Stretch for success

Contestants will swim 3.8km, cycle 180km and finish with a 42km run at the event on October 11, which according to Williams is the pinnacle of sport.

‘The sport is rapidly increasing in popularity as people want to push boundaries, not just physically, but mentally; this endurance event has it all,’ he said.

‘The heat of the lava fields, wind and humidity; training is essential.’

The 28-year-old is currently training 25 hours a week, with part of that including pilates.

‘I came across pilates a few years ago (after) an injury and have really made in-roads into my body’s conditioning. Sophie has really helped in my training,’ he said.

‘Body conditioning and strengthening is so important, with the kilometres I am doing, to remain injury-free. This aspect of training is often forgotten about or only briefly touched on, whereas I have it as almost priority in my training.’

Ntoumenopoulos said pilates not only helped prepare Williams for the physical test but helped with his mindset too.

‘It gives Aaron a chance to focus on injury prevention, postural alignment and ensure that he is strengthening his stabilising muscles to prepare him for the physical and mental test to come,’ she said.

For Williams, it will be his second race at the 70km distance, having competed in the half-ironman world championships in Las Vegas last year.