Every Friday we ask somebody in Cumbria’s business community to tell us how they keep fit… today it’s the turn of Matt Cawood

Matt Cawood is the General Manager of Everlast Gym in Carlisle

How many times a week do you like to exercise?

Six times per week

What sort of exercise do you do?

These days it is mainly gym-based work, weight training and cardio. Some swimming too

Do you have any fitness goals?

Having given up long distance running, I am now focusing on bodybuilding and aim to compete during 2024

What’s the most physically challenging thing you have done in your life?

My first Ironman triathlon. I also ran 10 marathons in 10 days for charity which was tough at times

How does keeping fit impact on your work?

Keeping fit is a way of life for me and helps me stay sharp mentally and makes a big difference to my energy levels at work

Which sportsperson/fitness expert do you most admire?

Peter Beardsley is my all-time sporting hero

When in your life did you feel at your fittest?

A few years ago as an ultra runner. I could get up before work and run 15-20 miles before breakfast. I no longer run so do not feel as fit as I did then. It felt amazing to be out in the fresh air whatever the weather and just keep putting one foot in front of the other

On days when you don’t feel like getting out of bed, what motivates you to get up and go?

I know from experience that whether I feel like it or not, I will never feel worse for having a workout. On the contrary, I always feel amazing after a gym session, so I never skip a session

How do you ensure a work/life balance?

Family and business both benefit from having happy, healthy people at its heart, so making sure fitness is part of my overall lifestyle, benefits both family and my work colleagues

What’s your top tip for remaining motivated?

Always have a goal in mind, whether it is reaching or maintaining a certain weight. It could be a running challenge by a certain date or you have a friend who has challenged you to join them on a fitness journey. Keep the goals realistic and keep on track by measuring progress regularly. One day, you will find that a fitness regime is simply a way of life and not something you have to try to squeeze in to your day

If you’d like to take part in the Fit For Business Q&A send your answers to the questions to fl-sue.riley@newsquest.co.uk