Jim Rowley spent decades lifting heavy weights and building an impressive physique through traditional strength training.
But when the CEO of Crunch Fitness walked into his first Pilates class three and a half years ago, he found himself frustrated, sweating, and shaking in ways he never experienced in conventional workouts.
The former Marine Corps veteran and fitness industry leader recently shared his four-part longevity routine with Business Insider, revealing how he’s transformed his approach to staying fit and functional as he ages.
At 58, Rowley has discovered that feeling younger isn’t about ego-lifting or chasing aesthetic goals—it’s about building a body that works better for everyday life.
Jump to:
- Pilates Changed Everything for a Lifelong Weightlifter
- Ditching the Ego: Smart Strength Training for Longevity
- The Supplement Stack of a Fitness Industry Veteran
- Walking 10,000 Steps: Low-Impact Cardio That Actually Works
- Why More Men Should Consider Pilates
- The Big Picture: Functionality Over Aesthetics
Pilates Changed Everything for a Lifelong Weightlifter
Rowley’s journey into Pilates began as an experiment to address nagging joint pain and muscle tightness from years of intense training and desk work.
It changed my life, to be honest with you. I became much more limber.
Now he attends hour-long Pilates classes twice weekly, often alongside his wife. The practice targets smaller stabilizer muscles, particularly in the hips, that traditional weightlifting often neglects.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
He’s noticed classes are predominantly attended by women, but expects that gender balance to shift as more men discover the strength-building benefits hidden within the stretching and balance work.
There’s a strength component instead of just the mobility and the balance. The biggest benefit for me has been my core strength has gotten through the roof.
That improved core stability has been a game-changer for his chronic back pain, which stemmed from muscle imbalances developed over years of heavy lifting.
Ditching the Ego: Smart Strength Training for Longevity
Rowley still prioritizes resistance training, but his approach has evolved significantly from his younger days chasing big bench press numbers.
I don’t lift for ego anymore.
Instead of focusing on barbell work, he’s shifted toward dumbbells and machine exercises that offer joint-friendly alternatives while still building muscle effectively.
Dumbbells allow for greater range of motion, promoting mobility and joint health. Exercise machines provide stability and fixed movement patterns, enabling targeted muscle work with reduced injury risk.
Both methods deliver impressive muscle-building results without the wear and tear of maximal barbell lifts.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
The Supplement Stack of a Fitness Industry Veteran
Rowley describes himself as a “supplement freak,” taking approximately 40 pills daily—a regimen carefully curated from three decades in the fitness world.
His stack ranges from basic multivitamins for nutritional coverage to probiotics for gut health, but one supplement stands above the rest.
Creatine to me is like a life source. I can tell you that my muscles feel better, my muscles fill up, I have the ability to go longer in the gym.
Creatine, a naturally occurring compound that fuels muscles during intense exercise, has exploded as a longevity trend. Recent research suggests benefits extend beyond the gym, potentially supporting brain and heart health as we age.
Other Key Supplements in Rowley’s Routine
- Vitamin D for energy production and immune system support
- Magnesium to improve sleep quality and muscle recovery
- Glutamine for enhanced post-workout muscle repair
There’s a lot of supplements out there that are pure garbage.
Rowley emphasizes choosing evidence-based supplements rather than falling for marketing hype.
Walking 10,000 Steps: Low-Impact Cardio That Actually Works
Peak fitness isn’t just about sculpted muscles or impressive lifting stats—cardiovascular health plays a crucial role in longevity.
Rowley’s definition of true fitness harks back to Marine Corps standards: 20 dead-hang pull-ups, 100 crunches in one minute (or a three-minute plank hold), and completing three miles in 18 minutes.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
We look at the aesthetic of lean muscle and muscle mass as, wow, that person spends time in the gym, but could they run a mile? Could they run two miles or three miles?
However, running becomes harder on joints with age. Rowley now targets 10,000 daily steps for low-impact cardiovascular benefits and to minimize sedentary time.
Research shows walking benefits begin at just 500 to 1,000 extra steps per day, with improvements in heart health accumulating from there.
Choosing Your Hard
Rowley acknowledges that consistently hitting 10,000 steps requires significant commitment, but frames it as an investment worth making.
It’s not easy to do, but what’s harder: making that decision now or dealing with negative health in your older years? So choose your hard.
Why More Men Should Consider Pilates
Rowley’s experience challenges traditional notions about “masculine” and “feminine” fitness activities.
Pilates offers legitimate resistance training and athletic development—not just stretching and balance work many men assume.
Pilates was an opportunity for me to try to lengthen, strengthen, and activate some of the smaller muscles.
Those smaller stabilizer muscles play critical roles in preventing injury, improving movement quality, and supporting the larger muscle groups targeted by traditional strength training.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
The Big Picture: Functionality Over Aesthetics
Rowley’s four-part approach—Pilates, smart strength training, strategic supplementation, and consistent walking—reflects a broader shift in fitness culture.
Rather than chasing short-term aesthetic goals or impressive one-rep maximums, he’s focused on building a body that works better and stays resilient through the aging process.
As you’re active and aging, why would you not want to have more strength, more muscle, and greater mobility?
His philosophy centers on maintaining quality of life and functional capacity—being able to keep up with daily activities, enjoy recreation, and move pain-free.
For someone with over 30 years in the fitness industry, from Marine Corps service through executive roles at 24 Hour Fitness, UFC Gym, and now Crunch, Rowley’s willingness to adapt his training speaks volumes.
The most effective longevity routine isn’t about stubbornly sticking to what worked in your twenties—it’s about continuously evolving your approach based on what your body needs right now.
