Dr. Charles Eugster was a British-Swiss dentist who had achieved many remarkable things in life before passing away in 2017. Born right after the First World War, Dr. Eusgter was a Track and Field athlete, Sprint athlete, and competitive rower. The doctor, at 93, sat down with BBC News to talk about his marvelous physique and why he chose to bodybuild at this age. However, no one anticipated his reasoning behind why opted to lift the heavyweights at such a unique time of his life! 

Having lived through most of the 20th century, Dr. Eugster had witnessed more significant events than any average man today. However, what made him more remarkable is starting a fitness and weightlifting program in his mid-80s!

Dr. Charles Eugster shares a light joke before diving into his late fitness awakening

Starting a rather serious interview on a very light note, he said, “The idea is to turn the heads of the sexy young 70-year-old girls on the beach.” The doctor had given up on his early athletic dreams and pursued dentistry for 30 years. However, he still maintained a terrific sense of humor. 

However, Dr. Eugster soon reached the crux of his reason behind bodybuilding. He said, “I am extremely vain. I noticed I was getting fat”. His physical shape in his late 80s had made him really upset and wanted to do something about it. He had started training and six years since, he was still going strong.

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Dr. Eugster had a good build in his younger days, courtesy of all the sports he pursued. Although a lifelong dedication to looking at people’s teeth and gums slowly morphed his body into a cushier state. This is when he took control of the reins of his life. 

Dr. Eugster’s inspirational life and why he is an anomaly

Dr. Eugster passed away at the age of 97, but for the last 10 years of his life, he used to hit the gym 3-4 times a week. Older than the likes of Frank Zane and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dr. Eugster entered a competition in 2012, where he ended up doing 57 dips, 61 chin-ups, and 48 abdominal crutches, all in an impressive 45 seconds. While most old people are strictly asked to not lift weights, Dr. Eugster was swimming against the current. 

Steve Iliffe, a professor of primary care for older people at University College London, believed Dr. Eugster to be a rare phenomenon, and hence, an anomaly. While the professor firmly believes that everyone should exercise, he also states that it is also necessary to know the difference between exercise and physical activity. 

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The doctor drew a delightful analogy between bodybuilding at an old age to that of taking care of an old car. He said, “The better shape the car is in, the easier it will be to trade it in”. Eugster went on, “If you have taken care of your old car, it won’t cost you so much, But if you have neglected your car, it’s going to cost you a lot”. 

With a long and eventful life like his, little could anyone imagine that the last six years would be the most inspirational for all.