Did anyone else see David Beckham posing in his underwear? No, not a few years ago, but a couple of weeks ago. Yep. He was at it again, lounging around in his pants (well, pants made by BOSS… not sure if they were actually his) for an advertising campaign. Don’t worry this newsletter isn’t about David Beckham’s underwear choices. It is how people chose to view him, his body and his lifestyle that enabled him to look very trim as he approaches his half-century on this planet. Reading the press articles, it would appear that the majority of people in this country didn’t appreciate a multi-millionnaire showing off his hard-earned physique. How about you?

Actually, that question is probably a bit unfair as you may not have seen the multitude of column inches on Mr Beckham and his body, so I will give you my thoughts on the matter.

One particular article I read in a supposedly trustworthy broadsheet was particularly scathing about the fact that the former footballer did not have an “oven-ready” (instead of “beach-ready”… itself a stupid term) body; aand didn’t have a dad-bod that was “saggy” and “soft”.

The reason for the lamentation and the vilification of DB7?

The author had never set aside the hours for being healthy as he didn’t have time for exercise, what with a job to do. And now that the writer of the article has just hit the 50 year old tickbox, it is apparently too late to do anything about it.

What absolute poppycock! Balderdash! And other far stronger words. It is NEVER too late to start exercising and getting healthier.

And then the article finished with these words: “Nobody looks back on their deathbed and says, “I wish I’d done more crunches.” Unless you happen to be dying of something directly caused by a lack of core strength.”

Huh? Don’t get me started on lack of strength being a key factor of illness and decrepitude! (That’s in previous newsletters and will be featuring again in future editions)

Then the thought struck me. It is all about perspective.

You can view said famous person as one to be mocked and a person to be envious of (“They had all the trappings and opportunities I didn’t have. It’s just not fair!”).

Or you could look at them, and wonder how you could be healthier and fitter and stronger (“Wow! How can I achieve that?”).

As a grumpy middle-aged person, I see Beckham and other people approaching significant birthdays while remaining lithe, strong and healthy as inspirational. I get the same feeling when I see guys and girls in their seventies and eighties doing multiple pull-ups, press-ups, deadlifting several plates and other awesome stuff. I look at them and think, “Wow! I want to be doing that when I am their age.”

Sorry for the rant, but I firmly believe that how you view the world can have a significant impact on your health. So please, if you see old people doing cool stuff with their bodies, use them as inspirational figures. And if you would like some help becoming an inspirational figure yourself – yes you are, whether you know it. Your children and grandchildren look up to you! – as you tackle life and advancing years with health and strength please get in touch.