A 45-year-old is telling men they’re never too old to get into shape after he transformed his physique in just 12 weeks.
Dad-of-three Ben Jackson halved his body fat after overhauling his diet and fitness regime for three months and says he now feels better than ever.
“Many 45+ males might think that when they’ve hit middle age, it’s too late to embark on a fitness journey because their body is out of shape or they don’t have the same stamina as they did in their 20’s,” he said.
“I hope the results inspire other middle-aged blokes that they can still reinvent themselves physically and mentally regardless of their age.
“I’ve got loads more energy to play with the kids and my wife’s not complaining either.”
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Jackson followed a strict nutrition and training plan and took supplements from the sports-nutrition company Myprotein to support his transformation, going from 13.6 stone to 12.4 stone.
He hit the gym five times per week and his gruelling workouts with a personal trainer included deadlifts, pull ups and bench presses.
He steered clear of alcohol and swapped his usual diet of processed food to six smaller meals per day.
A typical day would include eggs and avocado for breakfast, followed by grilled chicken or fish with veg throughout the day, plus protein shakes for snacks.
“When I started the programme I was slightly overweight to say the least and I just wanted to get back to a good level of fitness,” he said.
“My initial thoughts were ‘what have I done here’.”
Despite finding the programme difficult initially, Jackson, who works as a concrete tradesman, soon embraced his new lifestyle.
“As the weeks progressed, my energy levels noticeably increased. I feel fitter, brighter, mentally and physically,” he said.
“I’ve been sleeping much, much better, I’ve got more patience with my children and problems at work don’t seem to get on top of me so much. I’m a happier person.”
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Personal trainer Tom Pitfield, from Cheshire’s Hale Country Club, said that he has observed a growing number of middle-aged men looking to overhaul their health.
“Ben is a great example of how age should not be a limitation when it comes to setting new fitness goals. Middle-aged males generally have a more stable lifestyle in comparison to their 20-year-old counterparts, so they have the time and disposable income to invest in themselves,” he said.
“It really just comes down to the mindset and the misconception that when we hit middle-age our bodies cease up.”
You can find out more about Ben Jackson’s training here.
Best iPhone Fitness Apps
1. Yumly(01 of07)
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Struggling to work out what you can cook from the ingredients in your fridge? Let Yumly suggest a healthy meal for every night of the week. With thousands of recipes, Yumly puts "every recipe in the world in your pocket". Including a smart shopping list and access to recipes from all over the web. Download for free. (credit:/iTunes)
2. Map My Ride(02 of07)
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Map My Ride is the perfect tool to give you detailed data analysis and feedback on your cycle. With distance covered, route marker, calories burned and average pace - what more could you want? You can also share your favourite routes with the MapMyRide community. Download for £2.99. (credit:/iTunes)
3. Running For Weight Loss: Interval Training Plan(03 of07)
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Running For Weight Loss claims it is the number one fitness app in over 50 countries around the world and helps you lose up to 35lbs in just eight weeks with the simple running plans. It provides you with mapped routes (including the sections you can jog or sprint) for the most effective interval training and calorie burning. When you chance pace, your music will adjust to suit the tempo of your run. You also get audio instructions from professional personal trainers. Download for free. (credit:/iTunes)
4. FitStar Personal Trainer(04 of07)
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FitStar says it is the perfect low-cost alternative to hiring your own personal trainer, and means you can train anywhere in the world if you're travelling away from home. You get a customised workout that shows you exactly what you need to focus on, how many reps and in what order. Videos guide your every move, so you know if you're not doing that plank quite right. You can also connect it to your Apple TV to workout in your living room. Download for free. (credit:itunes)
5. Lifesum(05 of07)
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Lifesum helps users make better food choices, get more out of their exercise, and ultimately reach your health goals. You can search for recipe inspiration, instantly rank your foods based on how healthy they are (making it easier to make healthy choices when you're out and about) and record your fitness goals. Combining nutrition and exercise, Lifesum is an all rounder. Download for free. (credit:itunes)
6. Nike + Training Club(06 of07)
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The Nike + Training Club features expert workout advice from Nike Masters and globally renowned athletes such as Serena Williams and Rory McIlroy or celebrities like Ellie Goulding. You can share your workout with your friends too. Download for free. (credit:/iTunes)
7. Zen - Guided Meditation(07 of07)
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Zen Guided Meditation app is designed to give you a healthier mind and body and help you stay relaxed and focused throughout your day. Listen to guided meditations, as well as chart your mood and your sleep. You can also play sounds of nature to help you relax when you are on the go. Download for free. (credit:/iTunes)