YOUR BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS TRAINER

"THIS STYLE OF TRAINING MEANS I'M MORE ABLE TO APPLY MY STRENGTH IN THE REAL WORLD"

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One month, he could be navigating white-water rapids in the Russian Far East; the next, trekking through dense South American jungle, in search of undiscovered worlds. For such uniquely physical job requirements, Steve Backshall MBE – who you might recognise from our June 2021 issue – can’t rely on pec pumps and bicep curls to get in shape.

Last time MF featured Backshall, he was the ripe young age of 48, but now in his 50th year, he’s more aware than ever of the need to exercise in a way that allows him to do what he does for as long as possible.

Since 2010, he’s worked closely with James Griffiths, founder of do-it-all gym Wild Training – and regular MF contributor – to tailor his training accordingly. In particular, he’s ditched heavy weight lifting for a more bodyweight-focused approach. “James and I created a programme that could be performed anytime, anywhere,” says Backshall. “I travel so much with work that I need a completely adaptable routine.”

As a result, Olympic rings and TRX straps have become cornerstone pieces of kit, taken with him to all corners of the globe: “This year alone, I’ve used my rings on board a diving boat in the Pacific Ocean and deep in the Arctic Circle. They’re all about grip strength and hauling your own bodyweight around – which is what it’s like when you’re rock climbing, or paddling, or simply carrying big loads. That kind of functional strength is just so valuable for me.”

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