Raising money through a physical challenge is a great life experience– it helps me through difficult moments, knowing we can make a difference in someone else’s life. Our successful Laureus Challenge in Africa to raise money for the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation, the charity arm of Richemont Group, pre-Covid raised nearly US$500,000. We want to replicate that success in the UAE.
This year, the Laureus Challenge takes us to the United Arab Emirates; arranging a challenge for 100 people to trek 100km in four days across the deserts of the UAE is no easy feat. The UAE has been wonderful to work with, helping ease the pressure of complex logistics. The recruiting and organising have kept me extremely busy.
Finding the time to train has been challenging. I have been London-based during Hong Kong’s strict covid rules, as my daughter is at boarding school here. I had forgotten how spoiled I was in Hong Kong, having access to the vast network of mountainous trails on my doorstep.
Training in a cold London park is much less enjoyable. I finally found my rhythm at a local gym in London at Hit and Run classes with Charlie "Boy" Peters and Alex Lawson. Hit and Run works for my attention span, and with these men, you have no choice but to give it your best. I caught up with Peters to ask about his Thai pro boxing background, his life as a trainer, his new online fitness classes and how he is getting my two friends and me ready for the desert. For those of you that can’t attend his high-octane classes in person, sign up for the online program and reap the benefits of his knowledge and expertise.
How did you get into Thai boxing?
I started MuayThai at 17 after having to finish playing club rugby because of work commitments. I instantly got hooked on training every day and focused more on the sport. First, it started as fun, and then it got serious.
How did you end up in Thailand?
I ended up in Thailand four years after starting, where the sport originated. It was a no-brainer if I wanted to improve and become top of my game. [We trained] six hours a day over six days a week, live, breathe and sleep Muay Thai. This was also where I won my first world title at the age of 21. After that, I won another two world titles and defended one of those five times throughout my career. After 13 years, I became UK number one and beat an English fighter who hadn't been beaten by another countryman in 13 years.
When did you get into training people?
I returned from Thailand and went back to my old career as a hairdresser and stylist for Toni&Guy. But a year later, my coach offered me a teacher's position alongside him at the gym. Here, I got to focus on my craft every day. I also got to train people one-to-one for general fitness of fight preparation and teach classes from beginners to advance. I have always enjoyed teaching people and group classes. I am a people person who loves having fun and enjoying the people around me.
I heard you also trained climbing sensation, Adriana Brownlee. Did she do the same training sessions we do?
Indeed I had the pleasure. Adri came to a street work out of mine during lockdown. I had a company during that time that offered online fitness sessions via Instagram, which then evolved into outdoor group sessions working with Covid restrictions. It was a great way to get the community and like-minded people together. It’s very similar to what I am doing now with my new company Charlie's Training. Here we focus on community programming for a gym environment and a bi-weekly group community run around London.
Can you see the benefits of being fit in your clients' daily lives?
Absolutely! It's one of the best things people can do. Nothing bad has come from someone being fit, and it has only had amazing results. There is nothing better than feeling fit and strong.
Any last-minute pearls of wisdom for the women you have been training ahead of the desert 100km challenge?
I have complete faith that you girls will absolutely smash it. It's just like a giant long walk around Hyde park but in a very warm sauna with lots of clothes on. You will be fine!
Tell us about your new online training app and how we can participate in your sessions remotely. I’m sure you will have lots of people wanting to do this.
My online platform is for anyone and everyone who wants to improve their fitness. [It’s ideal for] those who don’t know what to do in the gym but want to get stronger and fitter and want to follow a programme and have discipline and structure within training. It is a monthly subscription for a year-long programme!
Everything can be found on the website or via my Instagram account.
Also see: Pilates helped Annabelle Bond get her six-pack back- here's how