From a Pussycat Doll to a mum, Kimberly Wyatt’s life has changed a lot over the years – and so has her fitness routine. With less time, a change of scenery, and different aspirations, its easy to see why her workout has changed so much. Kimberly chatted to Health & Wellbeing about how she’s keeping fit in motherhood.
KIMBERLEY’S GYM BAG ESSENTIALS
Favourite trainers: Puma
Favourite apparel brand: Lucas Hugh
Favourite post-gym product: MaxiNutrition
Favourite drink and snack: Coconut water and protein balls
You look great Kimberly! How are you keeping in shape at the moment?
“Doing the mummy juggle, which means exercising with and around my baby [Kimberly has two daughters: four year old Willow and two year old Maple]. I kept toned and trim by focusing on the Vitality Triathlon which was at the end of May. The event pushed me to step up my game and get back into shape, by running, cycling and swimming, plus a lot of dance-infused circuit training. I’ve been working on my Mum on a Mission workout programme (#mumonamission), which is packed with moves and routines that I’ve put together after giving birth and getting my body back.”
Has it been tough getting your body back after you had your baby?
“It wasn’t at all easy, but I had a lot of determination and some good old positivity. Fitness allows me to blow away the cobwebs and get rid of stress, which in turn gives me the confidence I need to push myself further. I love a challenge. A triathlon four months after giving birth is crazy, right?”
Has you routine changed since having baby?
“Of course; my ab muscles separated while I was pregnant, so I made sure I took part in rehab sessions to get them back in shape. My lifestyle has changed dramatically. I used to be able to work out willy nilly, but now it has to be really structured. I often find it difficult to focus, especially if I’m exercising at home as my little girl will be on my mind. Now I take an egg timer and set it for an hour and won’t stop exercising until the alarm goes off. I just adapt my workout to fit around me and my family.
Plus, if I don’t want to be away from my daughter, I will always carry a yoga mat, so I can enjoy a few stretches with her in sight. This is just what my Mum on a Mission programme is about. It allows women to exercise anywhere and at any time, whenever they have a spare few minutes.”
Do you work out any differently now to how you did in your twenties?
“I no longer have to train in my stilettos, which is great. Plus moving countries has made all the difference. When I lived in sunny Los Angeles I would always be running outside, but the weather is a lot more unpredictable here in London, so I tend to workout indoors. While I was in the Pussycat Dolls, it was about pushing yourself to look good. The training was also about getting ready for those huge performances. Since then I’ve found fitness is something I can enjoy and works around me.”
What’s your main motivation for staying fit and healthy?
“To look good, feel good and be the best me I can be.”
Do you work out alone?
“I prefer to exercise by myself, but I do have a trainer who has helped me after my pregnancy. I couldn’t do crunches with a huge belly (while pregnant) so having a personal trainer really helped educate me on what I could and couldn’t do. I took part in martial arts classes and got into yoga after my pregnancy, I didn’t push myself, but it was enough to slowly bring my abs back together, healthily.”
What’s your favourite type of exercise?
“When I was six years old I was part of my local swimming team – I was a piranha! But I could never keep my eyes open underwater and would always find myself six lanes over.
It will come as no surprise that dancing is my passion, as I have been busting moves since I was seven, but I’ve quite a sporty girl and like to mix it up, so I wouldn’t necessarily say I have a favourite type of exercise.”
What music do you listen to while working out?
“My favourite artist at the moment is FKA Twigs – I’m obsessed with her! She’s a fantastic dancer, has great direction and is a brilliant song writer.”
How healthy is your diet at the moment?
“I’m very much into my food. I love to eat well and cook my meals from scratch – especially after becoming a mum. I want to be able to introduce great food to my daughters and allow them to have a healthy relationship with nutrition.
I’m always looking for great recipes that are quick and easy, but nutritious, while doing the mummy juggle. If I’m working out or on-the-go I’ll bring a MaxiNutrition shake to refuel and help my muscles recover.”
What’s your favourite healthy dish?
“One thing I can’t get enough of at the moment is cauliflower couscous. I love mixing it with pomegranate seeds, herbs and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.”
What’s your best piece of fitness advice?
“Train to be the best you, you can be. There are a lot of body shapes out there that women aspire to but, newsflash, you only have your body – make sure you listen to it and enjoy it.”
MaxiNutrition, the UK’s leading sports nutrition brand, is supporting Kimberly in achieving her nutrition goals. For more information, visit maxinutrition.com or head to Twitter (@MaxiNutrition). You can keep up with Kimberly on her twitter @KimberlyKWyat.
