Isometric / Bullworker articles

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Hi all,

I'm uploading a few research articles from " High Beam Research " that

I hope this group enjoys. (*I've removed the adv. from the article)

Byline: Hilarie Stelfox ,

Geoff goggs says he has the Examiner's Fun Run to thank for the fact

that at 79 he is still fit and healthy.

While many of his peers find it increasingly difficult just to walk

any distance, Geoff is still a regular jogger around Meltham Moor,

near his home, and works out in a bedroom converted as a gymnasium.

Although he has always had an interest in running - he was once a

member of the Longwood Harriers - Geoff says it was the Examiner Fun

Run, launched in 1983, that got him back into training shoes with a

purpose. He began training for it in the late Eighties, when he was

in his early sixties, and competed from 1989 for three years.

" I was the top sponsored runner for the three years in a row - one

year I raised pounds 2,000 - and I used to help with publicity for

the run. I've been jogging on and off ever since, " he said. In total

he raised many thousands for a mental health charity.

Geoff takes his fitness seriously. After attending the Kirklees

Fitness Unit for many years and discovering that while his aerobic

fitness was excellent he lacked strength in his arms, the former

engineer went out and bought a Bullworker. That was seven years ago

and today he boasts a muscular 42 inch chest and a grip that has

benefitted his participation in another sport. " I have improved my

stretch and the strength in my shoulders and arms, it has definitely

made a difference when I play golf, " said Geoff.

Although he has worked hard to stay fit, Geoff says that he believes

good fortune and good genes have helped him along the way.

" I also have a wonderful wife, who is my trainer and coach and

everything. She cooks fantastic, healthy food, " he said.

While his wife Dorothy doesn't share his interest in golfing and

running, the couple do go ballroom and sequence dancing together

every week.

Geoff, who worked at Brook Motors in Huddersfield for 50 years,

retiring as a senior sales engineer, believes in keeping himself

busy and says it's a case of " use it or lose it. "

At the age of 65 he was in perfect health, with an ideal resting

pulse rate of 63, and has aimed to keep himself fit ever since.

In fact, today his resting pulse rate is down to an even healthier

50 and his blood pressure is just 123/73 - normal for someone a

fraction of his age.

He runs at least twice a week for up to 35 minutes and will go out

all year round, although not on rainy days.

He and Dorothy are off to Portugal soon to visit their new daughter-

in-law's extended family and he plans to enjoy early morning runs in

the warmth of the Lisbon sunshine. The couple also have another

married son and two grandchildren, but lost a third son some years

ago.

As well as remaining physically active and enjoying a good diet,

Geoff takes a number of food supplements on a daily basis. " I take a

multi-vitamin and mineral capsule, a Vitamin E capsule, garlic

capsule, evening primrose oil and cod liver oil. The oils keep my

joints healthy, " he explained.

When running he wears good trainers with special insoles to cushion

his feet. " I always run before breakfast in the early morning and

then spend 30 minutes with the Bullworker then I'm set up for the

day, " he said.

The evenings are the time when he partakes of his secret weapon

against ageing - a pint of Guinness. " I just have the one, it makes

me feel nice and relaxed. They say it's good for you and I think it

must be. "

COPYRIGHT 2005 MGN Ltd.

This material is published under license from the publisher through

the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding

rights should be directed to the Gale Group.