As Charlie Schuler approaches his 92nd birthday, he doesn’t talk about slowing down. He talks about what’s next for him. For Charlie, movement has never been a phase of life…it’s been the theme, shaping not only how he ages, but how he thinks, connects, and finds joy in each day.

A Lifelong Start to Staying Active

Charlie’s relationship with fitness began early. “I was in my preteens and a skinny kid,” Charlie recalled. “Charles Atlas was my hero. He was built strong.” When he told his mother, she ordered him a barbell set for Christmas. With a friend, Charlie started working out and never really stopped.

“At first it came naturally,” commented Charlie. “Then I got married and had a daughter and a son. I did everything with my son, from baseball, to football, and wrestling.” Moving became family time and activity became woven into everyday life.

Variety Over Perfection

From gymnastics and parallel bars to sailing, softball, bowling, golf, and beyond, Charlie never limited himself to one pursuit. “I was always active. My goal was not to be the best, but better than most. Too much effort to be the best,” Charlie stated.

That mindset freed him to explore. One of his most memorable and legendary habits was walking around his neighborhood on his hands. “Walking on the hands followed the barbells. When we were strong enough, it led to the handstand, which led to the parallel bars. I had a routine on the parallel bars,” recalled Charlie. As for what the neighbors thought. “As far as I know, they didn’t say anything,” Charlie said.

For Charlie, variety wasn’t about novelty, it was about possibility. “I wanted to try them all. I learned that you could do anything if you put your mind to it,” stated Charlie. And that is just what he did!

Growing Old Gracefully

Charlie doesn’t romanticize youth, nor does he resist change. “Grow old gracefully. There’s a time for everything,” Charlie commented. That philosophy carried him through a long career of 33 years with Bell System, and a life rich in pursuits of earning a Master’s License from the US Coast Guard, golfing and bowling for over 30 years, becoming a licensed builder in South Carolina, and even writing. As Charlie’s body changed, he adjusted, by not quitting, but by adapting and choosing another activity.

Life at Almost 92 Years Old

Today, Charlie enjoys playing pool and corn hole, activities that keep him moving while strengthening his ties in the community. Having something to look forward to each day, Charlie said, is “Fantastic.” It’s all a part of aging gracefully and being grateful for each day.

Health, Longevity, and Mindset

Ask Charlie what he credits for his long life and good health, and his answer is immediate: “Staying active. I exercise every day, except Sunday,” Charlie stated.

Mindset, Charlie believes, is just as important as movement. Your body follows your mind; thus, if you think you are fantastic, you will be. That belief carried him through serious challenges, including a major surgery after his colon twisted closed, resulting in a three-and-a-half-week hospital stay. Staying active helped him recover and kept his mind sharp as well.

Food, Habits, and Balance

Although Charlie doesn’t follow a strict diet, he is mindful of what he eats. “My relationship with food is balanced and honest. I weigh 152 pounds and have never been over 180, but I do like my sweets,” said Charlie. 

Advice for Every Age

For anyone who thinks it is too late to start living an active lifestyle, Charlie shares a well-known company’s philosophy, “Just do it.”

“Change your attitude. Think positive. Start easy, but start,” Charlie stated.

The word ‘Fantastic’ is more than a motto; it’s a way of life and even appears on both of Charlie’s car license plates…FANTSTC and FANTSTK.

Gratitude and What’s Next

As Charlie celebrates his 92 years, he is clear about what matters most. “My wife and family,” he said without hesitation. 

And what still brings him joy each day? “Seeing what God has for me today.”

At an age when many talk about winding down, Charlie Schuler is still moving forward, proof that staying active isn’t about defying age, but embracing life, one positive step, or handstand, at a time.