Power of 90-year-old weightlifter is 'insane'

A 90-year-old man has lauded weightlifting sessions in his local gym for making him feel physically and mentally better in life.

Ryan Hawthorn from Chesterton in Cambridge, who reached his birthday milestone in July, only took up the discipline three years ago after reading articles championing the sport.

He recently hit a landmark achievement with a deadlift of 90kg - more than 14 stones - which is more than his own body weight.

His personal trainer Aidan Cook, who works at Lift Fitness in Cambridge, described Hawthorn's strength and power at his age as "insane".

Hawthorn said needing to keep fit and active was a driving force in taking up weightlifting.

"My wife became unwell and I am her carer, I need to keep my myself mobile," he said.

He said he felt there was a "gap in the market" when it came to physical exercise in gyms.

"All the attention seems to be for youngsters or middle-aged people to others who are recuperating from operations, nothing seems to be aimed for the elderly," he added.

Cook says that great care has to be taken when anyone wants to try and lift heavy weights.

"Thorough checks are carried out into chronic conditions, inflammation, hydration levels, nutrition and I monitor to see if the training is doing more harm than good and pull back if necessary," he said.

He described Hawthorn as a "remarkable man" saying that it was incredible to be able to lift 90kg at all, never mind at 90 years of age, which he said was "mind blowing".

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