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
Desperate search for two men as fishing boat found empty 70 miles off Florida coast

Florida Fishing Trip Mystery: Urgent Search for Missing Attorneys as Heartbroken Spouse Seeks Answers

Two lawyers have mysteriously disappeared during what was supposed to be a…
DOJ sues Illinois JB Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raoul over law protecting immigrants at courthouses, hospitals

DOJ Challenges Illinois’ Immigrant Protection Law: Legal Battle Involving Gov. JB Pritzker and AG Kwame Raoul Unfolds

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated legal proceedings against Illinois Governor…
Billionaire trustees stay silent as Brown University faces mounting campus murder fallout

Silence Speaks Volumes: Brown University’s Billionaire Trustees Under Fire Amid Campus Murder Crisis

The distinguished board of trustees at Brown University, which includes a top…
Army veteran accused in Beanie Babies founder mansion break-in claimed pop star controlled him: report

Army Veteran Blames Pop Star Influence in Beanie Babies Mogul Mansion Break-In

A Nevada Army veteran, facing allegations of a violent intrusion at billionaire…
Russian drone, missile attack on Ukraine kills at least 3 people — causes widespread power outage

Russian Drone and Missile Strikes in Ukraine Lead to Fatalities and Major Power Disruptions

In a relentless assault that began under the cover of night and…
Jalen Brunson set to sit vs. Timberwolves as Knicks seek balance

Knicks Strategize Without Jalen Brunson Against Timberwolves to Enhance Team Dynamics

Managing player time on the court can be a challenge, and the…
ICE officers injured after illegal immigrant strikes agents, rams vehicles during arrest attempt

ICE Officers Injured in Arrest Incident Involving Unauthorized Immigrant

In a dramatic altercation in St. Paul, Minnesota, federal immigration officers faced…
Brown janitor warned security about suspicious man for WEEKS

Brown University Custodian Alerted Security to Suspicious Individual for Several Weeks

A custodian at Brown University has revealed that he alerted campus security…