Kimmo Järvelä inspires fitness journey at 71 in Rovaniemi

Kimmo Järvelä, 71, starts his mornings with a handstand, a fundamental exercise in bodyweight training. Now in the afternoon, Järvelä performs a front lever in his living room, a demanding move that requires strong core, back, shoulder muscles, and excellent body control. If an individual can hold a front lever for two seconds, that’s impressive, but Järvelä can maintain the position for up to ten seconds on his best days. After six seconds today, he relaxes his arms and lands softly on the floor, stating that he needs a break to avoid muscle fatigue.

Living in Rovaniemi, Järvelä practiced gymnastics until he was 18. However, entrepreneurship took over as he founded a construction company in his late 20s that employed dozens. The business world of the 1980s often mixed with alcohol, and Järvelä frequently socialized with corporate leaders, living life to the fullest. At 37, he recognized the need to stop drinking, having lost many collaborators to addiction. Since then, he has not touched alcohol, accepting the consequences of bankruptcy, divorce, and financial losses.

Now, he claims to be in the best shape of his life, encouraging others that age shouldn’t deter them from achieving their fitness goals. According to health expert Jouni Lahti, it is indeed possible to maintain or improve physical fitness well into one’s 70s.

Järvelä, an active Instagram user, shares videos showcasing his strength training. He also cares for his 97-year-old mother, his wife, and spends time with his two daughters and three grandchildren. In contrast to his agile lifestyle, he humorously admits that he can’t replicate the flexibility of his one-year-old grandson.

Physical training is essential at any age, and even older adults can increase muscle mass with the right regimen. An active lifestyle is vital for reducing risks of various diseases and maintaining overall health. Järvelä’s message to those hesitant about starting their fitness journey is clear: persistence will lead to rewards.