I also think nutrition is probably the key here, but I can't offer any insights into helping someone change their diet. That's the kind of change that has to be self-motivated. I guess it's a matter of finding some programs that he will find interesting enough to explore and try out.
One thing comes to mind, based on the amount of exercise equipment you guys have: I find it's hard to develop a program myself, map it out, plan it, then do it. It's a lot easier for me to follow an existing program where someone tells me what to do; it's easier to say "It's upper body day today" instead of "what should I do today?" So I think exercise DVDs might be a good option - you can rent them from Netflix or Blockbuster, so your dad can try out different ones without a big investment. I recommend the Gilad workouts as well-rounded and requiring little or no equipment. He has an "Intervals for Men" workout that is very good--it's challenging but not totally killer, and you can modify it to suit your level of fitness. Or his boot camp. There's lots of boxing-type workouts that he might like: great exercise and he wouldn't find it too "girly" which I know puts some men off the workout DVD concept.
So maybe a specific nutrition program would work for him too, instead of trying to figure it out himself. (I mean something like Precision Nutrition, not Jenny Craig). Whether or not he lost weight on it, it's a good, balanced program that would help him be healthier. It's not complicated, just a few "rules" about when to eat what, and it comes with cookbooks and forums.
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