1REBEL ICONs: LJ
What were you like before fitness became a part of your life?
Fitness has always been part of my life. Even as a kid, I wanted to be involved in everything at school - sports days, clubs, dance, teams. I’ve always had energy to burn and a real love for movement. It’s never felt separate from who I am.
Before coaching, what were you doing?
I was acting. I trained in acting and singing, and I found 1Rebel pretty early on in my career. For a while I was straddling both worlds, auditions and shows alongside coaching. Over time, fitness naturally took the lead. But performance has always been a huge part of how I show up in the studio.
Can you remember a moment when movement started to feel like more than just training?
Honestly, movement has always felt like more than training to me. Growing up, dance was my vessel for expression. It wasn’t about reps or results, it was about feeling, storytelling, and connection. That’s something I still carry into every class I teach. I love spotlight and a podium.
What did fitness give you that you didn’t have before?
I would say Proof. Proof that your brain will quit long before your body needs to. Proof that discomfort isn’t the enemy. Proof that what we think we’re capable of and what we’re actually capable of are two very different things. FACTS.
How do you think where you grew up shaped who you are now?
I’m from Birmingham, and I’m super proud of that. It’s a city full of culture, grit, and creativity. There’s a real authenticity about it. I think that’s why I fell in love with London when I moved here. I was lucky enough to grow up in area where music and arts were a big thing.
How do you want people to feel when they walk out of your class?
Like they just surprised themselves. Stronger, sweatier, slightly feral - but definitely standing taller than when they walked in.
When do you feel most in your element, inside or outside the studio?
Anywhere I’m surrounded by good music and good people is where I’m home. Studio, festival, pub garden - same energy. Frosty beer in hand definitely helps.
What keeps you coming back to coach, even on the harder days?
The music. The lights. The people. There’s nothing quite like that shared experience in a room where everyone is pushing together. Even on tough days, that connection never gets old.
If you had to describe the power of committing to one hour in your own words, what would you say?
I always say in my sessions that it can take literally one minute - one second even - to turn your day around. In the studio, you get 45. There’s something really powerful in making that decision to do something for yourself. To switch off from the noise lean into something challenging and hit the reset button on your week. 60 minutes of commitment like that can build discipline, resilience, and confidence that carries into everything else you do. Let’s GO.