MIND OVER MATTER
I’m a bodybuilder at 81 – I’ve been competing in muscleman competitions for 60 YEARS & I don’t let anything stop me
A BODYBUILDER who is still winning trophies at the age of 81 has shared his secret to success.
Ted Clifton, from Newcastle, started his weightlifting journey 60 years ago and doesn't plan on stopping yet.
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The great-grandad even battled a triple heart bypass and came out on top, competing in the North East Britain show just six months later.
He told : “I just love the bodybuilding competitions.
“60 years of competing, you pick up a few trophies along the way."
In his last competition, the 81-year-old proved he is still going strong, proudly ranking as runner-up despite his age and health conditions.
Ted began hitting the gym when he was aged 16, originally to help him improve on the football pitch.
But his love for weight training and muscle gaining quickly led to a successful career in bodybuilding.
And Ted didn't limit himself to competing - he also started to run his own gyms on oil rigs that he worked on throughout the 1960s.
Eventually he turned the makeshift workout spaces into a professional establishment called Ted's Gym in Workington, which has been running for 44 years.
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Ted claimed his success stems from eating six meals a day, packed full of protein and carbohydrates.
He champions fish, turkey, chicken, vegetables, rice and potatoes as the main foods to help keep aspiring bodybuilders fit and on top form.
It comes after a former Mr America revealed his own secrets to achieving his title winning physique.
Robby Robinson, 76, the former professional bodybuilder is still the most ripped person in his gym.
He started pumping iron at Venice Beach’s Gold’s Gym in 1975.
He said: "Think about how hard you have to work to build a strong muscular body at 76 years.
"Healthy eating, hard, hard consistent work and the love for training are my secrets."
Rich Gaspari, meanwhile, has won multiple national titles, second place at Mr Olympia three times in a row, and the Arnold Classic in 1989.
The bodybuilder, one of the biggest names in the sport, is still lifting weights at the age of 59, and doesn't seem to be slowing down.
He often shares tips and tricks on his Instagram about calorie consumption, the best workouts and advice.
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One fan said: "Rich, you were one of the best during the greatest era in the history of body building.
"The fact that classic physique is the most popular now just goes to prove it because basically they're just trying to look like you guys."
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