HONOLULU (KHON2) — Despite an ongoing pandemic, a 101-year-old man celebrated his birthday doing what he loves most: exercising. Dr. James Chou has been working out at 24 Hour Fitness for years, even after turning 100 years old. On Wednesday, the fitness club threw Chou and his son a socially distanced birthday party.
[Hawaii news on the go–LISTEN to KHON 2GO weekday mornings at 7:30 a.m.]
Chou, who was born in China, arrived to Honolulu in 1956 after having served in the Chinese Air Force during WWII. The Former Professor of Engineering at the University of Hawaii Manoa joined 24 Hour Fitness Pearl City shortly after retiring at the age of 68.
“Dr. Chou is an inspiration to everyone he meets,” said Rob Philyaw, General Manager of the fitness club. “In the face of a pandemic and being considered higher risk, he makes time for exercise and rarely misses a day. We can all learn from Dr. Chou commitment to exercise when we’re feeling unmotivated or nervous about exercising right now.”
The gym says Chou was 20 pounds overweight and diabetic upon starting his fitness journey. Since then, he and his son have been working out at the gym six days a week.
Latest Stories on KHON2
- Flash flood watch in place for all islands through Tuesday
- East Honolulu residents call Monday flood similar to 2018
- Maui woman dies after car swerves off cliff on Kahekili Highway
- CVS completes first round of COVID-19 vaccines at Hawaii’s long-term care facilities
- Gov. Ige pushes for more investment in digital technology
