How Dustin Martin tuned in and switched off during lockdown
Richmond superstar Dustin Martin may be a tough man on the field, but while he’s kept his body in fine shape during isolation, he’s also been fine-tuning his mind and soul.
Fiona Byrne
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Dustin Martin is at peace — so much so he has been able to swap out his renowned mindfulness and meditation sessions for a simple walk around the block.
The Richmond superstar may be a tough man on the field, but while he’s kept his body in fine shape during isolation, he’s also fine-tuning his mind and soul.
In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Herald Sun, Martin said he was raring to go and in great shape, both physically and mentally.
He has been consuming books during the AFL lay-off, most notably One Man’s Search For Meaning.
Martin, 28, revealed he had set up a home gym, been training daily with a tailored program provided by the Tigers fitness coaches, had been disconnecting from social media, and substituting meditation for daily walks in the two months footy has been on hold.
“I took the time for what it was,” said Martin.
“I know it has not been easy for a lot of people in the community, but I kind of enjoyed the time to just stop everything and take it easy.
“I made sure I had a routine where I got up early every day and did all my training in the morning, that sets your day up. I had a bit of a home gym set up, so it was not too different (from a normal season) it is just you are not getting the hits and stuff every week from playing a game, so it was kind of good for the body just to have a bit of a rest from all of that.
“It is always nice doing the training when there is not someone telling you what you have to do.
“I find if you are on your own and doing your own thing you tend to push yourself a bit harder.”
An advocate for mindfulness and meditation Martin said had changed his practice during the footy hiatus.
“I probably did not do it (meditation) as much over the past however-many weeks, probably because there was not as much stress in my life, playing week to week,” he said.
“I certainly ticked it off here and there and getting out in the fresh air for a walk is just as good as meditation, I find, even if it is only 10 minutes a day, as long as you get out and leave your phone at home and clear your thoughts.”
Unlike many he avoided taking up an “iso” hobby.
“If sleeping on the couch in the afternoon is a hobby, that is what I did,” he joked.
Martin said he was ready for Richmond to get its season back on track against Collingwood on June 11.
“I think I got my training gear and bag packed two nights before we were set to go back,” he said.
“I’ve played footy all my life and not having it, although I did enjoy the time off, I am certainly ready to get back into it. It is my passion and I am loving being back.
“It is going to be different at the moment playing in front of no crowds, but we are all competitive beasts so every time we step out there we want to win and want to continue to be the best we can be. I am sure every other side is the same and who knows hopefully in a few months we might have some crowds.”
After signing a new contract with clothing manufacturer BONDS, Martin will on Monday launch his new X-Temp X-Factor underwear campaign which sees him training while attached to a mini parachute. The campaign launch coincides with BONDS reopening its stores nationally following the COVID-19 shutdown.
“I have loved Bonds since I was a kid and to work with them closely has been great. It is a genuine, authentic relationship and I am a pretty loyal guy and I really love it,” he said.
“I wear the X-Temp. I train in the jocks and socks every day.”
So is this campaign finally proof he does have the X-factor?
“I don’t know, people will have to be the judge of that,” Martin said.