AFL legend and possibly Victoria's fittest octogenarian, Tom Hafey, at the Cora Graves Centre. Picture: Derrick den Hollander Source: News Limited
NOT every octogenarian can manage 350 push-ups a day.
But St Kilda AFL legend Tom Hafey, 82, says everyone can do "something"- and it's never too late to get fit.
"Don't just sit around and wait for the undertaker," said Hafey, who starts each day with a 6km run and ocean swim.
The former Richmond Football Club player and VFL coach is in high demand as a motivational speaker.
He recently appeared at a Port Phillip Council event, handing out certificates to 50 seniors who completed a 12-week exercise program.
Hafey said his key message was the same no matter who his audience: "be the best you can be".
"You don't have to be a superstar, just be your best," he said.
The key to achieving this, he said, was taking action.
"People are always saying 'gonna, gonna, gonna', but you've just got to put it into action. There's 168 hours in a week; you've got to time the time for health and fitness."
Under medical supervision, he said exercising three times a week was a great idea for seniors, aiming for 40 to 60 minute sessions.
Hafey credits his impressive personal fitness to a lifetime of good habits, having never tasted cigarettes or alcohol and avoiding sweets since 1972.
Of the alcohol-fuelled incidents that plague the league today, he said:
"That disappoints me. Unfortunately, whether they want to be or not, they are role models and youngsters look up to them. If they don't want to be, let them go and work on a farm. Once you put on the guernsey, gonna be someone that idolises them."
TOM HAFEY'S DAILY ROUTINE
- Up before 6am
- 5-6km run
- Exercises on the beach
- Ocean swim
- Back home to do up to 350 push-ups
- In the footy off-season, gym session at Balaclava Bodyworld
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