Health Hacker: Cricketer Tom Curran’s ‘explosive’ training style
English cricket ace Tom Curran is now an honorary Aussie after signing a new three-year contract to play for Sydney in the Big Bash League. He tells Health Hacker Adam MacDougall how he changed up his fitness program to better suit this form of cricket.
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It’s not often an English cricketer is welcomed with open arms in Australia. But for Sydney Sixers’ star all-rounder Tom Curran, we’re willing to make an exception.
The South African-born English cricket ace is now an honorary Aussie, after all, having just signed a new three-year contract to play for Sydney in the Big Bash League. And as he happily points out, “there are worse places to spend summer”.
“I try to eat pretty healthy, and I love the fish and seafood here, and all the fresh salads,” he tells Health Hacker.
“I tend to embrace most food options, but the curries can get a bit repetitive in India — and I’ve had some teammates who have had some long nights and sore stomachs.”
The 20-over format is a different game to long-form cricket, and that means a different training regimen. And so Curran has changed up his fitness program, swapping aerobic fitness for a more explosive training style that better matches the games.
“T20 cricket is quick so it’s about preparing for that explosive 90 minutes,’” he says.
“And the training is the same. There’s not too many long runs, it’s more explosive stuff in the gym or sprints.
“That really works for me. I enjoy the gym but I don’t really like the endurance stuff that becomes more mental than physical.”
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But if cricket training has changed, it’s nothing compared to the pre- and post-match rituals.
David Boon’s 52-beer haul on a flight to London (himself breaking the 51-beer record set by Doug Walters) is an iconic part of cricket’s history. But it’s also just that – history.
“These days there’s a bit of visualisation, a bit of mediation, some yoga here and there,” Curran says.
“It really helps, especially with all the highs and lows of cricket. You finish games so late and you’re still basically ticking, you can’t sleep. Things like meditation and yoga can really help.”
FAST FACTS ON …
ACHIEVING SPORTING GOALS
1. You have to commit
“It takes up to four weeks to break bad habits,” Curran says.
“You need to find a way to push through those first couple of weeks. You’ll think nothing is happening because it takes time to see results. But then it clicks, you see results, and that will motivate you to keep going.”
2. Focus on the little things
“It’s about setting little goals, and ticking them off one by one,” Curran says.
“It doesn't matter if its daily, or even hourly. Focus on the process rather than the end goal by setting little targets and ticking them off as you go.”
3. Enjoy the ride
“Train hard, enjoy the hours that you put in, but above all enjoy yourself,” Curran says.
“You tend to always focus on the future, the next thing, but you have to remember to enjoy the moment, too.”
ASK ADAM
Question: Hi Adam, I find it so difficult to find healthy snacks. Why is everything that’s delicious bad for you? It seems so unfair!
Answer: I know exactly what you mean, but healthier options don’t need to be boring. You can grab some dark chocolate, nuts and my favourite go-to movie snack air-dried popcorn.
It is low in sugar, and one cup contains only around 30 calories. Compare that to 35 grams of fat in every 100 grams of potato chips!
* Send your questions to adam@themanshake.com.au
GET FIT AND HEALTHY WITH ADAM MACDOUGALL
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Adam MacDougall is the creator of The Man Shake. A new, healthy, weight loss shake that is low in sugar, full of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals that you can have on the run and leaves you feeling full.
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