Bodybuilder John McCutcheon still going strong at 76
While most of his contemporaries are enjoying a quiet retirement, veteran Perth bodybuilder John McCutcheon is training hard at the gym to retain his enviable physique.
John with the trophy he took home after winning the Mr Perth title in 1959.
- By Kirsten Johnson
- Published in the Courier : 04.06.10
- Published online : 05.06.10 @ 10.11am
The former Black Watch soldier turns 76 today — but is determined not to let his advancing years slow him down.
He is also keen to prove that keeping fit really is the secret to youth.
It is now half a century since John was named Mr Perth and Mr Scotland — trophies that take pride of place in the living room of his Foundry Lane home.
His dedication to the sport was recognised by the National Amateur Bodybuilders' Association in 2001, when he was presented the Longest Serving Bodybuilder award, and a film about his life won a Scottish Bafta.
Perth-born John, who started weightlifting at 15, believes his active life is the reason behind his good health.
Trophies
"I was a little guy when I left school so bought a Charles Atlas book and quickly put on a lot of muscle," he said.
"Me and five friends joined the Railway Athletic Club and never looked back. I started entering competitions quite early on and before I knew it the trophies were pouring in.
"It was hard work but I loved every minute. The feeling you get after exercising is just amazing — ask any athlete."
Having been involved for such a long time, John has inevitably seen the sport change.
"Bodybuilding was quite different in the 1950s and 1960s. It was more of a sport and you didn't see huge monsters like you do now — we were all muscular, but still agile.
"I just used normal bell weights. Machines are for wimps and lazy folk!"
John found his strength helped when he was called up to do national service in 1952.
He served in the Artillery Regiment for five and a half years and was involved in fighting in the Middle East.
He later spent time in the Territorial Army before joining The Black Watch.
Competitor
Like fellow Mr Scotland competitor Sean Connery, the former lollipop man is in great shape for his age.
He last entered a competition in his late 60s, where he flexed his pecs to fend off men 40 years his junior.
"I don't have any real aches or pains and still go to the gym most days," he continued.
"My strength isn't what it once was so I lift less weight but I'm lucky to have retained my agility.
"I would encourage young men to follow in my footsteps.
"It's not about getting massive — as that puts a strain on your muscles and your heart — but building a bit of muscle is a good thing."
He added, "I have no intention of packing away my weights for a long time. I'll be training as long as I can.
"I just need to look at my trophies and old photographs and it keeps me going."
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