WHAT’S REAL ABOUT WORKING OUT - TALKING TO JOHNNY NELSON MBE

     When the body is busy, the mind is empty. For us, when we are moving or focused on what is in front of us - it is to the exclusion of all outside distractions. In these moments, we are free - free to express ourselves physically, living in the fullness of the moment. It is a very pure and real experience.

We spoke with Johnny Nelson MBE, to ask him how he feels about working out. We wanted to know everything from arriving at the gym, to the full-throttle moments during the session, the conclusion and what his best performance story is. 

First-up, if you don’t know Johnny, he was awarded an MBE in 2023 for his services to boxing and to young people in South Yorkshire. Titles seem to follow Johnny, he is the longest standing world cruiserweight champion, defending his title 13 times before retiring. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF ARRIVING AT THE GYM?

JN:

“For me it’s both the fear and fascination of what’s to follow… it’s a battle between mind and soul. Naturally there’s apprehension, but you simply know you’ve made it there, you will prevail and defeat any negativity holding you back, finishing more confident in your abilities. 

JN:

“It is hearing my own heartbeat and the volume of noise I am making when panting on the floor… it’s pretty loud and there is no better noise!”

WHAT'S THE MOST REAL PART OF THE WORKOUT?

JN:

“It’s when I’m exhausted, feeling like I’m out on my feet and incapable of anything but resting… then the bell goes and boom, I’m straight back into it like a soldier. That’s when, in spite of the fatigue, you realise how much more you’re capable of. I feel like I’m in robot mode and my body just responds with what needs to get done.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT FINISHING - THAT CLEAN FEELING OF HAVING RINSED YOUR BODY OUT…OR MAYBE THE SHOWER?

JN:

“removing my tee and ringing it out, releasing a gallon of fluid!”

JN:

"I was over in France as a sparring partner for a fighter, getting ready for a European title fight. He was a proper bully - everyone who went in with him he rained on. When it came to my turn, Bren (Brendan Ingle) said “don’t take the fight to him and do not try to control him”, so I jumped in and moved, defended, stood my ground and lulled him into thinking he was in control.

I guess that must’ve been Patrice Aouissi, who retired shortly afterwards. Johnny went on to defend that European title, fighting back home in England.

There's little doubting that exercise in all of its forms is a tonic in our modern, data-oriented, screen-facing lives. Exercise reminds us that we live in our bodies, not just our minds. Exercise is not an anti-depressant, but not exercising is a depressant. At REAL - We fight for enhanced metnal wellbeing through phsyical action. 

As information and intelligence become the domain of computers, we place an increasing value on the one human ability that cannot be automated: emotion. Be you - be REAL.