Longtime Escondido resident Irwin Wertheimer turned 100 and celebrated his birthday at his native 24 Hour Health gymnasium, the place he works out a number of occasions every week.

“Why not?” Wertheimer stated. He was headed there for his hourlong Monday morning exercise anyhow. He drove there as standard and introduced alongside his canine, DJ, a Pembroke Welsh corgi.

However along with train, there was extra in retailer for Wertheimer.

Irwin Wertheimer, celebrating his a centesimal birthday at 24 Hour Health Escondido La Terraza membership receives congratulations from Escondido Mayor Paul McNamara.

(Courtesy of 24 Hour Health
)

Escondido Mayor Paul McNamara offered Wertheimer with a certificates in honor of his a centesimal birthday and referred to as it “Irwin Wertheimer Day.”

Irwin Wertheimer with 24 Hour Health Coach Yuri Imaizumi on the 24 Hour Health La Terraza membership.

(Courtesy of 24 Hour Health )

Carrying a black sports activities cap and sash, saying “100 By no means Appeared So Good,” Wertheimer received cheers from a number of dozen fellow exercisers and the gymnasium’s workers.

“Irwin is one our favourite members at 24HF as he’s at all times smiling and so pleased, particularly on Fridays when he brings DJ, his corgi. His secrets and techniques to residing a protracted life: ‘attempt to be pleased, don’t maintain grudges, by no means smoke and have a nutritious diet,’ ” stated Chris McClure, normal supervisor of the Escondido La Terraza 24 Hour Health gymnasium.

Wertheimer, who has been going to that gymnasium for greater than 20 years, takes three senior health courses per week; two cardio courses and one yoga class, every an hour lengthy. Up till about 5 years in the past, he used to additionally swim, and when he was youthful, he ran and performed soccer.

“You gotta train,” Wertheimer stated. Alongside along with his exercises, he takes walks — about 1.5 to 2 miles a day, throughout his neighborhood.

The 100-year-old train buff is an inspiration to others in his courses, the place he’s the oldest participant.

“Irwin has been a member for over 20 years with 24HF — about 20 % of his life — simply goes to point out you that common train will assist you to stay longer and happier,” McClure stated.

Train is prime on the listing when Wertheimer is requested concerning the secret for a protracted, pleased life. However there’s extra he stated.

“Stay in the future at a time and be pleased,” Wertheimer stated.

“Good meals and an optimistic angle are essential and don’t smoke — I misplaced my spouse as a result of she smoked,” stated Wertheimer, whose spouse, Marilyn, died at age 81 three years in the past.

Wertheimer, who lives independently in his home, prepares his personal meals and makes positive they’re wholesome. A typical breakfast contains salmon with broccoli, sprouts, blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes and almond milk and possibly a poached egg, however no bacon. For lunch he typically has soup and a banana, and for dinner, meat, rooster or shrimp. He drinks a number of water and has wine (no beer) just for social events and drinks inexperienced tea (no espresso).

Working has saved Wertheimer younger.

“Work is stimulating,” stated Wertheimer, who didn’t cease going to the workplace till he was 89.

His son took over 15 years in the past as CEO of the Escondido-based household enterprise, Rely Equipment Inc., however Wertheimer saved working there doing his half. The corporate produces print ending merchandise starting from binding and perforating to numbering for the Graphic Arts Business worldwide.

He jokes that he by no means labored a day in his life since he loved his work.

“To me work is a problem. I cherished it,” Wertheimer stated.

After World Battle II, and after serving as a Navy corpsman at Nice Lake Navy Base in Chicago, Wertheimer began working as an inventor. He labored on updating printing press machines to be extra environment friendly. Wertheimer, who has a bachelor’s diploma in chemistry from Northwestern College within the Chicago space, labored with an engineer to design one of many first bimatic numbering machines that goes ahead and backward.

Wertheimer, who was born in Cleveland, is planning an enormous household party in September with three youthful siblings, who’re throughout 90. His siblings, alongside along with his kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are slated to journey from throughout the nation and across the globe for the occasion.

Wertheimer continues to maintain his thoughts sharp along with his hobbies, amassing stamps, beer cans and different objects and attending senior courses at California State College San Marcos by means of the Osher lifelong studying program. He has taken courses, for instance in Greek and Roman Historical past and the historical past of religions.

“It is very important be inquisitive and keep on the earth,” he stated. “I don’t just like the scenario with the conflict. I want folks made love as a substitute of conflict.”

Wertheimer’s recommendation: “You gotta snigger. You solely go round as soon as so be grateful and benefit from the days you bought.”