We interviewed ex body builder and outdoor enthusiast, Leigh Ibberson, to find out all about his fitness philosophy, diet and training.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Hey guys, first off thanks for inviting me to do this…
So a bit of a background on me is i am an ex amateur competitive bodybuilder turned want to be fitness adventurer.
Originally from Bath but now residing in the South West, Wells. (yes the city where Hot Fuzz was filmed)
A quirky fact is that my day job and full time position is that I restore traction steam engines (not trains like Thomas) the kind that have wheels to hold up cars on the road not tracks. I have done this since I was 14 years old as a part time job whilst still at school.
Where did your love of fitness come from?
My start in fitness was my decision to start bodybuilding and I did this for two main reasons, the first being that I was very unhappy and insecure with the way my body looked, even now this is something that drives me constantly, not because I need to look a certain way but I am someone who believes that if you don’t like something then change it!
The second reason was that I had been doing my job for a long time and I felt I needed something more to push me mentally, Most people assume bodybuilding is just lifting weights but to me it was an opportunity to learn about the physics, nutrition, chemistry, and biology of the sport it was and still is a continual learning process for me although my fitness aspirations are different now, the desire to learn about fitness/nutrition is something that will never change.
What is your nutritional / fitness philosophy?
This comes from a book I would highly recommend to anyone who cares to improve any aspect of their physique or fitness;
The World’s Fittest book – Ross Edgley
“Fitness is a journey everyone should start but no one should finish”
How do you stay motivated to train?
I follow an ethos that the goal of always trying to be a better version of me as I get older whether that means by knowledge, position, financial success, fitness or physique but we all have days where we don’t train and on those days, I turn to those that motivate me: The Rock, Cameron Haynes, David goggins, Ross Edgley or Jocko Willinck these people make me feel lazy and motivate me to get up and get after it.
What workout routine has worked best for you?
I really like push, pull and legs all finished with 20-40 minutes conditioner to finish.
If you could only ever do one exercise what would it be and why?
Clean and press, as it activates and recruits so many different muscles and can be done explosively for power/strength or slow and controlled for muscle activation to promote hypertrophy.
What is your diet like? What would a typical day of food look like?
Meal 1: 50g of protein with 100g oats and a banana
Meal 2: 200g chicken with asparagus and rice
Meal 3: 200g Chicken with rice
Meal 4: cinnamon raisin bagel with 4 eggs scrambled and 150g pineapple
Meal 5: protein shake
Meal 6: 200g mince beef with taco mix flavouring and 150g rice
What are some of your favourite outdoors activities outside of the gym?
Bouldering, Trail running, Climbing, Cycling, Mountain Biking
What do you find most challenging about training?
Being able to find the time I would like to whilst prioritising that alongside the other important aspects of my life
Do you take any sports supplementation to support your goals?
The supplements I take are more aimed at overall health and wellbeing and support my diet choices and the below are actually something I would highly recommend most people look into as they cover the base of the body’s requirements and support the immune system and brain function.
- A multi vitamin
- 4000iu vitamin D3,
- Omegas
- A pre workout occasionally for the pump
What is your favourite mountain you’ve walked / climbed?
Tryfan North face.
Do you have cheat meals? If so, what is your ultimate cheat meal?
2 x sugar hot waffles with 2 different flavoured scoops of ben and jerrys with chocolate sauce on top
We saw you did tough mudder last year, what was your favourite and least favourite obstacle?
(Arctic Enema was our favourite!)
To be honest I enjoyed all of it even the shocker at the end, even when I stacked it.
Who are your heroes / sources of inspiration?
Ross edgley and his book were the reason I changed my view that strength and endurance can co exist together.
My Mum as she raised my sister and I alone and I credit my work ethic to her.
Nimsdai The Man, The Myth, The legend his project possibly inspired all of us who climb mountains and redefined what we all thought was possible.
We were so impressed to read about your fundraiser Cycling from Bristol to Paris for Beads of Courage UK
What inspired this and how have you been training?
The Inspiration came from the little girl phoebe who is fighting for her wellness and being a warrior through her chemo that is inspiration enough to fuel me to accomplish anything to help her, She is the true warrior here I enjoy fitness and enjoy its benefits so the ride is just me trying to help raise awareness for a charity that are helping children like her fight cancer
Beads of courage have been fantastic in helping her and I hope we can help them to continue their work.
Currently I try to fit in 2-3 rides a week that total up 100-150miles to help get the endurance in my legs, alongside my normal weights session 3 times a week.
Check out Leigh and the teams fundraising page to help them raise awareness be sharing on social media, or by making a donation to Beads of Courage.
Follow Leigh on Instagram @leigh_ibberson for more fitness motivation and outdoor adventures.
