My Life In Fitness: Thibo David
My bag is meticulously organised. Everything has its designated place, carefully arranged to ensure I can grab what I need without a second's hesitation. It's all about optimising for efficiency, so I never waste a moment.
My gym bag needs to be highly durable and resistant to the type of life I lead. Great capacity is a must. It also needs to be versatile enough to adapt to my role as a father, easily switching from a gym bag to a family bag, ready for a day at the museum or the zoo.
I use a Nike Utility Elite backpack that I've had for a few years. My kids call it the ‘magic bag’ because no matter how much we try to pack into it, it always manages to close. I make full use of its many pockets and secret compartments, which help me stay organised and ready for anything, whether I’m heading to a workout or tackling a busy day.
I keep my bag pre-stocked and ready to go at all times as I’m constantly on the move, whether heading to a workout or a meeting. I keep it by my desk for easy access. One of the first things I do when I return is ‘recondition’ it, making sure it’s fully stocked and ready to go again. When I travel, I keep things simple. The only additions to my usual bag are some supplements for the duration of the trip, an ab wheel roller and a TRX. These give me great options for a solid workout on the go, no matter where I am.
Inside my bag, you'll always find my Hoka Clifton 9 running shoes, Nike running shorts, and a lacrosse massage ball for muscle relief. I keep anti-chafing cream, electrolytes and my headphones ready for any run. I also carry my laptop to stay connected with my online clients, along with my Muse meditation headset, a deodorant stick, charging cables, my running watch and a Whoop charger. I pack essentials like underwear, socks, my skincare routine pack, a scent and amino acids to fuel my day.
I work out every day. I move every day. It’s non-negotiable. I'm a big advocate of running, so it's always a core component of my routine. Depending on where I am in my running cycle, I'll alternate between road runs, track sessions and weekend long runs. These runs can range from a short 5K to a long 30K, with speed and distance varying according to my programme's requirements. On days when I don't run, I still aim to keep my step count close to or above 15,000 steps to promote active recovery. I typically avoid running on two days of the week, using that time for longer workouts, like HIIT sessions or heavier strength training.
Flexibility is key for me, especially with a demanding schedule and the varied needs of my clients. Given the time constraints, I make full use of my home gym to ensure I can fit in effective workouts without sacrificing productivity. I also enjoy incorporating stair running workouts at different locations. It's a great way to keep things dynamic and fresh while maximising the time I have.
For my runs, I wear Hoka Clifton 9s. I used to run exclusively in Nike trainers, but just before the Paris Marathon, I urgently needed to replace my shoes. I took a big bet and switched to the Clifton 9s two days before the race and it was the best decision. I won’t go back! For strength workouts, I opt for Vivobarefoot shoes or go barefoot to maintain natural foot movement. My everyday trainers are either Vivobarefoot or Nikes with a 0mm drop.
I use Bose QuietComfort headphones for my runs. They offer great sound quality and noise cancellation. For my workouts, I prefer using a speaker to keep the energy up and create a more dynamic environment. I listen to a mix of my favourites, ranging from old blues and hip-hop to artists like Black Coffee and stuff from Keinemusik. It’s a wide variety, and I choose based on my mood and the type of workout.
I like to keep things simple when it comes to grooming. I stick to a routine, and use products that I trust and ones where I can really see or feel the difference. The Clinicbe Essentials skincare range has everything I need: the Be Purified glycolic face wash, Be Hydrated moisturiser, the protective Be Happy HA serum and, of course, the all-important sun protection. Having a personalised skincare plan like this makes life much easier – it’s one less thing for me to worry about.
I shower in the morning to get going, but I love taking an evening bath as part of my recovery routine. After a tough workout, I always make time to relax, and for me nothing beats a warm bath. It’s the perfect way to soothe tired muscles and calm the mind. My favourite products for this are from The Bath Project's Sport Bath-in-a-Box. It contains Epsom salts, which are excellent for muscle relaxation, coconut oil for hydration, and an essential oil blend (black pepper, eucalyptus and peppermint) that not only helps rejuvenate muscles but also opens up the airways, making deep breathing part of the experience. It’s specifically designed to support muscle relaxation, reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery.
I love my Theragun massage gun. It’s great for preparing my legs for the next workout and aiding in muscle recovery. When I’m home, I use a big three-litre jug to stay hydrated throughout the day. When I’m on the go, I carry a refillable one-litre bottle to keep my hydration in check. I keep it simple with snacks – fruits and nuts, but no bars.
Essential amino acids are a staple. I also use creatine pre and post-workout, not just for muscle benefits but also for its brain-supporting effects. Electrolytes are also key, and I start my day with 500ml of water with a pinch of Celtic salt and two espressos.
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