Rod Bradley - Q&A

Tell us about yourself and how you became a gladiator?

I have always had a very varied sporting lifestyle, ranging from Rugby, Swimming, Free Diving, Athletics, Tennis, Cricket, Boxing, Basketball and American Football. I am also a creative. My design career began with graffiti and I am now Creative Director for sports fashion brand Hijak Baselayer.

I became a gladiator by making the most of an opportunity, I overheard a conversation between Ian Wright and a producer in a hotel, I then proceeded to introduce and sell myself as a Gladiator. In the try-outs I left a wake of muscle bound guys behind me.

What does your weekly training programme consist of?

Every week is different; all my training is based around sport, most recently, Gladiators and American Football. For both of these I have to stay extremely agile whilst maintaining power and strength. So, weights, track and either the court or the pool as well as the Turf are where I get the work done throughout the week.

How much food do you consume on an average day?

I am lucky in that I love eating healthy foods, I will eat two bowls of cereal with some eggs and a Cyclone shake in the morning. Then a big lunch. Another Cyclone after Training. Usually I get hungry by about 3.00 so I eat then and then have a big old dinner consisting of plenty of carbs and protein. Then finish with a Promax with milk before bed. The nature of my training means that if I see a pie and I want it, I will eat it!

Which Maximuscle products do you use?

Promax, Cyclone, Viper.

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

Cyclone and Promax have without a doubt increased my power and strength helping me execute all physical requirements. However, in Gladiators I need to look good doing it. I stay lean and keep my explosion, the fans are happy and I’m happy. In American Football the blood and the sweat pours heavily but viper keeps me running till the whistle blows.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

In the Gladiator Arena there is an event that has effected how I operate today. I had been ill and was back stage on a drip, trying everything to come back to life after not eating for days. I was preparing for powerball. The drip was pulled and I left for the powerball arena. It was my best performance to date, quick feet, explosive hits and there was blood. I learnt a lot about my body but after the 60 seconds my body shut down and I couldn’t move. The crowd were forgiving and cheered me anyway. I thought if I could do that with no food, water or nutrition... what could I do with it?

Who are your heroes?

My heroes are my brothers Charles and Will. One older, one younger. We have always pushed each other and set our standards high.

What do you enjoy doing on your days off?

Being a big kid, computer games with the guys, maybe a beer or two if I’ve been a good boy and of course spending time with my beautiful girlfriend, Lauri.

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

In the changing rooms its always been loud music, aggressive motivational speeches and working myself up into a frenzy but its important to me to be a duck on water when competing, a smile on the face and a twinkle in my eye on the outside but a burning desire on the inside is my approach.

What is your favorite Maximuscle product and why?

Cyclone – I am by no means lazy but Cyclone has a real convenience about it. It has everything I need in a shake to stay lean, powerful and get stronger.

What are your future goals?

I will be representing Great Britain in the 2010 European American Football Championships and have been part of a squad that had worked extremely hard towards it. I’d love to lift the cup.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to build a physique like yours?

My advice would be based around one word... lifestyle. You have to want to eat well and train hard, you can’t just do it to look good. For me, American Football/Gladiators gives me an incentive to be the best I can be to win. My body is as it is because I am passionate and dedicated to succeed. So find a Skill, something to train for and work hard to win, the abs will follow.