Ever hear of the “Just Say No” antidrug campaign, Party City’s slogan “Nobody has more party for less,” or Papa John’s “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza”? They’re but a few of Jordan Zimmerman’s handiwork. The former competitive bodybuilder chairs Zimmerman Advertising, one of the world’s biggest ad and marketing agencies.
At age 59, Zimmerman routinely rips through three-a-days: cardio around 3 a.m., followed by weight training and, after a full workday, pushups and another cardio session before bed. “I’ve built this empire, and I have a lot of people depending on me,” he says, justifying why he must be in the best shape possible (and at 180 pounds and 6% body fat, he is). “Anyone who doesn’t use that as fuel isn’t doing what’s best for those people.”
Zimmerman’s Over-40 Training Tips
1. GET UP EARLIER
Zimmerman’s pre-dawn workouts allow him to train without distractions or interruptions. “At that time of day, the world is yours,” he says.
2. PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH
“You’re cheating yourself and your family if you don’t,” he says. A suggestion for beginners: “Check your body fat and weight when you start.”
3. GO LIGHT
If you’re over 40, there’s no need to push heavy weights to build muscle. “You get just as much from lighter weights and higher reps and supersetting.”
Jordan Zimmerman is founder and chairman of Zimmerman Advertising. Follow him @JZspeaks.
