Imagine hitting the gym every day — not in your 20s, not in your 60s — but in your 100th year of life.
That’s exactly what Joe De Leo, a spirited 99-year-old from Spring Hill, Florida, does. He lifts weights for up to three hours a day and counts daily ham sandwiches and occasional lemon pie among the secrets to his incredible longevity.
In a recent Fox 13 Tampa Bay report, Joe stunned viewers with his relentless energy, fierce dedication to fitness, unruly sense of humor, and a lifestyle that defies conventional aging. So, what’s behind Joe’s remarkable health, and is there something we can learn from him?
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The Keys to Joe’s Longevity: Consistency, Hard Work, and Humor
Joe De Leo isn’t shy about his age. Born on April 20, 1926, he will be celebrating his 99th birthday this Easter Sunday — officially entering his 100th year on Earth.
His lifestyle is both unconventional and inspiring. At an age when most people have long since limited physical activity, Joe does up to 300 reps a day in the gym and jokes that he could do 400 without even “feeling the burn.”
Joe attributes much of his strength and vitality to his decades-long commitment to lifting weights. He began strength training while serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II and never truly stopped.
A Daily Workout That Defies Age
Every single day, Joe shows up to his local gym and puts in hours lifting weights, performing high-rep sets that test the limits of muscular endurance — especially impressive for someone nearing a century of life.
“I lift eight days a week,” Joe jokes, bobbing between Beatles references and dumbbell curls. Far from a casual gym-goer, he’s been known to take younger gym members under his wing — like one gym buddy he affectionately calls a “kid” at just 77 years old.
A Ham Sandwich and Lemon Pie?
What Joe eats might surprise health-conscious readers: a ham sandwich on white bread daily, typically paired with a slice of lemon pie. While it’s not exactly a staple of nutritional guidelines, Joe swears by it.
“At least a slice of lemon pie — maybe not the whole pie. You don’t get abs like that eating the whole thing,” he says with a chuckle.
While his diet might raise eyebrows among nutritionists, it’s clear that Joe’s approach reflects a larger truth about wellness: sustainability, enjoyment, and routine often outweigh rigid dietary restrictions when it comes to long-term adherence.
Movement as Medicine: Science Backs Joe Up
Joe’s lifestyle might seem extraordinary, but research confirms that consistent physical activity plays a major role in aging well.
- Improved Muscle Mass: Regular resistance training helps older adults preserve muscle and bone density, both crucial for mobility and balance. (NIH, 2019)
- Cognitive Benefits: Physical activity is strongly linked to better cognitive health and reduced risk of dementia. (Alzheimer’s Association)
- Lifespan Extension: Regular exercise — even walking or light strength training — significantly lowers the risk of all-cause mortality. (JAMA, 2019)
Joe’s three-hour workouts might not be feasible for most, but the underlying variable — movement — is what matters. His discipline and consistency are powerful reminders of the benefits of staying active.
Lessons from a Century of Living
Aside from fitness, Joe’s story is filled with wisdom, charm, and a healthy dose of humor. He recalls presidents long past — Calvin Coolidge, FDR, Truman — and even jokes about remembering Lincoln “seriously.”
This sharp wit and upbeat attitude aren’t just entertainment. A positive outlook has been linked to better health outcomes, especially in older adults.
A 2019 study from Boston University and Harvard found that older individuals with high levels of optimism lived substantially longer, with up to 15% increased lifespan compared to those less optimistic (APA).
Joe embodies optimism. He finds humor in past jobs (he “boxed” oranges at a grocery store) and celebrates the joy of music, exercise, and small daily rituals. Most importantly, he finds purpose — helping others, showing up to the gym, and staying active in his community.
Takeaways From Joe’s Lifestyle
- Stay active every day. Whether it’s walking, lifting, or cleaning the garage — movement is medicine.
- Stick to a routine you enjoy. Joe loves lifting and eating the same sandwich every day — not for restriction, but for satisfaction.
- Make people laugh. Humor fosters connection, joy, and lowers stress — all hallmarks of long life.
- Find a community. Joe is a fixture at his gym, where he mentors others and shares laughs daily.
It’s Not About Age, It’s About Attitude
Joe De Leo reminds us that age doesn’t have to define limits. He’s a living, lifting example of how consistency, laughter, and a lifestyle rooted in movement can pave the way for a fulfilling, long life.
Whether or not you pick up daily ham sandwiches or three-hour gym sessions, Joe’s story is a call to action: start where you are, do what you can, and find joy in the process.
Because as Joe hilariously puts it, “I lift eight days a week.”
