\n<\/p>\n
\n Richard Hooley, who trains in Swindon, takes the expression \u2018practice what you preach\u2019 to the extreme as he not only lectures about biochemistry, life science, dieting and sports science, he follows a strict regime to stay fit and healthy and competes in contests around the world.\n<\/p>\n
\n But he admits his students are either impressed or taken aback.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cMost lecturers don\u2019t get on stage posing in snake skin,\u201d said Richard, who teaches at the University of Bath.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cIt\u2019s a fantastic job and a huge responsibility and they all know what I do.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Some might find it very strange but with the guys looking for a lean muscular physique I try and educate them.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n The self-confessed petrol head, who also dabbles in renovating houses, got into bodybuilding six years ago, aged 57, and has always been involved in sports, in particular surfing and mountain running.\n<\/p>\n
\n However, he never imagined that in his 60s he would be flexing his pecs and applying fake tan so dark it would even make David Dickinson wince.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cIf someone had told me when I was 50 that I would be a world champion bodybuilder in my 60s I would never have believed it, or if people showed me the pictures \u2013 it\u2019s a wonderful feeling,\u201d he added.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cBut bodybuilding is also a tough sport. The judges are looking to find fault with your physique and you are fully exposed, but you have to be big enough to take it.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Just last week Richard won back the title he previously scooped in 2014 at the British Natural Bodybuilding (BNBF) 2016 British championships in Perth, Scotland.\n<\/p>\n
\n The contest brings together the best amateur and professional natural bodybuilders in the UK each of whom qualified by winning or placing second in a regional championship.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cI was elated. I have spent a year getting in shape for the contest,\u201d said Richard, who won the masters over 60 category.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cI placed second last year but won the year before that, so I thought what can I do to be the best in the competition? I wanted to shellshock the judges and make them think \u2018Is that Richard?\u2019\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Richard, who weighs just over 11 stone, has praised Pro Strength and Fitness in Swindon where he gets into shape.\n<\/p>\n
\n He also draws inspiration from Swindon\u2019s Laurence Shahlaei, winner of the 2016 Europe\u2019s strongest man competition, who trains at the same gym.\n<\/p>\n
\n When he is bodybuilding, Richard consumes around 5,000 calories a day but as a treat his guilty pleasure is a good curry.\n<\/p>\n
\n But before he evens considers tucking into a korma, it\u2019s straight back onto the contest diet and at the end of October he will travel to Miami to defend his 2015 Drug Free Athletes Coalition (DFAC) world title.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cAt the moment I can\u2019t imagine not doing bodybuilding,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cI love the sport and lifestyle so much and being part of this at my age is absolutely fantastic.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Richard is a natural bodybuilder\u00a0where competitors achieve a lean and muscular physique without the risks associated with taking banned substances.\n<\/p>\n
\n He has a Facebook page dedicated to his bodybuilding journey and is keen to get the message out that the key to being healthy and fit is having a consistent approach and a good understanding of food, rather than taking steroids as a quick fix.\n<\/p>\n
\n He added: \u201cIf at 63 I have this body so can 19 and 20-year-olds. They first have to think about diet and nutrition and exercising properly.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n To find out more about Richard go to his Facebook page: facebook.com\/richardhooleynaturalbodybuilder<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n