From school playing fields to packed out stadiums, rugby wingers of old were skinny speed-machines who did one thing and one thing only: scored tries. But with his 6ft 4in, 17st frame, Welsh winger George North shatters the mould. North represents a new generation of international try-hunters who combine dashing athleticism with brute strength. Armed with a bench press PB of 160kg and a squat one-rep max of 255kg, North is impressively strong, but fuses force with lethal speed and agility.
At the age of 27, he's already scored 38 tries in 85 games for his country, claimed three Six Nations titles, and is now bulldozing into his third World Cup tournament, with many fans believing he will eventually finish his career as Wales’ all-time leading try scorer. Before going into battle in Japan, he shared the secrets behind his unique mix of strength and speed.
Men’s Fitness Professional rugby players continue to get stronger and more powerful. How much muscle have you put on since turning professional? George North
“From turning professional aged 18 to now, I’ve put on a stone – so about 6.3kg. What I have noticed recently, though, is that my body has adapted, so I’m able to maintain that weight better – even while playing all the games. In my younger years, whenever I put muscle on, as soon as the games kicked in it would just drop off again. But my body has adapted after all the training and eating, so I’m better able to maintain that weight. It’s a bonus of getting a bit older, I think.”
MF What are the main physical qualities you aim to build in the gym? GN
Denne historien er fra November 2019-utgaven av Men's Fitness.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 2019-utgaven av Men's Fitness.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
DRESS TO IMPRESS
In the latest campaign from Charles Tyrwhitt, rugby player Marcus Smith and cricketer Joe Root are taking the lead and stepping up their offduty game with some sharp summer outfits. From tailored linen to comfy chinos and lightweight blazers, summer just got stylish
Sleep is crucial for both metabolic health and athletic performance
How well, and how long, did you sleep last night? It’s an important question, because in its Sleep Manifesto 2024, The Sleep Charity notes that a whopping 43% of adults sleep less than the NHS-recommended seven to nine hours.
CARDIO SWEAT
Elevate your aerobic fitness and fast-track fat loss with this cardio workout from the Movement Blueprint founder Harvey Lawton
THE LEARN ROPES
Skipping is more than a throwback. Done right, it offers a number of serious health benefits in Skipping is more than a throwback. Done right, it off ers a number of serious health benefi ts in a budget-friendly and convenient formula that can be done virtually anywhere
MOUNTAINEERING IS ABOUT THE TENSION BETWEEN HUMAN NATURE AND MOUNTAIN NATURE.IT'S ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF DYING
MF meets mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner
BUDGET BEATS
Apple’s new low-price buds punch well above their price tag
FITNESS GOALS
Teddy Sheringham’s playbook for staying in shape in your fifties
Summer SIZZLERS
Fuel your summer with these fresh, high-protein recipes
THE MONT BLANC MONSTER
The Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) is among the most challenging and prestigious trail running events in the world. Typically held annually in the last week of August, it circumnavigates the iconic Mont Blanc massif. Covering approximately 106 miles, with a gruelling elevation gain of around 32,800 feet, the race demands exceptional endurance, technical skill, and mental fortitude – as Dominic Bliss witnessed for himself at last year’s event…
FEEL THE BURN
Training for HYROX? This lung-busting workout from HYROX master trainer and Represent 247 athlete Jake Dearden will get you race ready
