HH had the opportunity to Take 5 with Dave Oulton recently. Dave served in the Gulf War (peacetime operations) and has completed numerous Ironman, marathons and gruelling 24 hour Obstacle races! The guy is possibly crazy but such an inspiration and straight shooter to those who of us who have the privilege to work with him. A level 4 Metabolic Precision Mentor, I’m sure you’ll agree Dave leads by example!
1- What’s your favourite exercise?
I don’t really have a favourite exercise. I usually decide on a goal and use the best exercises to compliment what I have to achieve. I just do what I have to do.
2- What has been your biggest fitness/health/sport challenge?
I have a few achievements under my belt now and more to come. Worlds Toughest Mudder- 24 hour obstacle race. Very cold, running in a 5 mil divers wetsuit. Completed 90km . My first Ironman in 2012 because I had never done any ocean swimming and then had to crack out 3.8km ocean swim. Endurance training is very black and white, if you finish you succeed, if you don’t, you fail. There is no short cuts just hard work.
3- What motivates you?
My two young boys. Kids are like sponges, they watch everything. As they are only 5 and 7, I control their lifestyle, their food, and their habits. I want them to have good habits and not be phased by anything, I want to be their role model. Too many people worry about failing and it stops them from progressing or stepping out of their comfort zone. I want them to feel like they can do anything they put their mind to. I want them to relate hard work with great achievements.
Trish (partner) is also a big factor in my motivation. She pushes me to work harder and be better. Her dedication is outstanding. It is also in my nature to push myself to do better and to be better. Being a personal trainer automatically makes you a role model. I can’t expect my clients to step outside my comfort zone if I don’t do this myself. I don’t have a weight loss story so I feel I have to create something different for people to thrive from. People seek inspiration from people.
4- What’s your best health/fitness tip?
Consistency, hard work and commitment. It’s not rocket science. There is no easy way to achieve permanent success in what ever you do. You either commit or you don’t. If you fully commit to something, you will succeed. As soon as your priorities change your progress will suffer. You can’t do 12 weeks of good nutrition and training and think that’s it. The leanest and fittest people always have their health, training and nutrition at the forefront o their lifestyle.
5- What’s your biggest achievement in health/fitness/sport?
I hold all of my achievements in the same regard because they have all played a role in my development and are stepping stones on to something bigger and better. In my eyes you can’t make a mistake you just learn valuable lessons. A big reason that I do events is I get to be around great athletes, just watching them prepare for race day, what they wear, their nutrition and their mannerisms you learn so much. It makes you instantly better.
