Percy's journey to fitness

ARTICLE

05 May 2023

3 min read

Health & Wellness Physical Health

Meet Percy Kotkis, AIA Vitality’s oldest Platinum member. At 83 years young, he’s a prime example of how dedication, determination, and discipline can help you lead a healthier, longer, better life.

With an incredible work ethic, Percy has experienced great success as a life insurance broker. Beginning in 1967 when he set up his first company, all the way to the inception of his now three-generation business with his two sons and grandson, Percy has always been guided by his passion to help people safeguard their futures.

Percy credits his professional success to the three D’s – dedication, determination, and discipline. This philosophy extends beyond his work life and is further exemplified in his commitment to his health and wellbeing.

An enduring fitness journey

Percy began his health and wellbeing journey at 27, after receiving a surprise high cholesterol diagnosis. This news prompted him to take his health more seriously and to take up jogging.

What started up as a way to keep fit quickly became an illustrious passion, as Percy completed a whopping 50 marathons over several decades. Unfortunately, due to a knee replacement in the early 90’s, Percy had to hang up his running shoes.

Determined to continue prioritising his health, he pivoted to cycling and the rest is history. An eight-time fundraiser for MACA Cancer 200, Percy has completed eight 200km bike rides, supporting the Harry Perkins Medical Institute and its efforts to conquer cancer.

During this time, Percy had to undergo a back surgery that required him to have 34 screws placed in his spine. It was only due to his existing high level of fitness and wellbeing that he was able to have such a surgery at 80.

Even after such an intense medical procedure, Percy has been set on maintaining his fitness routine and staying healthy as long as he can.

Percy and AIA Vitality

Percy attributes AIA Vitality for giving him the drive and motivation to keep fit. Before actively participating in the program, he would go cycling on the weekend and only head to the gym occasionally. He tried to stay motivated, but he needed an extra push – that was what AIA Vitality offered him.

From the moment he joined the program in 2014, he had his sights set on Platinum. Because of the points he could earn every time he went to the gym, Percy started going more and more regularly. It was the satisfaction of seeing his points balance grow and being able to enjoy amazing rewards that kept him going.

AIA Vitality helped Percy create a fitness routine and get into the habit of staying active. Now, Percy has been a Platinum AIA Vitality member for eight years running and is showing absolutely no sign of slowing down.

A healthier, longer, better life for all

Percy’s story is a testament to the power of AIA Vitality in helping you at every stage of your fitness journey. Whether you’re just starting out or going strong, the program gives you extra motivation by offering benefits and rewards that you can track, work towards, and enjoy. As a personalised, science-backed health and wellbeing program, AIA Vitality supports you in making healthier lifestyle choices every single day.

Staff Writer

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
This is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a financial adviser, or medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

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AIA Vitality is a science-backed program that helps you learn more about your health,
offers ways to improve it and motivates you with rewards along the way.

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