Life has a way of telling us sort our act out when it comes to fitness – significant events prompt us to make significant lifestyle changes. For some of my clients a milestone birthday, for others a new relationship, career event or the arrival of a child. People want to feel fitter and look better for longer, whilst maintaining equivalent energy levels to younger colleagues and loved ones.
Some clients refer to this as a ‘second act’ where they want to define their lives as much as they want to define their abs. In the case of Mark Taylor, it was switching industries from consumer goods to luxury fashion that saw him set foot in the fitnessology gym.
For men in their 40s and 50s, life is no longer about getting ready for retirement. There’s the opportunity to create portfolio careers, take on NED positions and bring our expertise to much younger companies. It’s a lot easier to do this if you’re in shape. It also means that, if you want to allow yourself a little indulgence now and then, you’ve more than earned it.
What is so rewarding about working with Mark is that he’s in it for the long haul – developing and maintaining your physique requires a real commitment. Of course, you will see significant results within the first few months of training, but if you stick at it, there are incredible long term benefits to be had. Since Mark first came to my studio, our partnership has enabled him to pursue a career trajectory with greater energy than people half his age. And guess what? Because he’s so fit, he looks better than a lot of them too.
The hardest thing for a lot of men my age is taking that first step back to fitness. If you haven’t trained for a while, the thought of a gym full of buff bodies and booming music can seem daunting. Starting out with a personal trainer, in a small studio, is a perfect antidote to that environment.
Overcoming the loss of muscle-mass or classic ‘dad-bod’ associated with middle age is possible. In fact, new research highlights that people who exercise regularly in middle age demonstrate younger bio-markers than twenty-somethings who do not exercise. The study, conducted by the University of Birmingham and King’s College London, found that regular exercise leads to an improved immune system and increased testosterone levels, not to mention a better overall physique.
Mark’s continued focus on fitness has given him the edge and energy to pursue multiple interests including setting up and running his own record label.
Since I first began working with Leon, I’ve stayed in shape whilst shaping my career. The brands I’ve worked for include target markets (and employees) who are of a different generation to me, but not once have I felt I looked out of place. Leon’s motivation and guidance has made fitness an integral part of my life so, wherever in the world I’m travelling, I can walk into any gym and follow the routine we’ve worked on together.
The confidence you feel when you’re in great condition translates into confidence at work – and it’s not about attaining a cookie-cutter ‘look’. My bespoke body programmes work if you’re time-poor, always travelling, or if corporate life has simply taken its toll. What this gives you is the endurance to go after your ‘second act’ with a physique and energy reserves that you didn’t know you could have.
For men in their 40s and 50s, life is no longer about getting ready for retirement. There’s the opportunity to create portfolio careers, take on NED positions and bring our expertise to much younger companies. It’s a lot easier to do this if you’re in shape. It also means that, if you want to allow yourself a little indulgence now and then, you’ve more than earned it.