Name
Steve Dowse

Status

Elite Gym Athlete

DOB
June/1972

Location
Burnham (Berkshire)

Qualifications
BA Hons in Sport Management
Personal Trainer - Level 4
Paul CHEK Golf Biomechanic & Exercise Coach
Nutritional Therapist
Pilates Instructor
Boxercise Instructor
NLP Master Practitioner

Achievements
Former semi-pro footballer
Rated 3rd fittest PT in 2008
Guiness Book of records holder

Ultimate Gym Athlete Winner 2009

Gym
Have my own studio and company: Definition Lifestyle & Fitness

Events

15

On X-Training...

How long have you been X-Training?
Off and on 7 years. Had a 2 year break between 2007 and 2009.

Why do you find X-Training so exciting?
In my line of work it's difficult at the moment to train for triathlon...although I will be doing my first duathlon in October! X-Training for me works perfectly as I have no problem in working hard in the gym and it's so much more convenient and accessible. There's no better feeling when you've had a brutal session which has gone to plan and the feeling of euphoria is indescribable. if the competition race goes the same way then that feeling only expands into something huge...at this stage in my life X-Training is the ultimate buzz challenging you to be the ultimate gym athlete pushing you to the extreme and beyond...if you're tough enough then there's nothing else like it!

Do you teach X-Training to your clients?
Yes I do with some clients...depending on their needs and goals.

What are their views on X-Training?
I've never had any objections as of yet! They enjoy it as it's varied and challenging whilst they do find it extremely hard!!!Don't we all???

Who has been your biggest influence in X-Training?
In my early years no doubt it was Paul Cooper (one of the best X-Trainers ever!) - I still hear him in my head telling me to get my butt into gear if i'm comfort zoning!!!More recent times it has to be my great buddy Stuart Leng! He is an inspiration to me...even though he has never hit the heights of X-Training anytime we meet up it's the most brutal sessions ever and believe me he's never far behind! Watch this space Mr Nicholls...Stu may be after your Veterans crown ;-). He always gives fantastic advice and has helped a considerable amount of X-Trainers in his time! I also have to mention people like Gary Nicholls for his amazing consistency in the sport and he never moans or gives any excuses...he's a credit to the sport! Also Becky Nicholas and Trudi Hawskworth for being at the top for so long and still taking part whenothers have disappeared off the radar!

How often do you train?
5 times a week - but a couple of days are normally double sessions.

What is your favourite exercise?
If you're talking about within a competition...none of them! They all hurt in some way!That's the idea though...isn't it??? Individually I don't have a particular one although I never mind doing A-Squats but I couldn't say they were a favourite!

What is your favourite food for training?
I normally train mid morning so it would be breakfast which tends to be a gluten free cereal / oats with soya mik...ummm lovely you're thinking!!!Afterwards a goodness shake and a banana...always without fail!

What is your ambition in X-Training?
Well it's taken a little time but I knew I had the potential to challenge for the top 3 places and it's now happening...so my ambition is to be in the top 3 every time! I've won a competition so it's not that anymore...I feel I am up against truly some of the fittest gym athletes in the country and if I'm challenging them then that can only be good!

What exercise secret would you give a newcomer to X-Training?
In X-Training there is no secret as such...TRAIN HARD...OR DON'T TRAIN AT ALL! You've got to be as mentally tough as you are physically so it's knowing that you can take yourself way past the limit to gain the rewards that you want! Richard Vint is now currently the top man in this sport and you won't be finding him lowering the level of his intensity of his sessions! Keep them varied and challenging and always monitor your progress!

What is your favourite film?
Too difficult to answer...heres a few:
Jaws
Aliens
The Godfather
Goodfellas
Die Hard
The Dark Knight
and definitely The Empire Strikes Back!

What is your favourite action/drama film?
Jaws
Aliens
The Godfather
Goodfellas
Die Hard
and definitely The Empire Strikes Back!

If you could invite 3 people to dinner from all of history, who would they be?
Jack Nicholson / Michelle Pfeiffer and Yoda!

Who is your comedy hero?
Peter Kay

What is your favourite book or magazine?
Don't have particular favourite in either - quite like biography's. My problem with reading is that it sends me to sleep too quickly!!!

Did you excel at sport at school and if yes, what sport?
Yes - Football and Rugby for team sports! Individual sports Badminton and snooker...is that a sport nowadays???

Do you compete in any other sport?
Only outdoor cycling and running i.e. 10ks / half and full marathons.

Have you competed in any other sport in the past?
Kick Boxing

How often do you rest?
Twice a week

Do you suffer many injuries?
No not normally...I make sure I stretch and have massage consistently as I'm not getting any younger!

Have you ever parachuted (sky dived tandem or solo) out of a plane. Would you?
No and possibly

What is the one sport you have never taken part in but would have loved to have excelled in?
I'm not a bad swimmer but would of loved to of been able to swim the butterfly...if done correctly then it's very gracious and powerful at the same time!

If you could meet anyone in sport, past or present, who would it be?
My football hero...Kenny Dalglish!

Did you ever see the footie match in the film Kes?
Yes - Brian Glover - he's harder than Stuart Leng!!!

What was the last CD you bought?
I'm more of an i-tunes man nowadays...so it was something dancey i.e. Positiva presents or Oakenfold Anthems

What radio station do you listen to?
Normally if any Talksport

Who is your favourite radio DJ?
Well if it's comercial DJ's - then no one in particular...back in the day I would of said Chris Tarrant. Music DJ would be Paul Oakenfold

What is your fave album of all time?
Difficult to answer...maybe a tie between anything Michael Jackson or the Prodigy! Yes both similar styles of music!

What is your fave TV show?
Only Fools and Horses and Fawlty Towers! Also loved Big Train!

Do you watch soaps?
No

Are you a 'biggest baddest TV with the flattest screen Dolby surround sound is the best' kinda person?
Yes

What sport shows do you watch?
Skysports - football etc
Skysports news
Liverpool FC TV
Sometimes Match of the Day