Never Say Never – The Story of a 61 Year Old Bodybuilder

Written by Greg Bigg.

Too old to change and do new things? No way! Age is just a number and a state of mind. Maybe the following will give you the motivation to step out of your comfort zone and you just might surprise yourself.

After many years in collar and tie occupations my wife and I decided to follow our interests and have a change of career. Having run many marathons and half marathons, we changed our focus and sporting interest into a lifestyle and became personal trainers in 1995 at age 40 and 48. Sheryl had got into weight training while recovering from a broken leg, and went on to do a couple of bodybuilding competitions, with some success.

In 2004 at age 49, she decided to do more cycling and while out training for the 'Round Taupo' race was knocked off her bike and badly injured her legs. It was over 6 months before she was able to walk without crutches and she was told that running was not going to happen again, and the chance of bodybuilding again was very slight. However, determination saw her back jogging and, in 2008, back into bodybuilding.

By 2009 my wife had been an active and competitive body builder for 17 years and at 54 years of age thought it might be time to retire. For 17 years I had just been a supporter, helper and bag carrier, and never thought it was my thing, but at age 61 I must have had a rush of blood to the brain and told my wife that I had better give this body building a go, before I get too old. So her retirement was put on hold!

 
Left: This photo was taken in October 2009 – 76kg and mostly fat. Right: September 2013 (photo courtesy of GoFigure)

In August 2011 I entered my first competition in Taupo, weighing 62kg, a 14kg reduction in body weight.

Since then I have competed in about 10 competitions, always in the Mens 60+ class, and together with my wife we compete in the mixed pairs.

 
Yes it has become a bit of an addiction and I can say that it is not really the actual workouts that I enjoy, but the results. It is a good feeling when the weight drops off and for the first time in my life I could see some muscle definition and a 6 pack!! We always endeavour to enter drug tested competitions.

Forget the myths, such as "you have to starve yourself" and "your muscles will turn to fat when you stop". There is immense satisfaction in being able to stand on stage with other over 60 year olds, and look like you are meant to be there!

I have found that all the other body builders of all ages are very supportive and there is always a good atmosphere back stage at the competitions.

All I can say is: it is worth giving it a go. At the very least you will become fitter, stronger, slimmer and more confident. You will need to find a trainer or a gym that has experience in body building and has the necessary nutritional knowledge as the food you eat plays a huge part in contest preparation.

We would be happy to hear from anyone that may want more information and if you live in the Napier/Hastings area arrange to come and have a chat.

Contact Sheryl & Greg at fitnessplus@xtra.co.nz