By Helen Thompson

Last updated at 13:27, Thursday, 05 November 2009

A Whitehaven bodybuilder has just qualified for the Mr Universe finals in Germany – at the age of 58.

Peter Kelly

Peter Kelly, of Valley Park, has only been training seriously for three years but has now made it through to one of the most prestigious competitions in the sport.

After working with Ian Chambers at the Powerhouse Gym in Hensingham, Mr Kelly made his first foray into competition at this time last year.

And now, 12 months on, he has clinched the Open Mr Britain title in the over-50s class, which has qualified him to compete in Mr Universe next month as the UK’s representative.

Mr Chambers, who has been his personal trainer and nutritionist throughout, was delighted with his achievements.

He said: “He has done really well. This will be his first time in an international show so it will be an experience for him. You don’t know what to expect until you get there.

“But he is also promoting a healthy lifestyle for an older person. Since he has been training here, it has encouraged more older people to come in.”

It is not an easy lifestyle though, as Mr Kelly gets up at 4.30 every morning to start a one-hour cardio vascular workout at the gym.

He then does a workout with weights at 7am and will come back to the gym at 6pm to do another 45-minute cardio session.

His food is also closely monitored, eating baked potato and chicken eight times a day and consuming eight litres of water during 24 hours.

Chambers praised his commitment, saying: “To do this in his age group is what is really special.

“It shows that 58-year-olds can do it, there are no excuses for anyone not to get fit.”

Mr Universe takes place in Germany in December.

First published at 11:38, Thursday, 05 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk