BODY & MIND
Great After 50: Five Gay Men Who Keep the Heads Turning
Photo Credit: Courtesy Steve Hodges
Moving up the chronological line, we have Steve Hodges, originally from Nashville, Tennessee, who now lives in Palm Springs and is, as he puts it, a "retired hair burner" (i.e., a cosmetologist).
Steve's Stats
Age: 55
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 215
Chest: 50"
Waist: 32"
Steve is an inspiration. Diagnosed with AIDS in 1994, he knows that if he hadn't taken such good care of himself from an early age, he probably wouldn't be here to show the world, and himself, what is possible. Working out five to six days a week with 20 minutes of cardio and 90 minutes of weights does the job for him. Besides lifting in splits, he works his abs daily and feels that core exercises are the most important thing for keeping a body fit and hot.
Taking a lot of vitamins is of the utmost importance to Steve for keeping his body in balance, and he also supplements with some whey protein. As you'd expect, he watches his sugar intake, but he's not going to eat like a monk—if there's something he wants to indulge with, he doesn't beat himself up over it. Add to that never drinking or smoking and he feels that the body can't help but heal itself from the little nicks of life.
Steve says that younger guys often ask his age and, after they get their chins back up off the floor, ask him his secret. "Vanity is important," he says. "I love looking good in clothes. I owned a high-end salon and was always amazed by middle-age women and men clients who spent so much money on faces and never took care of bodies. I want to age well and to be an inspiration to anyone who wants it." His tips? "Set different goals and change workouts daily. Work smarter not harder. Don't just throw weights around, study… and hire a trainer if you have to."
His father, who passed away with complications due to AIDS, inspired him through example. "He never forced, just made it fun and always taught me to use it or lose it. Everything in moderation, keep things fresh and moving, but most of all make it fun."
RealJock Great Men Over 50 Quick Links
Meet Mick (Age 52)
Meet Steve (Age 55)
Meet Jared (Age 57)
Meet Gerry (Age 58)
Meet Doug (Age 52)
Steve's Stats
Age: 55
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 215
Chest: 50"
Waist: 32"
Steve is an inspiration. Diagnosed with AIDS in 1994, he knows that if he hadn't taken such good care of himself from an early age, he probably wouldn't be here to show the world, and himself, what is possible. Working out five to six days a week with 20 minutes of cardio and 90 minutes of weights does the job for him. Besides lifting in splits, he works his abs daily and feels that core exercises are the most important thing for keeping a body fit and hot.
Taking a lot of vitamins is of the utmost importance to Steve for keeping his body in balance, and he also supplements with some whey protein. As you'd expect, he watches his sugar intake, but he's not going to eat like a monk—if there's something he wants to indulge with, he doesn't beat himself up over it. Add to that never drinking or smoking and he feels that the body can't help but heal itself from the little nicks of life.
Steve says that younger guys often ask his age and, after they get their chins back up off the floor, ask him his secret. "Vanity is important," he says. "I love looking good in clothes. I owned a high-end salon and was always amazed by middle-age women and men clients who spent so much money on faces and never took care of bodies. I want to age well and to be an inspiration to anyone who wants it." His tips? "Set different goals and change workouts daily. Work smarter not harder. Don't just throw weights around, study… and hire a trainer if you have to."
His father, who passed away with complications due to AIDS, inspired him through example. "He never forced, just made it fun and always taught me to use it or lose it. Everything in moderation, keep things fresh and moving, but most of all make it fun."
RealJock Great Men Over 50 Quick Links
Meet Mick (Age 52)
Meet Steve (Age 55)
Meet Jared (Age 57)
Meet Gerry (Age 58)
Meet Doug (Age 52)
eldoar wrote:
Is it just me, or did anyone else think these guys (except Gerry, whos body is covered) exhibit the tell-tale signs of the HIV/AIDS steriod medications?
Nov 26 5:23 AM
nycstrongmuscle wrote:
Gerry is one of the most amazing guys inside and out - inspiring
Jul 30 4:52 PM
Domino1972 wrote:
Living a healthy life includes moderation in alchohol. No drug use and living an honest life. I know of guys getting older who are being run down trying to hook up with guys on sex sites. And they don't realize that standards and morals must be carried out by gay men too.
Those guys featured most likely live an all around healthy life.
Aug 08 1:12 AM
xassantex wrote:
that was inspiring , thanks.
52 here, i keep my body optimal but from mountain biking, running and Xcountry skiing . (no longer racing :( .. )
Gym is good but mass is a no go, plus i've got long segments , bleh.
All the guys are awesome.
We need more pics!!! more guys !!! more examples of what can be achieved. :)
Sep 24 11:23 PM
MuslDrew wrote:
I love these guys!
Jul 20 2:57 AM
speedobuff wrote:
look closely and you'll find there are plenty of guys over 50 that are in great shape. i'm turning 53 this year and have lots of friends in the same shape.
Jun 30 3:56 PM
slimdad1 wrote:
Gentlemen, you are all inspirations to me. It shows how much gay men over 50 can continue to be vital, healthy and relevant. It's these kinds of articles that helps overcome the ridiculous ageism that exists (still!) in the gay community. Never fear another year! For in those years are all the days that give us the wisdom and experience to live life to the fullest (without all the drama).
Jun 24 6:12 PM
JerryleeSr wrote:
Nice guys....Im age 64 and check out my locked photos? just ask me and I will un-lock them for you to see how I look at age 64 :) Jerryleejr... now lets all stay in shape
Jun 24 2:54 PM
canuckdave wrote:
Ageism is rampant in the gay community, and western society in general thanks to corporate pressure in advertising. Men like these obliterate the myth of sexiness after 50. They rival any 20 something hot guy at the gym. Kudos. Personally I'm in the best shape of my life at 51 and thinking about competing in a natural body bulding competition.
Jun 23 7:35 PM
darrylc wrote:
How fantastic was this article. With celebrities like Madonna and then you guys, I, as a gay man no longer fears getting old. Because it can be done, and you can look amazingly fantastic 50+
Jun 23 6:38 PM
markallen37 wrote:
Thanks Doug, this is just what I needed. Today is my birthday and as I was reading each profile of 50 and older it made me realize that I will continue to hit my goals and if I don't then I will reset. Abs is the hardest muscle set to develop but I will not give up. Excerise and diet is the key to a healthy life. I think we need more articles like this one. GREAT JOB!
Jun 23 8:31 AM
funkyj wrote:
I sure can relate to that, being 60.
Jun 22 11:04 PM
cithot wrote:
These guys are proof that you can be: a Hot Older Dude !!!
Jun 22 10:51 PM
gymguy509 wrote:
JUst goes to show you, that you can do anything you want, when you put your mind an dheart to it. As a 51 year old who still goes to the gym 4X a week and walks every day, these guys are an ispiration, and esp. so when in the gay world, most of the time it seems like anything over 40 is considered "old." NOT!
Jun 22 7:09 PM
tobyhannabill wrote:
I'll be 49 in two months. You guys inspire the hell out of me.
Thanks for a look at what I hope to be my future.
Great article.
Bill
Jun 22 6:55 PM
LV_Fitness_Photographer wrote:
Okay, what I just saw is great. The body's look good, and the face is good. I am just kind of wondering then what the hell I will look like when I am 60. Because at 50, I think that I have them all beet. I am not usually this concieded, but damn, I feel great after that.
Jun 22 6:54 PM
RandyMan wrote:
That's great!
I'm approaching forty and always work hard to look my best by eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep--as well as being mindful of essential things like using moisturizer and the like--and it's great to have the example of older guys, particularly in a culture that too often prizes youth/yourfulness for age value alone. Way to show that age need only be a chronology, not a state of body or mind!!
Jun 22 6:00 PM
SFTraveler wrote:
I'm 55 and these guys are an inspiration to me! I'm steadily working at rebuilding my body after a year-long illness and I'm confident that, with the help of my personal trainer, Geoffrey, I can be at least half as hot as these guys.
Jun 22 4:59 PM
FoxySteve wrote:
It's about time, us old farts got some media time ;-)
FYI: I know a slew of men over SIXTY who would physically blow your ... er... socks off... myself not so humbly among them.
All those for grey hair on muscled pecs, say aye!
Jun 22 6:10 AM
Bunjamon wrote:
This article was a fantastic idea!
Jun 22 2:13 AM
TallDutchCanuck wrote:
Oh man!! You guys are truly an inspiration! Fit men over 50 give me hope and motivation - I hope to match that by the time I'm 50. Thank you for the article!
Jun 22 12:12 AM
trybal69 wrote:
excellent, you guys are an inspiration.
Jun 21 11:59 PM
TallGWMvballer wrote:
HEY! how about me? 61 competing and winning still in vball?
Jun 21 8:59 PM
HotCoach wrote:
Try me. 65 and going strong
Jun 21 7:19 PM