PhD TURF TEAM: TEAM SYNERGY

HOW DID YOU GET INTO FUNCTIONAL FITNESS?

Matt: After playing rugby for years and recovering form a couple of serious injuries I was asked to do turf games in 2019 by a friend and found it was the competitive drive I needed to get back into trying to compete at the highest level possible in a sport.

Georgie: I have always been active growing up & I always preferred anything more practical over academic. I am a very sociable person and first got into Functional fitness whilst at college, where I enjoyed training with my friends or in group sessions.

Danny: From a young age I have competitively raced motocross which demands a high level of endurance and strength. When I moved to University to study my undergraduate degree it was difficult to commit to the busy race schedules of a motocross championship, I started spending more time understanding and applying the principles of training to develop my own physique, strength and fitness. For the last 9 years it has been a non-negotiable staple in my life and my competitive nature has pushed me in to various fitness events and races over the last few years.

WHAT MAKES TRAINING IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Joshua: I like a challenge. Learning new movement, pushing weights I never thought I could, competing in competitions that I’ve had to put hundreds of hours in the gym to get to that level is what I enjoy. It’s also very important for me to set a good example to my family and install the basic lifestyle of movement for them to follow (if they choose to). 

Stephanie: Training regularly is important for me because it’s my precious alone time away from home, kids and work. It’s something I do that benefits my mental health as well as my physical health. Increased self-esteem, opportunities for socialising and learning new things are some of many bonuses! 

Emily: Training to me is about being the strongest, fittest and fastest version of myself. Training is a place where I can push myself to my limits as well as have fun with friends, whilst supporting them to do the same. Since switching to functional training my mindset towards food and body image has been completely shifted, I no longer strive to be smaller but I now just want to push myself and perform well physically which has taught me to fuel my body properly and I feel the happiest and healthiest I have ever been. In hindsight, the people I have met along the way really shaped my fitness journey. If you don’t try new things, you won’t know what you enjoy! There’s so much out there to try. One friend introduced me to bodybuilding, another to CrossFit and another, more recently to Olympic weightlifting. 

WHAT DOES BEING PART OF THE PhD TURF TEAM MEAN TO YOU?

Stephanie: When I was invited to represent PhD nutrition at turf games I didn’t feel I qualified to be honest! Imposter syndrome can really hold us back. It’s meant a lot to me to receive their support and I’m proud of myself for jumping in! We had a blast! My weaknesses were definitely highlighted but so were my strengths! Win win. 

Emily: Being part of the PhD Turf Team has connected me with like-minded individuals who share my passion for fitness. It’s a joy to learn from them and train together. Fitness events and competitions are where I feel most fulfilled, and now I have a team of passionate people to share these experiences with.

Danny: Firstly, the chance to collaborate with PhD has been amazing, meeting people behind the brand who have a real passion for fuelling fitness and delivering the best products on the market. It has allowed me to connect and build relationships with other like-minded individuals who I may never have had the chance to meet. Competing for PhD at Turf Games symbolises what training and fitness is all about. Every individual is on their own path of progression which when shared through a team can inspire and motivate more people towards the goal of improving or getting started in functional fitness.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE PhD TURF TEAM IN THE FUTURE?

Matt: Be willing to get involved in every opportunity that comes your way and showcase how you can be a valuable team member and bring something unique in the way you coach/perform and be yourself ad have fun whilst doing it.

Joshua: I would say go for it! It’s an opportunity not to be missed. A really great brand with some really interesting people! 

Stephanie: If someone else wanted to join the PhD turf team I’d say: jump in! Don’t doubt yourself, you’ll have so much fun and meet incredible athletes and other professionals. It’ll challenge you and you deserve the opportunity to rise to that challenge. 

FAVOURITE PhD PRODUCT?

Joshua: I’m a beta alanine guy. I find it helps me with my performance so I would say that. If you haven’t tried it give it a go. 

Emily: My Favourite PHD product is the salted caramel smart bar the best guilt free sweet treat ever. 10 seconds in the microwave – unreal

Danny: Charge Pre workout. It’s a great pre workout which delivers a serious energy boost without the crash and it tastes unreal! I take Charge for my early morning sessions to maximise performance and intensity.