This month we launched the first of our Member Spotlights, where we go beyond the gym to learn about the incredible people we work out alongside. These sessions give us the opportunity to explore the backgrounds, careers, and achievements of our members, hearing the inspiring stories behind their successes.
Our first spotlight featured none other than Maddie Arlett, a British lightweight rower with an impressive career, including a bronze medal at the 2019 World Rowing Championships. Maddie has represented Great Britain at multiple international events, and her story is one of dedication, perseverance, and passion for her sport.
The turnout for Maddie’s spotlight was fantastic, and members had the chance to ask some excellent questions. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive (just check out the screenshots from our community WhatsApp group!). It was a fantastic opportunity to get to know one of our members on a deeper level and to inspire everyone on their own health and fitness journeys.
Q&A HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EVENING
First of all, how did you get into rowing?
"I got into rowing somewhat by chance. At school, I was always drawn to competitive sports and was looking for a challenge that would push me both mentally and physically. Rowing appealed to my desire for self-improvement—it demands a balance of strength, endurance, and focus. It became more than just a sport to me; it was a way to learn about resilience, teamwork, and the importance of consistency. As I started to excel, I realised that rowing could take me further, both personally and competitively."
Rowing is known to be physically and mentally challenging. How do you handle the mental aspect?
"Mental toughness is just as crucial as physical strength in rowing. In the middle of a race, when fatigue sets in and your body is telling you to stop, staying present is key. I try not to focus on how much farther I have to go but on the process—my technique, my rhythm, my breathing. Trusting in the preparation I’ve done allows me to push through. I remind myself that every stroke brings me closer to the finish. By staying present and believing in my training, I can push through the toughest moments."
What was your training schedule like when preparing for the Olympics?
"The training was incredibly demanding. I had two or three sessions each day, combining water time, interval training, and strength work. A typical day might include a 3-hour session on the water focusing on technique and endurance, followed by intense interval training to build cardiovascular stamina. Strength training was a crucial part of my routine as well, allowing me to generate the power needed to maintain top performance over long distances. It was exhausting, but knowing the goal was always worth it."
A massive thank you to Maddie for sharing such an insightful and inspiring look into her career and experiences. One of the key takeaways was how mental resilience plays a massive role in performance, something that resonated with many of our members.
Thank you to our wonderful community for coming along and for the great questions that really made the evening special.
We’re excited to keep the momentum going with our Member Spotlights—keep an eye out for our next featured member!