Vincent Ng loves his junk food as much as we do, not that you can tell from his abs

Vincent Ng indulges in prata, chips and ice cream and he actually loves them a little too much.

But could you tell?

Honestly, we were shocked because judging from his ripped physique at 43, one might think that he doesn't even have a cheat day.

In a phone interview with AsiaOne on Tuesday (July 16), he said: "I need motivation (to diet) because I eat a lot of junk food. My control has been much better compared to when I was younger.

"In my 20s, I didn't care about my diet and I ate everything."

The wushu champion and former competitive athlete also revealed his soft spot for durians. 

He confessed: "I'm a lover of durians.

"Recently, I ate a bit of durians but that means that I just work harder the next day (to burn the calories)."

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While he has been synonymous with having washboard abs that would put most people in their 40s to shame, Vincent doesn't think of himself as perfect and confessed to losing his tight bod when life took over last year after he had a baby with his wife, Mei Ling.

"(I accumulated fats) when I didn't work out and kept eating. I had a lot of commitments and I had a one-month old baby. I started focusing more on my family.

"I didn't have proper sleep for that first few months too. I still had abs but it wasn't sculpted.

"Over time, I lost muscle mass so people said I lost weight," he recounted.

He may not be perfect, but we're willing to bet a pretty penny that Vincent's body on a bad day is better than most of ours on our best days.

RETURNING TO HIS ACTING ROOTS

The former actor also revealed that he will be starring in a production soon. Yes, we will see his return to acting and it's something that fans have asked him about before.

He declined to provide more details about the project, except that it's an action piece and he will start filming soon for one month.

To prepare for the role, Vincent is going back to basics and focusing more on wushu practice to increase his stamina and flexibility.

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, he can also be found doing weights training in the gym that he opened with ex-national athlete and singer, 37-year-old Alfred Sim.

SETTING UP MAST FITNESS

Called MAST (Martial Arts Strength Training) Fitness, the 6,000 sq ft fitness compound at Joo Chiat was set up around three months ago and houses Wufang Singapore - Vincent's wushu school - as well.

He told AsiaOne: "People keep asking me about fitness training and how I keep my body fit. I thought it was time to start the gym to share my healthy lifestyle with others."

Alfred, an athletics coach, added: "Both Vincent and I have similar backgrounds as ex-national athletes. It (MAST Gym) started with a casual conversation that speed and strength training is essential for most sports in Singapore.

"And we saw this opportunity to work together for his wushu athletes.

"We both see the need for speed, strength and conditioning especially in the elite competitive level. This is a passion that both of us have, to help local athletes to achieve higher sporting abilities."

Aside from athletes, Vincent also mentioned that the gym will appeal to students who are interested in combative sports and working adults who are interested in getting physical.

What about beginners then?

They've got it covered because Vincent hopes to build a community with MAST Gym that will be "supporting and encouraging" to those who are pursuing their fitness goals.

When asked if he had any tips or advice to dish for those who have difficulties achieving their fitness goals, he said: "There are many reasons why people don't work out, whether it's time or they feel intimidated.

"Find a motivation to exercise, for example you can pick up a sport that you like. If you've never worked out before or are feeling insecure about yourself, find a workout buddy."

"Otherwise, they can come find me!" he added with a laugh.

OTHER CELEBRITIES OVER 40 WHO ARE ROCKING SOME SERIOUSLY HOT BODS

It's an open secret that it gets harder to lose weight or maintain one's physique as you age. 

But what exactly is the secret?

AsiaOne spoke to three celebrities (who have crossed the big 4-0) to find out how they're keeping it tight.

1. ALLAN WU, ACTOR-HOST, 47

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What's your fitness goal and how has it changed with time?

My fitness goals have changed quite a bit over time. When I was younger, I would attack my workouts with reckless abandon and think I could never be injured or hurt. However, age and experience have taught me that we are only bestowed with a finite amount of cartilage, tendon, ligaments, and other soft connective tissue which will eventually (and ultimately) deteriorate or erode over time. Therefore, I have learned to not only still work out hard but work out smart.

What's a typical workout like for you?

I like to basically rotate around three different forms of exercise now, which are running, swimming, and lifting weights. I do the running and swimming to focus on my cardiovascular conditioning and then I go to the gym to maintain muscle mass.

Aside from exercising, what other physical activities do you engage in to keep fit?

If possible, I like to walk as much as I can plus I like to take my kids out to play basketball when they are free. On occasion, I will play tennis or beach volleyball with my friends. I really enjoy snowboarding when I can, but that is very seasonal.

What's your diet like?

I don't really have a strict diet although I do tend to eat less carbs now unless I am indulging in pizza or pasta. However, I do make an effort to drink lots of fluids and consume less in the evening when we generally are not as active.

Any cheat foods that you indulge in?

I love Ben & Jerry's ice cream so I enjoy treating myself to a pint from time to time.

2. BOBBY TONELLI, ACTOR-HOST, 43

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What's your fitness goal and how has it changed with time?

When you're younger, you want to be as big as possible and really muscular. Then, you realise that over time, it's hard to maintain that all the time. And when you don't maintain it, you can start looking flabby.

For me it's just all about staying lean, healthy and trying to keep my stomach as flat as possible. And if I can get that six-pack out once in a while for a photoshoot, fantastic. But really it's just about maintaining a good physique that I can still look good in clothes and if I go to the beach, I won't have that 'dad bod'.

What's a typical workout like for you?

A lot of weight training. I don't go too heavy all the time; once in a while I'll push myself to sort of push my muscle growth a little bit more and to add a spark to the workout. If you keep doing the same thing over and over again, your muscles get used to the workout style so I try to lift heavy once in a while.

I like to do a lot of cross-training. Mixing and matching different muscle groups together to sort of keep the body guessing.

Aside from exercising, what other physical activities do you engage in to keep fit?

I cycle and do a little bit of mountain biking. I love that, it's just a nice way for me to get away from everything. On a bike, it's just you and that bike. Whatever hill you attack, whatever downhill you're at, it's just you, the machine and it's about your physical condition.

Any cheat foods that you indulge in?

I try to stay to a keto diet as much as I can. There are times where I do deviate from that because it's not easy to maintain all the time. But I do stick to a very low carbohydrate, high protein, higher fat diet. I try to eat avocados, hard cheeses, good quality oils and nuts like almonds and cashews.

Ahh, I love my chocolate chip cookies. I do love bread. I love bread so much, especially good Italian bread or french bread. Desserts-wise, I'm not a big candy person... but man, a good chocolate chip cookie - you can't beat those.

3. JAIME TEO, ACTRESS-HOST, 42

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Do you find that it's harder to maintain your fitness regime as you get older?

Actually I only started exercising from 2015 when I was 38. I think it has gotten easier for me to maintain a fitness regime because I realise that keeping fit is not an option - it is a necessity as we get older, to live life to the fullest!

How often do you work out to maintain your physique?

I generally try to get three days of intensive cardio in (usually squash!) and three days of other workouts that range from 12-minute to 30-minute HIIT (high intensity interval training) or strengthening workouts at home. I have one rest day!

What's a typical workout like for you?

I like to mix things up cause I like trying new things plus the body gets used to one exercise if it's all you do! But the strengthening exercises I do are the stuff we used to do at PE (physical education) in school because they work!

What's your diet like?

Well... I believe in not going hungry but also in not being too full. I think we've been given upsized portions of food all our lives and should learn to eat the correct portions. That allows me to eat whatever I want but in moderation.

Any cheat food that you indulge in?

I have a weakness for fried foods and dessert and durians so if I overeat, I will skip the next meal. Knowing the calorie count of foods you eat is helpful but eating healthily (I'm still working on that) is best!

bryanlim@asiaone.com