Two Leicester beefcakes are getting pop princes One Direction in shape for their US tour.
Mark Jarvis, of Leicester's Muscle Machine gym, and judo champion Jimmy Wallhead have been using their mixed martial arts know-how to get the singers ready for the Take Me Home tour's North American leg, which begins this weekend.
The band, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson, recently completed a tour of Europe, singing their hits such as What Makes You Beautiful and Little Things.
An employee at Muscle Machine in Evelyn Drive, West End, told the Mercury that Mark's contract prevents him from talking about the training regime the band members, aged between 19 and 21, are undergoing, and the newspaper was unable to contact Jimmy for a comment.
However, a source widely reported on the internet said: "It's important for the boys to be in the best shape physically possible for these dates.
"Bosses don't want half measures, and as the boys spend a lot of time travelling, there can be a tendency to eat junk food and play lots of video games.
"But thanks to Mark and Jimmy's new regime, they've been working out lots more. Harry has really bulked up his arms, and Liam has a sturdy set of abs.
"Niall, Louis and Zayn have been working out with separate trainers, but they're getting into it, too.
"Their trainers have insisted they eat healthier food, and it helps that they had healthy catering for the UK leg of their tour.
"It's a great starting point for all the hard work they're going to have to put in ahead of their stadium tour next year."
Groby 29-year-old Jimmy, who is also known as Scuba Steve, has a black belt in judo and was a three-time Under-21 British Judo Champion before he began competing in mixed martial arts.
He competes in the welterweight division and is a member of Team Rough House and Leicester Shootfighters.
He has recently also turned his hand to coaching alongside Mark at Muscle Machine, where Mark is a co-owner.
Mark has a name for himself in Hollywood, having also trained actor Stephen Graham, from Ibstock, ahead of filming for HBO series Boardwalk Empire earlier this year.
#New || Liam with Mark Jarvis back in Verona, Italy - May 19, 2103and recently in London - May 31, 2013. twitter.com/LatestAbout1DH…
— Latest About 1DHQ (@LatestAbout1DHQ) June 1, 2013
