Rudi is 53 years old. One and a half years ago he decided to put his body to the test to find out whether he could get it into competition-ready shape without the help of testosterone, growth hormone or anabolic steroids. He entered an over 50s natural bodybuilding competition. Added to the challenge – no artificial sweeteners, colors or additives were allowed in his diet and there would be no beef, chicken or turkey products (staples in most bodybuilding diets).
The last time Rudi trained and dieted as a bodybuilder was in his thirties. So, with a 20-year break, he began his adventure.
Here is a pictorial summary of his journey so far.
1993, Rudi was 34 years old and ready for the NSW Natural Bodybuilding competition.
Rudi, age 34, with his daughter Tia
June 2011 and with nearly 20 years off from any serious training, the experiment begins. Will Rudi be able to whip himself back into the kind of shape needed to compete as a natural bodybuilder?
Rudi in June 2011, aged 52
Rudi in Aruba, October 2011
By October, 1 month away from his first over 50s natural bodybuilding competition, Rudi is looking leaner and stronger. Hardest fat to move? Abdominal fat – decidedly stubborn, especially in the 50’s. Hardest area to build? Legs.
Move forward to 2012, nearly a year later. Daily training, strict dieting and supplementation. The abdominal fat is gone. Rudi is looking pretty good. Keep in mind, he’s 100% natural and has been all his life.
Natural bodybuilding supplements – no additives
Bodybuilding posing practice. August 2012
Carb depletion meal – 1 week out from competition
Fat testing. 1 week out from competition
Carb loading breakfast right before the show. Pancakes!
Pumping up. Pre-show.
San Diego Naturals Grand Masters, 2012. Rudi is center.
Congratulations on your 2nd place Win in San Diego!
VERY inspiring Rudy !! Wow!!!
Rudi,
You are truly a wonder.
I have known you for a long time and are continually in awe at how you challenge yourself and WIN!
Congratulations
Well done Rudi 🙂 – awesome result!!
From one completely natural 50+ bodybuilder to another: congratulations Rudi!
Great effort. I have a similar story. Bulked up to 18st in my late 20’s, dieted down for a local amateur show to about 15st. Next 20 years were spent competing in boxing, x country and long distance running. I’m not 100% genetically gifted but have enough discipline, determination and grit to have competed. Extremes for me. Benching 140kg, running a marathon in 2hrs 45 and was in the top 0.5% of all UK athletes at the tender age of 46 for a 5k time of 16 minutes.
Now 53 ive found my love of pumping iron again. Been training 8 months consistently and the muscle memory is serving me well. Gained 2stone and don’t particularly my bodyfat has increased that much.
Recovery and staying injury free is the biggest challenge.
What advice for supplements and training do you recommend. I’m still in the school of ‘go heavy or go home’