HEALTH MATTERS Top ways to live a healthier life
This week, we help you tackle sensitive teeth, highlight a scheme to combat loneliness and chat to Gladiators star Hunter about being fit at 40-plus…
If you were a fan of Saturday night TV in the 1990s, then you’ll already know James Crossley – although you’re probably more acquainted with his alter ego Hunter, taking on members of the public in physical challenges for ITV’s hit show Gladiators.
It’s been over 20 years since he stepped out of the arena, but the 48-year-old strength and conditioning coach, who also teaches yoga, is still spurring people on. This time, though, he’s on their side, educating and engaging the over-40s through his Fit At 40 plan – which shows customers how to take control of their health and fitness goals.
We caught up with James to find out more about his life of fitness…
How did you get into bodybuilding?
“When I was 12, I saw the first three Rocky films in a six-hour bonanza. It basically brainwashed me! I wasn’t allowed to try boxing, but I got a small set of weights for Christmas that year and did my first bodybuilding show at 15. I’ve listened to the Rocky IV soundtrack during every workout for 35 years.”
How did you train for Gladiators?
“I needed to become an athlete rather than a bodybuilder and the games were also very specific. I re-created every event with similar movement patterns using the same muscle groups. I was pushing cars around a car park, climbing indoor walls with weighted backpacks and boxing with my feet tied together. I played a lot of badminton and squash to get speed along with fast feet. I also kept the weights up and sprint training. “I took it very seriously, training twice a day for eight weeks prior to filming.”
What led you to yoga?
“After Gladiators, I did Strongman [in which competitors carry out a variety of tasks using their pure strength]. I loved it, but I was never the right body type – I ate like a bodybuilder as my body didn’t feel good with the caloriepacked Strongman diet. I picked up lots of injuries so I decided it was time to make a change. I started yoga during Gladiators, so I had always done it.”
What is your current workout regime?
“I do yoga three to four times a week and weights two to three times a week, which is a push and pull workout. I’m using much lighter weights and go for the feel and squeeze now. Exercises are done at a slow tempo, rests are short and workouts are dense. I also add a little boxing and conditioning.”
What are the best beginner yoga poses?
“Lizard lunge, half splits and pyramid are great postures. They’re beneficial to open the hip flexors and hamstrings, which can get tight, especially in men.”
Do you have any regrets about pushing your body so much?
“I held the world record for the Dinnie Stones [he lifted the two giant rocks for 34.58 seconds] and I decided to go for a record in 2020 with a heavier set called the Nicol Stones. I got the record, but both my wrist bones moved 4mm [around 1⁄8in] in the process. I have to constantly strap them up now. I should have stopped after the Dinnie lift!”
What’s your diet like?
“I’m a rainbow eater and try to keep my plate as colourful as possible. I don’t eat lots, but I do eat quite often. My
favourite protein source is salmon. I’m not big on red meat. I’ve never counted calories and I read my body by how much activity I do. I drink at least three litres of water a day and I also take vitamin C and zinc with a daily greens powder.”
What lessons did lockdown teach you?
“I tried to upskill and keep as busy as possible. I got my vinyasa and yin [yoga] qualifications, along with another strength and conditioning qualification, and I played a variety of instruments up to three hours a day. It’s been quite hard to get out of lockdown habits and I still don’t socialise that much. I can be very content with just my two dogs.”
Does exercise affect your mental health?
“I need to be active every day and if I have a few days off, I can get quite irritable. I built a gym in my garden over lockdown, which was a lifesaver. I wasn’t working much, so having a routine was very important. For me, endorphins trigger a much more positive state of mind.”
Do you use any mindfulness techniques?
“I teach gong baths, which is a meditation with sound and vibrations. You can feel completely weightless in a session and every bath is completely different. A session can lead to reduced anxiety, tension and stress.”