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Ted retire? Fat chanceDate: 04.03.2007
Posted by: Anabolic Info Team United Kingdom
Most people take it easy as they get older, but not pensioner Ted Clifton.
Instead of a pipe and slippers, he prefers to put on fake tan and skimpy briefs to show off his muscles as a competitive bodybuilder.
Ted, 65, a grandfather of seven, spends up to 70 hours a week in the gym to keep in shape and has the physique a man a third of his age would be proud of.
He laughed: "I think I am 21. Put it this way, you won't see me using my bus pass.
"My four children think I act like I am 21, but they are really proud of me. I just refuse to let myself grow old.
"I eat well and make sure I have good food and I work out regularly.
"My doctor says I am in good shape and he is trying to get his patients to take more exercise.
"It doesn't matter what age you are, you can start bodybuilding at any time. I know people who started in their 50s and they are very good at it."
Ted began bodybuilding 45 years ago in Dunston, Gateshead, because he wanted to gain weight.
He quickly became hooked and worked out alongside other North bodybuilders, including former Mr Universe John Citrone, before opening his own fitness centre - Ted's Gym - in Workington, Cumbria.
Ted has appeared in more than 400 competitions and maintains his 12-and-a-half stone weight by following a strict diet. He announced five years ago that he was giving up competitive bodybuilding, but was inspired to take it up again after watching a documentary about Cumbrian runner Joss Naylor, who crossed 60 peaks on his 60th birthday.
Now Ted, who takes part in 10 competitions a year, is working towards his next goal of winning an over-70s bodybuilding contest in the US.
He recently appeared on the BBC programme One Life, in which he talked about his hobby.
Ted said: "I love it too much to stop. It is good fun, makes you feel young and gives you a new lease of life."
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