Johnny “Sticky” Budden is one of the UK’s most high profile Freerunners, having made numerous appearances in adverts, films, TV and live performances around the globe. With a degree in Graphic design, Sticky is no dumb jock .
We decided to get into the mind of this professional Freerunner with Commando Conditioning’s very own roving reporter John. John caught up with Sticky for a quick chat about fitness training the Commando way.
Sticky: Yes I do. I do like it but I’ve learned it’s extremely important to monitor the amounts you do, and how you do it. And making sure the balance of my Parkour/conditioning is never overlooked. I have also enjoyed learning how nutrition is such an integral part of conditioning properly.
Sticky: It’s extremely varied. I train a lot on my own, learning more about myself, less distractions, how far I can push myself etc. I will often repeat and try new moves a lot, and tend to keep to a certain way of training, which more often that not is broken every time I train with Commando Conditioning. On my own I practice a lot of Parkour, coupled with lot of running, regular 7 milers, various Parkour/freerunning specific conditioning exercises but without weights (squats, pull ups etc), slack lining, and swimming.
Sticky: Training with Commando Conditioning is a lot different than training on my own. Training on your own is different to training with the likes of Sean as there is no anticipation and uncertainty of what’s coming next, you know what you want to do, you know how to do it, and you will get on with it. Training with Commando Conditioning involves testing and shocking muscles by using them in different ways, with great exercises and demanding routines which leave you feeling like death! Different sets, exercises, rests periods and methods that have been tailored for the results I want. No matter how much I train and prepare, I can never seem to be prepared for the Commando Conditioning workouts.
Sticky: There hasn’t ever been a session where I haven’t had to dig deep to complete. With doing such testing training comes a great sense of strength and confidence in myself to train harder from that day on. The advice that Sean provides me with benefits not only my physical muscle performance but my stamina, nutrition, out look and general state of mind.
Sticky: Start low start slow. It’s a fallacy that Parkour is jumping from roof to roof. 90% of it is practiced at low level involving low impact movements. Get the basic fundamental movements dialed, and always do things you feel comfortable with. Repetition is key. Confidence will grow naturally. Looking to get professional Parkour coaching is not a bad idea, as the majority of it done inside safe environments that normally lead to doing it outside.
Sticky: The best way to put it is by using Britain’s Rowing team for an example. I am like Matt Pincent, rather than Sir Redgrave. Redgrave imagines the glory of winning, the success of being first past the line, and being classed the fastest, that’s his main motivation. Pincent on the other hand, has been quoted that he never feels strong enough, fast enough, or fit enough. Like him, I never feel satisfied. I feel I could always train harder, I could train that bit longer, I could be stronger etc.
Sticky: More explosive power has been a great benefit that I get from training with Sean, from a lot of lower body plyometrics type routines I have done. These help build the strength in my legs I need.
Along with receiving great encouragement when training I have personally found it’s extremely useful to have someone who can constantly correct my posture, breathing and speed in training and that can provide advice which can be implemented into my everyday Parkour training.
Sticky: I will be completely honest and say it is not until recently that nutrition has played a role in my training. I used to go by the ethos that it’s good just to eat things that make you feel good and perform, thing’s didn’t have to be extremely healthy but just enjoyable to eat. This is all in the past as I have learnt from Commando Conditioning what a big overall effect the right nutrition can have on boosting performance and recovery.
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That was an interview with Johnny ‘Sticky’ Budden, a Professional Freerunner & Parkour Coach. Keep checking back on Commando Conditioning as we will be doing a follow up interview in the new year. To get in touch with Sticky, he can be found on stickyuf@yahoo.com
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