1) Who is Simon Nieland? (where are you from, what do you do, a bit about yourself (hobbies, etc)
I'm from the United Kingdom, I'm 30 years old. I've been coaching CrossFit for about 8 years now, and for the past 5 years my business has basically been coaching CrossFit athletes on weightlifting and gymnastics. I've just taken it into the online space.
2) How many years have you been training?
I got into it late at the age of 21, so nine years! I would say I was massively under training until I found CrossFit in 2010.
3) Whats been the most challenging/hardest part of your journey so far? and how have you overcome them (set backs, rejections, injuries, basically anything difficult that you have had to overcome)
I had no sporting background prior to training, so I was very weak. It's taken alot of time, dedication (and mistakes) just to get up to a "respectable" strength level.
4) What does your typical workout/diet routine look like?
My training is now a blend of gymnastics, weightlifting and bodybuilding.
I train for gymnastics skills twice a week, squat twice a week, deadlift once a week, snatch and clean once a week, and I bodybuild every training session. Im into extreme flexibility!
My diet is not regimented. I go by feel and I don't track calories.
5) What new knowledge have you learned over this past year regarding training, lifestyle and nutrition?
I feel like I learn so much every day. Here's a little gem for you: everyone in the CrossFit community is obsessed with numbers - reps, sets, time, load. This tells you nothing about the amount of tension created within the body. And by god is tension the holy grail for getting stronger.
6) Whats your favourite cheat/Treat meal?
I go through phases. But the one thing I love to enjoy is beer.
7) Whats one supplement that you could not live without?
Vitamin B12. If I don't take it, I suffer with immense fatigue.
8) If you had to start your Journey from scratch with your health & physique what would you do differently and why?
Honestly this is tough. Making all the mistakes I made has made me the coach I am. I learnt the hard way what works and what doesn't. Without those mistakes I'd probably be working 9-5 somewhere now.
9) Who do you look upto in the fitness industry and why?
This list is long. Various people for various reasons.
Ben Pakulski - changed my entire thinking process behind muscle.
Hunter Cooke - shone a light on what mobility really is and how to actually achieve it.
Calum Von Moger - no other reason, other than his body is my inspiration.
Sean Carl Lind - basically my gymnastics mentor. Amazing coach.
Chad Wesley Smith - I can't quite believe how much knowledge on powerlifting this man and his team shares for free.
10) If you had to give one bit of advice to people starting out what would that be?
Don't get obsessed with numbers. Be obsessed with execution. This will lay a greater foundation for the future. Video all your movements. Compare them to your inspirations.
11) What new goals do you have on the horizon?
I dedicate myself to helping others now. I'm trying to cast a huge global net and share what I know. I have online training groups that I'm growing quickly. My aim is to mentor as many athletes as possible on their gymnastics strength and help them achieve their dreams.
12) Where can people find you? (website, social media accounts)
@simonnieland
