This 80-Year-Old CrossFit Stud Can Probably Outlift You

06:45 - 09 August 2024

This 80 Year-Old CrossFit Legend Can Outlift You

Octogenarian Jacinto Bonilla runs a CrossFit gym out of his backyard in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. But the 80-year-old doesnt just provide the real estate for youngsters in his neighborhoodhe's an active CrossFitter himself, and odds are, hes in better shape than you. Bonilla deadlifts 325 pounds, squats 250 pounds, and can rip off 20 unbroken pullups. Any kind of exercises you could think of, I could do, he says.

Chris Casey of ABCs Local-ish met with Bonilla in person to hear how the senior became the legend he is today, and to try out one of Bonillas many intense training workouts.

Bonilla was born in Puerto Rico, but moved to Spanish Harlem, New York, in 1945, when he was just six years old. In his teens, he started lifting homemade weights that he fashioned from soup cans. Hes been active his entire lifehe didnt simply turn 70 and think to himself: Its time to start lifting weights if I want to live longer!

No matter what age I reach, I want to reach that age in shape, Bonilla says. I dont want to be dependent on anyone.

He continues, If you dont use your joints and muscles, youre going to have problems. If you just sit there and watch TV, youre going to get rusty.

Casey, whos 31, attempted one of Bonillas HIIT sets that involves deadlifts, burpees, medicine ball throws, and air squats. After seven minutes, Casey was wiped!