Ageless Fitness
Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of spending three days with Fit Over 40 Role Model Pax Beale and his lovely wife, Sophie. Pax is now 77 and as strong as ever. Sophie is approaching 60 and looks 40! They are both living examples of the Fit Over 40 Lifestyle.
Pax and I tore up World Gym San Francisco the first morning, and The Dolphin Club Gym, with equipment older than I am, the second morning. What a rush! Training with a former Mr. America who still hits the iron as if he’s settling an old score. Life is sweet!
I’m going to tell you the whole story in my upcoming free e-book, B&B In SF: Adventures With A 77-Year-Old Mr. America! The title comes from “Benson & Beale”…and also from the fact that Pax booked me into a bed and breakfast. Let me tell you…that’s a bit odd, given I checked in alone. The guys at the front desk probably had a field day with that.
Here’s a few pics for you. Larger ones, and many more pics, will be available in the e-book, which again will be free. I’ll send you all a link very soon.
Note: A very special thank you to my bestest bud Jan Hauser for snapping some awesome shots. She made the trip such a joy.
Pax Beale, Sophie Taggart, and Jon Benson at World Gym, San Francisco
Pax Beale and Jon Benson, post-workout,
World Gym, San Francisco.
Not too bad for 77…and 43! (no retouching)
A very cool shot old-style. Check out the cozy decor in The Dolphin Club Gym
Pax checks out his triceps…at 77 years young.
Jon Benson looks on. Dolphin Club, San Francisco
“Let’s see the legs, Benson!”
About 4-5 weeks away from my peak condition; Dolphin Club, SF
A great shot of Pax’s 1968 Rolls Royce, with Pax being his ageless, goofy self
Relaxed after a long workout. Those arms
are pumped up!
World Gym, San Francisco
More coming soon… [jB]
Archived in Fit Over 40.
This entry is tagged: Fit Over 40, gym, muscle, Pax Beale, weights
Comments (34)
Gordon Bell said:
What great shots and what great people. I am 68 years of age and and consider Pax one of my dearest friends. We meet occasionally in his beautiful quarters in SFO and I swear each time I see him he looks better. It isn’t maintenance, it’s continued progress as far as I can tell. Consequently, Pax is also my role model. I always return home more inspired and as a result have found methods to overcoming issues that previously prevented me from making any real gains.
What a thrill it is to know Pax especially for an “older” ( we are not really old believe me) guy. I would love to participate in programs to interest seniors in what is truly a fantastic sport at this age. This has to be the best kept secret ever! I no longer feel old and what that does spiritually is awesome. I go at life like a 29 year old. I’m confident that I would not be this well off had I not read Pax’s great book and later met him. I guess the next thing to do is read your book, right? As far as I’m concerned you are in the greatest company. Pax is not only a great bodybuilder, he is a great man. He’s modest and I kind of know and suspect that he’s accomplished tons more than building a great body! The world needs to know this man’s lifestyle!
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 11:21 AM
John H. said:
I spent some time with Pax & sophie in the late 90’s. What a great guy and lady. They never run out of energy. Thanks for the memories.
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 11:22 AM
fundraisers said:
Jon,
Very inspirational post!
Definitely loved the pics. Hope I look as good as Sophie in years to come…
Kimberly
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 11:46 AM
Jon Benson said:
Glad you guys like the pics. Wait ‘till you see the rest…very inspiring. I have some great shots of Sophie, too. The stories are a hoot to read!
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 11:59 AM
Charles Matson said:
I just received your book and CD yesterday and have not had a chance to delve into it yet but will very soon.
I am a golfer and walk a lot on the course so I can see nothing but benefit from following your guidance.
I cut down on coffee and don’t drink pop at all and lost
six pounds in two weeks.Just have to lose 30 more to be
in optimum shape and I can see ms doing that with your help.I don’t ever expect to have as muscular thighs as you have but I will not give up before I am in trim shape.Thank you in advance Charles Matson Terrace Bay Ontario Canada.
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 12:17 PM
Paul said:
You were in SF and did’nt drive up the road to Cloverdale to visit Mr. California. Next time amigo.
You did jump in the Pacific with the early morning swim group whilst you were at the Dolphin Club???
Paul
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 12:20 PM
Jon Benson said:
It was a whirlwind trip, Paul. Definitely next time! And no, I’ll leave the Bay swims to those with 25% bodyfat… : )
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 12:33 PM
Manda said:
Wow…she looks amazing as well!!!! Awesome…
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 12:36 PM
Jon Benson said:
Charles…you can do it! As for the thighs, or anything else, it’s all in your genes and goals. But overall you can do whatever you desire as long as you have the right tools. Keep me posted.
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 12:49 PM
Chuck Wells said:
I do not have a credit card. Is there a way to purchase
a copy of your e-book by another method, such as a
check or money order? Thank you very much.
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 01:47 PM
Dianne M. Daniels, AICI said:
What an awesome couple! Pax definately doesn’t look his age - I bet he’d train more than a couple of ‘young bucks’ under the benches!
Sophie is an inspiration as well - she is very lean and smaller than I’d like to be, but who can argue with success at 60! She looks younger than I do (and I’m 43!).
Great photos and terrific inspiration - keep ‘em coming!
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 01:53 PM
Shileen said:
Looking good, Jon!! :~) Pax and Sophie as well. I needed the inspiration as I have become a little sloppy these last couple of weeks. Thanks for sharing!
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 02:03 PM
Jon Benson said:
Chuck;
I sent you an email with how to order via mail. Thanks!
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 02:37 PM
Leif Brandh said:
thank you for the coming free ebook
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 03:14 PM
harry j. harth III said:
we are never to old,to start getting younger. i want to be like i am now,when im 90——fit and feeling young…..pump on,iron forever-forever iron
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 06:05 PM
Saqqara said:
GREAT PICS, 77 YRS YOUNGGGGGGGGGGG
Just proves what training, diet, cardio can do.
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 07:13 PM
Karen Lucas said:
http://www.saqqarabellydancer.com
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 07:15 PM
Lauren said:
Lookin good there Mr. Benson, look the same now as you did New Years :)!
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 08:12 PM
(GM) Mary said:
What fabulous pictures - great thigh muscles Jon!! Pax and Sophie are both inspirations!!
Posted on Mar 28, 2007 10:25 PM
Elaine said:
All I can say is wow! You all look great. I saw Pax at the Emerald Cup body building show in Seattle over 15 years ago. The man has not changed. We saw him again at Golds gym in Santa Monica after his heart surgery. You are all great role models.
Posted on Mar 29, 2007 09:26 AM
Cheryl said:
All I wanna know is where are YOUR red tights, Jon?
Posted on Mar 29, 2007 12:12 PM
Jeff said:
John, I have read Fit Over 40 several times in the last couple of years and have found it very inspirational. The one person who I have admired the most in your book is Pax Beale. He simply amazes me. Can’t wait to read the new ebook.
Posted on Mar 29, 2007 01:15 PM
Paul said:
Jon,
Have you spoken with Dave (as in Draper). I’m sure he could use an uplifting word.
Paul
Posted on Mar 29, 2007 03:18 PM
art menton said:
Wow,
I have been looking for more incentives to continue to train hard having recently set all new american powerlifting records at uspf meets in Texas for the 60 to 65 age category for a 165 lb man.
I have some recall of Pax and am very impressed with his continued efforts…and his wife well, just wow!
Seeing what Pax has done has helped me feel my goal to become the oldest athlete ever to qualify for a senior national powerlifting meet not unreasonable. I won’t win but I’ll beat a few of those young whippersnappers..lol.
Am so glad I read the e-mail and always look forward to your useful information, especially todays..
Thank you,
Art Menton
Posted on Mar 29, 2007 03:44 PM
Joe said:
Jon, amazing Pax and Spohie. Truly inspiring.Just waiting for your ebook. Thanks1
Posted on Mar 30, 2007 09:51 AM
Mary Ann said:
Jon,
I love the Pictures. Such an inspiration and new motivation.
Posted on Mar 31, 2007 07:00 AM
Jeff said:
Jon,just 2 pics of pax some more of him would be more inspiration, no offense I am your age, and appreciate the the older guys to motivate me.
Posted on Mar 31, 2007 11:02 AM
Jon Benson said:
Jeff;
It’s just a peak at the pics coming up in my free e-book. Don’t worry…you’ll see a lot more of Pax and Sophie. I just didn’t have time to edit all the pics to a blog format.
Oh, I love the older guys, too. Although you’d be hard-pressed to call Pax (and my other role models) “old”.
Even when I was in my 20s I looked to guys from the 60s and 70s-era for inspiration. At that time they were all 20 years older than I was. So, I can relate.
Thanks!
Posted on Mar 31, 2007 11:09 AM
Philip Hosmer said:
Jon,
At 65, I am delighted to see someone like Pax at 72 still training. For others I hope this inspires them to keep at it. I just want to see what can be done. Looking toward the new book.
Posted on Mar 31, 2007 11:48 AM
esther said:
Thats magnificient ihave to start off right away with the gym. Thats great just keep it up backward never forward ever
Posted on Apr 02, 2007 08:38 AM
Sam G. said:
Jon:
I read every email newsletter you send me, and although I’ve been reluctant to add yet ANOTHER fitness book to my overflowing library, yours seems truly inspirational, and the pics you posted here of Pax have me leaning towards ordering it. This message alone has finally motivated me back into the gym after a long (VERY long) hiatus. At 6’3 and about 150# overweight (I’m about 367 now), it’s tough going. Everything hurts when I’m done, but I guess a heart attack or stroke at my age (46) would hurt a helluva lot worse! Thanks for being there for all of us, including some of us who haven’t even maintained “weekend warrior” status…
Posted on Apr 03, 2007 10:49 AM
Jon Benson said:
Hi Sam;
Thank you very much for your readership — and for sharing your desire to reconnect with your physical health with all of us.
I’m grateful to share what I know with all of you…and what I will be continually learning. Believe me, the latter could fill the pages of numerous books!
Keep us posted Sam.
JB
Posted on Apr 03, 2007 11:42 AM
GM Mary said:
Your e-mail this-morning (April 9/07) was deeply moving!!
If everyone in the world had the genuine love in their heart that you
have, and which you write about so eloquently Jon, the world would
be a much kinder, happier, and better place!!!
Please keep that PASSION Jon!!!
Posted on Apr 10, 2007 12:17 PM
FBF system said:
I had to read this post twice, because it was interesting. I read some of your other posts you do make some good points
Posted on Jan 22, 2010 10:43 PM