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Body builder doesn’t let age slow him downDate: 11.01.2007
Posted by: Anabolic Info Team United States
WAYNESVILLE — At middle age, bodybuilder Reid Hendricks isn’t slacking off on staying fit and staying competitive. The 51-year-old Waynesville man recently won first place for his age in a regional contest, weighing in at 155 pounds with a lean 4 percent body fat. And he doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon.
“When I’m in the gym, I still feel like I’m in my 20s,” said Hendricks, who says he never really liked exercising until after high school.
Hendricks placed first among men older than 50 at the 2006 Elite Muscle Classic in Greensboro in November, an annual contest put on by former Mr. Universe Quincy Roberts.
But Hendricks isn’t seeking the prestige of being a bodybuilding star. His appearance and manner stand in stark contrast to the shiny muscular men and women in bodybuilding magazines. Wearing a gray T-shirt and jeans, sitting in his personal training center in the basement of his home in Waynesville, Hendricks says sometimes he has felt shy about getting up on stage.
He speaks with a soft voice as he recalls what it was like being one of the smallest kids at Tuscola High School.
“I was kind of a small kid,” he said.
“Being small, I wanted to put on a little size, and when I saw my body start to develop, I kind of got hooked on that,” he said, explaining that he first got into lifting weights at a friend’s house shortly after high school.
Trainer and friend
In addition to competing around the state and region, Hendricks has also used his know-how as a personal trainer at his home gym. Those who have trained with him say that even more than being a great competitor, Hendricks is a great friend.
Sulina George suffered for years from a neck injury, unable to find relief from doctors or chiropractors. Having trained with Hendricks before, she took her ailment to him for advice. She said Hendricks helped her pinpoint the muscle groups that were strained and put her on a workout regimen that eventually stopped the pain completely.
George said her time training with Hendricks turned into a long-time friendship between her family and him. She describes her trainer as an unsung hero, always willing to give his time and money to those in need.
“He’d just drop everything and come and help you out,” she said.
Hendrick’s training partner, Brandy Ledford, said she has learned a lot from working with the man. She said he is a careful listener, helping people with specific issues rather than just going by the book.
But she said she is most impressed by her partner’s commitment to the bodybuilding lifestyle, sticking to a strict diet and exercise regimen.
“He lives the lifestyle … it’s not like he’s false about it. He practices what he preaches,” Ledford said.
Hendricks said even those who aren’t interested in pursuing a career in bodybuilding should make some time for exercise every day.
“You’ve got to make time for your body,” he said.
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