Fit & sexy

As a man ages, conversations about his fitness become tough. Especially, if he’s a father and the desire and energy to keep the stomach flat, and even the libido up, wanes as commitment to family and work become priority.

Fitness experts say fathers can still be trim and sexy with renewed focus on their health using programmes tailored to their age.

After the age of 35, it is common for men to experience a decrease in testosterone which may be accelerated by a lack of exercise. Physical effects of low testosterone include low libido, muscle loss and fat gain, especially in the stomach. These physical effects are compounded by psychological effects like mood swings, decreased confidence, and a loss of self-empowerment.

But keeping your sex drive alive doesn’t have to be something to despair over – the solution, advises corrective exercise specialist Dexter Simon, 51, lies in maintaining physical exercise to stay physical in the bedroom.

“You don’t need to settle for the effects of testosterone loss, you just need knowledge. Knowledge and a holistic health approach are key factors to not settling,” said Simon.

Founder of the One-a-Week Running Club and owner of Asylum Athletic Fitness Center in Diego Martin, Simon has over 30 years in the field of sports and fitness.

This Father’s Day, while you may want to purchase the typical gifts, Simon is encouraging people to make an investment in their father’s wellness, and a holistic health plan may do the trick.

Simon, who is also an architect, offers a 12-week transformation programme which provides guidance on healthy eating and physical exercise. In the last 20 months, the was used by over 1,300 people.

“The programme has a lot of knowledge and information that your dad will be armed with so that he can make better health choices.

“It deals with topics like controlling the frontal cortex of your brain, understanding the physiology of the body and how the body works,” said Simon.

With a daily exercise regime, participants in the programme are given a meal plan, taught the basics of their eating habits and proper sleeping habits. Participants are also educated on different food types, blood pressure and sugar levels.

People interested in learning more about the programme can visit Simon’s website: dextersimon.com or contact him at 620-6388.

Gift dad a home gym experience

Has your dad’s motivation to attend a gym been lost? Then, why not bring the gym to dad?

Fitness instructor Tevin Forrest, 26, says providing an at-home gym experience, for dad, may be easier than you think.

“If your dad is having problems getting up and getting that workout in, you can gift him items to start off with light cardio and doing things that are fun,” said Forrest.

A fitness instructor, for the past five years, Forrest said gift items to get dad started can include fitness bikes, light weight sets and skipping ropes. Working out with dad and doing simple exercises like squats, jumping jacks, crunches and side crunches may also be helpful.

Forrest is an instructor at the Chaguanas and San Fernando branches of Central Athletic Club and the Life Fitness Club in Diego Martin.

For dads that may want to up the ante, beyond warmup exercises, resistance bands are a great choice to provide more complex exercises. But if your dad desires a challenge, gifting him a total gym set will be the best deal.

Total gym sets include treadmills, step machines, weight benches and ellipticals, to name a few pieces. These items provide a good workout for the legs, back and chest.

To ensure dad is dressed for the task he recommends Nike’s fitness clothing especially the Nike Sport shoes which Forrest said are light and comfortable.

To ensure dad has an appropriate at-home-workout regime and depending on the budget, people may want to consider hiring an at home personal trainer for personalised training services like Forrest does.

Online class subscriptions are also a great gift idea to complement gym equipment.

If you are considering online classes Forrest said, “Find out the type of person your father is and determine what online class may be appropriate for them.

“For example, your father may be more inclined to do a Zumba class versus a resistance bands class. Zumba is more dance oriented while resistance raining has weights and resistance exercises.”

People interested in the services offered by Forrest can find him on Instagram @trainer_tfm or call 470-8023.

Get dad prepped for the outdoors

The US National Park Services credits hiking as a good way to get exercise. In addition to physical exercise, hiking can help improve moods, reduce stress and reduce the risk of depression.

So, why not give dad a mood booster this Fathers’ Day by taking him on an outdoor adventure? Before you provide dad with the chance to reconnect with nature and himself, you may want to consider getting him all the hiking essentials.

Hiking instructor Sheldon Ransome, 31, says nature durable clothing is essential for a great hike. As such, Ransome suggests buying dad comfortable hiking pants, a rain jacket, and a Sierra Camille backpack.

A freelance hiking instructor with Ultimate Recreation TT and the Hiking Association of TT, Ransome said hiking booths are important for conquering any trail. For this, he suggests buying dad with a Columbia Men’s Peakfreak Enduro Hiking Shoe.

Other hiking essential include a medical kit, trekking poles, heart rate monitors, head and a James Brand Elko or Swiss knife. To capture those perfect hiking moments, it may be wide to invest in a waterproof camera or GoPro.