You’re Never Too Old to Start: How FFC Gold Coast Member Gunter Nitsch Embraces Fitness at Any Age

At 88 years old, FFC Gold Coast member Gunter Nitsch is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to prioritize your health. His story shows what’s possible when movement, consistency, and community are part of your everyday life.

Gunter has been a member of Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) since moving to Chicago in 2007, and fitness has played a major role in how he approaches his later years. Not just physically, but also socially, mentally, and emotionally, reinforcing the importance of fitness at any age.

A Lifelong Relationship With Movement

Originally from Germany, Gunter lived there until his mid-20s, then moved to New York, where he built his career, met his wife, Mary, and raised their two sons. Movement has always been part of his life, but like many people balancing work, travel, and stress, it wasn’t always consistent or intentional.

In his late 20s, Gunter made a decision to take better care of himself. He cleaned up his diet, stopped drinking, and began jogging regularly. Still, years of high stress eventually caught up with him, and in 1998, he underwent a triple bypass surgery.

That moment became a turning point. After surgery, Gunter committed to regular walking and movement, and he quickly noticed how much better he felt overall. That renewed energy carried into other areas of his life and reinforced just how essential fitness was to his well-being.

Fitness as a Shared Priority

Fitness has always been something Gunter and Mary prioritize together. Over the years, they walked, trained, and played tennis, sometimes spending 20 hours a week on the court. When they moved to Chicago in 2007, joining a gym was one of the first things they did.

FFC stood out immediately. From the equipment to the people, it felt like the right fit.

Today, Gunter comes to FFC four to five times a week. He enjoys long swims, and using the gym floor equipment. He credits both the facility and the staff for helping him stay consistent over the years. He especially appreciates the support of FFC Team Members Eric Glickstein, Leo Delannoy and Jessica Korda, who help make FFC feel like more than just a place to work out.

Gunter is quick to say that fitness has been essential to his later years. His wife helped him build healthier habits around food and wellness, and fitness became the final piece that tied everything together.

Community Inside and Outside the Club

Staying active for Gunter goes beyond workouts. He and Mary have been part of Chicago Greeters for more than 16 years, a program that connects multilingual locals with visitors for walking tours of the city. It’s a perfect blend of movement, connection, and giving back.

They also stay engaged through classes and discussions at Fourth Presbyterian Church, continuing to learn and stay curious. For Gunter, movement is physical, but it’s also social and mental. All of it works together.

“You’re Never Too Old to Exercise”

When asked what he would tell someone who feels they’re too old to start focusing on their health, Gunter’s answer was simple and honest:

“You’re never too old to exercise. Even if you’re 50 or 60, just keep going. If you don’t do it, you’ll regret it. Going to a fitness club is fun. You meet other people, try new equipment, and there’s always something new to learn. I love it.”

The Takeaway

Gunter’s story is a reminder that fitness isn’t about age or perfection. It’s about showing up, staying consistent, and surrounding yourself with people who support you.

At FFC, we’re proud to be part of Gunter’s story. Prioritizing your health isn’t about chasing youth; it’s about staying active, independent, and engaged in your life.

And as Gunter proves every week at FFC Gold Coast, fitness at any age is possible when movement and community go hand in hand.