A 92-year-old woman in China has captured the admiration of mainland internet users by performing an impressive daily workout routine—200 push-ups and 100 sit-ups.
The elderly fitness enthusiast, surnamed Li, is part of a growing trend among Chinese seniors embracing rigorous exercise to maintain their health and vitality. Her remarkable discipline came to public attention during a recent appearance at the Yao Ethnic Minority Medicine Festival, held in early June in Jianghua Yao Autonomous County, Hunan province, according to Jianghua TV.
“Maybe my push-up form isn’t perfect, but I insist on doing 200 every day,” Li said during her interview at the event.
She explained that she prefers to work out at home due to frequent rain, which makes outdoor activity less convenient. When reporters visited her residence, Li graciously demonstrated her routine—completing 100 sit-ups on her bed and 200 push-ups on the floor.
In addition to her strength exercises, Li also enjoys spinning the hula hoop and has developed other daily habits to support her health. For instance, she takes hot foot baths each night, which she credits with relieving her leg cramps.
“I used to have cramps, but after I started soaking my feet, they stopped,” she said.
Li believes her dedication to physical activity has significantly improved her health. “My hair turned white many years ago, but recently, some of it turned black again,” she shared with reporters.
A lifelong educator, Li graduated from college in Changsha, Hunan, in 1959 and went on to work for decades as a kindergarten teacher. “I enjoy doing the kind of movements children do,” she said with a smile.
The report did not include details about her family, but Li’s story has resonated strongly online. Social media users have been amazed by her energy and strength.
“Unbelievable! I can’t even do 10 push-ups,” one person commented.
“My God. She’s 92! I couldn’t do that at 29,” another wrote.
China is home to over 300 million people aged 60 or older—nearly a quarter of its 1.4 billion population. Many of them are gaining online attention for their commitment to staying fit and active in later life.
One such figure is a man in his 70s from Shanghai, nicknamed “Modern Grandpa,” whose muscular physique has earned comparisons to someone in their 40s. He maintains his youthful condition by skipping rope, doing push-ups, and practicing yoga at home.
Another viral moment occurred three years ago when a 78-year-old woman was seen doing push-ups in a hospital corridor. She explained that she exercised regularly to stay strong enough to care for her ailing husband.
These stories, including Li’s, continue to inspire millions across China, highlighting the growing movement among the nation’s elderly to defy aging through fitness and self-care.
