Gary Player has revealed the secrets behind staying fit and regularly playing golf at an advanced age. The 89-year-old is still physically active and has been spotted playing golf on several occasions — something many would find remarkable for someone approaching his 90th birthday.
Player Reveals Secrets To Longevity
Player is widely known as one of the fittest men ever to play the game, and the South African continues to live up to his reputation. His energy and fitness have kept him playing golf and walking the fairways almost four times a week, long after most of his peers have hung up their clubs. His commitment to exercise started during his professional career and has never stopped, even decades after retiring from the PGA Tour.
“We read about people living a long time,” Player said. “On the contrary, they don’t live a long time — they exist. They’re full of medicine. I don’t take one single pill. I exercise profusely.”
The 89-year-old insists that the secret to longevity lies in constant movement and exercise. Player says he works out daily, even when traveling, and he uses a mix of strength training, stretching, and core exercises. His regimen includes leg presses, sit-ups, treadmill runs, and light weightlifting. He credits these habits with keeping his muscles strong and his body supple enough to still generate power and maintain balance in his swing.
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However, fitness for Gary Player goes beyond the gym. The golf legend still walks the golf course whenever he can instead of using a cart. He sees golf itself as one of the best ways to stay active, combining cardio with coordination and flexibility.
Player Doesn’t Drink, Smoke, or Have “Big Dinners”
Diet and good sleep are important to Player’s fitness, and over the years, he has followed a simple, disciplined eating plan. He avoids sugar, fried foods, and processed snacks, instead choosing fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. He limits himself to two meals a day and rarely eats after sunset. Even with all that discipline, Player insists that mental fitness is just as crucial as physical health. He believes the mind must stay active, and he says he tries to get as much sleep as he can.
“I sleep nine hours a night. I try not to overeat or have big dinners. You need to be thin to win; fat and you’re on the mat. I don’t drink or smoke. The United States of America, the greatest country God ever made, it’s a nation of obese people,” Player said.
The 89-year-old also attributes his enduring vitality to his outlook on life. Despite his age, Player has not lost his competitive spirit. He still hits the ball over 200 yards, a remarkable feat for a man approaching 90. He admits he no longer chases distance or strength the way he did in his prime but instead focuses on flexibility and balance.
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