How England players have been training in lockdown
As lockdown restrictions begin to ease across the country we look at how some of England's players have been training.
Since rugby was suspended in March, rugby players have had a long wait to get back out on the pitch.
Here we are bring you how some England players have spent their time getting prepared for when rugby can resume.
Meg Jones and Celia Quansah (England Women Sevens)
What was been your training routine in lockdown?
[Meg] "Training has turned a bit into maintenance work at the moment. Keeping ourselves ticking over and making sure we are ready to go for when the time comes!
"Monday’s are high speed doses followed by some legs and then Tuesday and Thursday I get my more aerobic sessions in (5km, 1km repeats, the not so pretty stuff) mixed with full body gym. Then Friday is beach weights and something active. Getting the golf clubs out or a spot of tennis, can’t say I’m any good mind."
How have you found keeping fit and active while at home?
"Difficult at times. Part of you is saying just have a chilled one and the other half is telling you to see if you can beat your team mates 5km times. ix bag on some days but I’m happy to accept that it’s okay to feel like that at times. The most important bit is making sure you’re mentally fit too - healthy balance."
Have you been staying in touch with teammates and has that helped with boosting morale during this difficult time?
"The famous Zoom calls. Having fortnight calls just to check in on everyone - having a mixture of guest speakers on, doing some abs or just letting people share about the week. I miss running riot with them!"
Some people have used lockdown to take on a new challenge have you taken up any new challenges?
"As a team we took on the challenge to run 1 mile every hour for 14 miles. Was a weirdly enjoyable day because we all got involved and raised money for Mind and muscular dystrophy charities!
"Overall I am actually enjoying lockdown and taking it for what it is. I’m 100% ready to be back out with the girls and chasing the sunshine. For now I’ll see if there’s a career for me in golf..."
Tom Mitchell (England Men Sevens captain)
What has been your training routine in lockdown?
"I haven’t been too strict with myself. With a long time before we play again I have had to manage my competitive side and accept that there are limits to what I can do. I try and be active every day. Some days I do hard running or strength sessions. Some days I will just go for a long walk or go out on my bike. Of course, some days I do nothing!"
How have you found keeping fit and active while at home?
"The challenge of having to find ways of training without a gym or equipment has been frustrating at times. It has also been a good challenge forcing me to think creatively and find solutions. I have also found that staying active has been beneficial in terms of maintaining good mental health and offering some structure."
Have you been staying in touch with teammates and has that helped with boosting morale during this difficult time?
"I have enjoyed conversations with my mates in the team and speaking to the guys definitely lifts my mood. We are all in the same boat with lots of uncertainty and pressures and how that impacts our goals as players."
Some people have used lockdown to take on a new challenge have you taken up any new challenges?
"I have sought positive and fun things to put my energy into. I have been learning to juggle with four balls! And I am completing an online psychotherapy course."
Zoe Harrison (Red Roses fly half)
What has been your training routine in lockdown?
"My training routine in lockdown has been very similar to how I would train at club normally, albeit individually, as I have a gym at home so a lot of weights, running and skills."
How have you found keeping fit and active while at home?
"Luckily I’ve had my brother at home with me so a lot of fitness stuff has turned competitive so that’s been a big motivator for me."
