91-year-old Ariz. man breaks weightlifting record

Taylor Goldenstein | The Arizona Republic

Show Caption Hide Caption 91-year-old breaks bench press record Sy Perlis broke a World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters record in the 90-and-over age division Saturday at the National Push-Pull Bench Press and Dead Lift Championships in Phoenix

Perlis began weightlifting at age 60

His final lift broke World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters record of 135 pounds that had been in place since 2005

Perlis is one of three active lifters in the 90-and-older age category in the association

PHOENIX -- It was time for Sy Perlis to break another world record.

The 91-year-old weightlifting champ from Surprise, Ariz., stepped up to the firetruck-red bench at the front of the room. With a light push, Perlis rolled onto his back, reached for the metal bar above his head and hoisted the 187.2-pound weight over his chest.

Perlis broke a World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters record in the 90-and-over age division Saturday at the National Push-Pull Bench Press and Dead Lift Championships in Phoenix. The final lift broke an association record of 135 pounds that had been in place since 2005.

At an age when some avoid exercise, Perlis has become an athlete, said association president and event organizer Gus Rethwisch.

"We've had a lot of lifters in their middle 80s, late 80s and occasionally we get one 90 and over, but they've never inspired people (like Perlis has)," Rethwisch said.

Perlis began weightlifting when he was 60 but entered his first championship competition five years ago at the suggestion of his trainer.

Now, he is a seasoned champion.

When he competed in the division for 85- to 89-year-olds, Perlis won the state title in 2009 and world title in 2010 and 2011 in the 181-pound weight category.

"It gave me the opportunity to do something to test myself for one thing, and I didn't have to run around to do it, as you would in some other sports," Perlis said of his hobby.

"I got a lot of satisfaction out of it, and it made me feel good, and it was good for me."

It is a common misconception that exercise is unsafe for older people, said Chhanda Dutta, chief of the Clinical Gerontology Branch of the National Institute on Aging.

Research shows that exercise reduces the likelihood a person will develop a chronic disease.

For those who already have such diseases, it can improve symptoms, she added.

"The risk of leading a sedentary lifestyle is much greater than anything related to exercise," Dutta said. "I think it's important for people to realize that age alone doesn't determine the intensity of your workout."

People like Perlis are good examples of how staying fit helps seniors live longer, Dutta said.

"While these people are unusual and exceptional, they illustrate the fact that there can still be people, even in their 90s, who age very successfully," she said.

Seniors are being studied as part of ongoing research about how genetics and physiology help people such as Perlis live long, healthy lives, Dutta said.

While Perlis and experts agree weightlifting is beneficial, it hasn't been easy for Perlis to train for such a demanding sport.

He has had some injuries but says they are not related to his weightlifting hobby.

His trainer, Reid Solar, says Perlis' involvement with weightlifting might be a factor, but it's difficult to pinpoint the cause of health issues for older athletes.

Perlis had surgery to fix a hernia and get a pacemaker. He might have also fractured his wrist, but when he visited the doctor five weeks after receiving the injury, he was diagnosed with acute arthritis.

Because of the pacemaker surgery, Solar did not allow him to compete in 2012.

"His health comes first," Solar said. "I do that with my younger guys, too. Age doesn't matter in that case."

Perlis said his doctor is aware he participates in the sport and has told him, "If you can do it, do it."

Perlis trains five days a week. His routine includes cardiovascular exercise and weightlifting with specialized bench-pressing training once a week.

Perlis' wife, Joan, 69, said he encourages her to stay active.

"I always say if it weren't for my husband, I'd be at home watching TV and eating bonbons," she said. "He's my motivator. He makes me work out, too."

He is one of three active lifters in the 90-and-older age category in the association and the only one to compete Saturday, Rethwisch said.

At the championship, Perlis was a crowd favorite. They cheered and shouted words of encouragement when he was ready to lift.

"You got this, Sy! Come on, Sy!" they shouted.

For each lift, Solar positioned Perlis' fingers, adjusted his shoulders and gave him a pat on the chest. Each time Perlis exhaled, let the bar down to his chest and without hesitation lifted it back up.

Usually, competitors are allowed only a total of three lifts, four if they are trying to break a world record.

On Saturday, Rethwisch allowed Perlis to do five.

Perlis' record lifts this past weekend qualify him for the world championship in Reno in November.

After the competition, many other competitors came backstage to congratulate Perlis. Some asked to take a photo with him.

"I'll be happy if I'm still walking when I'm 91," said Tanner Cook, 20, of east Mesa.

After he asked Perlis his age, Donald Judd, 75, of St. David, shook his head.

"You put me to shame," Judd said. "I'll be lucky if I get 121 (pounds) today."

Gene Lawrence, 73, of Scottsdale, called Perlis his "new hero," adding, "I thought I was old."

Perlis chuckled.

"You're a kid," he said.