Mountainside Fitness member celebrating 99th birthday Thursday in Mesa by working out

David Keaggy, 98, of Mesa, knows a thing or two about staying fit and credits daily exercise with keeping him healthy, active and alive.

As tradition, the retired master archer and Navy veteran will celebrate his 99th birthday at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 10, at Mountainside Fitness, 1253 N. Greenfield Road in Mesa, doing what he loves most — working out, riding the stationary bike and lifting some weights, according to a release.

Members of the public who want to see Keaggy complete his special birthday workout should plan to arrive at 9 a.m.

Keaggy, who was born in 1926, is no stranger to special birthday workouts and challenges. For his 90th birthday, the World War II veteran performed 83 push-ups in a row in front of onlookers and a local television station, and he performed his 97th birthday challenge in front of dozens of TV cameras and onlookers as his story made national news.

“I’ve always loved an audience. It keeps me pushing even harder,” Keaggy said in the release. “But even more important, if I can inspire someone else to get out here and change their body for the better, that’s worth it I always say if I can do these workouts at my age - 98-years-old, then everyone else needs to be out here with me. No more excuses.”

Keaggy is dedicated. Throughout his life he has exercised most every day. He still works out several days a week at Mountainside Fitness. His usual routine includes warming up on the stationary bike for 10 minutes, followed by a circuit workout using 15 different machines and free weights.

His secret to a long, healthy life includes staying away from alcohol and caffeine, coupled with maintaining a low weight and working out as much as five times a week.

“Dave is not only our oldest member, he is also the biggest cheerleader and motivator to everyone he meets and everyone who sees him working out,” Craig Cote, CEO of Mountainside Fitness, said in the release. “We are thrilled once again that he is celebrating his 99th birthday here at Mountainside Fitness and we’re hoping to be here when he celebrates 100-years.”

Go to www.mountainsidefitness.com