fitness training at 67 and has since built an impressive six-pack and strong muscle tone.
“After just over a month of training, I noticed my biceps and back muscles becoming more defined. I didn’t lose muscle with age — I gained it. That gave me great confidence,” Sun said. She added, “No matter your age, you can do strength training. Moving is better than staying still.”
Sun follows a strict fitness routine, exercising at least five times a week for over an hour each session. She eats four to five egg whites daily for protein and maintains a low-oil, low-salt, and low-sugar diet. She advises seniors to exercise at 70% effort to avoid injury and ensure steady progress.
“Age is just a number, not a limitation,” Sun said. “Some think seniors should only drink tea and walk, but I want to lift weights and let my muscles speak.”
Sun is also an avid cyclist. In 2014, at age 60, she and her teammates set a Guinness World Record by cycling 6,316 kilometers from China’s easternmost point to Sanya in the south, completing the journey in 45 days.
“Ageing is inevitable, but exercise can improve your body and mind,” she said. “I hope my story inspires other seniors to enjoy their retirement and take control of their health.” She now shares her fitness journey on social media, inspiring many.
One online commenter said, “This is amazing. When seniors stay healthy, it’s a blessing for their families. Her children must be very proud.”
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