Ever wondered what it’s like to live as a non-league footballer? Meet Ben Brookes, a player whose daily routine is a mix of hard training, a full-time job, and a little extra grind that keeps him dreaming of full-time football. Ben’s journey may not be all glitz and glamour, but it’s packed with grit, hard work, and a bit of cheeky banter. Let’s follow Ben through one of his typical days, full of gym sessions, drills, and a close call on match day. And if you’re keen on adding something exciting to your own fitness routine, take a look at the Smart Music Boxing Machine in the banner above – an easy way to work on those reflexes with some fun tunes to keep you going!
1. Breakfast of Champions: Pancakes, Eggs, and a Whole Lot of Protein
The day kicks off with a classic Ben Brookes breakfast – protein pancakes, scrambled eggs, and ham. Top it all off with a bit of maple syrup, and you’ve got yourself the kind of breakfast that fuels footballers and fitness fanatics alike. Ben’s morning meal is all about protein, setting him up for a day of high-energy activities. Today’s agenda is packed, starting with a quick check-up at the doctor’s and then a trip to the one and only Costco. After all, he’s got to keep that protein stash fully stocked.
2. The Costco Haul: Because Every Athlete Needs Snacks
Now, no day is complete without a stop at Costco, right? Ben pulls into the car park, prepared to spend just a few quid – but let’s be honest, we all know how that goes. A basket full of protein shakes, barbeque essentials, and a bit of “who knows what else” later, and he’s a good £100 lighter. A trip to Costco is like a workout for the wallet, but Ben’s now sorted for the week, stocked up on the essentials for both work and play. With his boot full, he’s ready to get stuck into the day’s main event: a serious plyometric workout.
3. Plyometric Training: Jumps, Boxes, and a Whole Lot of Leg Work
After stocking up, Ben heads straight to the gym. Today’s workout is all about plyometrics – an intense, high-energy session that keeps him agile on the pitch. It starts with lateral jumps, box jumps, and step-ups, each move pushing his legs to the max. But that’s non-league life for you: serious training, often with just a few days to recover. And while most would shy away from back-to-back leg days, Ben isn’t one to complain. He powers through, knowing this session will make him sharper, faster, and ready for any on-field challenge.
Of course, no high-energy session is complete without a recovery plan, and Ben’s got this down. He hits the foam roller, working out every knot, followed by a cold plunge. But if that all sounds a bit too intense, check out the Smart Music Boxing Machine in the banner – it’s an ideal way to stay fit and build up some coordination with a musical twist. Throw a few punches, groove to the tunes, and let off some steam – no cold water required.
4. A Day Job with a Twist: The Dockworker’s Routine
From the gym, it’s off to work – and for Ben, that means pulling in massive ships for Ford. Yes, you heard that right. When he’s not scoring goals, he’s out on the docks, pulling in colossal vessels loaded with shiny new cars. It’s a job that requires strength and precision, with Ben manoeuvring ropes and guiding the ships into position. Talk about an unconventional workout!
The ships come all the way from Holland, delivering cars fresh for the dealerships. But for Ben, it’s just another part of the grind. Balancing his dock duties with his football aspirations, he’s making sure every shift counts, adding an extra layer of muscle-building to his day. But with work done, he’s right back to what he does best: training, coaching, and putting in the hours to reach the next level.
5. Evening Training Sesh: Drills, Coaching, and Serious Skills
Back on the pitch, Ben is ready for an evening training session. Today, it’s a mix of his own drills and a one-on-one session with a client. Coaching is a big part of Ben’s routine, and he’s a natural at it. With a mix of skill-building drills, banter, and motivation, he’s helping others while keeping his own skills sharp. Ben’s no stranger to hard work, and he brings the same dedication to his coaching that he brings to his own game.
From quick footwork drills to positioning exercises, Ben’s sessions are thorough. And while his clients benefit from his experience, he gains something valuable too – a reminder of his own journey, and a glimpse of the work it takes to reach the top. Coaching keeps him grounded, but also drives him forward, helping him stay connected to the dream of playing football full-time.
6. Match Day Madness: Close Calls and Unbelievable Near Misses
After a long day of training, Ben gears up for the main event: match day. This week’s fixture is against Slough Town, and it’s one of those games that keeps everyone on edge. From the first whistle, it’s clear it’s going to be a close one. Ben and his teammates dominate possession, working the ball and creating chances, but something just isn’t clicking in front of goal. Crosses, flicks, headers – you name it, they try it, but the ball just refuses to go in.
It’s the sort of game that has players muttering under their breath and fans clutching their heads. As the minutes tick on, each missed chance becomes more painful, and the frustration grows. But that’s football – some days, it’s all or nothing. In the end, the match ends in a 1-1 draw. Seven games unbeaten, yes, but Ben can’t shake the feeling that they were so close to a win. Despite the frustrations, it’s another notch in their unbeaten streak, and Ben’s already thinking about how to bring the win home in the next game.
7. Wrapping Up the Day: Reflections, Recovery, and Some Downtime
Exhausted but determined, Ben wraps up his day with a few post-match thoughts. The season is long, but the journey is only getting more exciting. The next match looms, and he’s ready to put in the extra hours to secure a win. With training planned for the week ahead, Ben’s looking forward to another chance to prove himself.
At home, he winds down with a bit of Netflix and a well-deserved late-night snack. It’s a chance to relax, refuel, and let the day’s events sink in. But if there’s one thing Ben knows, it’s that there’s always room for improvement. Tomorrow’s another day, another training session, and another step toward the dream.
Bonus Tip: Add a Punch to Your Routine with the Smart Music Boxing Machine
Feeling inspired by Ben’s daily grind? If you’re looking to add a bit of fun to your own fitness routine, check out the Smart Music Boxing Machine in the banner above. It’s perfect for building hand-eye coordination, staying active, and letting off some steam after a long day. Plus, it’s set to music, so you can box along to your favourite tunes while working up a sweat. Just click the banner and give it a try – your fitness routine might never be the same again!
So there it is – a day in the life of Ben Brookes, non-league footballer, dockworker, and all-around hard grafter. From the gym to the pitch, to the docks and back again, Ben’s days are full of hustle, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. For now, it’s all about the journey, the training, and the thrill of the game. And who knows? With a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, Ben’s dream of full-time football might just be around the corner.
