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
Chicago weather forecast: Saturday was snowiest November day in Chicago's recorded history, next snow chance Monday

Chicago Shatters Records with Snowiest November Day Ever; More Snow Predicted for Monday

In an extraordinary turn of winter events, a weekend storm swept through…
Accused CEO assassin Luigi Mangione asks judge to toss evidence from his arrest

CEO Murder Suspect Luigi Mangione Seeks Dismissal of Arrest Evidence in Court

On Monday, Luigi Mangione, the alleged assassin, made his way back to…
Charlie Puth named Super Bowl anthem singer after Bad Bunny uproar

Charlie Puth Takes Center Stage as Super Bowl Anthem Singer Following Bad Bunny Controversy

With the anticipation building for Super Bowl LX, the NFL has revealed…
Trump's MRI scan results released by White House

White House Unveils Results of Trump’s Recent MRI Scan

The White House has unveiled details about an MRI scan performed on…
Lane Kiffin wastes no time meeting top LSU recruit after Ole Miss exit

Lane Kiffin Swiftly Pursues Top LSU Prospect Following Departure from Ole Miss

Despite the bridges still smoldering in Oxford, Lane Kiffin has quickly shifted…
Ilya Sorokin, Patrick Roy brush off miscue in Islanders' loss

Ilya Sorokin and Patrick Roy Remain Unfazed by Incident in Islanders’ Defeat

In the aftermath of the New York Islanders’ 4-1 defeat to the…
Doctor gunned down alongside wife outside Simi Valley home in 'targeted' attack: cops

Tragic Shooting Claims Lives of Doctor and Wife in Simi Valley: Authorities Suspect Targeted Attack

In a tragic incident on Sunday afternoon, a well-known doctor and his…
Mamdani-appointed NYC professor who wrote book on ending policing now tasked with shaping community safety

NYC Professor and Author of Policing Reform Book Takes on New Role in Community Safety

A sociology professor from Brooklyn College, who has been selected to join…