A 91-year-old man from Surprise, Arizona defeated the weightlifting record for 90-and-over participants in the National Push-Pull Bench Press and Deadlift Championship on June 8 according to USA Today.
The World Association of Bencher and Deadlifters record for the age range was 135-pounds until Sy Perlis joined the competition. Perlis bench pressed 187.2-pounds.
"At an age when some avoid exercise, Perlis has become an athlete," said Gus Rethwisch, the association's president and event coordinator. "We've had a lot of lifters in their middle 80s, late 80s, and occasionally we get one 90 and over. but they've never inspired people like Perlis had."
Perlis is an accomplished weight lifter. He began weight lifting at the age of 60 and decided to compete five years ago. Breaking the 135-pound record is an accomplishment amongst him winning the state title in 2009, world title in 2010 and 2011.
"It gave me the opportunity to do something to test myself for one thing, and I didn't have to run around to do it, as you would in some other sports," Perlis said. "I got a lot of satisfaction out of it, and it made me feel good, and it was good for me."
According to USA Today, it's a misconception to think Peril's hobby is dangerous for his age. Study shows that exercising "reduces the likelihood a person would develop a chronic disease."
"The risk of leading a sedentary lifestyle is much greater than anything related to exercise," said Chhanda Dutta, chief of the Clinical Gerontology Branch of the National Institute on Aging. "I think it's important for people to realize that age alone doesn't determine the intensity of your workout,"
Peril's career is supported by his trainer, Reid Solar, who stresses the importance of good health over competing.