Staff Reports | Community Updates
As he approaches his 100th birthday, it goes without saying that David Keaggy of Mesa knows a thing or two about staying fit.
The 99-year-old credits daily exercise with keeping him healthy, active and alive.
At 9 a.m. Friday, July 10, Mr. Keaggy, a retired master archer and U.S. Air Force veteran, will celebrate his 100th birthday at Mountainside Fitness, 1253 N. Greenfield Road in Mesa, doing what he enjoys most: riding the stationary bike and lifting weights.
He will also celebrate with a slice of birthday cake after his workout. Mr. Keaggy, who was born in 1926, is no stranger to marking milestones with fitness challenges, according to a press release. For his 90th birthday, the World War II veteran performed 83 consecutive push-ups in front of onlookers and a local television station. When he turned 97 and 99, Mr. Keaggy performed similar birthday workouts in front of television cameras and spectators.
“I’ve always loved an audience. It keeps me pushing even harder,” Mr. Keaggy said. “But even more importantly, if I can inspire someone else to get out here and change their body for the better, that’s worth it. I always say if I can do these workouts at my age, almost 100 years old, then everyone else needs to be out here with me. No more excuses!”
Mr. Keaggy has exercised throughout his life and continues to work out several days a week at Mountainside Fitness in Mesa. His routine includes warming up on a stationary bike for 10 minutes, followed by a circuit workout using multiple machines and free weights. Mr. Keaggy said his approach to maintaining his health includes avoiding alcohol and caffeine, maintaining a low weight and exercising several times a week.
“We are beyond excited that Dave is once again celebrating his birthday here at Mountainside Fitness. The fact that he is about to turn 100 and is still devoted to his regular workouts is incredible and definitely something to celebrate,” Mr. Craig Cote, CEO of Mountainside Fitness, said. “Dave is not only our oldest member, he is also the biggest cheerleader and motivator to everyone he meets and everyone who sees him working out.”
