June 18, 2026 //
Jacqui Veino //
Gym News //
4 min read
When people think about aging, they often think about slowing down.
Hugh is proving the opposite.
At 84 years old, Hugh recently returned from Peru, where he completed one of the world’s most iconic adventures—hiking Machu Picchu and exploring the breathtaking mountains that surround it.
The photos are incredible, but what inspires us most isn’t where Hugh went. It’s how he prepared to get there.
Hugh is the oldest member of CrossFit Durst, and for the past two years, he has been consistently investing in his health, strength, and independence. He joined CrossFit Durst at the age of 82 and has never looked back.
Today, Hugh attends our CrossFit Life classes twice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon. He also works one-on-one with Coach Kirsten every two weeks to continue building strength, improving movement quality, and preparing for whatever adventure comes next.
And if you’ve ever met Hugh, you know he’s always planning the next adventure.
“I Didn’t Realize I Was Doing Things Wrong”
One of the things Hugh talks about most often is the value of coaching.
Like many people, he spent years exercising on his own. What he discovered was that simply exercising and being coached are two very different things.
As Hugh puts it:
“I didn’t realize I was doing things with poor form, and I was doing it for years without knowing.”
At CrossFit Durst, our goal isn’t to simply tell people what workout to do.
Our goal is to coach.
Every class is led by a professional coach who watches movement, provides feedback, makes adjustments, and ensures every member is training safely and effectively for their current abilities and goals.
For older adults, this level of coaching becomes even more important. Proper movement patterns, balance, strength, mobility, and confidence all play a major role in maintaining independence as we age.
“Yes, It’s More Expensive. But It’s Worth It.”
When people ask Hugh about CrossFit Durst, he doesn’t hesitate.
“Yes, it’s more expensive, but it’s worth it. You get hands-on coaching, not instruction. Actual coaching.”
That difference matters.
A gym membership gives you access to equipment.
Coaching gives you a plan, accountability, guidance, and someone who knows when to push and when to pull back.
For Hugh, that investment has paid off in ways that can’t be measured by a number on a scale.
It has helped him build the strength and confidence to travel the world, hike mountains, and continue doing the things he loves.
CrossFit Is For Every Age
One of the biggest misconceptions about CrossFit is that it’s only for young athletes.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
At CrossFit Durst, we coach teenagers, parents, grandparents, and retirees. Every workout is modified to meet the individual standing in front of us.
The goal isn’t to compete with the person beside you.
The goal is to become stronger, healthier, and more capable than you were yesterday.
For Hugh, that means preparing for mountain hikes and international travel.
For someone else, it might mean carrying groceries without pain, getting up from the floor more easily, improving bone density, or simply having the energy to keep up with grandchildren.
Fitness should help you live your life.
Hugh is living proof.
The Real Goal
Machu Picchu wasn’t the goal.
The real goal was maintaining the freedom to say “yes” when the opportunity came.
At 84, Hugh continues to show up, do the work, trust the process, and invest in his health.
The result?
He’s hiking mountains in Peru while many people half his age are convinced they’re too old to start.
Whether you’re 45, 65, or 85, it’s never too late to get stronger.
You don’t have to become an athlete.
You just have to start.
And if Hugh’s story teaches us anything, it’s that age isn’t what limits us.
It’s the belief that we can’t.
Congratulations, Hugh. We couldn’t be more proud of you.
Your CrossFit Durst family is cheering you on every step of the way.
Written by Jacqui Veino Owner, CrossFit Durst CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2) Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach (Pn1)
