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Williams resident fights to stay fit
94-year-old Paul "Bud" Dunagan doesn't let his age get in the way of a good work out

Williams resident Paul “Bud” Dunagan works out at Results Fitness. Dunagan hits the gym seven days a week. Ryan Williams/WGCN

Williams resident Paul “Bud” Dunagan works out at Results Fitness. Dunagan hits the gym seven days a week. Ryan Williams/WGCN

It's impressive to find someone with the dedication to exercise every day. It's even more impressive when that person is in their 90s.

But for 94-year-old Williams resident Paul "Bud" Dunagan, his hour-long workouts at Results Fitness have become part of his daily routine.

Dunagan started hitting the gym about three or four months ago after recovering from an injury.

"I got bucked off a horse and broke my hip, and they had to put a steel plate in," he said. "And it left me kind of lame, so I figured this would be a good thing to improve my mobility, and so that's what I've been doing."

For Dunagan, getting started with his exercise routine wasn't hard because he began gradually.

"I started with lighter weights," he said. "I'm lifting heavier weights now."

In addition to lifting weights, Dunagan works out on the ab machine, the stationary bicycle and the "treadmobile."

But one of Dunagan's favorite activities at the gym is putting on his gloves and boxing with a dummy.

"I box him every day," Dunagan said. "He has no arms, so I can whip him."

Results Fitness staff brought in the dummy, named George, at Dunagan's request.

"I'm not a boxer by any means, but it would probably help me to defend myself if I had to," he said.

Dunagan said he became interested in boxing "not as a career, only as a good way to stay in shape. It keeps me flexible and mobile."

Besides the health benefits of going to the gym, Dunagan said he enjoys his time there for another reason.

"Everybody here shows me a lot of respect, not because I'm so good, but because I'm so old," he said.

Results Fitness owner Janine Rotter said Dunagan's age and health inspires the other clients.

"It gives everybody so much motivation," Rotter said. "So many people come in or I see them on the street and they say, 'I'm too old.' This is proof that you're never too old. You're only as old as you feel."

And Dunagan shows no signs of slowing down.

"I plan to keep coming probably as long as I live," he said.


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