Fuelling Performance on Stage: An Interview with Niall Horan

Often, we think about performance in the context of our athletes and sportspeople but what does it mean to someone who is performing in front of millions whilst touring Europe and North America for half the year? Team Kinetica Sports caught up with global superstar Niall Horan to find out what that really looks like.

·       Athletes and sportspeople have a pre-season ahead of their competitive season, what does preparation for a tour look like for you and how do you get yourself ready for the demands of being on the road?

Having eighty-six shows across multiple countries and time zones can take its toll! Ahead of my last tour I decided to really focus on my personal fitness. I have been working with a personal trainer and spending time in the gym and I feel much better, physically, and mentally. Building fitness and stamina has been excellent in terms of helping me keep up with the demands of being on tour!

·       When it comes to touring, what are the demands?

On tour the days are non-stop. Of course, they are incredibly enjoyable and I am privileged to do this but it can be intense and with the travel, the media work, the rehearsals, then the gig itself, often there aren’t enough hours in the day. I try to put everything I have into what I do to put on the best show for my fans who make so many sacrifices and commitments to follow me, so keeping fit and healthy is a top priority.

I am conscious of my nutrition and as much as possible I try to make sure I’m eating well. It’s not always easy to eat the right foods at the right time and this is where Kinetica Sports products are really helping me. For example, with the gym work it’s important I meet my protein needs so in the morning I’ll add Kinetica’s Whey Protein and Creatine to my smoothie.

I also love using Kinetica Sports Energy powder to support maintaining my energy levels and avoid fatigue on busy tour days. This is a big help to get me through a gig. Depending on the intensity and timetable of the day I’ve had, I might also take an energy gel before going on stage.

·       Can you give us an idea of what a typical day looks like for you on tour?

I’ll try get a walk in first thing; before going to a gym session. I like getting outside to get some air and daylight. It helps set me up for the day and get a feel for the city I’m in.

As I like to train most days, I make sure to stay hydrated and keep my electrolyte levels balanced by adding a Kinetica Sports Electrolyte Tablets to my water bottle. Depending on the length or the intensity of the session, afterwards I might have a protein shake or smoothie to keep me going until lunch.

The day passes fast and then sound check normally takes place a few hours before the show. Once I get that done, it’s time for food and I’ll get myself organised and in the zone. The show uses a lot of energy but after when the adrenaline is pumping I often find I’m really not hungry, so I might add Kinetica Sports Recovery into a shake to help replenish my energy stores and maintain good protein levels.

·       How important is your diet to you?

I have come to appreciate how important it is to be on top of nutrition. I feel much better on stage, in the gym, and even on the golf course. I try to make a conscious effort to get a good balance of my macros. I’ve become interested in gut health and think there are a lot of benefits in getting this right. For me it’s about getting my nutrition right with the foods I eat and then supplementing with the range of Kinetica Sports products to support my needs and help fill in any gaps. 

·       What is your outlet when it comes to getting downtime?

I love playing a bit of golf. If I have time out while touring, I’ll try and get out on a local course. I love the game and it is a useful way to switch off from the intensity and clear my head.