Winnipeg bodybuilder's passion for fitness still strong at 61

Like many successful bodybuilders and athletic trainers, 61-year-old Winnipegger Valentine Payne starts every morning with a healthy breakfast.

Always have some sort of fruit juice early in the morning, said Payne, who wakes up at 3 a.m. every morning before heading to the Fort Rouge Leisure Centre where he trains clients.

Payne has been sculpting his physique and competing as a bodybuilder for 40 years, racking up trophy after trophy along the way and it shows.

I feel like 21, said Payne. Thats no lie.

Paynes clientele share his passion for fitness and healthy living.

As if bulging biceps at his age werent impressive enough, Valentines clients have said its his passion for transforming their lives that has motivated them to keep going.

He saved my life, said 66-year-old Steve Van Vlaenderen, who was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease four years ago.

The prognosis wasnt great for Van Vlaenderen. His doctor told him hewould have to be spoon fed in less than five years.

After picking up Valentines training tips and more importantly, his nutrition plan Van Vlaenderen dropped nearly 30 kilogramsin just nine months. He used to wear size 40 pants that hung below his waist.

I can function now, and I havent been on meds for sixmonths.

Van Vlaenderen no longer suffers from chronic pain or depression and credits his regained mobility to Paynes help.

On a good day, Van Vlaenderen can lift 120 kilograms.

Van Vlaenderen said hes improved so much that his doctor recently gave him a clean bill of health.

If it wasnt for Valentine, I dont know where I would have been.

Payne has never made that much money as a bodybuilder living on a personal trainers income.

Im not making a lot of money, said Payne.

But for clients of his like Van Vlaenderen, its clear Paynes work ethic and commitment to living a healthy life have been rewarding ends in themselves.

I always do more than I get paid to make an investment in my future, said Payne.