JUST watching Uche Ikpeazu's close-season fitness regime is enough to cause most mere mortals to cramp up.
From eye-watering battle-rope exercises to punishing weight and cardio drills, the Hearts striker has been a man on a mission this summer.
The 24-year-old has been working closely with Northampton-based personal trainer Joe Power to recapture the physical condition which saw him give SPFL defenders nightmares upon his arrival from Cambridge United last year.
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Ron Gordon won't put limit on Hibs' ambitions after multi-million pound takeoverIkpeazu's followers on Instagram have even been treated to a host of videos documenting that progress and, in bullish mood, he is adamant those clips will serve as lasting proof that his impending success in the coming campaign was no fluke.
“I have a PT [personal trainer], Joe Power, who I work with,” explained Ikpeazu. “During the summer, I stay at my mum's house in Northampton and I've been working with him for three years. I’ve improved every year.
“He does stuff in the gym and outside – strength and conditioning work. I do like to post my videos and show people what I'm doing. That's just my character and when I do have a good season, people will know it's no coincidence! Hard work pays off, that’s my mentality.
“It's all about getting my body right. He knows the problems I've had with my knee. He knows my body well after three years and is able to give me tips. He knows what he's doing, along with the staff at Hearts, have got me feeling really good.”
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Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo: I'm better than cousin Romelu LukakuBy his own admission, Ikpeazu is his own worst critic and is determined to improve on a roller-coaster maiden campaign in Scottish football.
He became an immediate fans’ favourite due to his physicality and tireless work ethic, notching four goals in his opening eight game for the Gorgie outfit. However, a foot injury sustained in October forced Ikpeazu onto the sidelines for four months.
And, even after returning to something approaching full fitness, he was hampered by a niggling knee issue.
“I'm very hard on myself and towards the end of last season I just didn't think I was playing well,” Ikpeazu said. “I know why: because I was playing with an injury. You're going into games knowing there's something not right with your body, you're having to fight through the pain but I wouldn't have changed that. I wanted to help the team in the league and cups. I do that for the gaffer, my team-mates and for the fans.
“When I came back from my injury I worked hard and felt good but then there were little breakdowns. It's because I put in so much work to get back in shape. Maybe I rushed back and it caught up with me but my body has healed now, I feel strong and I'm ready to go. I'm ready to attack the season.”
With Hearts plagued by injuries and a lack of strength in depth in attack last season, Ikpeazu was often asked to lead the line on his own and, even with his power and mobility, regularly found himself isolated.
That is unlikely to be the case this season following the astute captures of Conor Washington and Jamie Walker, allied with the impending arrival of Steven Naismith. Boss Levein has already promised a more potent Jambos side this term and it is a prospect Ikpeazu is relishing.
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“There is competition now and we all have a common goal - to win and progress,” added Ikpeazu. “Conor [Washington] has played at a very good level so I will be looking to learn from him. I think he is a great addition to the squad.”
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