Joe Rosa Celebrates His 103rd Birthday at the Gym, and Looks Forward to 2019

On December 7, the 77th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, 24 Hour Fitness member Joe Rosa celebrated his 103rd birthday—at the gym. The Summerlin club in Las Vegas threw Rosa a birthday party, complete with balloons, cake and fellow veterans. (Rosa served in the Navy during World War II.)

In 2011, after being hit by a car, Rosa joined 24 Hour Fitness. He was told by doctors that he would never be able to walk again. Fast-forward seven years later, Rosa trains three to four times a week at 24 Hour Fitness. Rosa says that what keeps him alive is the gym staff and the members he see each day.

24Life asked Rosa to reflect on the last year, as well as his goals for 2019. (Hint: It includes more parties!)

24Life: Reflect back on the last year—what has surprised you about yourself, and how have you seen yourself grow?

Rosa: What has surprised me the most is my health. I have continued working out three to four times a week. My friendship with the 24 Hour Fitness staff and members who keep me coming has continued to grow. I contribute my life to everyone at this gym who encourages me to come every day. If it wasn’t for them, I could easily lay in bed in pain and probably would have passed years ago. I’d like to give a special shout-out to the trainers Julia, Oleg, Will and Ken, my former trainer Aaron, and the members that push me to come through thick and thin.

24Life: How do you define results? What do results look like to you?

Rosa: By holding steady, neither going up or down in weight. Just being able to still come in every week regardless if I am in pain or not. It means to have a lot of courage and determination to stay healthy.

24Life: Do you have any goals for 2019?

Rosa: To have a bigger and better party for my birthday next December. And to stay disciplined in my workouts and stay healthy.

Photo credit: Courtesy of 24 Hour Fitness