Mick Fanning: Yoga helped me overcome a major health challenge

Mick Fanning has revealed the health condition that has plagued him, and what exercise he did to overcome it.

When did you first start practising yoga?

I was really young. It was probably 20 years ago.

I actually have scoliosis so yoga was something that really helped with obviously strengthening the core but also lengthening muscles while strengthening them, so it’s something I’ve done over the years.

Professional surfer Mick Fanning. Picture: Richard Dobson

Pilates felt like the next level to yoga, which has been awesome. It’s just a good way to keep the body moving.

On strenuous days people forget you’ve got to stretch, everyone just goes to the gym and lifts weights most of the time.

Yoga, pilates and tone is something I’ve used throughout my career.

What made you want to sign on as the face of FS8 Training (yoga, pilates and tone)?

The guys at F45 reached out in the early stages when they started putting all the plans together for it and, for me, it’s a great fit because it’s something I do anyway.

I’m not one to just sit in a room and hum and Namaste all the time.

I like to get in and get the workout done and get back to the beach, mostly.

That’s the beauty of FS8, you’re in here for 45 minutes and then you’re back out doing what you love.

Mick Fanning.

I’m always looking at businesses, too, it’s the entrepreneur in me.

Buying the Byron Bay franchise was something that came together when we were talking about plans and Byron is one of those places where I think it’ll do really well.

What inspired the decision to come out of retirement for the World Surf League leg in Narrabeen?

I had opportunities for wildcards before COVID hit; I was going to do the event at Bells Beach this year, but obviously with restrictions in Victoria that got cancelled.

So I was getting ready for an event and I just wanted to throw my hat into the ring one more time.

There was no deep or burning desire to get back on tour; it was just that one-off, just a challenge really to see where I’m at.

Mick Fanning. Picture: Richard Dobson

Was a future in surfing on the cards when you retired from the tour in 2018?

I actually really enjoyed not challenging myself when I retired, but over the last year I had knee surgery and it sort of gave me a really good goal to work towards to get my knee back to 100 per cent and at the end of it I got to challenge myself against the world’s best surfers.

You welcomed son Xander in August. How are finding life as a new dad?

I love it. It’s so much fun.

Each and every day, even on the hard days, it’s fun.

It’s just awesome seeing a little one evolve.

The Gold Coast is always busy so there’s always people around.

Surfer Mick Fanning with partner Breeana and baby Xander.

Is there more surfing ahead in future?

I couldn’t tell you.

When I left I didn’t have a huge burning desire, I sort of lost that fire, actually.

Who knows; it might spark something, but I’m happy being at home and I’m happy just hanging with the family.