Age no barrier for avid bodybuilder

GEORGE TOWN: At an age where most people just want to sit back and relax, Ahmad Chemeah, 67, is still forging ahead in bodybuilding.
The strapping father of two does not see age as a barrier towards putting on muscles as he feels he now has time to focus on his passion.
He said his interest started when he was a 17-year-old teen who was amazed by pictures of Tarzan and posters of strong men.
He said he worked his way up slowly and began to participate in strongman contests which were held by the beaches in the 1970s and 80s.
"I did win some of them," he said, while reminiscing his past glories, but conceded never made it to any state or national finals.
Ahmad admitted to taking a break from the sport in his 30s to concentrate on his work. He resumed bodybuilding in his 50s.
"It's tough," he said, but added that the results were worth the hardship he had to go through to maintain a body many younger men dreamed of.
He remained coy about his technique but said the exercise routine he followed did not differ from modern weightlifting guides.
What is important, he said, was to be mentally strong and pushed on even though every muscle would ache.
"Another important aspect is the diet," he said, adding that his protein rich meals of organic fish or chicken, were never seasoned with salt, flavoured with sugar or spices as he wanted to "eat clean".
Ahmad now spends his time working out and maintaining a gym at Tasek Gelugor which he started a few years back.
He charges only RM2 as membership fee.
"It is cheap," he said, but it was to promote the sport to the younger generation.
"I have trained about 20 so far, and they have gone on to open their own gyms or have become personal trainers," he adds.
Despite being in a sport where the body is key, Ahmad confesses he is bashful to enter bodybuilding competitions in the veterans category.
"Seganlah (shy). Although I have many friends who have been urging me to enter the competitive circuit again."
Ahmad dismisses talk about slowing down and enjoying his retirement as he wants to be in peak condition for a long time to come.
"This is what I want to do, why stop?" he said.