Given six months to live, Phil defied the odds and built the strongest version of himself – one rep at a time. Read about how Phil went from terminal diagnosis to training triumph completing a 76kg deadlift x 6 reps on his 76th birthday.
“Do you do old, sick people?”
That was Phil’s first question when he walked into Body Torque Gym in Newmarket. He’d just finished a round of chemotherapy and was walking home through the Auckland Domain when curiosity (and a little serendipity) led him through our doors.
At 76 years old, Phil had already lived a life full of peaks, metaphorically and literally as he had conquered Aoraki/Mt Cook at the age of 60. But after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition and told he wouldn’t live to see his 64th birthday, Phil’s story took a radical turn. And somehow, remarkably, it’s still unfolding, with strength, spirit, and a sense of humor that’s hard not to admire.
The diagnosis that changed everything
Phil was in good health when his body began betraying him. Despite recovering from a hip replacement and getting back into activity, he wasn’t bouncing back. Breathless even on flat ground, he knew something was wrong.
It wasn’t until July 2012 that the cause became clear: AL Amyloidosis, a rare and serious blood disorder that affects just 4 in a million people. He was given months to live. But Phil had other plans.
Choosing to fight
“I was never afraid of dying,” Phil says. “But I was always going to do what my doctors told me.”
So, he started chemo. Nine tough months. No wine, little food, dizziness, vomiting and zero complaints. With unflinching honesty and a stoic sense of humour, he documented it all through an email chain called Phil’s Amyloidosis Fight Club. This became a source of strength, not just for Phil, but for those around him.
From survival to strength: discovering Body Torque
Fast forward to 2020. After years in remission, Phil was back on chemo. That walk past the open gym door sparked something. “Do you do old, sick people?” he asked. The answer? A resounding yes.
What began gently evolved into a dedicated routine, two to three times a week, training with intention, humour, and a quiet fire.
Training smart
Phil trains smart. He listens to his body. And he leans into the community at Body Torque, where he’s become a regular during what he calls the “gentleman’s hours.”
Whether it’s hitting a new PB or just finishing a session with satisfaction, Phil’s proud of the work he’s put in. And while he jokes that his favorite part of the session is “the end,” it’s clear that every rep, every pause, and every return visit is deeply meaningful.
Lessons in life, aging and the human spirit
What has Phil learned in his 76 years? “Chemo is your friend, trust your doctors, don’t give up.” And “Very few people ever realise what they’re capable of because you have to get way outside your comfort zone.”
Final words: Lifting expectations
Phil isn’t just lifting weights. He’s lifting expectations of what’s possible at 76, after a terminal diagnosis, and lots of chemo sessions.
At Body Torque Gym, we’re proud to be a small part of his incredible story. Phil’s journey is a reminder that strength isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, staying positive and being willing to fight.
Inspired by Phil’s story?
Phil is living proof that it’s never too late to build strength – physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you are ready to start, get in touch now.
Email: info@bodytorque.co.nz
Text/phone Alex Flint: 021 808 210
