How do you balance your work, home and social life?
It’s a juggling act, as my husband (who’s head of fitness for Virgin Active) works long hours and we have no family near us. This means I can’t accept every job or social occasion that comes up, but we work as a team and he’s a very understanding husband!
What do you do to unwind?
I suppose I socialise with my girlfriends, away from media events, or I just hang out with my husband and go to the cinema and Nando’s!
What is the wellness tip you swear by?
You will always regret sleeping in and avoiding the gym, but you never regret a workout!
What is your daily routine like?
I get up, get the kids ready for school, then Hugh (my husband) makes breakfast. He then leaves for work and I do the school run. I work out during 9.15-10.15am and have a late breakfast or early lunch, then do house work, work or food shopping. Then it is time for the school pick-up and cooking the kids’ tea. I do another tidy of the house and run the bath for the kids. Hugh gets home from work and he bathes them. I make our dinner, and we eat and have a chat about the day we have had. Next it is time to read the kids’ books and they go bed. We watch TV or read our emails and do house work. I prep my husband’s meals for the next day and usually get to bed by 11 o’clock.
Can you tell us a bit about your book Hot Flush?
No, you have to buy it! To cut a long story short, it covers the last six or seven years of my life. Everything from finding out I was Brca2 positive, to my kids being born, to the operations, to the fall out with my family and friends, and more importantly, the impact going through the menopause has had on me, my kids and my life in general! Everyone’s journey is different but it’s one thing we women will all go through if we reach that age. It’s glossed over, but it’s something that has a huge impact on our lives and those of our families.
How do you encourage women to take back control when they first get menopause symptoms?
It’s hard to take control of something we don’t know enough about. But by understanding it’s a hormonal imbalance, and by talking about it and finding solutions like I have in Femarelle, we can move forward in our quest for understanding our new bodies. Talk to each other. Don’t be embarrassed by it or feel you have to hide it like we have for generations.
What are your biggest confidence-boosting tips?
Wear what feels good on your skin, not what you fitted into two years ago. Our bodies change and adapt rapidly, especially during the menopause.
What is your exercise routine like?
I mix up weights and cardio sessions, keeping it fresh and keeping my body guessing so it doesn’t get used to what I do. I usually lift quite heavy weights to break down the muscles, so they repair and grow stronger, and that achieves a leaner look.
What do you do on rest days?
Nothing – perhaps, clean again!
What are your three top beauty buys?
Water – it is simple and free! Femarelle – I couldn’t be without it now because it has helped my mood and my sleeplessness. Soltan is the only 5-star rated sun cream against UVA rays
