GLADIATORS READY!
Women's Fitness UK|March 2024
We talk to the new female Gladiators of the smash hit BBC TV show to discover their fitness secrets, and find out more about the women behind the iconic red and blue costumes
Joanna Ebsworth
GLADIATORS READY!

'As Athena, the Greek goddess of war and wisdom, I have all the characteristics of being strong and powerful. I can deadlift 175kg, bench press 100kg, squat 150kg and I'm a Commonwealth champion powerlifter as well as the Guinness World Record holder for doing the most bodyweight squats in a minute. But I'm also fast and agile, thanks to my athletics background.

I did athletics for a period of 10 years until I transitioned into power lifting at the age of 17, and I'm a former threetime sprinting champion for Warwickshire.

'Having speed and strength is a lethal combination, but I've also got brains as an ACA chartered accountant. I'm always trying to outsmart the contenders and be one step ahead without giving anything away, so I try to remain calm and composed - even when nervous or psyching myself up to compete in front of 3,000 people at the Utilita Arena Sheffield. I'm all about being aggressive yet focused when it comes to getting into action, and channelling my athletic mindset helps me to go out there and perform at my best while managing the adrenaline rush.

'I really enjoy the strength-related games such as Gauntlet, where I get to use my battering ram to literally smash contenders down. I've always had very strong upper-body strength and regularly do weighted pull-ups. In fact, having that strong upper-body strength which I've developed over many, many years - has transitioned really well into being a Gladiator.

'I also love Powerball. Being able to get really physical with the contenders by blocking and tackling them gives me the chance to showcase my agility.

As a power lifter, I know people have certain expectations of me, but I love to break barriers and surpass expectations.

Denne historien er fra March 2024-utgaven av Women's Fitness UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra March 2024-utgaven av Women's Fitness UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA WOMEN'S FITNESS UKSe alt
'Balance in Body & Mind is Important to the Life I Lead Now' - Paralympic champion swimmer Ellie Simmonds OBE talks about finding balance after retirement, learning to say no' and why she firmly believes that sport is for all
Women's Fitness UK

'Balance in Body & Mind is Important to the Life I Lead Now' - Paralympic champion swimmer Ellie Simmonds OBE talks about finding balance after retirement, learning to say no' and why she firmly believes that sport is for all

If you thought Ellie Simmonds would be swapping life in the fast lane for a slower pace when she announced her retirement from competitive swimming three years ago, you’d be mistaken. Because, according to the 29-year-old multiple world record breaker – who captured the hearts of the British public back in 2008 after winning her first Paralympic gold at the tender age of 13 – she’s not ready to slow down yet. In fact, she’s just getting started.

time-read
7 mins  |
August 2024
Get lean AND FIT!
Women's Fitness UK

Get lean AND FIT!

Set yourself up for success with our foolproof two-week food and fitness plan

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2024
'I used to watch as a fan- now I represent England!"
Women's Fitness UK

'I used to watch as a fan- now I represent England!"

Aged just 17, cricketer Sophie Ecclestone made her international debut for England Women. By 2020, she became the number one ranked bowler in the world a title she stills holds today. Here, she tells WF about her journey so far and her hopes to inspire the next generation of cricket stars.

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024
IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS...
Women's Fitness UK

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS...

Find sanctuary in nature with the Women’s Fitness guide to forest bathing

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2024
I'm grateful for the freedom I now feel'
Women's Fitness UK

I'm grateful for the freedom I now feel'

Eve Boggenpoel talks to Alice Liveing about her past abuse, the pressures of being a social media icon and how she turned her life around to find inner peace

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
FIT TECH
Women's Fitness UK

FIT TECH

If you exercise without tracking it, did you exercise at all? Don’t take the risk of missing a session: strap the best running watch to your wrist with these top picks

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
GOLDEN GIRLS
Women's Fitness UK

GOLDEN GIRLS

What’s it like to win an Olympic gold medal? And what does it take to stand at the top of the podium? We asked the women who know, and find out their ones to watch’ for Paris 2024

time-read
10+ mins  |
August 2024
Olympic INSIDER
Women's Fitness UK

Olympic INSIDER

Olympian-turned-broadcaster Jeanette Kwakye reports on her love of sport, who she’s excited to watch at the Paris Games and why she loves dressage...

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
5 ways to...LOWER STRESS LEVELS
Women's Fitness UK

5 ways to...LOWER STRESS LEVELS

Got a maxed-out to do’ list? Stay calm and collected with these food and lifestyle tips from nutritionist Rob Hobson

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024
CLOCK UP YOUR SUMMER STEPS!
Women's Fitness UK

CLOCK UP YOUR SUMMER STEPS!

Creator and founder of The WalkActive App, Joanna Hall is passionate about helping you get more from your walks. Here, she shares her top tips to reap the rewards from your rambles and walk yourself fitter, healthier and happier this summer

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024