Shape I'm in: Mr Motivator fighting fit at 60

MR MOTIVATOR is not one to hang about even when he’s at his eco retreat, H’Evans Scent in Jamaica.

“I get up at 5.30 in the morning. The sun is just about to rise. I am on the balcony, looking out to sea. Between me and the sea there is about 6km of rolling hills and greenery. All of a sudden everything starts to stir and I sit with a cup of tea, some oats and a banana and that’s the start to my day. Then I begin my training.”

Aged 60, Derrick Evans still works out on a daily basis. “I train harder now than I did in my 40s. I do a lot of high intensity training. It’s important as you age that you modify your training. I do a lot of short bursts, a lot of sprints, weights. As you get older you have to make sure your muscles stay tight — and also important that you keep your heart and lungs in check. I do a maximum of 50 to 60 minutes. ”

The former GMTV star, is the living embodiment of the motto: the price of success is perseverance. “You’ve got to keep on trying. Who would have thought that a homeless bum like me would be where I am today? The world doesn’t applaud you — you’ve got to applaud yourself.

Married for nearly 20 years to Sandra, he has three children, aged 40, 30 and 16. He also has four grandchildren.

* Mr Motivator will lead Electric Ireland Dancergy at Electric Picnic this year with a number of sessions each day on the Dancergy Dancefloor, a sustainable energy dancefloor that converts kinetic energy into electricity. To be in with a chance of winning tickets to Electric Picnic from Electric Ireland, log onto dancergy.ie today.

What shape are you in?

The best shape of my life. When I look in the mirror, it doesn’t lie. My mirror says ‘wow’!

Do you have any health concerns?

No. Thank god, I’m blessed in that I don’t get ill. The only thing is that I had to have my cataracts repaired in one eye.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I eat mainly vegetables and some fish. I drink a lot of water and we make a lot of natural juices here — we only use fruits when they are in season. I always say you must not deprive yourself of things you like. A little bit of what you fancy does you no harm.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate. I try to restrict that to once a month, then I have it with some crisps. I like Lindt with the hazelnuts. Oh man, that is good.

What would keep you awake at night?

When my youngest daughter used to have lots of breathing problems. We later found out it was due to mould in one of the rooms. Apart from that nothing. I never go to bed with things on my mind. I always sort it out.

How do you relax?

I play dominoes, I listen to music and watch anything with a court drama. One of my favourites is Murder One and at the moment I like Suits. I always wanted to be a lawyer.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Nelson Mandela, he is such an inspiration and Cindy Crawford, who is a natural beauty.

What is your favourite smell?

Eternity by Calvin Klein.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

Nothing. I don’t mess with perfection.

When did you last cry?

When we gave our teenage daughter a gift at Christmas she had really wanted, she cried. And when she cries it makes me cry.

What trait do you least like in other people?

I hate people who do not respect or look after children. We used to be able to walk to school on our own — nowadays you’ve got to take them into the classroom.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I don’t analyse myself. If I did I’d probably start seeing things I don’t like — I wouldn’t change anything about me. I like the way that I am.

Do you pray?

I think the world is messed up because there are all these different denominations and religions all supposed to be worshipping the same god, yet here we are fighting in the name of religion. So when I say a prayer to the greater being, he is my god.

What would cheer up your day?

I often go into schools and do assembly with children. When I come bounding in, in bright colours their jaws drop and there is a look on their faces and an energy that is real. I carry that image around with me all the time.