“Wrinkles? Cellulite? Man B**bs?”: 90-Year-Old Bodybuilding Legend Sends a Powerful Message to Shut Down Haters

Bodybuilding was made mainstream back in the late 1900s by individuals like Arnold Schwarzenegger. The sport, with its high tension stages, is not as mainstream as soccer or basketball and can be extremely empowering to its practitioners. Each body is crafted with patience and discipline. Each body so made, speaks of its sacrifices for the sport.

This story is about a man named, Jim Arrington. A 90-year-old, with an incredible story to share with the world.  Not only has he been officially awarded a Guinness book record, but he recently posed for Men’s Health magazine too. And, he proudly says how the sport changed his life completely.

But, this incredible man has not just posed for the magazine cover or earned the title of the, “Oldest Male Bodybuilder.” He is also keen on taking the injustices and the body shaming that comes for him. He is breaking the stereotypes and creating a safe space for individuals from all around the world, associated with the sport.

The world’s oldest bodybuilding champ has a message for everybody

Arrington started his quest in the sport at age 14, when he chanced upon the book, 

“Moulding a Mighty Chest,” and his life changed forever. Since then, he’s competed in over 60 stage shows and won 16 of them. He’s also learned from mentors like Mr. Universe, Ken Waller. Arrington still trains regularly, albeit, acknowledging his fragile body. Moreover, he’s even contested in the above 80 bodybuilding competitions. Therefore, he has a message for all aspiring bodybuilders and men of fitness.

Jim said, “Wrinkles? Cellulite? Man b**bs? We’ve all got ‘em… Instead of feeling bad about them, make like these 11 guys who bared their bodies (and souls!) and proved that strength comes in all different shapes and sizes.”

READ MORE: “Don’t Think Coleman Knows Any Better”: Ronnie Coleman’s 0.33% Body Fat Claim to Joe Rogan Was Rubbished by a Medical Professional Once

Ending with the note, “Training feels great. I like to be strong.” Now, this message may compel us to learn something about the history of the sport. Let’s have a look at it!

Tracing the history of the sport

The sport of flexing muscles and building an aesthetic body began in the 1930s. A German man by the name of Eugene Sandow, can be regarded as the prophet of modern-era bodybuilding. He would often put on a display of his musculature to the audience at public gatherings in exchange for money.

This sport later got a boost from Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Larry Scott, who went on to make it mainstream. Such was the impact of Arnold, that competitions such as the Arnold Classic series, were introduced. Same for Ronnie Coleman too. He was nicknamed “The King” for his monstrous physique.

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And, as we count the greats, it is only fair to count Jim among them. He’s taught the world that age is a mere number when it comes to living healthily.