Take your health to a higher level

Follow our cover star’s advice to start building your best-ever body

GET BACK TO BASICS

“If you are new to training or coming back from a spell on the sidelines there’s no better option than doing bodyweight training,” says Souteyrand. “Using just your bodyweight as resistance better enables you to understand how your muscles are supposed to move, and teaches you to keep your joints aligned, your core tight and your muscles always engaged, which will lay a fantastic foundation to build upon – whether that’s more advanced bodyweight training, like TRX or kettlebells, or moving on to dumbbells, barbells and other heavier gym kit.”

MOVE LIKE A UNIT

“The only equipment I ever use is are kettlebells, TRX and resistance bands, which are basically more challenging and advanced versions of bodyweight training, in that they still require your body to move and perform as a combined unit, which isn’t the case with weights or resistance machines. I’ve never really been into heavy weights and have always preferred more functional training. And this approach really can build a lean and defined physique without overly stressing your joints and other connective tissue.”

EAT WITH YOUR HEAD

“I spend a lot of time travelling and recently spent a whole month in Italy. And I love Italian food! But my approach is simple and it’s something anyone can adopt - I eat with my brain, not with my eyes. If I have a huge bowl of pasta for lunch, I simply eat a smaller dinner, such as a chicken salad or fish and vegetables. Balance is important, but so is not allowing one big meal to turn into a big day, or big weekend or big week! And always try to eat fresh produce whenever possible - it will be higher in essential vitamins and minerals, and it’s almost impossible to overeat.”