Introducing Matt

Ever wondered what the man behind some of the most famous bodies in the world is really like? We caught up with Matt Roberts, one of the world’s leading personal trainers, to discuss his life, loves, interests and ambitions, and to find out if he really practices what he preaches.

We all know you as one of the world’s leading personal trainers but where did it all begin?

I have always been passionate about sport and when growing up wanted to follow in my Dad, John Roberts’ footsteps and become a professional footballer. He played for Arsenal in the 70s. When I was 15 I had a rather unfortunate collision with a discus, which totally disrupted my training at a time when I should have been going for club trials – and so this wasn’t possible. After a spell sprinting at national level alongside Darren Campbell and a couple of years in the States studying, I decided that there was a gap in the market for one-to-one personal training and so turned my attention towards creating what is today Matt Roberts Personal Training. I opened my first gym when I was 22 with money I had saved as no bank was prepared to lend money to someone so young. I can honestly say that this was the most exciting moment of my whole career. Over the last seven years I have continued to expand the business, in conjunction with my brother, Jon Roberts.

Do you enjoy eating out and where is your favourite London restaurant?

I love eating out and like nothing more than a leisurely dinner with friends at Cecconi’s, just off Regents Street. The food is fantastic, the service warm and friendly and the atmosphere exclusive but still relaxed

You obviously know lots about nutrition but can you really cook?

Yes, I am passionate about cooking and try to cook at home a couple of times a week. I have great fun cooking for my family and friends, creating healthy versions of traditional dishes that are usually synonymous with being high in fat. I suppose my signature dishes would have to be a delicious mushroom risotto and a tasty vegetable curry, which I make with loads of fresh ingredients, herbs and spices, but no added fats like cream and butter.

What’s your favourite meal of the day?

Definitely breakfast. I am always absolutely starving in the morning and can’t function without a good breakfast. I tend to have a piece of fruit before I leave the house to get me going and then stop for a proper breakfast of a wheat free croissant from a little shop in Soho, a bowl of muesli with yoghurt and mixed berries and a cup of earl grey tea with soya milk.

How do you find time to work out?

During the week I try to run the five miles home and lift weights at least twice. At weekends, I fit in a 90-minute workout on both Saturday and Sundays, plus play a sporadic game of tennis and golf. I also try to organize a sociable game of footie with my mates whenever possible, which has to be the best therapy ever!

Where is your favourite place in London?

I love going for walks up to Greenwich Observatory. It really feels like you’re getting away from it all, and the views are spectacular. Although it is a world-famous place in some respects, it doesn’t attract tourists like Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath, for example. Escaping somewhere special away from the crowds is very important to me.

You are known as ‘Personal Trainer to the Stars’ and have worked with some of the biggest names in the business. Who would you class as your greatest success?

I have been working with Mel C for nearly three years now and feel that I have really helped her overcome some very well documented problems. She really is looking better than ever, and now has a good, healthy attitude towards her body. John Galliano is another great success story. The combination of my training and his incredible dedication has transformed him from a chain-smoking party-loving fashionista, into one of the fittest men I know.

What would we be likely to find in your fridge?

My fridge is always packed with lots of salad, vegetables, chicken, fish, tofu, water, loads of fresh herbs like mint, basil and thyme, apple juice, - and the odd bottle of champagne!