At 49, fashion influencer Paul Margolin is ripped as hell. How does he do it?
By: Dan Welden
Turning 40 is often viewed as a crossroads. For some, that means a midlife crisis, and some turn to binge drinking. With our culture’s glorification of youth in fashion and media, it’s not hard to see why a lot of people fear the big 4-0. So what’s a 40-plus-year-old man supposed to do? Get in shape and own your fantastic, well-earned age! That’s what fashion influencer Paul Margolin, president of Marc Bouwer, does. At 49, he’s ripped and hot as hell. So how does he stay in such great shape? Let him tell you in his own words. —DW
Background
“Until I was 10, I was very slim. Within six months I went from slim jeans to regular fit to husky. I stayed husky and doughy until the spring of my senior year in high school. For Halloween that year I actually dressed up as the Pillsbury Doughboy. It wasn’t until I didn’t win “best dressed” in high school that I was motivated to get in shape. I honestly thought I had the best clothes and that being well dressed was all that mattered. So I picked up my first GQ and the men were beautiful. They were all in swimwear and that’s when I knew I wanted a body like that. My mother got me a membership to the Nautilus Spa in Yonkers and I would take the bus there after school. I did pushups daily and lost about 25 pounds. It doesn’t sound like much now, but after losing that weight it was the first time I ever felt sexy. It wasn’t until I was 23 that my body really started to look fit.
I went through a period in my mid 30s and early 40s where I started to get out of shape, or go in and out of shape. At one point, when I slimmed down about eight years ago, a friend looked at me and said, “You look good. I didn’t think you were coming back from that last one.” I thought it was pretty funny and I’m glad he waited to say something till after I lost the weight. The biggest change I made in my 40s was when I stopped drinking alcohol five years ago. That really impacted everything and changed my overall appearance.”
Workout
“Consistency is key! With my hectic schedule, I have to make working out part of my daily routine. So I make it a point to go to the gym every morning. I work out each body part twice a week: back and shoulders, chest, arms, legs—so I actually finish the rotation on the eighth day. I’m told I need to take rest days, but the plan seems to work for now. I don’t do cardio for the most part because I’m on the go every day and that seems to burn the calories. Although, every once in a while I add cardio—I like working up a sweat and look good wearing a wet T-shirt!”
Diet
“My diet is not specific, but I try to watch what I eat. Protein consumption is the main thing I focus on. I’m sure if I were more diligent, my body could be better. But I love bread and pasta! I even have a sweet tooth. However, it’s important not to overeat. I used to be an over-eater and still occasionally catch myself binging. But for the most part I practice self-control.”
Supplements
“Protein! Immediately following my workout I always have a protein shake—usually peanut butter. I don’t currently take any other supplements. I have taken creatine, which definitely works to bulk you up, but at the same time it bulked my face, making me look bloated.”
Motivation
“I would love to say that wellness is what motivates me, but it’s mostly vanity. However, the routine and being able to keep control of my body and health is key to my mental well-being. I like feeling sexy, I like the way I look, I like the way my clothes fit, and I like the attention.”