Every week we ask someone in Cumbria's business community about their fitness regime. This week, it's the turn of Niall Mellonie, director of Laik based in Windermere

How many times a week do you like to exercise?

Normally three or four if I find time (but I’ll be honest, sometimes I can go for a week or longer without doing any at all! It’s hard to get back into it if something gets in the way and disrupts the regularity of it all).

What sort of exercise do you do?

I do a bit of a variety. Strength and conditioning training in the gym, I ride mountain bikes and road bikes and I enjoy climbing or bouldering when I can get out or when I have time to get to the wall. Usually, I also go to a yoga class once a week.

Do you have any fitness goals?

Yes, I’ve got a trip planned in June to go up Mont Blanc with my friend Christian, so I need to get my fitness level up a bit more ready for this. The final 2000m of ascent up to the summit is quite a slog apparently!

In Cumbria:

What’s the most physically challenging thing you have done in your life?

A road bike race/event in the Lakes a few years ago that I signed up for last-minute on a whim! It was about 100 miles which really isn’t that far, but I was completely unprepared for it, both physically and mentally and I also didn’t have a decent bike or the right gear at the time. I slept for about 16 hours the next night. In case you’re wondering …. I didn’t win any prizes!

How does keeping fit impact on your work?

It honestly makes me much more productive, happier and all around more friendly. The main issue is finding (making) the time! I was really good at one point at getting up at 6am and getting in the gym, but before Christmas I had unexpected surgery to have my appendix removed so that knocked me completely out of my routine. And since then, I’ve been failing at getting to the gym so early. Nevertheless, now the mornings are getting lighter, I’ve started getting back on it.

Which sportsperson/fitness expert do you most admire?

Probably Sir Ranulph Fiennes, for his ability to push the boundaries of human endurance. Fiennes embodies the essence of perseverance, showcasing that with enough willpower, you can achieve the seemingly impossible.

When in your life did you feel at your fittest?

When I was in my mid-20s. After university, I worked at a high ropes course for a year or so, so I was on my feet all the time. It’s amazing how good standing up is for you! I was also climbing or going to the gym most evenings and eating well.

On days when you don’t feel like getting out of bed, what motivates you to get up and go?

I’ll be honest, on days I don’t feel like getting out of bed (so long as it’s not a workday) I listen to my body and take it easy at home. Sometimes you need a proper rest.

How do you ensure a work/life balance?

What’s that? Laik is growing quite quickly at the moment, so it’s pretty high paced. I’m finding it hard to achieve a balance. I’m trying to exercise first thing in the morning before starting the day, because work always gets in the way otherwise.

What’s your top tip for remaining motivated?

Set (achievable) goals, seeing progression is the most motivating thing. Or another good one is to sign up to do something (a race, a trip or some kind of competition) and pay for it upfront.  Usually if I’ve already paid for something I feel like I can’t find any excuses to get out of it.