Go figure How to get a bod like Backshall’s

Diet

Backshall turned vegetarian after hitting 40 and noticing his metabolism slow down. He cut back on protein, he has said, because “I don’t need all that muscle. I need to be strong, but it’s more about power-to-weight ratio.” He starts the day with a smoothie loaded with fruit, vegetables and supplements such as spirulina. For the Men’s Health shoot he cut back on snacks, especially crisps, “massively upped” his water intake, and increased the vegetables he was eating.

Exercise

Backshall’s training regime involves cardio, from cycling and kayaking, bodyweight exercises – chin-ups are a staple, as they are particularly effective for climbing expeditions – and power work such as plyometrics (jumping and skipping) and throwing tyres. “It’s all geared towards having that explosiveness available when you need it,” he has said. “At my age, it’s one of the first things that tends to go, if you don’t work on it.” To relax, he goes on long treks or bike rides. In 2005, suffering joint problems while training for the brutal Marathon des Sables, he discovered yoga. “My mileage doubled and I’ve had no problems since,” he said.