A grandfather-of-two who still boasts an impressively muscular body at the age of 67 has credited his passion for training outdoors for his envy-inducing physique.
Mike Millen, from Kent, often delights his 9,000 Instagram followers with videos showcasing his incredible six pack and bulging biceps.
The super fit single grandfather has been a personal trainer for the past 20 years – and works out six times a week, yet attributes his muscular body to the ‘best gym in the world’, the outdoors.
Also a part-time model, Mike trains by swimming in cold lakes, hiking through woods or running up and down on beaches – and for the last four years has ended his day by having a cold shower in his garden, despite his family thinking it odd.
Mike Millen (pictured), a grandfather-of-two who still boasts an impressively muscular body at 67-years-old, has credited his passion for training outdoors for his envy-inducing physique
Mike (pictured), from Kent, often delights his 9,000 Instagram followers with videos showcasing his incredible six pack and bulging biceps
Speaking to FEMAIL, Mike, who has two grandsons, aged eight and ten, said: ‘Training outside brings so many more benefits as we are with nature. It’s not only good for our bodies but our souls and mind as well.
‘Fitness is so important to me because all my life it’s given me a fantastic quality of life and continues to do so every single day.
‘My family think I’m strange and worry about some of the things I do but they’re still quietly proud of what I am I think.’
Mike mostly performs calisthenics workouts – which is a form of physical training focused on teaching you to master your own bodyweight using minimal equipment.
He explained: ‘The calisthenics training I do I find best done outside in a forest, on a beach, in a park, pretty much anywhere. There are always trees to climb, rocks or logs to use and to play with.
The super fit single grandfather (pictured) has been a personal trainer for the past 20 years – but despite working out six times a week, he attributes his muscular body to the ‘best gym in the world’, the outdoors
Also a part-time model, Mike (pictured) trains by swimming in cold lakes, hiking through woods or running up and down on beaches
‘The coldest place I’ve trained in was Iceland, on a beach in January when the temperature was around -12C. I actually swam in the sea briefly with the icebergs.’
And that’s not the only time Mike has experienced chilly waters, with the father-of-one taking cold showers in his garden for the past four years.
Mike’s fitness inspiration comes from Wim Hof, also known as The Iceman, who is a Dutch extreme athlete noted for his ability to withstand freezing temperatures.
Inspired by his approach to the outdoors, Mike admitted that he has been having cold showers in his backyard using the garden hose whatever the weather – rain or shine, in winter or summer.
‘I read an article by Wim Hof and was fascinated by what he had to say so I thought “I need to experience this”, recalled Mike.
And for the last four years Mike (pictured) has completed his day by having a cold shower in his garden, despite his family thinking it odd
Mike (pictured) mostly performs calisthenics workouts – which is a form of physical training focused on teaching you to master your own bodyweight using minimal equipment
‘I believe it offers many benefits including better well-being, good for the immune system, improves sleep and can help with having a real positive mindset. It helps me challenge myself.’
Many experts say the best results come not from a cold shower or bath but alternating between hot and cold water.
A study published in 2016 by the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam found taking a ‘hot-to-cold’ shower every day slashed absences from work due to sickness by almost 30 per cent.
Along with his love for the outdoors, Mike insists his diet ‘is not complicated, just well-balanced’ and filled with only some good fats and no processed foods. ‘Consistency is the key,’ he added.
Mike currently teaches a Calisthenics class along with an advanced gym ball session virtually via LiveNOW – a UK-based, virtual fitness platform – twice a week.
Mike’s (pictured) fitness inspiration comes from Wim Hof, also known as The Iceman, who is a Dutch extreme athlete noted for his ability to withstand freezing temperatures
Mike (pictured) currently teaches a Calisthenics class along with an advanced gym ball session virtually via LiveNOW – a UK-based, virtual fitness platform – twice a week
He is one of the instructors alongside survival of the fittest contestant James Middleton and SAS competitor Kirsty Hendley.
Talking about his work, he said: ‘I really enjoy leading the virtual sessions and sharing my experience and knowledge with a much younger audience.
‘I don’t do any heavy lifting and on others day’s I do some cardio. As well as training indoors in the gym or at home leading virtual sessions, these exercise routines can all be done outside and are always fun.’
Suggesting the best way for people to start their exercise journey, Mike added: ‘It’s never too late to start a fitness regime. No matter their age or ability, there is a correct program out there for everyone.
‘We all have different levels but whatever program of level you choose, it’s going to give you a better quality of life and that’s the most important thing.
Talking about his work, Mike (pictured) said: ‘I really enjoy leading the virtual sessions and sharing my experience and knowledge with a much younger audience’
Mike (above) puts in a minimum two hours a day workout to maintain his chiseled appearance
‘I would suggest to start walking. It’s free, very little equipment required, just comfortable shoes and you’re out in the fresh air with nature.’
The grandad, who has run several marathons, competed in Tough Mudder events, rock climbs and in his spare time is a model, continued: ‘Always make fitness a fun thing and find a program that you enjoy.’
Mike puts in a minimum two hours a day workout to maintain his chiseled appearance.
The biggest compliment he’s ever been paid was when he was approached by Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, who trains at the same gym as him, and she asked to do a session together.
She also interviewed Mike for her personal YouTube page, with the personal trainer recalling: ‘I was so humbled to think that an Olympic Champion wanted to train with me. And I guess you can’t get a bigger compliment than that.’
Asked if he ever plans to retire from the fitness world, Mike confessed: ‘I hope even as age takes its toll, as it does with everyone, I will still be able to find some kind of fitness and activity that I will do. I have no intention of ever stopping.’
Mike Millen is a PT and trainer on LIVENow, the live-streaming platform, which offers over 60 live-streamed exercise classes straight to your home each week. LIVENow classes are completely FREE until 31st January 2021.