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Marc Nelson can still give young guys a run for their money when it comes to fitness.

The popular TV host could still make women swoon even when wearing simple cargo shorts and a black semi-fit T-shirt at the launch of the new Union Bank Mercury Card held at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City.

In a quick interview with Marc, GMANetwork.com told him that he doesn't seem to age, to which he jokingly replied, “Shhh… don't tell anyone, I'm a vampire.”

Our comment about him is pretty common as Marc said some people still get surprised when they find out about his age.

“They do. I'm very, very honest with my age to individuals who ask me. I usually don't publicize it too much. But I'm very lucky that I have also [won the] genetic lottery. I do have Asian blood. You know what they say, 'Asians don't raisin.' So, I got that as well.

“And of course, living in the Philippines and being surrounded by so many wonderful friendly people really helps as well.”

He admitted that every time people tell him that he's a fitness inspiration, “I'm very honored and very, very flattered. I do work hard on my fitness. It's something I'm consistent with.”

The 52-year-old health and fitness enthusiast credits his well-being to his “low-stress and healthy lifestyle.”

“I avoid sugar, I try to get enough sleep, drink enough water, and exercise regularly, including--as I age--a lot of resistance training,” he related.

“I spend time in the outdoors, make sure I surround myself with good people, and yeah, try not to have too much drama in my life.”

Aside from his regular workout routine, Marc also engages in several outdoor activities.

“I do a lot of different sports. my main ones are kiteboarding, freediving, and weight training. As you grow older, resistance training is probably the most important exercise you can do to because your muscles deteriorate. So, I always make sure I incorporate some powerlifting or some heavy weights into my workout routine.”

While he seems to have expensive hobbies, Marc said keeping fit doesn't need to be expensive.

He said, “It can absolutely be extremely expensive if you choose it to be that way. But it doesn't have to be. It doesn't cost anything, or very little, to put on a pair of shoes and go for a run, or to buy a 200-peso jump rope, or to go to the gym or even do workouts at home.”

Marc then recalled his earlier hosting stints on TV.

“Do you know that my first ever hosting gig was a fitness segment on a morning show? Five minutes of me doing exercises that you can do at home--doing dips with chairs, doing pushups.

“My ab routine is something I just do at home, very simple stuff. So, it doesn't have to be expensive. You can go to the wet market and buy fresh vegetables and everything. If you want to go upmarket, yes, it can get pricey.”

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On diet and mental health

Of course, in addition to his physical activities, Marc is conscious about what he eats.

Does he follow a strict diet?

He answered, “I don't think I'm strict with my diet, but some people may think so. I do intermittent fasting. I fast for 16 hours. and then I eat within an eight-hour window. Sometimes, my fast is longer than 16 hours, which is fine.”

Then, he reiterated, “But I avoid sugar. if I want something sweet, I try and use a natural sweetener like Stevia or agave or monk fruit instead. So, I have that in my coffee.”

Unlike others, he noted, “I eat carbs, I just don't go crazy. When I'm at a party, and someone offers me cake and I feel like it, I eat and I don't feel guilty because I'm not constantly eating all the time. I try not to have junk food in the house.”

While keeping a healthy and fit body, Marc is equally mindful of his mental health.

“I didn't know it at that time, “ he confessed.

“I know that I have gotten a lot more interested in the entire journey of mental health in the last decade or so, especially seeing so many people struggle with it. And I have been very fortunate with the upbringing I had, that I have naturally a relatively low-stress lifestyle.”

Likewise, keeping a healthy mind is what Marc wants to remind everyone to maintain a healthy well-being.

“Honestly, if you have a decision to make, choose the option that will give you the greatest peace of mind. It's truly invaluable, worth more than money, fame or anything else. Just have peace of mind.

“What can help with that is doing things like meditation. I meditate every morning. I also try journaling. I read. I spend time with nature. I try to relax and I foster good friendships and relationships with people.”

In conclusion, Marc tells people who look up to him as a fitness inspiration: “If you can find a routine and stay consistent with it as much as possible, it can make a world of difference for decades. and I'm a living proof of that.”