Photo Credit: RUN 4 FFWPU via www.pexels.com
When it comes to fitness, elite athletes don’t just train hard — they train smart. We’ve looked at five of Britain’s top sporting names to see what they do differently, and what we can all take from their routines.
1) Maro Itoje: Keep It Simple, Do It Well
You’ll know him for playing rugby on TV, as England’s and the British & Irish Lions’ latest captain. But Maro Itoje doesn’t mess about with trends. In his words, it’s all about “core compound lifts” — basic movements done properly.
He breaks his training into upper, lower, and full-body sessions, and balances it out with recovery tools like saunas, massage guns, and solid sleep. His approach is a reminder that consistency beats complexity.
2) Mo Farah: Stick To Your Routine
Long-distance running takes stamina, but Farah’s biggest asset has always been discipline. He trains early, eats clean, and rarely strays from routine, proving that long-term progress comes from showing up, even when motivation dips.
Even when he’s off-season, he keeps to a routine, a habit he says helps him stay sharp physically and mentally.
3) Jessica Ennis-Hill: Prioritise All-Round Strength
As a former heptathlete, Ennis-Hill’s training was all about balance. These days, through her app Jennis, she shares short, accessible workouts built around mobility, core strength, and functional movement.
Her focus? She’s an advocate for strength training that fits around real life and training that supports women’s health long-term, not just chasing quick results.
4) Dina Asher-Smith: Build Power Without the Bulk
Sprinter Dina Asher-Smith trains for speed and explosiveness, not size. It’s a useful reminder that strength doesn’t always mean bulk. Her training includes sprint drills, heavy lifts, and resistance bands.
She’s also spoken about how she eats to fuel performance during season, which is a healthier way to look at nutrition.
5) Tom Daley: Don’t Overlook Recovery
Daley’s diving career has always depended on precision, flexibility, and control. He’s big on core strength and stretching and just as focused on recovery.
He’s shared routines that include Pilates-style moves, mindfulness, and consistency over intensity. A strong body starts with a calm, well-rested mind.
Conclusion
Each of these athletes has a different focus, but they all build their fitness on simple, consistent habits, proving that elite performance starts with the basics done well. Whether it’s lifting better, running smarter, or sleeping more, the lesson is the same: you don’t need to train like a pro to learn from one.