Remember Mr Motivator? This is what GMTV’s 90s fitness icon is up to now... (original) (raw)

Derrick "Mr Motivator" Evans

Revealed

The fact he was one of Idris Elba's childhood idols is just one of several things you probably don't know about Derrick "Mr Motivator" Evans

BETWEEN ab-crunches, we chew the fat with Derrick “Mr Motivator” Evans, 64, and chat family, inspiring Idris Elba and beating the post-Christmas bloat.

Derrick, we love your colourful spandex! Do you enjoy being a fitness icon?

Derrick "Mr Motivator" Evans was the most prominent fitness icons of the 1990s

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Derrick "Mr Motivator" Evans was the most prominent fitness icons of the 1990sCredit: Rex Features

Yes. Everywhere I go people say: “I grew up with you.”

You presented a fitness segment on GMTV in the 1990s alongside Lorraine Kelly – have you worked out with lots of celebs?

Almost every guest who came on to the show joined in my workouts, including Cindy Crawford, Cliff Richard and Shirley Bassey. I’ve still got the footage! Even Ant and Dec gave it a go, though they were very young.

Did you go to lots of A-list parties back in the day?

Going to big parties and award ceremonies was never really my thing. I found them quite impersonal. I like working with ordinary people as they always remember you. Celebrities are all over you when you’re doing well, but you don’t form lasting relationships.

Derrick presented a fitness segment on GMTV alongside Lorraine Kelly

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Derrick presented a fitness segment on GMTV alongside Lorraine KellyCredit: Alpha

Have you got any famous pals now?

Idris Elba was lovely to me recently. We first met two years ago and he told me that I was an example to him when he was younger. I was really humbled by that.

Wow! What are you up to now?

I’ve lived in Jamaica for the past 20 years, but I come back to the UK to do tours, classes and motivational talks.

Are you a big family man?

Yes, definitely, although all my family are split up around the world. My youngest daughter Abigail, 20, is training to be a make-up artist in Manchester. She’s loving it. My eldest child Carolyne, 44, lives in Antigua, Ebony, 40, is in the UK and my son James, 33, lives in New York. We speak a lot and I saw them at Christmas.

Derrick became known for his colourful spandex workout outfits

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Derrick became known for his colourful spandex workout outfitsCredit: WENN

You look amazing for 64! What’s your diet like?

I eats lots of fish, especially salmon, and vegetables, but I don’t eat meat. My rare treat is a glass of Baileys, and apart from that I don’t drink alcohol.

And you must be into your exercise?

Of course! I work out every day doing 20-45 minutes of high-intensity cardio, plus I use small weights with lots of reps. Flexibility is more important than looking ripped.

How do you motivate yourself to do that every day?

I’m Mr Motivator! I even did 30 minutes before I came here to make sure I felt good. I make it part of my daily routine. As you get older you need to stay active.

In 20 years Derrick has hardly changed physically but now he lives in Jamaica where he gives free workout classes to locals who can't afford the gym

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In 20 years Derrick has hardly changed physically but now he lives in Jamaica where he gives free workout classes to locals who can't afford the gymCredit: Fabulous

Do you find it hard to keep up with new fitness fads?

We give them new names, but HIIT [high-intensity interval training] and circuit training aren’t new. I’ve been teaching that since the 1980s.

What’s the most underrated exercise?

Squats! Squat as often as you can. They tone you and get your blood pumping.

We’re feeling a bit heavy following our Christmas binge. What’s the best way to beat the bloat?

The main thing is to not feel guilty for indulging. That’s what Christmas is for! Jumping jacks, running on the spot, press-ups and lunges are all great ways to get your pulse racing. If you find press-ups difficult, then start on your knees and work up to a full press-up. Experiment with moving your hands closer together or lifting one hand up as you bend down. The more you do, the more you’re working your core and upper-body strength. The classic moves always work best if you do them right.

BTW

Thanks to Thegymgroup.com – follow them on Twitter @TheGymGroup