91-Year-Old Beats World Bench Pressing Record

Sy Perlis, 91, from Surprise Arizona broke the world record for bench press.

Perlis broke a World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters record in the 90-and-over age division according to USA Today.

Perlis benched a 187.2 pound weight at the National Push-Pull Bench Press and Dead Lift Championships in Phoenix.

The last world record for the 90-and-over age division had been set back in 2005 when a lifter hoisted up a total of 135 pounds.

Perlis, a World War II veteran began weightlifting at the age of 60, and, at the age of 91, he is still going strong and is a seasoned champion.

When he competed in the division for 85- to 89-year-olds, Perlis won the state title in 2009 and world title in 2010 and 2011 in the 181-pound weight category according to USA Today.

“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 of his hobby.

“I got a lot of satisfaction out of it, and it made me feel good, and it was good for me.”

At an age such as Perlis, many believe exercising essessivly can actually do more harm than good.

Chhanda Dutta, chief of the Clinical Gerontology Branch of the National Institute on Aging begs to differ.

“The risk of leading a sedentary lifestyle is much greater than anything related to exercise,” Dutta said.

“I think it’s important for people to realize that age alone doesn’t determine the intensity of your workout.”

While Perlis has had a few surgeries in past years, he doesn’t let them slow down.

He stated that his doctors know that Perlis is weightlifter, and they responded with “If you can do it, do it.”

If Sy Perlis could break the bench-pressing world record at the age of 91, then the excuse, “I’m too old for this,” really doesn’t seem like a valid one.

[Image via Shutterstock/Maxim Safronov ]