A BIT ABOUT ME

I came to the track around the age of 12. Before that I was determined to be a football player. I was always known as the fast kid when playing football, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I started as a sprinter, but realised I wasn’t going to be good enough, so decided to give the long jump a go – and that set me on the path to where I am now. It was a bit trial and error, because I was determined to be a professional sportsman no matter what.

DO SOMETHING YOU ENJOY

If you don’t love any aspect of getting fit, it’s never going to last. People sign up for gym memberships and they run on the treadmill and hate it, but they think that’s the only way to get fit. When you associate enjoyment with fitness, it completely changes everything. Try it!

FIND LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE

It doesn’t have to be a gym buddy, you could just get involved in online fitness forums or download an app, like my Take Flight one, to give you support.

Unlike a lot of apps, Take Flight has got real-time videos that you can work out to, alongside me and other trainers. And you get in-depth guides on how to perform.

THERE’S ALWAYS TIME TO GET FIT

People lead busy lifestyles, but you only need a spare half hour to do a session. Andrew Steele (Olympic bronze medal winner for the 4x400m relay) and I want to help people organise the times they can exercise. One thing we’re working on is for people to be able to say ‘I’ve got half an hour at 9pm on Thursday’, and for them to set this into the app so it reminds them.

THE OUTCOME

‘I hate the word “diet” because to many it means something that will end and you can go back to your old ways. It’s important to enjoy eating. If you’ve been eating healthily for three or four weeks, having a pizza isn’t going to destroy your life.’

To join or find out more information about Take Flight, the new 12-week fitness plan from Greg Rutherford starting at £39 a month, visit Take Flight

5 FIT KIT TIPS

1. Good trainers
Move away from something that just looks cool. I’ve seen people working out in plimsolls, which are not supportive in any way. Get fitted properly.

2. Water bottle
You should always make sure you’re hydrated. Fill up an old bottle that had water in. Being healthy shouldn’t cost you.

3. Warm clothes
I’m a fan of a normal cotton T-shirt and something to keep me warm over the top. You don’t need tech wear.

4. Fitness app
With Take Flight, you can get advice from some of the world’s best coaches.

5. Exercise bike
If you invest in one piece of home equipment, make it this.