Matt Saunders Maximuscle ambassador

Matt Saunders - Q&A

Tell us about yourself and the sport you compete in?

I am 39 years old and I am a Chief Technician in the Royal Air Force. I have served for 22 years and will be leaving the Service later this year. I am married to Claire and we have 2 young boys, Oliver 8 and Joshua 4. I compete in the sport of Powerlifting and I have been the reigning World Champion in the 100Kg class for the last 12 consecutive years. Powerlifting, as the name suggests, is a strength sport consisting of Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift. I hold multiple World, European and British records, and I am one of the most successful drug-free British Powerlifters of all time. I compete in the World Drugfree Powerlifting Federation (WDFPF) for England, where I compete in the 100kg class. My best lifts in competition are: Squat: 317.5Kg (British Record), Bench Press: 230Kg (World, European and British Record), Deadlift: 335Kg (European and British Record). Total: 880Kg (World, European and British Record).

How did you become involved in your sport?

I was a competitive boxer during the 80's, however when I joined the RAF in 1987 there were no boxing facilities at my training camp. I started weight training to keep fit and I enjoyed the gains I made. From that point on I decided to concentrate on Bodybuilding, placing 5th in the ANB Junior Mr Britain in 1989. My training partner at the time was preparing for the RAF Powerlifting Champs and he suggested I did them also. I competed in the 82.5Kg class and I won! From that point on I focused on Powerlifting and it all escalated from there.

What does your weekly training programme consist of?

I train 4 days per week; Monday - Legs, Tuesday - Chest and Triceps, Thursday - Back and Biceps, Friday - Shoulders.

I basically follow a bodybuilding routine but I include my heavy Power movements into my sessions. As I approach a competition I ramp up my Power work, dropping the reps and increasing the poundage. This program has worked very well for me. Some Powerlifters stick only to their power movements, but I believe it is important to train every body part because you are only as strong as your weakest body part. In other words, if you neglect a body part it will always be your Achilles heal when going for maximum lifts.

Which Maximuscle products do you use?

I swear by Promax Extreme, Creatamax Extreme, HMB, Ache free, Viper Boost and Immune Support.

How do Maximuscle products help you during your training and whilst you compete?

Maximuscle products provide me with the essential nutrients to support extreme intensity workouts. They also help me recover after a workout, ensuring that my strength and power is optimized and maintained at all times. I am in no doubt that Maximuscle supplements have been instrumental in my success. These products really work!

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Winning my first World title in 1997 is probably the highlight of my career. I genuinely never even thought I had a chance of winning. I would have been happy placing in the top six. It was a real shock when I actually won. From that point on I actually starting believing in myself and that is when I made the biggest gains.

Who are your heroes?

I don't really have any heroes. People who achieve great things inspire me. In sporting terms I greatly admire Mohammad Ali. He is a real icon. He stood by what he believed in and was never afraid to voice his opinion. I like that characteristic in a person.

What do you enjoy doing on your days off?

I enjoy spending time with my wife and children. My son Oliver is a superb footballer and I spend most weekends watching him play. We also enjoy going to the cinema and going on bike rides. I only get to see my family at weekends so time is precious and we try to cram in as much as possible.

How do you stay relaxed and focused when the pressure is on?

I actually perform better when the pressure is on. I thrive on competition conditions. Viper Boost helps me to stay focused and gives me a real "buzz" when I am on the platform. I do still get nervous but I have learned to use that nervous energy to my advantage.

What is your favorite Maximuscle product and why?

Promax Extreme. It is the best protein product available and it even tastes good! I have made tremendous gains with Promax Extreme and I can really notice the difference when I have not taken it for a few days.

What are your future goals?

My future goal is to total 900Kg in competition. I have done it in the gym more than once but it only counts on the platform! I am confident I will achieve this in the next couple of years, as long as I can stay clear of injuries.