Graham Ambrose has never felt stronger. He can barbell back squat 145 kilograms for four sets of six repetitions, and bench-press more than 100 kilograms for a single rep. His friends and colleagues notice that his clothes fit more tightly, and he’s fond of posting mirror selfies on Instagram.
And strength training should appeal to bankers as the pay-off in terms of wellbeing – and ultimately longevity – can be profound. Nowadays, though, most banks have top-notch fitness facilities and some even provide workout clothes. It’s not uncommon for finance professionals to train with clients rather than go for a steak dinner.Graham Ambrose, Goldman Sachs
Kim Fournais, CEO of Denmark’s Saxo Bank, is a fan of weightlifting and Krav Maga , while the boss of Deutsche Bank’s investment arm DWS Group, Stefan Hoops, carries around a chest expander and hits the weight room most mornings. “There are definitely more women at the gym getting stronger, which is amazing to see,” says London-based equity research analyst Eleonora Dani, 38, who got started in 2015 after reading a“It seeded the idea that you can be a woman, be in finance and be strong,” she tells me by phone, requesting her employer not be identified.
“Meditation can be hard for some finance types,” he adds. “But if you are squatting with 100 kilograms on your back, I guarantee you are not worrying about your next meeting. You’re thinking: I’ve got to stand up now or this bar will crush me.”