Balancing Training and Building Mental Toughness with 2x HYROX World Champion Meg Martin

Welcome back to the WHOOP Podcast! To kick off the New Year, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes, sits down with 2x HYROX World Champion, Meg Martin. Meg joins the WHOOP Podcast to share what it really takes to push your physical and mental limits—without burning out. Meg shares how a childhood in gymnastics and sports aerobics built her discipline, why most people overdo intensity in their workouts, and how she and her husband balance elite performance with a focus on recovery and longevity. Meg and Dr. Holmes dives into sickness, travel, immune resilience, sleep, and why mindset work is the real secret behind achieving PRs. Meg presents the idea of “fears week”, a habit she has implemented in her coaching technique to help her clients grow on and off the HYROX course. Whether you’re looking to compete in HYROX, or hoping to build a stronger focus on mental strength, this episode provides you with the habits and mindset shifts to push your performance limits. 

(00:47) Meg Martin’s Journey to HYROX

(02:11) What Is HYROX? 

(03:32) Building Mental Toughness For HYROX

(04:43) “You Have To Love To Hurt” Why Athletes Are Drawn To HYROX

(08:07) The Mindset Of A World Champion

(10:29) Navigating Illness and Injury As An Athlete

(14:48) How Meg Thinks About Sleep, Rest, And Recovery

(18:16) Building A Supportive Team & Community

(21:59) Incorporating Mindfulness in Coaching 

(27:54) Finding Happiness & Purpose To Overcome Fears

(30:19) HYROX Training True or False Questions

(36:29) Volume and Intensity Training As A HYROX Athlete

(40:17) How To Build Your Pacing Instincts in HYROX

(44:17) Being A Business Owner and Full-Time Athlete

(46:55) A Message To New HYROX Athletes: Tips and Techniques

Follow Meg Martin:

Instagram

YouTube

TikTok