In X-Training my best achievement was coming second in Gorton. Academically acquiring my degree and in my life getting married to Minnette.

GNVQ in Leisure & Tourism; Sports Strand

BA Honours Degree in Sports Science with Business Studies

Why do you find X-Training so exciting?
X-Training gives me a reason and motivation to train. Before I was just going through the motions of training without a real reason or goal. Now I have something to aim for and something I am keen to improve upon.

Do you teach X-Training to your clients?
No longer teach any form of training to anyone. I only train myself!

Who has been your biggest influence in X-Training?
My first contact to X-Training was Sean from World Gym Challenge. I was looking for a new goal to work towards that was based around gym based exercises & through searching on the internet I came across the World Gym Challenge web site. I e-mailed Sean who suggested I try the Hampshire X-Training competition. I entered & shortly after I competed in my first event, a long lost pal walked up the stairs - Ben Stroud. Since that day it is fair to say that Ben has helped me enormously. Not only has he helped me with my training but he has also given up a considerable amount of time to take me through various courses in preparation for some of the X-Training event that I have already entered. He continues to help me out with my training and offer advice.

How often do you train?
My aim is to train as much as possible but I also make sure that I take one day off a week where I will do no exercise or maybe just stretch. A typical week consists of 3-4 workouts in the gym and/or a 30-35 minute run either on the treadmill or outside; 3 runs (outside, usually between 10 - 11km); 'RPM' indoor cycling class once a week & a circuits class once a week. It roughly works out that I train once or twice (if I have time) a day with one days rest a week.

What is your favourite exercise?
I enjoy running although I am not very fast. Most gym based exercises I find enjoyable and I like the fact that X-Training offers such variety. In answer to the question I like most exercises.

What is your favourite food for training?
I love most foods. To me eating is a real pleasure. From a training point of view I guess bagels and potatoes are currently my favourite training foods (good for providing energy). In general I try to eat good, clean balanced diet.
Although I do eat the occasional treat!

What is your ambition in X-Training?
To keep on improving! For the first part of this year my aim is to improve upon my base fitness. I want to step up to the open category this year but appreciate I have some serious training to do first.

What exercise secret would you give a newcomer to X-Training?
Listen to those who are more experienced than you. If you are lucky enough (like me) to know someone who is at the top end of X-Training listen to what they have to say. I have been told and believe it is good advice that the better CV base you have the more it will pay off when you compete in X-Training.

What was the last CD you bought?
One of Keane's albums & one of the Ministry of Sound compilations to train to!

What radio station do you listen to?
Either Radio 1 or Invicta FM (Kent radio station).

Who is your favourite radio DJ?
Chris Moyles (Radio 1)

What is your fave album of all time?
Their Law by The Prodigy

What is your fave TV show?
Don't really watch much TV, only the news. Watch more films than anything else.

Do you watch soaps?
No. They don't interest me in the slightest but as my Minnette (my wife) watches pretty much all of them I tend to end up seeing bits & pieces of them!

Are you a 'biggest baddest TV with the flattest screen Dolby surround sound is the best' kinda person?
Got a 42 inch plasma with surround sound set up in our lounge but would like to upgrade to a HD TV and a blue ray player...

What sport shows do you watch?
I only really watch the Olympics when it comes round although I would watch X-Training if it ever makes it to the TV!

Do you think the obesity problem in schools and the US can be controlled?
Its going to be hard to control it as it has become a big problem.

What's the one golden rule in weight management?
Be sensible with what you eat and exercise.

Do you know your BMI & BMR?
Not sure what my BMI or BMR are.

Do you know your resting and maximum heart rate?
Roughly! My true resting heart rate would be first thing in the morning & I have never taken it then. My maximum heart rate is about 190bpm although I cannot maintain that heart rate for very long.

Do you train with an HR monitor?
Any form of cardiovascular exercise including step ups I always train with an HR monitor. When performing bodyweight or any kind of resistance exercise only sometimes.

It all pays off in the end !