FLEXING HIS FAITH

Larry Cooksey’s massive chest, rock-hard abs and chiseled biceps earned him numerous first-place and top-five finishes since he became a competitive bodybuilder in 1991.

In recent years, Larry, 68, discovered another passion in life. He is owner of BLC Enterprises, a personal training facility housed in a 2,000-square-foot building adjacent to his Lady Lake home. Clients soon discover that underneath Cooksey’s impressive physique is a spiritual man whose heart is bigger than his aging muscles.

“My company is more than a business to us; it’s also our ministry,” says Cooksey, who opened BLC Enterprises in 2008. “And I serve as both a personal trainer and change agent. There are three constants in life: change, aging and death. People can fight change, but they’re ultimately going to lose. I want others to embrace change and realize how change can make a positive impact in their lives.”

Cooksey is no stranger to change. He spent 35 years in corporate America before deciding to become a bodybuilder and purchasing his own gym. And he encountered plenty of adversity in his personal life — until accepting God into his heart.

Cooksey says his age and vast life experiences make clients feel comfortable talking to him about changes they are facing. Thus, Larry finds himself lifting both weights and spirits. His main message: to embrace and manage life’s changes rather than resist them.

“Sometimes I hear their stories and it’s like déjà vu because I’ve been there. Many of the people I train not only become longterm clients but also friends.”

He is equally passionate about helping clients begin a journey to better health. Each day, he rises at 3:30a.m. to carefully plan their workout routines. After all, each client is unique and requires a tailor-made workout program.

“Being a bodybuilder, I’ve learned a lot about lifting weights and living a healthy lifestyle. I love sharing my knowledge so it can get out there and help people be healthy and happy. I never set unrealistic goals for clients.”

Larry openly admits that his company could not be a success without the help of Edie, his wife of 33 years. Edie, who is also a personal trainer, helps clients formulate tasty, nutritious recipes.

“She is great with kitchen talk because she is so knowledgeable about food content. For instance, she teaches clients how to make certain foods without too many saturated fats and complex carbs. I’m so lucky to have her as a partner — both in marriage and in the business.”

A Drive To Overcome

Larry knows about overcoming hardships. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2007 and underwent a bowel resection. Still, major surgery did not stop him from achieving three consecutive first-place finishes at the Florida State Bodybuilding Masters Fitness and Figure Championships between 2008 and 2010.

“My parents taught me that everything is mind over matter. When hardships arrive, you can either give up or grin and bear it. I realized life’s struggles only make you stronger.”

Back surgery in 2011 to remove two bone spurs and a cyst kept Larry out of bodybuilding competitions for nearly four years. He plans to return to competing this year.

“To me, the preparation of a bodybuilding competition is more exciting than actually being up on stage posing. So much effort goes into the plan for looking your best. My goal is to be in the best shape of my life when I turn 70.”