When looking at training the Ice team, all 7 components of fitness (flexibility, endurance, skill, stamina, strength, speed and power) need to be addressed – not paying sufficient attention to even one of these components could lead to areas of weakness, imbalance and leave the team prone to injury.

Where possible the specific techniques/exercises need to mimic movements and tasks carried out on the ice. This not only ensures that the muscles and joints get used to the range of movement but it also aids mental preparation. Functional exercises will naturally start to develop coping mechanisms to overcome the tedious nature of the expedition.

Polar-specific exercises such as towing and hauling tyres over uneven ground, coupled with more conventional endurance training methods should ensure the team are in optimum mental and physical condition for departure in early February.

Complimenting his individually-tailored daily training programmes, Jon also monitors the team members’ progress during a variety of two-hour physical work-outs on a weekly basis. To minimise the potential for muscular injury, he stresses the necessity of a good warm-up and cool-down, as well as advocating the importance of timely calorie intake after training to replace expended energy, aid recovery and promote continued physiological development.

As Martin lives and works in London away from the rest of the Devon-based team, he cannot always attend Jon’s sessions. Therefore to provide the continuity and motivation that a personal trainer affords, Martin also uses the services of Dr Jenny Hewitt, who specialises in exercise physiology.

Physiological Assessments

Changes in the team’s fitness are monitored through a series of physiological assessments conducted by Dr Daryl Wilkerson of the School of Sport & Health Sciences at the University of Exeter.