Mick Wadge, from Laneshawbridge, only started training seriously at the age of 85 after deciding he needed to focus on himself following the loss of his wife, Margaret.
Three years later, he has become an inspirational figure online, attracting thousands of followers who regularly watch videos of his workouts.
His remarkable fitness journey recently caught the attention of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who sent him a message saying: “Love what you are doing! Keep pumping!”
The Hollywood star and former Mr Olympia also offered to introduce the pensioner to two of his coaches in the United States.
Speaking about the message, Mick admitted he initially struggled to believe it was genuine.
He said: “I never in a million years expected somebody like Arnold to know who I was, never mind send me a personal message.
“When I first saw it, I honestly couldn’t believe it was real. I thought Ross was having me on.”
His trainer, Ross Starkie, later confirmed the account was genuine, and the pair were left stunned when they realised one of the world’s most famous bodybuilders had been following Mick’s progress.
The pensioner says his life has been transformed by strength training.
After losing his wife, he began exercising at home before eventually joining the gym and training with Ross Starkie.
@old.man.mick2 Replying to @Gymshark Old Man Mick here… 👴🏻💪🏼 I honestly don’t know what to say. Just two weeks ago, we started this TikTok page to share my fitness journey. I never imagined so many people would want to follow an 88-year-old bloke in the gym! Over 200,000 views, 800 comments, over 1,000 shares, and now I’ve even received a lovely message from @Gymshark . I really can’t believe it. I first walked into the gym when I was 85 years old. I wasn’t trying to become famous—I just wanted to stay strong, keep moving, and prove that age doesn’t have to stop you doing the things you enjoy. Now here I am at 88, still deadlifting, still learning, and still turning up with a smile on my face. A massive thank you to every single one of you who’s watched a video, left a comment, shared my story, or sent me kind words. You’ve made this old man feel very special. I don’t know where this journey will take me, but I’m excited to keep sharing it with you all. If I can inspire just one person—whether you’re 18 or 88—to get up, get moving, and believe in yourself, then it’s all been worth it. Remember… you’re never too old to start, and you’re never too old to get stronger. See you in the gym. – Old Man Mick 👴🏻💪🏼 #FitnessJourney #fitnessinspiration #gymsharkathlete #88yearsold #gymtoks ♬ Cinderella (Instrumental) – skyemane & nimphia
At first, he struggled with basic exercises, but through consistency and determination he gradually became stronger.
Today, he trains regularly and has built up an impressive level of strength for someone approaching his 89th birthday.
Mick said: “I didn’t start training properly until I was 85. After losing my wife, life changed for me, and I realised I needed to do something for myself.
“I think that’s the important thing. You don’t have to be brilliant when you start, you just have to start.”
He credits exercise with improving both his physical and mental wellbeing.
“It’s changed my life,” he said.
“Getting up, getting dressed and going to the gym gives me something to look forward to. It gives me a purpose and something to work towards.”
His story has resonated with people across the country, with many inspired by his determination to take up a completely new challenge later in life.
Despite the attention, Mick remains focused on the message he wants others to take from his experience.
He said: “Don’t think you’re too old.
“You don’t have to walk into a gym and start lifting huge weights. You don’t have to be fit. You don’t have to know what you’re doing. Just start somewhere.”
At an age when many people might be slowing down, Mick is encouraging others to stay active and challenge themselves.
His advice is simple: “You’re never too old to become a stronger version of yourself.”
And while a meeting with Arnold Schwarzenegger is far from guaranteed, Mick says he will be ready if the opportunity ever comes around.
“If I ever get to meet Arnold, I think I’ll have to make sure I’m in good shape first,” he said.
