Andy Devaney
If there’s anyone who can still make Britain break into a sweat at 73, it’s Mr Motivator. The neon-clad fitness legend has teamed up with wellness innovators Innerva as their new brand ambassador, taking aim at one of society’s biggest blind spots — healthy, active ageing.
The man behind the Lycra, Derrick Evans MBE, became a household name in the 1990s, bursting onto TV screens with his infectious energy and trademark colourful workout gear on ITV’s GMTV. Since then, Mr Motivator has never really slowed down. From fronting the NHS Change 4 Life campaign in 2009 to joining BBC HealthCheck UK Live during lockdown, he’s been the nation’s go-to source of enthusiasm for staying active — no matter your age.
Awarded an MBE in 2020 for his services to health and fitness, Evans shows no sign of easing off. This month, as he turns 73, he continues to lead from the front — streaming free live and on-demand classes, and running accessible group sessions for up to 250 people aboard Saga Cruises.
“I’m excited to start this partnership with Innerva. We share the same values and want to raise the profile of active ageing,” says Evans. “I’m living proof that movement can be medicine, especially as we get older.
Maintaining independence and dignity is only possible if we look after ourselves and stay active. Yet, despite the UK’s ageing population, older people feel neglected by government and overlooked by the fitness industry. We need to empower older adults and help them find spaces where they feel welcomed and supported, can exercise safely and connect with others.”
His message lands at a time when policymakers are finally paying attention. The Health and Social Care Committee is currently investigating how Britain can promote healthier ageing — with voices like Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty and Sir Muir Gray underscoring the critical role of physical activity in maintaining independence. Organisations such as Age UK and the Centre for Better Ageing have pointed out that older adults are often left behind by the industry’s youth-focused culture.
Evans has seen the results first-hand. “I’m passionate about what I do because I see the real difference that activity makes in people’s lives. After three weeks taking part in my classes on a cruise, I’ve watched people who relied on walking sticks throw them away.
The fitness industry has the power to help people maintain their health and independence in older age, but it needs to actively promote to this market with activities tailored to their needs rather than treating them as an afterthought.”
For Innerva, bringing Mr Motivator on board signals more than a PR move — it’s a statement of intent. The company’s mission is to transform how ageing is perceived in the fitness world, using innovative equipment and inclusive programmes to make exercise accessible for everyone, regardless of ability.
Laura Childs, Head of Marketing at Innerva, says: “We couldn’t think of a better person to represent our vision for active ageing than Mr Motivator. Still exercising every day, he is the living and breathing embodiment of what it means to age well.
With his energy and passion, we want to spearhead a new movement for active ageing across the UK, creating fun, engaging and social exercise spaces in communities across the country to serve this growing demographic and help people age well.”
From TV studios to cruise decks, Mr Motivator has spent three decades proving that movement really is medicine. And now, with Innerva in his corner, he’s on a mission to make sure no one — no matter how many candles are on their cake — gets left behind.
