Tell us about yourself and your background-
I guess my career life is split into three stages. I was a GB Speed Skater for 17 years, competing in three Olympic Games and winning British, European, and World medals. During this time, I was also the S&C coach for the British Figure Skating Team, including two ice dancers who competed at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
I retired after the 2010 Olympics and began working full-time as a personal trainer in London. In 2013, I founded my first London gym under a different brand, and in 2016 I launched my current business, Roar, gradually growing it into a small chain of private personal training gyms.
In 2022, I moved to Dubai, and in January 2023 we opened Roar 4 in Downtown Dubai, right on the Boulevard.
What is it you currently do?
I spend a lot of my time running Roar London and Dubai, and excitingly, this week I launched my online training platform, Club Roar. A big part of my current role involves doing consultations, overseeing operations, and working closely with the team to continue developing our product, education, and service. I’m really looking forward to working closely with clients again and helping more people achieve incredible results.
Why are you so passionate about health & fitness?
What is more important than your health? I’m in a very privileged position to help people feel amazing about themselves and achieve things they never thought possible, which brings incredible job satisfaction. We work with clients from all different situations and starting points, each with their own goals, and helping people improve their relationship with their body – and ultimately with themselves – is truly remarkable.
What inspired you to found ROAR London and ROAR Dubai.
I wanted to create the ultimate environment for optimal client success. From the equipment and the way the floor is designed, to the atmosphere, the world’s best PT team delivering periodised, progressive training and nutrition methodology, and a level of service that supports every step of the client’s journey – everything has been carefully considered. And we constantly work to improve and evolve all of it.
What is your mission as a company?
Really, it’s the same as above: to provide an unrivalled personal training experience from start to finish. We are known above all for our results. The client decides their goals and what they want to achieve, and we facilitate it.
What has been your biggest success as a company?
For me, it’s maintaining 100% ownership. I am extremely proud of who we are and what we deliver, and I’ve always wanted to protect that – even if it means slower growth.
Why is it so important to look after your mental and physical health simultaneously?
They look after each other. Exercise is the most under-prescribed and under-utilised antidepressant, yet it can be extremely difficult to get started when you’re feeling low. Even if you’re in a great place, lay the foundations now – it will pay dividends at some point in life.
What is the most common mistake high-achieving professionals make when trying to improve their health?
Taking shortcuts or choosing the easiest path to save time. The basics have to be looked after, and if one area is lacking, everything else becomes compromised. Exercise. Nutrition. Sleep. Make improvements in all three areas and you’re winning.
What are your top 3 action steps high achievers can take today?
- Go to bed 30 minutes earlier and switch off electronic stimulants at least one hour before sleep.
- Prioritise daily movement or exercise. Even a 30-minute morning walk counts – consistency is key.
- Prepare as much of your own food from real ingredients as possible. If you rely heavily on convenience foods, start by making just one meal from fresh ingredients.
What are your daily non-negotiables for health and wellness?
I plan and prepare my own food, aiming for as many high-quality nutrients as possible – fast food simply doesn’t cut it.
I walk every morning for 45-80 minutes. It clears my head, warms up my muscles and joints, and helps me move comfortably for the rest of the day.
What does a day in your life look like?
I get up around 6 a.m. and follow my morning routine of walking, coffee, grounding, and breakfast. Then I check my meetings diary for the day and tackle emails with another coffee. I usually head to Roar Downtown around 10–10:30 a.m. for consultations, team meetings, and sometimes gym training after lunch. I try to leave before rush hour and use the early afternoon for the rest of my admin – emails, social media, and calls with the London team.
If I have an evening event, I eat an early dinner (because if the food isn’t enough, two dinners are better than half a dinner). If the evening is free, I either go to the driving range or watch a film with my husband to wind down.
What projects do you have coming up?
I’m focusing heavily on my online training, with lots of new clients to get to know! We’re also looking to expand in Dubai, so the property hunt is now underway.
How can readers find out more about you and ROAR Dubai?
You can either visit the website to send an enquiry – ideally booking a consultation with me or one of my managers – or you can message me or the Roar Dubai account on Instagram.
