This week, we sat down with one of London’s leading PT’s and Hyrox Atlanta champion Ollie Black on his fitness philosophy, how women can embrace strength training, and the wellness non-negotiables that get him through his day.
Q: For those who may not know you, tell us a little about your work and what drew you to Hyrox?
A: I’ve been a personal trainer for over 12 years, working mainly with people who want to feel functionally strong, improve their longevity and generally feel more confident in their bodies rather than purely chasing aesthetics. Hyrox appealed to me because it brings together the essential elements of being physically fit - strength, endurance and aerobic capacity - in a fun and measurable way.
Q: When it comes to strength training for women, what do you think most people misunderstand?
A: I think there’s still a misconception that strength training will make women bulky or somehow less feminine. In reality, it does the opposite for most people - it improves posture, confidence, bone density, hormonal health, and long-term resilience. Another big misunderstanding is that women need completely different training to men. The fundamentals are the same: progressive overload, good technique, recovery, and consistency.
Q: What does “feeling good” actually mean to you - personally and professionally?
A: To me, feeling good is feeling balanced, and in order to feel balanced, we need equal parts being and doing. Having steady energy, with a balanced and well exercised nervous system on both ends. Not being constantly wired, sore, or reactive and not being too lethargic and slow. Professionally, it means helping clients feel capable in their own skin - not just stronger or fitter, but more grounded, less anxious around exercise, and confident that their training is supporting their life rather than draining it.
Q: Are there one or two daily habits that are non-negotiables in your wellness routine?
A: I’m very protective over my sleep. There are two things which I think have a huge impact on sleep quality. Firstly, it’s not having any tech in my bedroom. I find it so disruptive being on my phone last thing at night and first thing in the morning. Secondly, I value meditation hugely and even if it’s just 5 minutes, I’ll always make sure I get some stillness practice into my day too.
Q: If someone wanted to get stronger but could only fit 20 minutes into their routine, what's the most impactful thing they could do?
A: Pick a few big compound movements and do them well. Something like a squat, a hinge, a push, and a pull - focusing on quality, control, and progressive loading over time. Well planned, 3 sets of each can take 20 minutes.
Q: What are your go to ARTAH supplements?
A: Essential Creatine for strength, performance, and cognitive support. Essential Magnesium for recovery and nervous system balance and Cellular Hydration to keep me feeling energised in training and racing. The difference these have made to my Hyrox performance is phenomenal. I’m on the podium more than ever this season.
Q: If someone wanted to feel better starting this week, what’s one small change you’d suggest?
A: Slow something down. Eating, breathing, walking, or even how they transition between tasks. Most people aren’t under-recovered because they’re lazy - they’re overstimulated. Creating even a small pocket of slowness can have a disproportionate impact.
Q: Looking back, is there anything you wish you’d understood sooner about health or wellbeing?
A: That more isn’t necessarily better. Pushing harder doesn’t automatically mean progressing, and feeling exhausted all the time isn’t a good thing. Sustainable physiological changes come about from learning when to apply stress and when to remove it - and valuing both equally.
Quickfire Questions:
Favourite book: The Alchemist
Series you're watching right now: Arcane
Favourite sweet treat: Tony’s chocolate (pretzel one!)
Favourite way to workout: A threshold running session
Least favourite exercise: Bulgarian split squats (I know I’m not alone)
Best place you've travelled to: Japan
Wellness tool you can't live without: My meditation stool
Favourite workout gear: Saucony for their epic running shoes
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