In the city of Surprise, Arizona, 91-year-old Sy Perlis lifted 187.2 pounds above his head to beat the 90 and over division world record of 135 pounds, reports azcentral.com.

Perlis has become a local hero and a legend.  He only began weightlifting at the age of 60, entering his first competition at the ripe age of 86.  In 2009, he won the state title, followed by world titles in 2010 and 2011.  The road has not been easy for Perlis, but his tale has inspired many.  His weightlifting has likely helped improve the quality of his life and his longevity, but he has faced a number of health issues including hernia surgery and having a pacemaker put in his body.  Though these were not related to his weightlifting, his activity level likely helped him recover more quickly.

In addition to his current status as a weightlifter, Perlis is a World War II veteran. His ability to break the world record by a margin of more than 50 pounds is attributed to his five workouts a week.  His wife, Joan, says he is the reason she remains active.  The couple avoids the sedentary lifestyle that puts many, especially seniors, at risk of chronic disease.

The National Institutes of Health states that seniors should be as physically active as possible.  Their guide to senior health notes that maintaining a regular exercise or activity structure is likely to improve chances of remaining independent, even with age.  It is a misconception that exercise will be harmful or strenuous on the body.  Carefully building up the intensity level of workouts can mitigate any risks.  Moreover, inactivity puts individuals at double the risk of developing heart disease and makes them more likely to need doctor’s visits and medications.

Though it is unrealistic for everyone to be able to pick up weightlifting as a senior, Perlis’ story is not the only inspiring workout success among seniors.  Earlier this year, the world’s oldest marathoner, Fauja Singh (better known as the “Turban Tornado”) retired at the age of 101.  Like Perlis, he picked up his sport later in life, at the age of 89.  The founder of Bally Total Fitness, Don Wildman, continues to live the active lifestyle at the age of 79.  He recently completed his ninth Ironman and is planning to bike the Himalayas in celebration of his 80^th birthday.