FITVINE MAG - ISSUE 1 - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

THE NAKED
PROFESSOR
BARES ALL
Ben Bidwell is a mindset and
purpose life coach, writer
and speaker, but he also
poses naked on his
Instagram account (@thenakedprofessor).
And for a very good reason.
We recently caught up with Ben,
who also co-hosts The Naked
Professors podcast, and he gave the
reason behind his decision to
expose all. “I wanted to create an
Instagram account that represented
two things: one, the learnings that I
had experienced through my own
personal development work and
understandings as a coach, and, two,
a reflection of the imagery I share
that represents my vulnerability in
baring my heart and soul.”
And Ben’s inspiration? Professional
boxer Anthony Joshua. “I am
inspired by anyone who is willing to
be vulnerable enough to admit they
aren't perfect. If someone shows
me their heart and opens up to me
in an authentic fashion, then quite
simply, I'm inspired by them. If I
had to say one person in the world
right now, you'd think it might be
Tony Robbins, Gary V or someone
of that ilk, but actually the most
inspiring of all for me is Anthony
Joshua. I love his
story of making some bad
decisions in his teenage years but
then becoming dedicated to
himself in chasing his dream and
leaving behind the bad that
surrounded him. He is now
someone who oozes deep-rooted
self-confidence and an unflappable
belief in his own talent. He seeks
no outside validation but, instead,
his confidence comes from a deep
dedication to his passion.”
By now, you’ve probably picked up
your phone and flicked through
Ben’s Instagram account. He’s fit and
healthy, and clearly works out. What
does his workout routine look like? “I
aim to go every day but it probably
works out at about five times a
week. Exercise is important to me in
several ways. First and foremost it
gets me out of my comfort zone by
pushing the boundaries of where my
body feels comfortable. Secondly,
exercise is therapy for me. I
sometimes walk into the gym with a
head full of noise and walk out with it
crystal clear. Lastly, looking after my
body makes me proud of the person
that I am.” Ben has a weekly
schedule of three weights sessions,
two HIIT sessions and a couple of
days focusing on stretching and
body weight movements.
The Naked Professors podcast,
which Ben co-hosts alongside TV
presenter and mental health
ambassador Matt Johnson, hones in
on high-profile guests’ actual lives.
No glitz and glamour, no Instagram
filters, but their real life challenges
and difficulties. “It's been an
incredible experience so far just
being part of some of the wonderful
conversations that have taken place.
We've had the likes of Davina McCall
and Matt Willis talk about their
addictions and macho international
rugby player Jim Hamilton about
how he didn't receive love from his
dad growing up and what that meant
to him. All very different chats but
powerful in their authentic ways.”
Ben will be at FitFest Oxford talking
about vulnerability and truth. “I aim
to touch peoples’ hearts with my
story and share openly about how
I've learned to live a happier life on
the inside. I can’t wait to be a part of
it.”
Ben will be at FitFest Oxford talking
about vulnerability and truth.
FitVine - 34