At 100 years old, Ruth Lemay spends more time at the gym than most people decades younger. Her workout routine recently went viral after a video showed her pedaling away on a stationary bike.
The Virginia Beach centenarian credits daily movement, healthy eating, and a positive attitude for her long and independent life. Living in her own home, cooking her own meals, and staying social are all part of what she says keeps her going. Here’s how Ruth’s story—and her simple, realistic habits—can inspire anyone looking to age well and stay strong.
The routine that made her viral
Ruth Lemay’s story took off when fitness page evrydayclub shared a clip of her at the gym. The video, featuring her upbeat spirit and dedication, racked up more than 600,000 likes. Viewers were amazed, not just by her age, but by how naturally she moved through her workout.
She trains three times a week, spending an hour on a recumbent bike and walking over a mile on the indoor track. On days she doesn’t go to the gym, she moves at home with stretches, knee raises, leg kicks, and light dumbbell work. “I’ve always exercised”, Ruth says. “I feel fine. I might be a little tired after the bike and the walk, but that’s OK. I don’t expect not to feel tired”.
Her fitness habit started young. She recalls her late husband encouraging her to walk after work: “He said, ‘You just take the dog and go for a walk and I’ll fix dinner’. It was wonderful”. That daily walk turned into a lifelong routine. Even now, Ruth’s daughter, Annette Parker—who’s 78 herself—joins her in the gym, proud and amazed by her mother’s energy.
Ruth’s secret isn’t intensity—it’s consistency. She moves her body every day, listens to how she feels, and focuses on staying active rather than pushing limits.
Her timeless habits for living well
Ruth’s philosophy on aging well is refreshingly practical. It’s focused on habits that keep her body and mind in motion.
- Move every day. Even when she’s not at the gym, Ruth finds ways to move—stretching, lifting light weights, or walking around the house. Her favorite exercise is walking.
- Eat simply and consciously. Her meals are wholesome and balanced: oatmeal with banana, non-fat yogurt, walnuts, fruit, vegetables, and lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or seafood. She avoids salt, alcohol, and processed foods.
- Allow yourself a treat. Every Friday after her hair appointment, Ruth enjoys two chili dogs loaded with mustard and onions.
- Stay independent. Ruth worked for decades as a credit union manager and analyst. She still lives in the same house she bought 57 years ago and drove until she was 98. Independence, she believes, keeps her mind sharp and her spirit strong.
- Stay connected. Social life, Ruth says, keeps her happy. Neighbors stop to chat when she’s outside, and she and her daughter attend gatherings with friends regularly.
Ruth’s approach to longevity relies on movement, good food, and staying connected, and as she puts it, “I feel as well as anybody could feel at 100”.