Meet Ravelin's Most Valuable Participant for October - Miles shares his Olympic lifting journey.
We’re excited to launch our brand-new Ravelin MVPs series! A celebration of the incredible members who make our community what it is. Each month, we’ll be sharing the stories of inspiring members whose journeys remind us that fitness is about more than just training – it's about passion, progress, determination, and the people you meet along the way.
We’re starting this series with Miles, a University of Portsmouth student whose dedication and passion for Olympic weightlifting have taken him from Portsmouth to regional competitions in Australia. His story is about focus, discipline and love for sport.
What inspired you to start your fitness journey?
Miles’ fitness story began back in his final year of secondary school, when he first decided to take control of his health and fitness. While most of his classmates preferred team sports, he focused on running, often spending PE lessons running miles on the treadmill rather than chasing a ball across the field.
When he moved on to college, he joined a local gym, experimented with different workouts, and eventually discovered CrossFit, which challenged both his strength and endurance. But it wasn’t until university that things really took shape. While studying Sport, Health and Exercise Science, Miles joined the university gymnastics club and went on to compete at BUCS in 2023.
From there, he developed a fascination with Olympic weightlifting – he enjoys the precision and mental focus the sport demands. He loves how it pushed him to continually set new goals, evaluate progress, and master the technique.
In his third year, Miles took a placement in Australia to complete a second degree in International Sports and Exercise Sciences at Edith Cowan University. He joined a local lifting club, competed in regional events, and gained a whole new perspective on performance training.
Now that he’s back in Portsmouth, Miles volunteers as a Strength and Conditioning coach while finishing his degree.
How did you find out Ravelin Sports Centre?
Miles first started training at St Paul’s Gym because it was the university gym at the time and offered affordable student rates. When Ravelin Sports Centre opened, he was excited to use the new facilities, and our performance area immediately caught his attention. Miles enjoys the welcoming culture here at Ravelin and the motivated environment that feels very different from a commercial gym.
How long have you been a member at our gym?
Miles joined us before we opened Ravelin Sports Centre, which has recently celebrated 3 years!
What was your fitness level like when you first joined?
Since Miles started running in secondary school and has been going to the gym since college, his fitness level was already strong and well-developed.
What are your current fitness goals?
Miles is focused on refining his performance in Olympic lifting, working toward two key goals: a 120kg ‘clean and jerk’, and an 85kg ‘snatch’.
The sport, Olympic lifting, mainly focuses on these two very technical lifts. In the snatch, the barbell is lifted from the floor to overhead in one quick movement, usually with a wide grip. In the clean and jerk, the lifter first pulls the bar to their shoulders (the clean) before lifting it overhead (the jerk). Both require incredible precision, power, and mental focus, which is exactly what Miles thrives on.
What does your current workout routine look like?
Miles trains four days a week, focusing entirely on lifting, alongside five days of mobility work and one well-deserved sauna day.
Each lifting session starts with a structured RAMP warm-up, followed by the main lifts - snatches and clean and jerks - then strength movements such as squats and pressing, and derivative exercises like pulls, RDLs, and jerk auxiliaries before moving on to accessory and core work.
His plan is written by Erin Haff, an IWF Level 2 and AWF Level 3 coach with numerous international coaching appointments. Erin continues to train and lift, including the primary Olympic weightlifting movements, though she no longer competes.
What’s your favourite class, workout, or piece of equipment at the gym?
Miles likes anything involving cleans, split jerks, or overhead pressing. So, it’s quite easy to figure out what his favourite spot in the gym is and where you can find him most of the time - our new Eleiko platforms. They make training feel safer, more comfortable, and a bit more professional.
How has the gym community impacted your journey?
Miles finds motivation in the people around him. Seeing others push themselves, developing their skills, and balancing training with everyday life reminds him that everyone is working towards something. That shared energy and mindset keep him going.
Do you train solo or with a trainer/partner? Why?
He prefers to train solo, usually with his headphones in and music setting the pace. For him, it’s about focus and freedom - he can train on his own schedule without worrying about anyone dropping out.
What keeps you motivated on tough days?
For Miles, training isn’t a chore - it’s part of his routine, a habit he genuinely enjoys. Following his plan gives him structure, and every completed session feels like a win. He noticed that once he finishes his training, his mood lifts and his whole day feels better.
What’s your go-to post-workout snack or meal?
A simple mix of yoghurt, protein powder, and honey - or anything sweet to boost energy after an intense workout session.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Respect the space and the people in it. Pack away your weights, keep the gym tidy for the next person, and always wear shoes - it’s a shared environment. Good gym etiquette goes a long way!
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
Miles was a vegetarian for eight years after a quite traumatic encounter with undercooked sausages. He’s since reintroduced meat into his diet to support his training and performance.
Who is your fitness inspiration or role model?
His coach, Erin Haff, whose dedication to the sport and decades of experience continue to inspire him. Her passion for coaching and Olympic weightlifting is exactly the kind of example Miles aspires to follow.
If you’d like to share your own story, we’d love to hear from you!
Gym
Ravelin Sports Centre's state of the art gym has all you need for cardio, resistance and weight training.
New Eleiko Olympic Lifting Platforms and Power Racks Now Available at Ravelin Sports Centre
Experience our upgraded performance area with world-class Eleiko equipment, designed to take your strength training to the next level.
Joining and memberships
You can sign up for a health and fitness membership at Ravelin Sports Centre today.
