Marty McLoughlin, the founder and owner of Extreme Fitness in Falls, gained widespread attention after a video of him performing a muscle mobility exercise called the “Old Man Challenge” went viral, reports JD Mullane for the Bucks County Courier Times.
The 20-second video, which showcases an eight-step exercise, was shared on March 25 and quickly garnered 1.6 million views. It has been trending across Facebook and other social media platforms.
“We’re just riding the lightning,” McLoughlin said, reflecting on the video’s unexpected success.
McLoughlin was inspired to make the video after seeing a similar demonstration online and wondering if he could replicate it. His wife, Linda, filmed the video as she called out each movement. The 55-year-old McLoughlin begins the exercise by squatting, then kneeling, before sitting back on his heels. He alternates moving each leg forward, crosses them, rocks forward onto his knees, and finally stands up.
The video has reached a large audience, with the majority of viewers based in the United States. Around 80 percent of those watching are men aged 45 to 55.
In that age group, mobility exercises offer a safer alternative and a great challenge compared to traditional weightlifting,” McLoughlin explained.
