If you’re already thinking about nixing that New Year’s resolution of working out more, less than three weeks into 2026, you may want to look to James Sneed for motivation.
The 103-year-old World War II veteran is proving that you’re never too old to stay physically fit.
Sneed, who served in the Army, heads to the D.A. Turner YMCA in Columbus, Georgia three times a week, always greeting front-desk personnel with a smile and a kind word. Then he makes his way to a workout room to take part in a Silver Sneakers class, where he motivates fellow seniors decades younger than him.
At his age, nobody would blame Sneed if he wanted to relax and enjoy his remaining years. Not this WWII veteran.
“It helps me,” Sneed told News 3 in Georgia. “I don’t give up. No… don’t give up. You never give up.”
Sneed’s regular workouts and positive attitude provide a spark to not only seniors, but people across the age spectrum, according to YMCA staff.
“People come in and say, ‘I’m too old to work out,’” said Brittany Brown, the YMCA’s member experience and marketing director. “I always tell them absolutely not. We have somebody here that’s 103 years old that’s working out so no excuses.”
No Obstacle Too Large
Sneed was born on Sept. 16, 1922. He’s among the last line of Americans who survived the Great Depression, served the nation in World War II, and, as a Black man, endured periods of shameful discrimination and segregation. However, Sneed forged ahead, building a life in wood and paper manufacturing, all while raising five children, overcoming a battle with cancer, and staying actively engaged in church and community activities.
No doubt, Sneed’s devotion to fitness keeps him ticking, even at 103, but he also believes faith plays a vital part in his health, too.
“The man up above helps keep me healthy,” he said.
Sneed has turned to working out in recent years to improve strength and stability. But according to his daughter, Dr. Janet Sneed, her father has always been a dedicated person.
“He’s always worked hard for us. He’s always been selfless,” she said. “When I don’t want to get up in the morning, I hear him calling me. He’s my inspiration.”
Sneed moved in with his daughter several years ago when she had concerns that slowing down could prove harmful to his health. She thought introducing him to the YMCA could ignite an interest in exercise. He exceeded her expectations.
“That was the best thing we ever did,” she said. “He fell in love with the people here. And they fell in love with him.”
Leading By Example
For Josie Johnson, one of Sneed’s workout buddies, watching him show up and put in the work has altered her opinions on aging.
“He’s an inspiration to all of us,” Johnson said. “Never quitting. Never give up.”
Sneed says leading by example is intentional. He enjoys motivating others.
“Good, better, best, never let it rest,” he said. “Till the good become better, and the better become best.”
The World War II veteran credits words of inspiration he received many years ago that he often passes along to friends.
“Do all the good you can… to all the people you can… every place you can,” he said. “I got that from an old teacher.”
Activity Reverses Aging
While the body is inclined to tone it down as we age, studies have shown that staying active no matter how old helps support physical and mental health. Sneed’s cognitive awareness is still sharp and staff at the Columbus YMCA believe he’s a living embodiment of the positive effects of exercise.
“He doesn’t ask for help walking in. He doesn’t make excuses,” Brown said. “He just shows up.”
For the past few years, Sneed has celebrated birthdays at the YMCA, and he hopes to be there blowing out 104 candles on his cake when he hits 104 this September.
