Reboot for men in midlife
Creating community is the answer for helping men in midlife reclaim health and purpose.
Midlife is supposed to be the time when years of effort has paid off and the wheels of life are nicely oiled and spinning smoothly. For many men, though, it feels more like the wheels are falling off.
Between the ages of 40 and 60, the pressure on men to succeed at work, be a reliable partner and parent, manage finances in tough economic times, and maintain health, all collide, creating a perfect storm of stress and overwhelm. Mental and physical health deteriorate, stress becomes chronic, energy dips, waistlines expand, sleep becomes elusive, and motivation takes a hit. These changes can quietly chip away at confidence, purpose, and even identity.
“When you look at middle-aged men, we’ve got massive problems with health and fitness,” says Christchurch fitness professional Bevan James Eyles.
“A few months ago, I went to a 50th birthday and I’d say 80 per cent of the guys in that room were holding probably 20 to 30 kilos too much weight. Most of them looked older than their age, there were obviously bigger health problems around these men,” says Bevan, himself a three-time New Zealand Fitness Instructor of the Year.
“There are a few reasons why. It’s a busy time in life, career and family take over,” says Bevan. “Men aren’t really looking after either their mental or their physical health. If you look at menopause for women, so many people are trying to help females at that age. From medication through to support groups through to fitness groups, but middle-aged men are kind of left alone.”
Recognising this widespread struggle, Bevan has developed the Fitness Rebirth Academy, a dedicated six-month journey designed specifically for men navigating midlife challenges. “This isn’t a quick fix,” Bevan explains. “It’s about creating sustainable habits that rebuild health, mindset, and motivation step by step.”
The programme begins gently with achievable daily movement and self-care goals, respecting the fact that most participants are juggling packed schedules.
Then it gradually introduces practical stress management techniques, nutrition advice tailored to real life, and strategies to improve sleep quality.
“We start simple, small changes that build over time,” Bevan explains. “The first month focuses on movement, daily planning, and carving out just one hour a week to work on yourself.”
More than just physical change, Rebirth fosters community. Held in Christchurch with weekly in-person group workouts and honest, often emotional group conversations, Rebirth is as much about camaraderie as it is about cardio, allowing men to share struggles, wins, and build accountability.
“The real magic happens when the guys start feeling in control again,” says Bevan. “They’re sleeping better, handling stress, moving consistently. One participant’s wife told me, ‘I feel like I’ve got my husband back.’”
The results? “We’ve had men lose 10 to 15kg, give up daily drinking, rediscover energy and purpose. More than anything, they just feel like better versions of themselves,” Bevan says.
“Ultimately, it’s about helping guys realign with the version of themselves they want to be.”
To find out more go to fitnessrebirthacademy.com.
Men’s health in New Zealand: Did you know?
- Kiwi men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide. In 2020 alone, men accounted for 72 per cent of suicides. Additionally, Māori and Pasifika had higher rates than any other ethnicities.
- Men are 20% more likely to die from heart disease and twice as likely to be injured at work.
- Each year, 4000 Kiwi men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, with around 700 fatalities.
- Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in Kiwi men aged 18-39 (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). About 150 men are diagnosed with it each year, with 7-10 of those cases turning fatal.
