Bodybuilder (65) bids a sad farewell to the city
Local legend Sam Scheepers is saying goodbye to friends and loved-ones in Polokwane as he gets ready to move to the coast.
POLOKWANE -Sam is a 65-year-old bodybuilder who won tons of trophies and championships in his day. He will soon be a Richards Bay resident.
The father of two and grandfather of four is still adamant about maintaining good health and fitness despite his age.
“I started training 45 years ago, and about 21 years ago made Body Life Polokwane my new gym and it will truly be a sad goodbye when I walk out of its doors for the last time,” said Sam.
It is clear that Sam has always had a deep love for an active lifestyle as he has a rich rugby, bodybuilding and wrestling background.
The legend played wing for the Kwazulu-Natal rugby team, and also represented South Africa in wrestling. Sam then discovered his true love for fitness when he started competing in bodybuilding tournaments.
Bodybuilding was far tougher back in the day than it is today says Sam – “We had to eat things like raw liver and eggs to gain more protein, whereas today you can buy supplements from your local pharmacist which give you all the protein you need”
“I won a couple of championships in the masters category, a couple of memorable championships including competitions in Kwazulu-Natal, the Rainbow Classics, championships in Gauteng and in 2006 I won in the South African Masters Category,” Sam explained.
He added that another memorable moment in his bodybuilding career was when he trained with bodybuilding legends Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbo and Boyer Coe in 1975. “I still have a photo with a message from Franco written on the back that reads, ‘Sam, dare to dream’. It means a lot to me.”
Advice for aspiring bodybuilders
“Don’t try to prove anything to anyone else, do it for yourself. Don’t compete against others at the gym, focus on yourself and try to increase your fitness,” he said.
He said people try to do too much too soon, trying to lift weights that are too heavy for them which could lead to serious injury. He added that people should understand the importance of a healthy diet when they start exercising.
“Your diet affects your physical appearance, it plays a big role in maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle,” Sam explained.
He said people should understand it is never too late to start training, and no one is ever too fat, skinny, short or tall to start getting into shape. “You can do anything you enjoy to keep healthy, whether it is spending time in the gym or taking your dogs for a walk, just do something to stay active,” he concludes.
