Aussie named the fifth fittest man in the world reveals how to get his physique – and the very surprising key to making the most of your workout regime

James Newbury’s incredible strength and stamina as he competes in triathlons, Ironman events and CrossFit once saw him named the fifth fittest man on the planet – and he’s got some great advice about how you can get into shape like him.

Later this month the 32-year-old will compete in the first-ever HYROX event to be held in Australia – with the gruelling physical test dubbed ‘the world’s biggest fitness race’.

The indoor sporting event combines both running and functional workout stations, with participants testing their strength, skill and endurance by running for a kilometre, followed by functional workout station – then repeating the process eight times.

The functional exercises include common gym training methods like the sled push, rowing, farmer’s carry and burpee broad jumps.  

Newbury believes fitness activities like HYROX are a great way to get in top shape and have fun into the bargain.

‘As a beginner, I recommend people visit a functional fitness gym,’ says Newbury.

James Newbury, named one of the fittest men in the world, recommends functional workouts for anyone who wants to get in top shape

Newbury excelled at the World CrossFit Games in 2019, earning the title of the Fifth Fittest Man on Earth

He’ll be competing in Australia’s first ever HYROX event, with the gruelling physical test (pictured) combining a series of one-kilometre runs with common gym exercises at functional workout stations

‘A Body Fit Training, F45 or CrossFit gym. Somewhere that does functional group classes. Just to immerse yourself in functional movement. 

‘You want to bring your heart rate up and test your muscle strength at the same time. The idea is to not isolate with, say, lifting weights or running, but to mix the two things together.

‘Maybe you want to experiment yourself by going for an 8km run and do some pushups after a kilometre and then continue running, or stop and do some air squats and continue running. 

‘See how that feels – it does make you feel very different.’

Over the last 10 years, Newbury has been training between three and five hours a day – usually broken up into two different sessions. 

Nowadays he devotes about an hour of his day to exercise, while he concentrates on his business with the rest of his time.

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He says taking supplements can help you with your fitness journey, but a balanced, healthy diet should always come first. 

‘You want to source the majority of your fuel from whole foods,’ Newbury explained.

‘Supplements are the icing on the cake. They can plug any gaps on an already good diet. They are the one-percenters.’

‘For instance, you might want to add a multivitamin – or micro nutrient complex. You might want to add a protein powder if you want extra protein so you are hitting the right levels.

Newbury (pictured in competition) says taking certain supplements can help with your fitness journey – but a balanced diet should come first

The Aussie hybrid athlete stresses the importance of getting quality sleep every night

‘You may also like to add in a bit of creatine. Even if you aren’t an athlete it goes a long way toward maintaining muscle mass as we age, and it’s also great for cognitive function and brain health – and it’s also good for the gut microbiome.’

The number of Australians regularly hitting the gym and playing sport is increasing, but Newbury stresses the importance of remaining consistent with exercise.

‘One important piece of advice is find something you enjoy doing,’ he says.

‘That will be the best way for you to be consistent – and that’s the biggest key. So find something you enjoy so you can stick with it.’

The HYROX events will be taking place in Sydney on August 12 and Melbourne on August 26. Body Fit Training has partnered with the organisation to help get Aussies in shape for the fitness race.