Olympian Alex Gregory Inspires Porlock Weir Gig Club

Alex Gregory, two-time Olympic Champion and five-time World Champion, recently paid a visit to Porlock Weir Gig Club members at Fortitude Gym. 

Alex told us more about how the opportunity first came about: “I’d heard a lot of good things about Fortitude Gym from friends in the area and after meeting Marika I knew why. She’s set up the place just down the road from where I live, with her partner Jamie, the community they’ve built is incredible! I knew a number of the Porlock Weir Gig Club members also used this particular gym so the idea of a workshop was born.”

Photo credit: Porlock Weir Gig Club

Alex gave us an insight into the workshop: “It turned into a superb evening, with the majority of the Gig Club coming down to get stuck in! I was blown away by the dedication they have and what a supportive community Ben Allerton has created within the club.

Through the session we broke down the rowing stroke into component parts, gradually stitching them together, discussing the how, what and why along the way. It was so much fun working with this club who clearly want to improve, have their goals set on World Pilot Gig Championship performances but most importantly love what they do.”

One of Alex’s top tips that resonated with club member Sarah Shorten was: “Just row better.” Sarah really enjoyed the simplicity of Alex’s approach to hard work and progression. She also told us there is such a wonderful sense that every time you put effort in you will get results. 

Founder of the Porlock Weir GC, Ben Allerton also shared his thoughts: “For someone with such a prestigious career, his personality and character stands testament to his core values. From talking to Alex at the workshop it quickly becomes apparent that he wants to steer away from the often polarised views in rowing, that one discipline is no better than another. Finding commonality between the disciplines would only serve to grow the sport.”

Photo credit: Porlock Weir Gig Club

Through his platform and app Mind, Body, Row, Alex promotes a holistic approach to training, providing a journey towards physical strength, mental clarity and balance. You will often find Alex using his rowing machine in beautiful and remote places, creating content for his online community. His Wild Rows take you to a variety of locations, providing the opportunity to tune into a new environment while training from home. 

Alex told us: “I have a passion for rowing and I’m all for sharing, supporting and opening up the world of rowing into a whole. I’m new to gig rowing having spent all my life as a ‘slidey’ – what is it you guys call us!?

Whether it’s river, coastal, ocean, indoor, outdoor, sliding seat or not, I truly believe it’s an incredible and unique activity that provides far more benefits than we’ve been able to express so far. There’s a lot to learn from these different arms of rowing. Sharing this interest, passion, sport and way of life for its physical and mental benefits is something I’m dedicated to doing through Mind Body Row.” 

So far, Alex has filmed 120 workouts of various lengths from 15 to 90 minutes. During the sessions he discusses technique and works through specific focuses. Alex said: “Whether a complete novice or a rowing veteran there will be benefits to rowers of all abilities and of course I’m there online through the Mind Body Row community to support and answer any questions along the way.” 

Photo credit: Porlock Weir Gig Club

Within the last year, Porlock Weir GC have had an influx of new rowers joining the women’s squad. The Mind, Body, Row program has supported their indoor training and helped to develop their overall fitness. 

The program has also been very beneficial to members who are already accustomed to the rowing machine. Jen Warwick stated: “It has helped us to achieve the best and most consistent stroke, encouraging us to push our cardio training to new limits.” 

Naomi Cudmore from Porlock Weir GC explained “If, like me, you love team sports but sometimes struggle to keep going when it comes to solo training, Alex is a great companion. He helps you to be the best you can be.”

Porlock Weir GC member and Invictus Games competitor, Fiona Cranswick also describes her experience: “I knew that using sport to support my recovery journey was going to be a permanent feature in my life following an injury while serving in the Royal Air Force. Through Mind, Body, Row, Alex somehow manages to make you think about so much more than the physical processes.”

Alex described his motivations behind Mind, Body, Row: “My aim is to support people in their understanding of rowing, the technique, fitness, healthy habits and mindset, whether they are on-water rowers in any form, or simply casual machine users for general fitness. It really doesn’t matter!”

A big thank you to Alex Gregory and the team at Fortitude Gym for making this opportunity possible for Porlock Weir Gig Club. We look forward to hearing more about his work supporting our gig rowing community.