In five years’ time, I will be:
A men's physique champion, a gym owner and working with Kymira Sport developing products to help athletes achieve their goals.
Career highlights:
Every single day I get the opportunity to teach someone something new in regard to fitness, nutrition and well-being. Every single day is a career highlight.
What does your standard training week involve?
Training every muscle group twice per week for hypertrophy, teaching 2 indoor cycle classes and 2 Boot camps, playing golf once a week and getting my 15,000 steps in every day.
Where is your favourite place to train?
Body FX gym in Runcorn
What is your favourite race?
My favourite KYMIRA garment is my Training Leggings. I mainly use these during a weights session to keep my leg muscles warm and regulate my body temperature. Their comfortable and flexible fit allows maximal range of movement for lifting and the infrared technology optimises my energy expenditure during a strenuous session. I also tend to put my leggings on immediately after a race or training piece, utilising their compression component to assist with recovery and removing exercise by-products from my legs post-race.
I always race in my KYMIRA infrared ankle socks. Partly because they have become my latest “lucky socks”, but also because I love the fit of the higher ankle and supportive arch material, meaning they don’t slide down or cause friction when I’m rowing.
Another garment I really like is the PrO2 Cycle Jersey. I love to go cycling as extra cross-training and this jersey has a comfortable fit and allows you to be easily seen. The breathable fabric, alongside the infrared technology, means it’s great for warm summer rides as well as over the top of the infrared long sleeve in the winter.
What is your favourite training accessory?
Dumbbells, they’re so versatile. I use them to train every muscle group and always feature in every workout.
What has been the toughest experience in your career and what did you learn from it?
Preparing for a men's physique bodybuilding competition for 20 weeks and not getting the placing I wanted. It taught me that you need to step back and look at the bigger picture. Did I bring the best version of me on the day? The answer was yes and that's all I can control.
What is the most common training mistake you see? Any suggestions on how to avoid it?
Incorrect technique with Deadlifts, it's important to keep your technique in check with lighter weights before moving into heavier lifts. My top 3 tips are making sure your feet are directly under the barbell, brace your core and upper back to support your spine, and feel as if you're driving the ground away from you rather than pulling the weight up.
What motivates you to train harder?
Coaching my clients through tough times and watching them flourish, achieving their goals motivates me, but nothing motivates me more than watching my wife who has a heart condition that is life-threatening set targets and destroy them every time.
Describe your diet/meal plan leading up to a big event:
Strict macronutrient managed meal plan for 16-20 weeks. All meals weighed and focused around my training and recovery times.
How do you balance your training with life outside the sport?
Well, as I personal trainer I focus all my energy on getting the best out of my clients when I'm not training myself. I only truly switch off when I'm playing golf which is a fantastic way to get away from it all.
What type of nutritional supplement do you find most helpful?
Pre-workout, sometimes you just need that extra boost to get going.
