Train Like Exeter Chiefs Player:
 Eleanor Hing and Katie Buchanan workout at Exeter Golf & Country Club
Eleanor Hing, personal trainer at Exeter Golf & Country Club and pro rugby player for Exeter Chiefs, recently trained in the gym with teammate Katie Buchanan, giving a glimpse into how elite athletes make every hour count. Her session combines power, strength, conditioning, and recovery, showing that even a single hour can deliver real results when structured effectively.
One Hour, Maximum Impact
If Eleanor only had one hour in the gym, she would structure it like this:
Power Work: Jumps or throws performed early in the session while fresh. These exercises develop explosiveness and speed, key traits for rugby and other dynamic sports.
Full-Body Strength: Squats, Romanian deadlifts (RDLs), pull-ups, and bench press. Low reps, high intent, focusing on maximal strength rather than fatigue. Builds power, strengthens joints, and improves overall athletic ability.
Conditioning: Typically on the assault bike, boosting fitness and work capacity without compromising strength.
Rugby training at this level emphasizes intensity and purpose — heavy lifts for strength, explosive movements for power, and conditioning that mirrors match-day demands: speed, collisions, and repeat efforts.
Who Can Benefit?
This type of training isn’t just for professional athletes. It’s perfect for:
Sports enthusiasts aiming to improve performance
Weekend warriors who want efficient, results-driven workouts
Anyone looking to build strength, speed, and resilience
Those seeking a structured, high-impact session that maximizes results in limited time
By combining power, strength, and conditioning, this approach develops a stronger, faster, and more resilient body, ready for sports or daily life.
Recovery and Nutrition Matter
Training like a pro isn’t just about the work you do in the gym — recovery and nutrition are just as crucial. Eleanor refuels immediately after training with:
High-protein plates to repair muscles
Protein smoothies to restore energy
Carbs and nutrients to support performance day after day
This combination ensures the body adapts, recovers, and improves after each session.
Train Smart, See Results
Eleanor’s routine is proof that even one focused hour can deliver meaningful results if it’s structured and purposeful. Power, strength, conditioning, and recovery work together to help anyone — athletes or fitness enthusiasts — train smart, improve performance, and reach their goals safely and efficiently.
