Former Britain’s Fittest Farmer champ gives top tips

With less than a month until the 2023 Britain’s Fittest Farmer (BFF) competition gets under way at the Devon County Show on 20 May, former under 40s women’s champion Erica Robison reflects on her experiences of the competition.

Having taken part in the event three times, Erica, a 34-year-old farmer’s daughter, fitness instructor, and personal trainer from Cumbria, says mental resilience is just as important as physical fitness.

“You’ve got to be in the right mindset,” she told Farmers Weekly. “That’s what I took into the competition, and it got me quite far. 

See also: Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2023 judge: From trainer hater to marathon runner

“You’ll need mental resilience – that fire in your eyes. When I was competing, all that went through my head was ‘you’ve given birth, and that was 12 hours of hell, so shut up and get it done’ – that’s what pushed me through.”

Returning this year to help with the judging, Erica is an advocate for the mental health benefits that arise from exercise.

She said: “You get that kick of endorphins after you’ve trained, and knowing that you’re being good to your body and looking after yourself by being physically active is so good for your mental health.

“It is a mental and physical competition, so if someone isn’t physically strong, but has a strong mental attitude, they can still do well.”

Erica Robison competing at Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2022 © MAG/Colin Miller

Community

Erica still keeps in touch with many of the former BFF competitors, and several of them have decided to return to the event. 

“Britain’s Fittest Farmer is a community – I still speak to all of the guys and girls that I compete with every year,” she said. 

”Even though you’re competing against them, everyone wants the best from each other and will really push you on. It is so rewarding.”