q & a with matt b
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats full-back Matt Blaymire is also a fully qualified personal training. Who better to take advice from? We asked Matt to guide us on how to be more active and what the benefits are.
Q. What are the benefits of being fit and healthy?
A healthy body equals a healthy mind which in turn equals a healthy soul. Normally you're happy when you're healthy. I have never heard of a poorly person that is happy - exercise and nutrition are key to being healthy and happy and making sure that you never get poorly!
Q. As a qualified personal trainer what simple exercises can people do at home to stay fit and healthy?
There are so many things that you can do to stay fit, healthy and enjoy life. Walking, jogging, running are all really simple ways of getting some exercise and even the smallest changes like leaving your car at home every once in a while and walking can make a big difference. As long as you are moving about and not sitting still then that counts as exercise - doing the housework and even gardening can burn calories. You just have to be active and that will lead to good health.
Q. How did you become a personal trainer and are you still doing it alongside your rugby career?
I studied hard at school and then at university and I got a degree in sport science and PE. I read a lot and gained knowledge as you would for any professional career. I wanted to put that knowledge into use so I became a personal trainer for a living before I became a professional Rugby League player. I was also fascinated by the human body and how it works and what you need to survive.
Health and fitness are crucial to leading a long and enjoyable life. I have always been into sport and really enjoyed playing all kinds of different sports. My Dad used to play Rugby and I always enjoyed playing. That is probably why I became a professional Rugby League player. Sadly because I play sport full-time now I don't have the time to do personal training as well, but I still maintain a keen interest in the industry.
Q. How many times a week would you recommend someone exercises?
Easy - twice a week minimum, and even if you raise your heart rate and get oxygen flowing round your lungs that is enough. You don't have to do anything too excessive and what you can manage is all related to your age and your current level of fitness. The simple thing to remember is that you don't even need any money to exercise!
Q. What's the most important skill for Rugby League players?
There's not one skill more important than the others, you need to work on all the skills and stay fit and healthy by eating well and exercising. You need to be able to catch, pass, run and tackle and be able to do all of those skills. There is no point being able to pass if you can't tackle! You don't even have to be a big build to play Rugby League, look at some of the smallest guys in the Engage Super League, people like Rob Burrow, Sam Tomkins and Wakefield's own Sam Obst - none of them are big men and they hit as hard as the next guy.
man in the media
Scouring the articles and blogs of the past month to give you a bite size look at the rugby league media.
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