In the small community of Ba Diem Ward in Ho Chi Minh City, Ung A Paul is a well-known figure for his unwavering passion for fitness. Every morning, without fail, he rises early to begin his day with a jog and yoga at home. By 9 a.m., he’s already at the gym.

There, after warming up, he moves into a focused routine using dumbbells and multi-function training machines. His muscular physique, defined arms, and flexible movements often leave onlookers in awe.

Paul is not a professional bodybuilder. But his love for fitness runs deep.

Back in his youth, Paul worked hard physical jobs like stone splitting and blacksmithing. Later in life, he became a tour driver, Chinese interpreter, and small business trader.

But no matter the job, Paul always carved out time to train his body - driven by a dream of strength and health.

“When I was 17 or 18, I loved watching movies about bodybuilders,” he said. “I was hooked. I wanted the muscles, the look, the strength. So I started working out wherever I could. Over time, it became a need - if I don’t train, I feel unsettled.”

Before joining a professional gym, Paul used to craft his own exercise equipment and train at home. Around four years ago, he decided to step into a proper fitness facility for better access to modern tools.

In the beginning, Paul felt out of place.

Nearly everyone at the gym was younger - mostly in their 20s to 40s. Some worried he might not be physically fit enough for such intensive training. Others laughed at him, thinking he was chasing unrealistic goals for his age.

Their doubts weren’t entirely unfounded. After a period of high-intensity training, Paul suffered a slipped disc. For a year, he couldn’t train at all. At his worst, he was bedridden and required full-time assistance.

His family took him to various hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City for treatment using different methods. Eventually, the pain eased, and with great determination, Paul resumed light training at home.

As his condition improved, he returned to the gym.

Now, his body is sculpted and firm, with defined muscle tone that’s rare even among much younger men. More importantly, his health has improved dramatically.

Each day, Paul dedicates four hours to training - two hours in the morning from 9 to 11 a.m., and two in the afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m.

He works out from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, he trains only in the morning and spends the afternoon attending sword and saber dance classes. Sundays are reserved for rest and muscle recovery.

In June, Paul signed up for the King of Muscle competition, organized by a private company. He competed in the Men Physique (Seniors 40+) category - becoming the oldest participant in the event.

Shortly afterward, he traveled to Khanh Hoa province to compete again and won third place in the same category. His presence - silver hair, chiseled body - on the competition stage stunned spectators.

Wherever he goes, people ask him why he’s chosen such an intense path at his age.

Paul explains, “There are several reasons I pursue this lifestyle.”

“First is the passion I’ve had since my youth. Second is love for my children and grandchildren. Seniors need good health. Working out strengthens not just the body, but also the mind. It reduces the risk of chronic illnesses, helps us stay independent, and can even extend life.”

“If I’m strong and healthy, my children don’t have to worry or care for me constantly. That way, they can focus on their lives, work hard, and be happy.”

Ha Nguyen