My Fitness Essentials: Matt Prior
I like to train three or four times a week. I do a mixture of cardio, HIIT and strength training. Since stopping training at a professional level, it’s so important for me to maintain a level of fitness for my physical and mental health, and I now like to mix up the ways in which I train more. I do a mix of indoor and outdoor training. I’m a member at South Lodge in Sussex which is great at keeping me feeling motivated. I also love to just be out in the countryside. I’m lucky enough to be in the perfect area for this, and if my day feels too intense to also get to the gym, I just get my trainers on and head out of the house.
I use a simple black Stubble & Co rucksack as my gym bag. It’s pretty minimal and just has the essentials that I really need, so it can double up as a work or travel bag when needed. I’m based in Sussex, so I spend my life in my car, which means my gym kit (and the rest) is in my boot. From years of carting kit around for cricket tours and matches, I love that I can now just carry around the essentials in a manageable, simple-looking rucksack. It’s waterproof, but for me the key attributes are that it’s durable and can squeeze loads in.
Now I am up in London regularly for meetings I am really getting my steps in too. I just want to ensure I am moving my body in some way each day, but I also don’t underestimate the importance of a rest day. Recovery is key!
My workout kit is all Over + Above of course. The ProPrio Performance Short Sleeve Top and Half Tights are my go-to. When I’m doing longer runs outside, I add in the Calf Sleeves or Full Tights. The kit is available in black and white, and I tend to prefer the black for the top and tights, and the white for the sleeves.
I like Nike's Alphafly trainers for running. They are hugely effective, and I’ve been loyal to them for years. For work, and more casually, I love a simple white leather trainer like an Axel Arigato.
For training, I like the Apple AirPods Pro 2. I’m an Apple man through and through, and these have noise cancellation, great sound quality and are comfortable. My son Johnny has put a workout playlist together for me because I can’t do podcasts whilst training. It’s got the likes of Central Cee and AJ Tracey on because I need high energy and good vibes to keep me motivated and focused while running. Though if I’m running outside, I prefer to not have anything in my ears and enjoy the countryside.
I stick to the same simple grooming routine day in and day out. I am trying to get more into the skincare thing, and I know the importance of a good SPF from years spent on the cricket field. I was recently introduced to the Curaprox toothbrush and toothpaste and have become a mega-fan (I have their travel set in my gym bag). I also use Penhaligon’s aftershave and a Kiehl’s moisturiser. I like the Acqua di Parma beard serum because it’s not too oily. I’m definitely a shower over bath man, and I rate the Aesop shower gels. Although, after a big run or weights session, there’s nothing better for the body than a hot Epsom salt bath – it’s the best for muscle and body relaxation, and helps sleep, which is always the goal for the best post training recovery.
I am never without my Apple watch. I rely on it so much from a training and health perspective. Recently, I’ve really got into the Runna app – the tailored training plans are great for helping push me to the next goal.
We created an Over+Above water bottle for a previous run club event and this continues to be my go-to. I fill mine with Humantra electrolytes before and after a run. While working I have a big Chilly’s bottle that I keep on my desk or in my rucksack. I’ve recently discovered STYRKR nutrition, and the recovery bars are great. I will also use Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout if I know it’s going to be a particularly tough session, and Form Performance Protein in a shake post-workout. Clif Bars keep me going too, but I’m also always snacking on fruit and nuts.
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