Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw is embarking on his most daunting challenge yet, trading the brutal physicality of the rugby pitch for the glittering pressure of the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom. The 37-year-old athlete has revealed the extreme wellness regime that is preparing him for the BBC One show's 2024 season.
In a dramatic shift from scrums to sambas, Robshaw's preparation is anything but gentle. His daily routine is a gruelling blend of intense physical training, meticulous recovery protocols, and mental conditioning designed to forge a dancer's physique from a rugby player's frame.
A Gruelling Daily Schedule
Robshaw's day begins at the crack of dawn, a discipline honed from years of professional sport. His schedule is a masterclass in athletic dedication:
- 5:30 AM Wake-up: Early starts are non-negotiable, focusing on hydration and mindfulness to set the tone for the day.
- Two-a-Day Training Sessions: A combination of strength and conditioning work in the gym followed by hours of dance rehearsal with his professional partner.
- Strict Macro-Based Nutrition: Every meal is carefully planned to fuel his immense energy expenditure while keeping him lean and agile for performance.
- Cryotherapy and Ice Baths: Essential recovery tools to combat inflammation and muscle soreness from hours of repetitive dance movements.
- Physiotherapy and Mobility Work: Daily sessions to ensure his body, previously accustomed to explosive power, can adapt to the demands of grace and flexibility.
Mental Fortitude: The Ultimate Challenge
Robshaw admits the mental transition has been as demanding as the physical one. 'In rugby, you have 14 other guys on the pitch with you. If you make a mistake, you can get away with it. In Strictly, it's just you and your partner under the spotlight. There's nowhere to hide,' he confessed.
This psychological pressure requires a unique form of wellness. He has incorporated meditation and visualisation techniques into his regime, mentally rehearsing routines to build neural pathways and combat performance anxiety.
From Tackles to Tango: A Body in Transition
The physical transformation is a key focus. A rugby player's body is built for power and impact, while a dancer's requires endurance, flexibility, and precise control. Robshaw's training is now focused on lengthening muscles, improving core stability for balance, and developing the cardiovascular stamina to perform a full routine while making it look effortless.
His wellness philosophy underscores a powerful message: true fitness is holistic. It’s not just about physical strength but about nurturing mental resilience, prioritising recovery, and having the discipline to adhere to a regime that pushes the limits of body and mind. As he steps onto the dance floor this autumn, it will be this extreme wellness foundation that supports his quest for the Glitterball Trophy.
