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
'9-1-1' season nine preview: Mark Consuelos sends two beloved members of the 118 to space, chaos ensues

“Season 9 Preview of ‘9-1-1’: Mark Consuelos Launches Two 118 Favorites Into Space, Unleashing Chaos”

“9-1-1” fans, it looks like season nine is going to be out…
Dante Lawrence gets five years for deadly hit and run

Dante Lawrence Sentenced to Five Years for Fatal Hit-and-Run

Dante Lawrence was sentenced to prison for hitting and killing Gavin Carter,…
Supreme Court takes up new Second Amendment case 

Supreme Court to Review Latest Second Amendment Case

The Supreme Court took up its next Second Amendment case Friday, agreeing…
Hopes fade for quick end to shutdown as Trump readies layoffs and cuts

Prospects Dim for Swift Shutdown Resolution as Trump Prepares for Layoffs and Budget Cuts

Hopes for a quick end to the government shutdown were fading Friday…
Woman caught on camera allegedly lunging at MAGA activist in viral confrontation

Woman caught on camera allegedly lunging at MAGA activist in viral confrontation

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A physical confrontation at…
Second man arrested for punching passerby in Chicago

Another Suspect Detained for Assaulting Pedestrian in Chicago

() At least two men have been taken into custody for violent…
Top Air Force general announces retirement

Leading Air Force Official Announces Plan to Retire

A top Air Force commander, Gen. Thomas Bussiere, announced his retirement Tuesday…
Theo Von says he was offered security over DHS video

Theo Von Claims He Was Offered Security Following DHS Video

(The Hill) Comedian Theo Von said a “high government official” offered him…