Page 15 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2015-16

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Q&A with Gareth Thomas HCP Key Account Manager – Military, Technogym
SKILLMILL is Technogym’s new, functional training tool to develop power, agility, speed and stamina – visit technogym.com
What’s your background with the British Military?
I Served for 24 years – 14 of those in 1 RWF and then 10 years in the RAPTC. During my service I served in Berlin, Cyprus, DMRC Headley Court on two occasions 1 Rifles and RMAS. I also toured in a number of theatre of operations in Northern Ireland on a number of occasions, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. I was lucky enough to also represent the Army at rugby and cricket and later went on to be the Strength & Conditioning coach for Elite Army rugby from 2004–2008.
What attracted you to fitness and training?
I have always been a competitive person, even growing up in South Wales I represented my school, county and Wales at a number of sports. When
I then joined the Army at 16, this didn’t change, I used to get a buzz from PT lessons and just being in the gym or on the sports fields. Maintaining a good level of fitness for me has always been at the top of my priority
as a soldier and a sportsman. It gives us the foundation to carry out
our role with diligence, energy and enthusiasm. Fitness can be defined as, “An individual’s adaptation to the stresses or requirements of their chosen sport or lifestyle.” As a leader, in all three services, decisions are made that can affect the lives of the service personnel or their families therefore, being able to adapt to a situation due to a high level of fitness will allow those critical life changing decisions to be effective! “Mens sana in corpore sano,” as we say in Technogym. Please send photos of your training to our Instagram account – not only is it inspirational to many people, but you might get a free, special edition t-shirt!
Did you already know about Technogym?
I have been familiar with the Technogym brand and equipment since they first came to fruition in the MoD, over 20 years ago.
Gareth can be contacted on
+44 (0) 7734 367 099 or gthomas@technogym.com
What are the most exciting things about working for
Technogym, on the military side?
There weren’t many times in my 24 years of service where I didn’t want to be serving, therefore, becoming the face of Technogym for the MoD is a very exciting opportunity, as I feel I’m going back to my roots. Technogym has always been an innovator and leader in the fitness and wellness industry. I am excited that Technogym has paired up with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) for scientific research and the digital tracking system mywellness cloud. Performance training in the current digital generation is here NOW. Most, if not all, professional sports teams – namely rugby and football – monitor their players for performance, training intensity, recovery and nutrition.
More efficient and intelligent regular physical training will assist in the prevention of MSKIs. Gone are the days of having to be in the same room to monitor input/outcome, we can now do this from anywhere in the world. This will make individuals accountable for their own actions, which in turn enables you to, “Better yesterday, today!”
Describe your role at Technogym.
My role at is to ensure that the MoD know what is available to them from Technogym; to ensure they experience the Technogym vision and Total Wellness Solution for physical development and rehabilitation. If I can do this, I can assist the Military in improving their Combat Readiness, whether that be consulting with the chain of command or with the RAPTCIs/operators delivering the training!
We have a final, fun request:
We’d love to see how many service men and women around the world stay fit for duty on Technogym equipment – take a photo of yourself training on Technogym and share on Instagram with #technogymfitforduty and we’ll send a free Technogym t-shirt to the first 100!