One of the favourites for the UK’s Strongest Man competition visited St Albans ahead of the contest’s debut in the city this weekend.
Phil Roberts stopped by health food café HIIT Kitchen to sample some of their protein-rich food and speak to the Herts Advertiser about being a strongman and the tournament.
“It’s the highlight of the year for me,” the former police officer said. “With the TV recognition and it’s very big title to have and it’s entertaining being with other people.
“If people are screaming and shouting at you, it’s just more added pressure. It’s like being sat in a café, you enjoy the start when it’s a bit quiet, but then the business gets going it’s exciting. It’s exciting in a different way to the start.”
Phil has always sought to better himself. He started competing six years ago and began appearing in televised tournaments two years ago.
But, he added, the way to get better as a weightlifter is to carry on what you are doing and stick to a routine, but also add and improve elements such as nutrition and training and look at how to be that little bit better.
Competition founder and five-time winner Glenn Roberts said: “Phil is not only very powerful, he is good at lifting and is very nimble.
“Filling ourselves with the right food is very important. It’s why you see strongmen in places like the HIIT Kitchen.
“It’s a seven-day-a-week lifestyle. From first thing you get in the morning, you have to make sure you get eight or nine hours sleep as that’s when your muscles are repairing.
“Carbohydrates are very important and so is your protein intake. Lots of greens to oxygenate your body and the more oxygen you have in your body the quicker you recover, and meat.
“Some guys can eat up to three kilos of meat a day depending on height and weight.
“At your full peak, you’ll be training six days a week.”
Phil and Glenn also stopped by St Albans fire station to meet members of Herts Fire & Rescue and tow a fire engine.
UK’s Strongest Man will be held at Abbey View sports facility between Friday July 27 and Sunday July 29 and broadcast on Channel 5, with the final taking place on Sunday. Tickets are priced between £18 and £83.
To find out more, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/uks-strongest-man-2018-tickets-42627050656
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