Iconic athletes Carl Lewis, Jerry Rice and Nadia Comăneci reveal how they stay strong as they age
Share and Follow

Inspired by its hit series “Limitless: Live Better Now” with Chris Hemsworth, National Geographic turned to some legendary athletes to talk about the fitness and wellness habits they’ve learned later in life.

In 1976, a 14-year-old Nadia Comăneci was the first Olympic gymnast to score a perfect 10. She did it six more times over the course of her career. Now, at the age of 63, she has figured out a fitness routine that works for her.

“I think life happens in phases. When you’re a teenager and young, I mean, you’re just busy with, you know, you don’t worry about the years. Once you retire and you get hit by the, you know regular life, you realize that if you stop moving, then things go south very fast,” she told National Geographic. “I do, you know like, 10-15 minutes of bicycle, 10 minutes of elliptical, I do some stretching, light weights, and in 40 minutes I’m out.”

NFL legend Jerry Rice is pictured for National Geographic.

NFL legend Jerry Rice is pictured for National Geographic.

Paola Kudacki

Jerry Rice is the NFL’s all-time leader in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns. The three-time Super Bowl champ, now 62, keeps a regular workout regimen and also enjoys the benefits of being a dog dad!

“I do a lot of Peloton, a lot of CrossFit. I also have a big South African mastiff, and he likes to run, so we get out there. And yeah, the knee is going to swell sometimes, and you might be a little stiff when you get out of bed. But you’ve got to fight through that pain, knowing that the ultimate goal is that you’re still going to be flexible and active as you get older. So that’s my motivational speech: Challenge yourself every day, and it’s going to reward you in the end,” he said.

Legendary sprinter Carl Lewis admits that even with all his athletic prowess, he’s just like us.

“What I’ve learned about my body is it ages like everyone else,” he said.

At age 64, Lewis said he gets fulfillment from doing something each year that he never thought he’d do.

“It helps me to have a challenge. It really does, and I always tell my kids the same thing, ‘not only just have a challenge, but put your name on it. If you want to stay active, if you wanna stay healthy, have a reason to get up.”

For more athletes and their wellness habits, visit nationalgeographic.com.

Disney is the parent company of National Geographic and this station.

Copyright © 2025 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Haunting final years of teen at center of D4vd investigation revealed

Revealing the Chilling Final Years of Teen Involved in D4vd Case

Police have responded to the California residence of the unfortunate runaway teenager…

Taylor Swift Releases Bold New Song Inspired by Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift released her raunchiest song yet with her track Wood from…
Former Iowa superintendent charged with federal firearms offense after immigration arrest

Ex-Iowa Superintendent Faces Federal Gun Charges Following Immigration-Related Arrest

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district,…
Lori Loughlin SPLITS from Mossimo Giannulli after 28-year marriage

Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli End 28-Year Marriage

Lori Loughlin has split from husband Mossimo Giannulli after a 28-year marriage. Loughlin’s…
Trump has 'determined' the U.S. is in 'armed conflict' with cartels, administration tells Congress

Trump Declares ‘Armed Conflict’ Status With Cartels, Administration Informs Congress

The Trump administration informed Congress in a confidential notice this week that…
Awkward moment between Kylie Jenner and BFF Rosalia shocks fans

Fans Surprised by Uncomfortable Exchange Between Kylie Jenner and Close Friend Rosalia

Kylie Jenner shocked fans after suffering an awkward moment with her bestie Rosalia…
Tennessee set to execute first woman in more than two centuries

Tennessee set to execute first woman in more than two centuries

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Tennessee is preparing to…
Nicole Kidman made the same mistake as she did in 2001

Nicole Kidman Repeats a Mistake from 2001

Backdropped by a sunlit ocean, Nicole Kidman basks in a romantic serenade…