“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?”
This famous quote by Satchel Paige, an American professional baseball pitcher who played in the 1940s and ‘50s, is a guiding light for Richard Westbrook, a Life Time member in Collierville, Tenn. “I’m 70 but the strength I’ve gained from fitness has kept the inner kid alive,” he says. “In a way, I’m a 20-year-old with 50 years’ worth of experience.”
A few years ago, a health issue inspired Westbrook and his wife to start exercising more and take their health more seriously. “We worked our way back into shape, and it opened up so many unforeseen possibilities,” Westbrook recalls. “I became a National Class Masters Runner in my age group and am just now discovering my full potential as a runner after decades of running.”
Today, Westbrook is a sprinter who competes alongside former Olympians.
When you ask him about his strategies for success, he emphasizes the importance of setting attainable goals. “If you focus on goals you can control, your body rewards you,” he explains. “Instead of [saying], ‘I want to bench press 200 pounds,’ try, ‘I want to get to the gym three times this week.’ That’s how you’ll master consistency.”
Although Westbrook enjoys competing in running challenges, they’re not all about the competition for him. Feeling his best and doing what he loves for years to come is what he values most.
“I’m profoundly grateful for the changes and transformations I’ve experienced along this most recent fitness journey,” he says. “You commit to yourself to get more out of life — not just to live more, but to live better. One day, I’ll wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things I’ve always wanted to do. So, I do it now.”
Also see how gymnast Mya Hooten and Life Time performer Gerry Haeger are redefining what possible means for them.
