【厳選！】きっかけは“趣味のゴルフ”　肉体改造続ける87歳の現役ボディビルダーに密着

Showing off his beautifully toned muscles is a bodybuilder in his 80s who continues to transform his body. He started muscle training in his 60s and has been doing it for over 20 years. We delve into the source of this man's energy. At 4 AM, before sunrise, a man was seen walking through a dark park. ■Katsumi Torikai (87) "(Q. The purpose of walking) It's for health, isn't it?" Men's health isn't just about walking. ■Torikai "Let's go!" Katsumi Torikai (87) possesses a magnificent, well-trained physique, with bulging calves, a rock-hard, toned broad back, and bulging pectoral muscles. Torikai trains five days a week at a gym in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City. ■Torikai "It doesn't work on my muscles! If it's this light! (Q: Is it light?) It's light!" Torikai, who ran an auto repair shop, started muscle training over 20 years ago. The trigger was something trivial: "I stopped improving my driving distance in my golf hobby." ■LBGYM Representative Hirofumi Ishimaru "I came to the gym because I wanted to improve my driving distance. I thought I probably wouldn't be able to keep it up. What's amazing about Torikai is his ability to keep training. Once he decides to do something, he just does it." In 2006, encouraged by the president of his gym, he entered his first tournament. He placed fifth in the national competition in the over-70s category, but he realized the difference in his condition compared to the top competitors, and he says he began to put even more effort into his training. ■Torikai "I've persevered and finally made it this far. In the end, there's nothing else but the joy of looking in the mirror and seeing my body transform. I've been doing that for over 20 years now." In fact, in his 30s, Torikai studied diligently on the side while working, even achieving his dream of becoming a pilot. His determination to see things through to the end, once he starts something he loves, is reflected in his training. Torikai's impressive pectoral muscles are built by the "bench press," in which he lies on his back and raises and lowers a barbell. His training method involves three sets of 10 repetitions using a 40kg barbell, as well as three or more sets of each of the 10 other exercises, every day. The 28-year-old reporter interviewed for this article is also a former bodybuilder. I had the opportunity to experience Torikai's training, despite being roughly 60 years older than him. ■Yamamoto "It's amazing! My muscles are so happy." ■Torikai "I'll do this 50 times!" ■Yamamoto "50 times!?" 87-year-old Torikai's performance seems to inspire his fellow gym members. ■Gym Member (60s) "He's our goal. Whether male or female, anyone who's working hard at this age is a goal. We have to work hard." ■Gym Member (50s) "He's famous. I respect him. He also does pull-ups and squats. There's probably no one else who can do that at his age." Torikai, who has been steadily transforming his physique, has decided to compete in a bodybuilding competition next year. This will be his first challenge in 18 years, since 2006. ■Torikai "I'll be 88 next year. I'd like to have the world see my 88-year-old body and have them evaluate it. There's nothing else but bodybuilding. Walking bodybuilding is all I have left." Torikai's driving force is "having a goal and enjoying everything." The powerful Torikai's training continues. For the latest news, please visit https://www.fbs.co.jp/fbsnews/. Also available on Twitter: FBS Fukuoka Broadcasting News (@FBS_NEWS5).   / fbs_news5