When Don Bryant began his law enforcement career in 1978, he quickly learned how stressful the job could be. He also noticed that most officers had two main ways of coping.
“They either worked out or they lifted 16-ouncers,” Don says.
He chose powerlifting—and at 68, he’s still at it. This summer, Don returns to international competition at the World Police and Fire Games in Birmingham, Alabama. As a retired corrections officer from Portland, Oregon, he’ll be among a small number of super-fit police and fire professionals competing against thousands from around the world.
Don says he loves the camaraderie, the challenge, and the health benefits.
“Weightlifting is something a lot of older people need to be doing,” he says. “I’m still healthy. I plan on lifting into my 90s.”
‘One Tough Hombre’
Joe Arica, 61, is a volunteer firefighter just outside St. Louis, Missouri. Like Don, he’s a veteran of these competitions and has the medals to prove it. Last year, he placed third in his age group in the “Toughest Firefighter Alive” competition in Saudi Arabia.
Joe works in medical equipment sales but trains year-round for the Firefighter Challenge—a demanding event simulating real-life rescue tasks in full gear. That includes running, dragging a 240-pound hose, climbing stairs, and using a sledgehammer to move a steel beam.
“Firefighting is physically demanding,” he says.
A competition website puts it more bluntly: “Joe Arica is a really nice guy who gives back to his community. Joe is also one tough hombre.”
Joe’s fitness background includes triathlons, martial arts, and functional strength training. He works with a coach on weightlifting, rowing, sled drags, medicine ball slams, and box jumps.
“I say, ‘Train hard, recover harder,’” he says.
That dedication proved vital in 2021, when Joe was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He had surgery in January—and was back to competing by May.
“I firmly believe my conditioning helped my recovery,” he says. “My urologist calls me his textbook patient. It would’ve been a different story if I’d been sitting on the couch.”
The Message: Just Start
Both men are not only elite competitors—they’re outliers in their age group, proving that it’s never too late to prioritize your health.
Their advice to anyone over 50?
“You’re never too old,” Don says. “Don’t be scared of exercise. Be scared of what happens if you don’t. Just walk around the block. Everything helps.”
We couldn’t agree more. You don’t need to train like a firefighter or lift like a powerlifter. But you do need to move. We’re here to help—call us today and let’s get started.
Holly Kouvo is a personal trainer, functional aging specialist, senior fitness specialist, brain health trainer, writer, and speaker.