Playing Aaron Brennan in Neighbours, keeping on top of his personal fitness and travelling the world whenever he gets the opportunity, it’s fair to say that actor Matt Wilson is one of the busiest men in soap! We decided to catch up with Matt to not only talk about his upcoming storylines in the Australian television series, but find out a little bit more about his passion for travel and fitness, as well as gaining some tips on how we can all be a little more healthy in our day-to-day lives!
Matt Wilson plays Aaron Brennan in Australian soap Neighbours
First up, what can you tell us about your upcoming storylines in Neighbours?
Things are going well with Tyler and his Dad. So well that Hamish is turning Tyler away from his own brothers. Aaron notices a crack in Hamish’s story which sends Aaron to Paris in search of answers. Aaron will unveil a secret about Hamish that will catapult the show into the biggest storyline of the year.
How has been a long-standing member of the show’s cast changed your life?
Going from a building site to the film set was the biggest ‘fork-in-the-road’ moment of my life. Every day I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given at Neighbours. I feel like I’ve found what I was meant to do.
You’re obviously in great shape; can you tell us a little bit about your fitness routine and what constants you have in your routine each week?
Thank you! Years ago I would work out five to six times a week like a mad man. Now, I’m just careful with what I eat and train because it feels good, not because I feel like I have to. I’ll run five to 10 km per week and spend a day or two in the local gym on a good week. I don’t mind a yoga session here and there either.
What tips do you have for those who have zero experience with exercise, but who want to introduce fitness into their lives?
Do it with a friend. Not only is it more fun; they’ll keep you accountable too. [Also], learn to love the pain. I will always train so I can feel it the next day. It becomes something to crave for. [Finally], do your research. Understanding your body is crucial. Not only is it safer, you’ll know when you’re on the right track and get your results faster.
Do you have any advice for those who are extremely busy with work and who can only dedicate a small amount of time to exercise?
Find a gym that holds classes. Your rest times are governed by the instructor. There is no time for laziness or to think up an excuse to go home early. And food is everything. Eat clean and keep your serving size modest.
For those who are always travelling, what’s the best way to stay on top of your fitness?
Hotel gyms are OK at best. You’ll have to keep your workouts simple. I’ll usually create a three station circuit and rotate four to five times through that. For example, a five-minute sprint on a treadmill, then 30 seconds of mountain climbers, then 30 seconds of ab twists.
Where are some of your favourite places you’ve travelled to?
Two of the greatest moments I’ve had; in Morocco waking up on the sand dunes in the Sahara Desert next to a camel after spending a night there under the stars; and hiking through snow to the top of a mountain ridge in Japan where the trees turn into ‘snow ghosts’ and everything is white, as far as you can see.
Which places haven’t you been to yet that are on your ‘to-do’ list?
[I’d] love to join a wildlife conservation expedition through Africa, and see Antarctica.
Finally, what can you tell us about the coming months and what you’re getting up to before Christmas?
Neighbours will once again go out with a bang this year, with the Brennan brother being heavily involved! We are currently in the middle of filming more heavy episodes which will be going to air next year. For me [personally], I’ll be keeping my head down working, then [I’m] off to Tasmania to hike Cradle Mountain!
Tagged in Neighbours Matt Wilson