Centenarian Ruth Lemay Stays Active with Inspiring Workout Routine

At the age of 100, Ruth Lemay maintains an impressive fitness regimen, working out at the gym three times a week. A resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia, she spends an hour on a stationary bike followed by a mile-long walk on the indoor track. Lemay, who continues to live independently in her own home, attributes her longevity and good health to consistent physical activity and a well-balanced diet.

Lemay’s enthusiasm for exercise is evident as she shares, “I’ve always exercised. I feel fine. I might be a little bit tired after riding the bicycle and the walk, but that’s OK. I don’t expect not to feel tired.” Born in June 1925, she credits her active lifestyle for her well-being. Her daughter, Annette Parker, who lives with her as a caregiver, supports her mother’s fitness journey and expresses gratitude for the time they share together.

Building a Healthy Lifestyle

Lemay’s approach to health encompasses both movement and nutrition. Each morning, she performs stretches, knee raises, leg kicks, and light weight lifting at home. On days when she is not at the gym, she walks around her house. During her gym visits, she rides a recumbent bike for 30 minutes, takes a short break, and then rides for another 30 minutes before completing her workout with a mile-long walk.

“One of my favorite exercises is walking,” she explains, recalling how she used to walk four miles a day when she was younger. “That always made me feel better.” Her late husband encouraged her to stay active, suggesting she take their dog for walks while he prepared dinner.

A healthy diet also plays a crucial role in Lemay’s life. According to Parker, her mother has always been conscious of her food choices. Lemay’s typical meals include non-fat yogurt, walnuts, oatmeal with banana, and scrambled eggs with toast. She prefers lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and seafood while limiting her intake of beef and pork. Her diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, featuring red grapes, blueberries, string beans, corn, and various others.

“I love vegetables. I grew up in the country, and my dad grew all kinds of vegetables, and they were wonderful for you,” Lemay states. She continues to cook for herself, avoiding salt for heart health, and has never smoked or consumed alcohol. “I’m in pretty good health for my age,” she adds confidently.

Enjoying Life and Staying Social

Every Friday, Lemay treats herself to two hot dogs from a local eatery after getting her hair done. “That’s my one treat a week. I like hot dogs, and I get two hot dogs,” she says. These hot dogs are topped with chili, mustard, and onions, a simple pleasure she looks forward to each week.

Lemay also reflects on her family history, noting that she does not know of anyone in her lineage who has lived as long as she has. Her mother passed away from colon cancer at 65, and her father had a heart condition, living to 74. Despite this, Lemay has faced few significant health issues, only undergoing a heart valve replacement in her lifetime.

Independence has been a hallmark of Lemay’s life. She worked for decades as a credit union manager and analyst for a grocery store chain, where she even attended modeling school at the company’s expense. She successfully negotiated salary increases throughout her career and has lived in her own house for 57 years, driving until the age of 98.

Lemay’s social life is vibrant; she frequently engages with neighbors and participates in community events. Parker describes her mother as “very social and very receptive,” noting how people often stop to chat when they see her outside. The mother-daughter duo enjoys attending birthdays, celebrations, and holiday gatherings together, fostering strong social connections.

Lemay’s story has gained attention on social media, particularly after a video of her workout routine was shared on the Instagram page evrydayclub. The clip has garnered nearly 600,000 likes, showcasing her dedication to fitness and inspiring many others. As Ryan O’Leary, co-founder of the account, stated, “The biggest longevity lesson we’re taking from her is the importance of staying active.”

Through her commitment to health and social engagement, Ruth Lemay offers valuable insights into maintaining a fulfilling life at any age.