SALE Sharks fitness and conditioning coach Nick Johnston is a firm believer that variety is the spice of life, and it appears to be having the desired effect on the Premiership side as it prepares for the new season.

The Sharks fitness guru is tasked with getting Sale fit for the start of the 2004 season, and has come up with a range of activities to keep the Sharks on the go.

Yesterday, they were put through their paces by the Army at Holcombe Moor in Ramsbottom, where assault course training was mixed with a series of "command tasks", aimed to build team spirit.

Breathe easy

The Sharks have also been learning how to cook the right food for themselves, and part of the day was set aside for a Ready Steady Cook-style challenge, where the Sharks served up a meal for themselves, their coaches and their military mentors.

As well as the usual fitness work, the Sharks have been working out in hypoxic chambers at Liverpool John Moores University, which simulates training at altitude with limited oxygen.
And later this week, they will be taking part in a triathlon event at Total Fitness in Handforth.

Nick said: "I am a great believer in variety when it comes to training, and I have to admit that I am delighted with the way the players have responded.

"I can be a hard task master, but I have not yet had to have any harsh words with anyone. They are all up for the new season, and have a great work ethic. We have a great team working behind the scenes to get the side right, and I think I can say the side is 150 per cent stronger than it was last season.

"Having said that, I think we are a long way away from where I really want us to be, but the fitness and conditioning work continues throughout the season and that improvement will come."

The majority of players have been back for three weeks now, and this week they were joined by those involved in international rugby, such as Charlie Hodgson, Chris Jones, Andrew Titterell and Mark Cueto.

Jason Robinson also returned this week after his first major break since making the switch from rugby league.

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