Robert Durbin has a physique much younger men would envy. But this wasn’t always so: as you can see by the before/after picture, Robert was in terrible shape a few years ago. He wore braces and couldn’t walk without using a cane. He decided to transform his body and life so he could enjoy his family. The video (posted below) has made him an internet sensation. He was kind enough to do this interview for me.
MuscleReview: Robert, I’d first like to thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Why don’t you tell my readers a little bit about yourself (education, family, work, etc.)?
Robert: I graduated from Fairdale High School in 1968. I’ve been married 34 years as of this month. We have five kids, five grandkids, and two great-grandkids. I’m retired.
MuscleReview: Let’s talk about your younger years. Were you in pretty good shape as a young man?
Robert: I was involved in several sports in high school: football, track, and cross-country running. I was pretty healthy until I reached my late 30’s.
MuscleReview: What was the turning point for you? What motivated you to transform your body?
Robert: I wasn’t able to do anything with my children and grandchildren, and I was always sick.
MuscleReview: What do you consider to be the most difficult part of this process?
Learning how to eat properly was definitely the hardest thing for me.
MuscleReview: Please tell my readers (in general terms) about your diet and training.
Robert: I don’t eat fried foods or white bread and I also never eat out. I eat lean meats like chicken, turkey breasts, and tuna. I also eat a lot of green vegetables. I believe in pushing myself to my physical/mental limits every day in the gym. I train 2.5-3 hours a day, and I also train abs every morning and night.
MuscleReview: One of the topics I’m interested in (as I age) is training into later years. What adaptations (if any) have you made to your training as an older athlete ?
I do the same workouts younger guys do but I use a little less weight. I also try to add a lot of variety: kickboxing, kettlebell training, Crossfit, yoga, etc.
MuscleReview: What advice would you give to people who want to get in better shape?
Robert: Just put your mind to it and do it! Set your goals and when you reach them raise them higher. Age is just a number—it’s never to late, get out there and do something.
MuscleReview: Please talk about the differences in quality of life you are experiencing now that you are in better shape.
I’m able to get around and I’m not afraid to try anything. My mindset is very positive.
MuscleReview: What does your family think of your new physique and notoriety?
Oh man, my kids brag about me all the time. It’s an incredible feeling and it makes all my hard work worth it.
MuscleReview: What’s next for you?
Robert: I’d like to make another video with Barstarzz. I’m also thinking about entering a physique competition like the Kentucky Derby Muscle Show.
MuscleReview: Thanks again for taking the time to do this interview!
Thank you!
Here’s the youtube video featuring Robert:
