Latest news with #SunMinghui
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Health
- Independent Singapore
Steel-willed: 71-year-old Chinese grandmother becomes fitness icon after winning national medal
WUHAN, CHINA: At 71, most seniors are likely to spend their golden years sipping tea or taking strolls. But for Sun Minghui, a strong-willed grandmother from Ma'anshan, Anhui province, life is only just ramping up — quite literally. According to a recent South China Morning Post (SCMP) report, Sun surprised viewers at the 2025 Wuhan National Fitness Newcomers Quality Competition as she won third place in the mixed-gender division. What's more astounding, she was also the oldest competitor in the entire competition. Before taking time to blossom as a fitness star, Sun was employed in the dining hall of a steel factory. Although her occupation was tough and demanding, she never lost her enthusiasm for staying physically active. 'Even then, I always made time to move,' she recalled. It wasn't until she gave up work that Sun started seriously exploring athletics and physical fitness. She experimented in cycling, hiking, jogging, and jumping rope — but at age 67, she levelled up and took things to high gear. She began proper strength exercise, activating a change that would ultimately gain her national recognition — and a rock-solid six-pack. 'After just over a month, I started seeing changes. My biceps popped, my lats took shape. I didn't lose muscle with age — I gained it,' Sun said, her eyes glowing with pride. 'That gave me the confidence to keep going.' At present, Sun gets into training five times a week, clocking in for more than an hour every session. Her controlled regimen includes a high-protein diet, eating up to five egg whites a day, low-sugar, low-oil, low-salt meals. But her methods are not about extremes. 'I always say seniors should work out at 70 per cent effort,' she recommends. 'Progress should be gradual and injury-free. Fitness isn't about pushing limits — it's about living better.' Certainly, Sun is living proof. Besides strength training, she's also a cycling aficionado. In 2014, at the age of 60, she cycled from China's easternmost point to its southernmost city, Sanya — an overwhelming 6,316 kilometres within just 45 days, earning a Guinness World Record with her club. Her message to fellow seniors? 'Age is just a number, not a limitation,' she stated. 'Some say we should just relax in retirement. But I want something more. I want to lift dumbbells and let my muscles do the talking.' Sun's story has gone viral on Chinese social media, rousing netizens across generations. One commenter wrote, 'This is amazing. When seniors stay healthy, it's a blessing for their children, too. Her kids must be so proud of her!' 'Ageing is inevitable,' she says, 'but exercise can transform your body and your mind. It's never too late to take control of your health.' With strengths of steel, a heart full of passion, and a resolute mindset, Sun Minghui is redefining retirement and what it means to grow old.
The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
‘Age is just a number': China grandma, 71, comes third in fitness contest, shares health tips
A 71-year-old Chinese grandmother has come third in a fitness contest after foll0wing a strict and demanding fitness regime. -- Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin/Jimu BEIJING (SCMP): A Chinese grandmother has inspired countless netizens after winning third place in a fitness competition, following four years of rigorous training. On June 1, 71-year-old Sun Minghui, who is originally from Ma'anshan in Anhui province, central China, won the bronze medal in the mixed-gender category at the 2025 Wuhan round of the National Fitness Newcomers Quality Competition. Sun was the oldest competitor at the event. Before retiring, she worked in the cafeteria of a steel factory and despite the demands of her job, always maintained a passion for exercise. Sun Minghui, who won a bronze medal in the contest, was the oldest person taking part. -- Photo: After retirement, she explored a variety of sports, including cycling, jumping rope, jogging, and hiking. She only began formal fitness training at the age of 67 and has developed an impressive six-pack and firm overall muscle tone. 'After just over a month of training, I began to see changes. My biceps became visible, and the contours of my lats started to show. I did not lose muscle with age; I gained it. That gave me a huge confidence boost. 'This proves that no matter your age, you can do strength training or other exercises. Moving is always better than staying still,' Sun told Hubei Media Group. Sun follows a strict training regime and pays close attention to what she eats to stay fit. -- Photo: She now follows a scientific and disciplined fitness regime. She eats four to five egg whites daily to ensure a high-quality protein intake and sticks to a low-oil, low-salt, low-sugar diet. Her workout routine includes at least five training sessions per week, each lasting over an hour. Sun also emphasises safety and sustainability when it comes to senior fitness, advising that older adults should exercise at '70 per cent effort' to ensure gradual, injury-free progress. 'I am 71 years old. Age is just a number, not a limitation. Some people think seniors should just drink tea and go for walks, but I want something different. I want to lift dumbbells and let my muscles do the talking,' Sun told Jimu News. She is also a keen cyclist. In 2014, at the age of 60, she cycled from China's easternmost point to its southernmost city, Sanya, covering 6,316 kilometres in 45 days and setting a new Guinness World Record with her teammates. Sun on her bicycle. The 71-year-old set a Guinness World Record with her teammates by cycling across China. -- Photo: 'Ageing is inevitable, but exercise can transform both your physical and mental well-being. I hope my story encourages more elderly friends to make the most of their free time after retirement and take control of their health,' Sun said. She now also shares her fitness journey on social media. One online observer said: 'I think this is amazing. When seniors stay healthy, it is a blessing for their children too. Her kids must be so proud of her!' - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
‘Age is just a number': China grandma, 71, comes third in fitness contest, shares health tips
A Chinese grandmother has inspired countless netizens after winning third place in a fitness competition, following four years of rigorous training. On June 1, 71-year-old Sun Minghui, who is originally from Ma'anshan in Anhui province, central China, won the bronze medal in the mixed-gender category at the 2025 Wuhan round of the National Fitness Newcomers Quality Competition. Sun was the oldest competitor at the event. Sun Minghui, who won a bronze medal in the contest, was the oldest person taking part. Photo: Before retiring, she worked in the cafeteria of a steel factory and despite the demands of her job, always maintained a passion for exercise. After retirement, she explored a variety of sports, including cycling, jumping rope, jogging, and hiking. She only began formal fitness training at the age of 67 and has developed an impressive six-pack and firm overall muscle tone. 'After just over a month of training, I began to see changes. My biceps became visible, and the contours of my lats started to show. I did not lose muscle with age; I gained it. That gave me a huge confidence boost. 'This proves that no matter your age, you can do strength training or other exercises. Moving is always better than staying still,' Sun told Hubei Media Group.
