Cover Fitness is important to Datuk Jake Abdullah, who is not only certified by the ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) but is also a certified nutritionist (Photo: Imran Sulaiman/Tatler Malaysia)
Fitness is important to Datuk Jake Abdullah, who is not only certified by the ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) but is also a certified nutritionist (Photo: Imran Sulaiman/Tatler Malaysia)
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The qualified personal trainer and strategic advisor at Media Prima Audio on his workout routine and the benefits of lifting weights
Datuk Jake Abdullah, whom you might have heard on the radio under his moniker The Jakeman, believes everyone should lift weights to not only stay healthy, but also maintain aesthetics.
“The fear of ageing scares people, and one of the best ways to mitigate ageing to a certain point is to lift weights. Apart from relieving stress and boosting endorphins, weights can help maintain bone density, and it allows you to move your body better as well—you don’t want to be hunched or unable to use your muscles as you turn 60 and beyond,” he says. He believes that anybody should start lifting at any stage of time or age they’re in.
“People often come up to me and say ‘Gosh, you’re 57, but you look 35 or 40,’ but that’s the whole point,” expounds the strategic advisor for Media Prima Audio.
Read more: Professional Rugby Athlete Marc Le & His Game Plan To Get Malaysians On Their Feet
Above Datuk Jake Abdullah is not only certified by the ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) but also a certified nutritionist
Datuk Jake Abdullah is not only certified by the ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) but also a certified nutritionist
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Jake whose father was a sportsman has always been into fitness, and started lifting weights casually back in 1995, and then seriously delved into it around seven years later. Among his favourite activities to stay healthy apart from lifting are also hiking and martial arts—silat to be specific.
A family man himself, Jake is thankful for having a partner who is into fitness too. He shares how his wife was up early and on the treadmill while he was making his way to our 7am interview. And how he loves the fact that his son, without being coaxed, is into fitness as well. Jake’s workout regime consists of push, pull and leg workout days. One day it’s all about pushing weights, the next is pulling weights, and he doesn’t forget leg workout day. He also does cardio twice a day, when possible, and hits the gym at least six times a week for around 45 minutes. Wednesdays are usually his rest day and by rest we mean he’s doing brisk walks or a hike. “However, you can’t out-train a bad diet,” insists Jake who is also a qualified nutritionist and personal trainer—a course which he decided to start and complete during the height of the pandemic. “I tell younger people, they may have better metabolic rates for the moment, but it will catch up with you. The main way to lose weight is by watching what you eat and ensuring you’re in a calorie deficit, and then exercise helps you tone and shape the body,” he adds.
How does he find the time to work out despite a busy schedule? Jake says that he probably multitasks better, citing an example of watching shows while working out. On top of that, he saves some time by having one meal a day (usually dinner) as he also practises intermittent fasting. He does however occasionally take a protein supplement and aims for one gram of protein per pound, as well as some pre-workout caffeine.
Whatever your level of fitness is, Jake encourages everyone to be healthy and active. “You don’t want to be in your 50s and start having health conditions. My advice for those just starting out, is to do so in gradual increases—that way the tendency to give up is lessened. If you’ve never exercised before, start with a 15-minute walk, or start with some light weights, then slowly get into the habit of exercise. It will do a world of wonders for you and your loved ones,” he recommends.
If tall, dark and handsome is what you're looking for, Aaron Pereira ticks two out of three. This fine chocolate man (that is, a connoisseur of fine chocolate), enjoys the theatre, futsal, real-life conversations and of course, the English language. He believes that language should first be used to express, but the business of a sub-editor is to impress.
Check out his Instagram @aaronlpereira.
