It is never too old to get into better shape as this week, Trevor Smith, senior member of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, meets a man who has been breaking records in his 60s

I wanted to cover one of the good things that came out of the last lockdown, which was the number of older people regularly exercising. My point today is that you are never too old to restart exercising and it can be any form of exercise. It is never too late; it can always benefit your health.

Local powerlifter Allan Hulme started in the sport in 2005. Since then he has gone on to win 16 British titles, one Commonwealth Gold medal and finished fourth in a World Championships, all when he was in his 50s and 60s.

What physical activity did you enjoy when you were younger?
I was a linebacker for the Cleveland Dragons in the British American football league in the 1980s. The coach advised me to do weights so I could increase my strength and speed, so I started going to the gym.

When did you start power lifting and when did you set your first record?
I entered my first powerlifting competition in Doncaster in 2005. I lift in the Yorkshire Northeast section, part of British Powerlifting which is a tested federation catering for the drug free athlete. I was training at the Evenwood Gym under coach Allan Jackson. I placed second in Doncaster, finishing on a 179.5 kg bench press, which was then an unofficial British record, so I was hooked. Shortly after that I entered an official competition and became the first man in his 50s in Britain to lift 182.5kg, which is 400lbs in old money. I was also the first man to do 220kg in a British equipped competition wearing a support shirt.

The Northern Echo: Allan HulmeAllan Hulme

Why is it important in your life?
It’s mental and physical wellbeing, it is a way of life. Strength of mind is as important as strength of body. The stronger my mind, it allows me to train harder to be able to push my limits.

What aspects do you focus on during your training?
My training and preparation leading towards competition is based on powerlifting 12-week cycles, gradually building up the weight on a single rep. I also incorporate what I call power bodybuilding training, using the heavy-duty principles, pushing the muscles beyond failure. I build up on the working sets. I’m pushing boundaries, working as hard as possible until the muscles are fatigued. I also look at my nutrition, particularly protein leading up to a competition, the carbs and minimum fat.

How do you keep motivated?
I am always motivated I think it has come naturally over the years. I am never satisfied with a single lift in competition, always telling myself I could have done better. When I leave the gym, I always think how I could have been better. I have learned over the years your biggest opponent is the one you see in the mirror. I now train at Grant’s Gym in Bishop Auckland and there are a good bunch who train there. I’ve been training there for over five years, so I feel very comfortable.

The gyms are currently closed so how are you training?
I set myself challenges every day for press ups, sit ups and crunchies. I’ve got a makeshift weight set in the garage. I make sure I do something every day.

The Northern Echo: ‘You are never too old to get into exercise’‘You are never too old to get into exercise’

What is the next goal to achieve?
Now in my 60s I have no intention of slowing down. At 62 I entered a strongman competition, I finished second to last, but I achieved a lot of personal challenges such as lifting the 120kg Atlas stone and I won one event, the sword hold. I have also participated in a Highland Games. As for powerlifting, there are always more records to be broken. I am currently holding the over 60s records but I still have a hunger to break them. I want to be the first man in Britain to lift 182.5 kg (400 lbs) in his 60s.

What advice would you give to someone in their 50s or 60s who would maybe like to start being more active?
First thing I would say is that you are never too old. Do any form of activity, set some small goals to begin with, it can be anything, like walk a certain distance, do some press ups, cycle. You need to get out of your mental comfort zone. You need to live for now, for today, at the endof the day, personally I don’t want to look back and think what if.
For information on any health and wellbeing related issues, follow me on Twitter @TSmith_PE or contact me on tsmith@premier-education.com
Trevor Smith works at Premier Education supporting primary schools to improve children’s health and wellbeing through active learning.