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 [Fitness](/health/fitness) 

 



 /  16 October 2024  

#  My Fitness Essentials: Matt Prior  


 England have won the Ashes in Australia just once in almost 40 years. Matt Prior was a key player in that team. Now retired from pro sport, he’s CEO of CEO of Over+Above, a sports apparel brand that promises to enhance athletic performance. Here, he tells SLMan how he keeps himself in shape and what makes the cut in his gym bag.  
 

 



 

 

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 



 

 

 

 

**I like to train three or four times a week.** I do a mixture of cardio, HIIT and strength training. Since stopping training at a professional level, it’s so important for me to maintain a level of fitness for my physical and mental health, and I now like to mix up the ways in which I train more. I do a mix of indoor and outdoor training. I’m a member at [South Lodge](https://www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge/) in Sussex which is great at keeping me feeling motivated. I also love to just be out in the countryside. I’m lucky enough to be in the perfect area for this, and if my day feels too intense to also get to the gym, I just get my trainers on and head out of the house.

**I use a simple black** [**Stubble &amp; Co**](https://www.stubbleandco.com/) **rucksack as my gym bag.** It’s pretty minimal and just has the essentials that I really need, so it can double up as a work or travel bag when needed. I’m based in Sussex, so I spend my life in my car, which means my gym kit (and the rest) is in my boot. From years of carting kit around for cricket tours and matches, I love that I can now just carry around the essentials in a manageable, simple-looking rucksack. It’s waterproof, but for me the key attributes are that it’s durable and can squeeze loads in.

**Now I am up in London regularly for meetings I am really getting my steps in too.** I just want to ensure I am moving my body in some way each day, but I also don’t underestimate the importance of a rest day. Recovery is key!

**My workout kit is all Over + Above of course.** The [ProPrio Performance Short Sleeve Top](https://www.oaperformance.com/products/mens-proprio-performance-short-sleeve-top) and [Half Tights](https://www.oaperformance.com/products/mens-proprio-performance-half-tights) are my go-to. When I’m doing longer runs outside, I add in the [Calf Sleeves](https://www.oaperformance.com/products/unisex-proprio-performance-calf-sleeves) or [Full Tights](https://www.oaperformance.com/products/mens-proprio-performance-full-tights). The kit is available in black and white, and I tend to prefer the black for the top and tights, and the white for the sleeves.

**I like Nike's** [**Alphafly trainers**](https://www.prodirectsport.com/running/p/nike-alphafly-next-percent-3-white-black-purple-agate-vivid-grape-mens-shoes-1017894/) **for running.** They are hugely effective, and I’ve been loyal to them for years. For work, and more casually, I love a simple white leather trainer like an [Axel Arigato](https://www.endclothing.com/gb/axel-arigato-clean-90-sneaker-28102.html).

 

 

 

 [ ![South Lodge](https://media.slman.com/J_Ei45ePAvM4ub30A69xgYD85rg=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fslman-health-rules-matt-prior.jpg?itok=nPArJ2Nz)

 

 ](https://www.exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge/) 

South Lodge  


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**For training, I like the** [**Apple AirPods Pro 2**](https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-pro-2)**.** I’m an Apple man through and through, and these have noise cancellation, great sound quality and are comfortable. My son Johnny has put a workout playlist together for me because I can’t do podcasts whilst training. It’s got the likes of Central Cee and AJ Tracey on because I need high energy and good vibes to keep me motivated and focused while running. Though if I’m running outside, I prefer to not have anything in my ears and enjoy the countryside.

**I stick to the same simple grooming routine day in and day out.** I am trying to get more into the skincare thing, and I know the importance of a good SPF from years spent on the cricket field. I was recently introduced to the [Curaprox](https://curaprox.co.uk/shop) toothbrush and toothpaste and have become a mega-fan (I have their travel set in my gym bag). I also use [Penhaligon’s](https://www.penhaligons.com/uk/en/categories/sale/autumn-sale-shop-all) aftershave and a Kiehl’s [moisturiser](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=15733&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kiehls.co.uk%2Fskin-care%2Fcategory%2Fmoisturisers). I like the [Acqua di Parma beard serum](https://selfridges.prf.hn/click/camref:1100loTp9/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.selfridges.com%2FGB%2Fen%2Fproduct%2Facqua-di-parmabarbiere-beard-serum-30ml_122-71050470-52002%2F) because it’s not too oily. I’m definitely a shower over bath man, and I rate the [Aesop shower gels](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Faesop-geranium-leaf-body-cleanser-gel-500ml%2F11536637%2F). Although, after a big run or weights session, there’s nothing better for the body than a hot Epsom salt bath – it’s the best for muscle and body relaxation, and helps sleep, which is always the goal for the best post training recovery.

**I am never without my** [**Apple watch**](https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-watch/apple-watch/42mm-gps-jet-black-aluminium-black-sport-band-sm?afid=p238%7CsOOpahGmq-dc_mtid_187079nc38483_pcrid_653257848640_pgrid_142780968410_pntwk_g_pchan_local_pexid__ptid_pla-2358429750418_&cid=aos-uk-kwgo-pla-watch_lia--slid---product-MWWE3QA%2FA-UK)**.** I rely on it so much from a training and health perspective. Recently, I’ve really got into the [Runna app](https://www.runna.com/) – the tailored training plans are great for helping push me to the next goal.

**We created an Over+Above water bottle for a previous run club event and this continues to be my go-to.** I fill mine with [Humantra](https://healf.com/products/hydration-hack-elderberry) electrolytes before and after a run. While working I have a big [Chilly’s](https://www.chillys.com/uk/products/bottle-series-2-flip-abyss) bottle that I keep on my desk or in my rucksack. I’ve recently discovered [STYRKR](https://styrkr.com/products/bar50-high-carb-rice-energy-bar-performance-pack) nutrition, and the recovery bars are great. I will also use [Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre Workout](https://prf.hn/click/camref:1011l4oWo/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hollandandbarrett.com%2Fshop%2Fproduct%2Foptimum-nutrition-gold-standard-pre-workout-fruit-punch-60047140) if I know it’s going to be a particularly tough session, and [Form Performance Protein](https://healf.com/products/performance-protein-vanilla) in a shake post-workout. [Clif Bars](https://www.clifbar.co.uk/energy) keep me going too, but I’m also always snacking on fruit and nuts.

Visit [OAPerformance.com](https://www.oaperformance.com/)

 

 

 

 

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## SHOP MATT'S EDIT 

 

 

 

 ![Apple Watch Series 10 from Apple](https://media.slman.com/50kodiQ4NHyLBwVJi-IVyNOnXhQ=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fbuy-apple-watch-series-10.png?itok=7Mnhfxi7)

 

[#### Apple Watch Series 10](https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-watch/apple-watch)

 

##### Apple



 

From £399

 

 

 

 ![BAR50 Mixed Flavour Energy Bars from Styrkr](https://media.slman.com/GuXSvhrlrjjMHKoOptxxqjf8v8c=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fbar50-mixed-flavour-energy-bars.png?itok=AzeA7QA4)

 

[#### BAR50 Mixed Flavour Energy Bars](https://styrkr.com/products/bar50-high-carb-rice-energy-bar-performance-pack)

 

##### Styrkr



 

£29.99

 

 

 

 ![ProPrio Performance Half Tights from OA Performance](https://media.slman.com/QF6EDYt7JM8uIes__gDTn8bdTzQ=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Foa-performance-proprio-performance-half-tights.png?itok=5RDAdMNF)

 

[#### ProPrio Performance Half Tights](https://www.oaperformance.com/products/mens-proprio-performance-half-tights?Color=Black&Target_gender=Male)

 

##### OA Performance



 

£125

 

 

 

 ![Barbiere Beard Serum from Acqua Di Parma](https://media.slman.com/Y5vRc-7Vhuw71UjlGDUp38CELVA=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Facqua-di-parma-barbiere-beard-serum-30ml.png?itok=9qKJY9go)

 

[#### Barbiere Beard Serum](https://selfridges.prf.hn/click/camref:1100loTp9/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.selfridges.com%2FGB%2Fen%2Fproduct%2Facqua-di-parmabarbiere-beard-serum-30ml_122-71050470-52002%2F)

 

##### Acqua Di Parma



 

£51

 

 

 

 ![Aphafly 3 Trainers from Nike](https://media.slman.com/OBgBy5X9Uo7NYu9mhUtovMglsoQ=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fnike-alphafly-3-mens-road-racing-shoes.png?itok=FlDN8CiG)

 

[#### Aphafly 3 Trainers](https://www.prodirectsport.com/running/p/nike-alphafly-next-percent-3-white-black-purple-agate-vivid-grape-mens-shoes-1017894/)

 

##### Nike



 

£284.99

 

 

 

 ![Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser Gel from Aesop ](https://media.slman.com/BzlA0XJVaAxIvA3r1Bp9pokw69k=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Faesop-aesop-geranium-leaf-body-cleanser-500ml.png?itok=QIcZhBet)

 

[#### Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser Gel](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A//www.lookfantastic.com/p/aesop-geranium-leaf-body-cleanser-gel-500ml/11536637/)

 

##### Aesop 



 

£35

 

 

 

 ![AirPods Pro 2 from Apple](https://media.slman.com/gROGmuG66KoOCcXTVLYNPSY7w4c=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fbuy-airpods-pro-2-pro-level-active-noise-cancellation-footnote-3-with-advanced-hearing-health.png?itok=7mtE9mJ3)

 

[#### AirPods Pro 2](https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-airpods/airpods-pro-2)

 

##### Apple



 

£229

 

 

 

 ![Chocolate Chip - Energy Bar from Clif Bar](https://media.slman.com/1Fpt_6ehpjr2kNic58VERtzIHXY=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fclifbarchocolate.png?itok=oVQeTyt8)

 

[#### Chocolate Chip - Energy Bar](https://uk.healf.com/products/clif-bar-chocolate-chip)

 

##### Clif Bar



 

£29.99

 

 

 

 ![The Everyday Backpack from Stubble & Co.](https://media.slman.com/RUFf_y2wqJwW-5He2hFHlXOjlbA=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fstubbleandco-the-everyday-backpack.png?itok=BLj18bgB)

 

[#### The Everyday Backpack](https://www.stubbleandco.com/products/the-everyday-backpack?variant=44040245477605)

 

##### Stubble &amp; Co.



 

£125

 

 

 

 ![Endymion Unboxed from Penhaligon's](https://media.slman.com/weeA6szcpUo0mY4RUvGNwSZx3To=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fpenhaligon-endymion-unboxed.png?itok=jvekx6OM)

 

[#### Endymion Unboxed](https://www.penhaligons.com/uk/en/categories/sale/autumn-sale-shop-all/endymion-unboxed-000000000065143553)

 

##### Penhaligon's



 

£74 *(was £135)*

 

 

 

 ![Gold Standard Pre Workout Fruit Punch from Optimum Nutrition](https://media.slman.com/kxNKw79rO7_s1lOuGtNartbvxik=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fgold-standard-pre-workout-fruit-punch-330gjpeg.png?itok=r-1GFgDr)

 

[#### Gold Standard Pre Workout Fruit Punch](https://prf.hn/click/camref:1011l4oWo/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hollandandbarrett.com%2Fshop%2Fproduct%2Foptimum-nutrition-gold-standard-pre-workout-fruit-punch-60047140)

 

##### Optimum Nutrition



 

£30

 

 

 

 ![Hydrosonic from Curaprox](https://media.slman.com/rEJOfzg69CItpywe3CEPYIudaao=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fcuraprox-black-is-white-hydrosonic.png?itok=XybB5-C-)

 

[#### Hydrosonic](https://curaprox.co.uk/toothbrushes/electric-toothbrushes/black-is-white-hydrosonic-set-p272)

 

##### Curaprox



 

£160

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 

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