ATHLETIC Magazine - Fifty-nine-years-young New IPL Sports Model Masters Pro, John Kolodziej - Natural Bodybuilding Competitions, Media & Entertainment

Fifty-nine-years-young New IPL Sports Model Masters Pro, John Kolodziej

“You have been working most of your life. When you are finally able to retire you want to be healthy so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.”

BEN YOSEF: Congrats on your success at the Arizona Championship! How are you feeling about what went down in AZ?

JOHN KOLODZIEJ: Very pleased. My last competition before this one was the Grand Prix in 2019. And I was disappointed with my scoring, so I knew I had a lot of work to do.

BEN: You will be turning 60 next month, and are in better shape than men half your age. Happy early birthday! What tips can you give to guys out there when it comes to health and fitness as we get older?

JOHN: My advise would be to eat well and stay active. Whether it is in the gym or around the house…as long as you’re getting in some exercise. You have been working most of your life. When you are finally able to retire, you want to be healthy so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.

…eat well and stay active. Whether it is in the gym or around the house…as long as you're getting in some exercise.

BEN: Well said! Do you have a set time that you will retire from the stage or will you keep going until it no longer excites you? Also, what do you love most about competing?

JOHN: I started competing in 2014 and did not think I would be doing it 7 years later. But I still am. I think it has a lot to do with the younger generations motivating me. And hopefully them seeing an older gentleman still out there at 60 motivates them to keep it up. The struggle is hard, but the rewards are well worth it.

BEN: Loving that wisdom! What’s next for you?

JOHN: Looking forward to the Grand Prix and then APEX to finish out the year. Then I will sit back and relax and decide what 2022 will have in store for me.