builder Cliff Looby has a physique men in their twenties would envy.

Mr. Looby was entering Master body builder competitions just two years ago and says only an arm and shoulder injury stopped him having a crack at the Grandmaster title.

Hour-long workout sessions four days a week have given him a body of steel.

He says: "I will do it until I die. I feel in very good shape.'' Asked if he noticed any changes in his body as he gets older Mr. Looby says "it seems it changes every seven or eight years -- for the better.'' A bodybuilder since he was 18, the owner of Cliff's Health Club in Hamilton has seen seniors thrive from a hard physical regime: "We have a few people in their 80s. It's good for sugar diabetes and stress. It can be good for everybody.

"Many doctors tell seniors to rest, take it easy. They told me you are not as young as you were. In many cases they are saying `sit back and wait to die'.

"But we are in a different age -- with sports medicine it's a whole different ball game.

"Nowadays when people are injured doctors exhort them to get in the gym to do training to avoid a stroke or a heart attack.

"As long as you keep active arthritis is abated. As the cliche m goes a rolling stone gathers no moss. I look at arthritis as I would rust in a machine. As long as you use it rust has no chance.

"We had three people in here who had strokes. Now they are back to work. I am very humble, and I thank God for this opportunity at this time in my life.'' Mr. Looby, who is a Christian, says: "Many times over the years people in churches have said to me why are you doing this body building, you are going to die? "I know this but is that any reason not to take care of your body until that happens? "They say why do training, but why breathe, why wash your face, why bother? "I have a responsibility to take care of this temple I call my body until God calls me home.'' Now Mr. Looby is gearing up for next year's Grand Master body building competition.

"This year was too soon after the injury, next year I will try if things are going well.

"Some people just sit and vegetate and wait to die, but I am not waiting to die, I am just starting to live.'' Man of steel: Bodybuilder Cliff Looby 66.