Man, 98, Says He Does 40 Pushups a Day, Yoga and Pilates After Getting into the Habit Later in Life: ‘Use It or Lose It’

**Suffolk Man at 98 Champions Daily Fitness Routine with Push-Ups and Pilates**

At the remarkable age of 98, Bill Kober from Suffolk is proving that age is just a number when it comes to fitness. Embracing a daily regimen that includes at least 40 push-ups, yoga, and Pilates, Kober has adopted a lifestyle that many would envy, showcasing the importance of maintaining physical activity regardless of age.

Kober, speaking with the BBC, shares that he typically performs 20 push-ups each morning followed by another 20 in the evening. His dedication to fitness began in his later years, a realisation that has transformed his approach to health. “Only in my later years have I realized that I’ve got this ability, and so I do it because I’m able to. As they say, use it or lose it, and I don’t want to lose it,” he explained.

In addition to his push-up routine, Kober has recently mastered the challenging “crow” pose in yoga, a feat that requires both strength and balance. This pose, which involves balancing on the arms with the knees resting on the elbows, represents not just a physical achievement but also Kober’s commitment to exploring new fitness challenges, even at his advanced age.

Kober’s philosophy is straightforward: he aspires to maintain his fitness to the best of his ability. When asked about perfecting push-ups, he offered practical advice: “A good straight back which gives you a nice tight buttock. If I stuck [a money bill] in between your buttocks, you’ve got to grip over it so that no one can take it.” His straightforward tips reflect a blend of experience and humour, making his advice both relatable and engaging.

Interestingly, fitness has not always been Kober’s primary focus. He attributes much of his robustness to decades of physically demanding work. Serving in the Army for two years and then developing houses in the building trade, Kober has also had a long career in a factory and has driven a school bus in Ilford for many years. “I’ve never followed it religiously, but I dabbled in a little bit of weight training and I tried running, although I didn’t like that very much,” he confessed. “But doing push-ups is what is keeping me breathing well.”

Born in East London, Kober experienced a significant life shift during World War II when he and his siblings were evacuated to the countryside. Reflecting on this time, he remarked, “In hindsight, it was the best two and a half years of my life. I really took to the place and I became a country boy.” The experience provided an escape from the war-torn city and allowed him to appreciate a rural lifestyle, which he found deeply appealing.

Now, Kober remains active in his community, volunteering at his local community centre, where he dedicates time to crafting marquetry bookmarks and Viking chess boards. His commitment to staying engaged physically and socially illustrates his belief in the benefits of an active lifestyle.

As he approaches his century mark, Kober hopes to continue his daily push-up routine. He acknowledges the role genetics have played in his longevity, stating, “The key to long life is getting good genes. I’ve had good genes passed down to me, and obviously they’re working well.”

Kober’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to embrace fitness. His daily exercises not only contribute to personal well-being but also highlight the potential for vitality and activity even in the later stages of life. His journey reflects a deep understanding of both physical fitness and personal health, encouraging others to seek out their own paths to longevity and well-being.