I’m definitely not a runner, but I love doing Reformer Pilates and aerobic classes.
Whenever I finish a session I always have more energy and my body feels really toned. I can’t wait to get back into my fitness routine and start going to more classes again. When I was pregnant I found it quite frustrating because your body doesn’t let you do what you normally would. I’m looking forward to the summer weather, getting my gym clothes on and taking the baby out for long walks. I don’t work out a huge amount but I try to include exercise in my everyday life somehow and I’m lucky that I’ve got an active lifestyle.
I’m up early with my daughter every day, we walk to school and then I’m busy working all day, sometimes into the evening. I admit that genetically I am very fortunate (all of my family are tall and lean) but my body really enjoys a good workout.
I did pregnancy Pilates for eight months and it made such a big difference.
Your body goes through so many changes when you’re expecting a baby, it’s important to keep the muscles working and relieve all of the (many) aches and pains. I found it tough to watch my figure change so dramatically but it’s important to be physically strong and do what I can to stay agile.
I’m like every other woman and get insecure about my body from time to time – it’s only natural.
Modelling swimwear and lingerie means that I’m on show in front of a lot of people, a lot of the time, so I need to be mindful of what I eat, otherwise, I won’t feel my best and it’ll show in the pictures. Because of that, I’m really conscious of training enough, looking after myself and making sure that I still keep a womanly shape with curves in all the right places.
If I know that I have a photoshoot or event coming up I make sure that I watch what I eat a bit more and take an extra class or two to give me a confidence boost.
I’ve always been a very active person and love to get up and be outside as much as possible.
There’s nothing better than riding my horse in the countryside – I can’t wait to get back in the saddle this summer. As everyone’s so busy, it can be hard to arrange a catch-up with my friends, so we often go to a Pilates class together and grab a healthy breakfast afterwards – it’s the perfect way to motivate each other and we squeeze in a gossip whilst working out. What I love about Reebok’s clothing is that it’s so stylish – I can go from the gym to the cafe or restaurant without feeling out of place. They support me where I need support and the fabric’s breathable so I’m not eating my breakfast feeling sweaty and uncomfortable!
Strictly Come Dancing changed my body dramatically.
We were training for seven hours a day, almost every day, so I did drop weight and became seriously toned, but I also lost my boobs, which I hated! It was great to see what my body could do but I missed having curves and a more womanly figure. It’s only when I look back at pictures from that time that I realise how different it looked, six-pack and all! I loved my time on the show so much that I didn’t realise it was also a really intense workout, which is the key to keep exercise interesting. There are always new exercises and fads that come and go, but I always end up going back to Pilates-based activities, because they give me everything my body needs.
Fitting exercise into my day is easier now that my daughter’s in school full-time.
We get up at 7 am and walk to school, which gets my heart rate up and warms my muscles ready for the day. Then depending on what the day is looking like, I’ll either squeeze in a class before work or afterwards if I finish early enough.
Seeing pictures of myself in the tabloids looking awful really upsets me.
I know it comes with the territory and I shouldn’t complain because I love my job, but it’s the worst part of what I do. The paparazzi are everywhere in London and you can’t get away from that. It’s just annoying when I’m trying to take Sophia to school and all I want to do is throw my hair up, wear no make-up and chuck on the nearest clothes I can find but I know that “Abbey Clancy looking rubbish!” will be the tabloid headline the next day. I’m not too phased by it, I know that I’m very lucky, but it can chip away at your confidence.
My fitness mantra is to do something you enjoy but don’t push yourself too hard.
It’s great to eat as healthily as possible and to give your body everything it needs but at the same time, try not to be too strict with yourself because you have to enjoy your life. If you want a piece of chocolate, don’t beat yourself up about it. And if that glass of wine on a Friday night makes you happy, drink up – everything in moderation.
A typical day includes a lot of food!
I have a huge appetite and need to eat as soon as I get up in the morning. Today I’ve had muesli followed by poached eggs and smoked salmon but it’s usually toast, cereal or something hot. I love to be in the kitchen and enjoy making hearty, home-cooked food for my family at mealtimes. My husband’s 6’7” and my brother (who lives with us) is 6’4”, so I’ve got these big, burly men in my house who need their plates to be piled high. I often make steak with a salad, jacket potatoes, fajitas, a massive fish pie or a big roast dinner on a Sunday. Being married to a footballer helps with my diet because he needs a lot of protein and the right nutrients to nourish his body, which rubs off on me.
I have a real sweet tooth. I love cakes and biscuits with a cup of tea but I try to limit how often I have them.
When I indulge I usually go for a pizza at the weekend. I don’t have it every day but now and again I really fancy one and don’t hold back. If I deny myself anything it can put me in a really bad mood and I think about it all the more.
I can’t start the day without making a green juice.
I throw in any fruit, vegetables, nuts and super powders that I have in the fridge and I’ve noticed such a difference in my energy levels, my skin is really clear and my hair feels stronger. Without one I feel sluggish, tired and crave unhealthier foods, so I always make sure I’ve stocked up on healthy ingredients. I feel better knowing that I’ve had my vitamins and minerals for the day, so anything extra is a bonus.
I can’t wait to get back into my old fitness routine.
Until the end of my pregnancy, I worked the whole time, but it’s been so tiring that I haven’t been able to work out like I used to.
Being out of control of my body isn’t something I enjoy, so I’m looking forward to slipping my trainers on and getting outside with my family in the sunshine. I’m not worried about the baby weight, I just want to enjoy my new family and let nature take its course. I know my body a little better with it being my second child so I will just take it easy and eat cleanly.
I like to be busy and active, so I’ve struggled taking it easy over the last few months.
I’ve had a lot of water retention, so I’ve been spoiling myself by having a lot of massages recently, which has been lovely and made me feel more comfortable. If we don’t have an event to go to, I like getting cosy on the sofa and watching Nashville boxsets but now that it’s finished I’ve been cleaning my entire house and staying in a lot with the new baby.
