Are you in search of some fitspiration for the new year? Meet Erika Rischko, an 82-year-old TikTok influencer who describes herself as a “fitness junkie.
Erika Rischko has 356.1K followers on TikTok, having joined in spring 2020 when Germany was in lockdown at the surge of the coronavirus pandemic.
Who is Erika Rischko?
Erika Rischko hails from Langenfeld, Germany, and is a mother of two. She considers herself a “late bloomer” in fitness, but she is now an inspiration to many people. Rischko has become a TikTok sensation because of her fitness and dance videos.
“I am truly honored and humbled to inspire them,” Rischko told Good Morning America. She added that I love reading comments like you are so inspiring, life goals, and couple goals.
Rischko, a homemaker, shared that she found her love for fitness in her mid-50s. Her daughter signed her up at a gym. She wasn’t as addicted to exercising during the first five years. Then, she slowly became serious and began participating in spin classes and rowing competitions. At present, Rischko said she works out twice a day, several days a week.
Her husband goes to the gym with her in the morning. She bikes to and from the gym and works out in the evening three to four times a week.
On Becoming a TikTok Fitness Influencer
Rischko said she joined Instagram in February 2020 at the prodding of her daughter. Her daughter wanted Rischko to share her workouts with their family and friends.
When the gyms closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she started joining fitness challenges on Instagram. She said the response on IG was overwhelmingly positive and uplifting.
Months later, her daughter discovered TikTok as some of the dance challenges on German TV, and the social media app became popular. So, Rischko began taking part in some of the fitness challenges on TikTok. Her daughter helps film and post her workout videos. The 82-year-old Erika Rischko quickly developed a following and is now considered a TikTok fitness influencer. Her videos on the app now have more than two million likes.
“I would have never expected this many inspiring comments and followers,” Rischko said. She added that Instagram and TikTok have helped her stay up to date with technology as the younger generation is doing nowadays.
Workout Routine
Rischko said she is always doing something different. She also advises her followers to do the same.
“I mix it up most of the time to achieve a different intensity and duration. I do TRX, DeepWork, spin classes, weight lifting, Pilates, yoga, and functional fitness. Variation in workout routine is essential to get stronger while using your time productively.” – Ericka Rischko.
Aside from her active lifestyle, Rischko also credits her endurance to eating fresh and healthy foods but not counting calories and limiting drinking alcohol. She also gave up smoking 30 years ago.
Her pieces of advice: Do not do anything beyond the limit – there is no need to, and start slowly. Focus on eating healthy, but do not punish yourself. Discover what works for you, she added. She also encourages everyone to find sports you love because you will not do it for a longer period if you do not enjoy it. Likewise, if you are not disciplined enough, try to find a fitness buddy as it is not easy to abandon somebody.
Rischko wished she had started this fitness journey earlier. So, her final advice is to begin an active lifestyle now.
