The gym can be quite intimidating at first ... you feel like a new girl at school
Model and reality TV star Christine McGuinness talks to LIZ CONNOR about the importance of fitting in exercise in her busy life
SHE regularly hits the gym to ensure her physique is always in tip-top condition, so it’s no surprise that Christine McGuinness has become a fitness influencer in her own right. Here, the busy mum-of-three and wife to TV presenter Paddy McGuinness gives us the lowdown on her health and wellbeing routine...
What’s your favourite way to workout?
DEFINITELY weights and strength training.
It took me a while to get into it, because it can be quite intimidating at first, especially for new mums.
The first time I went into the weights section I felt quite out of shape and like everyone was looking at me. You sort of feel like the new girl at school.
It takes time to get to the point where you can walk over to the weights area and not care – especially if there are men there making it look like it’s their area.
I like feeling strong, fit and like I can do anything – weights does that for me. I don’t ever go to the gym to lose weight, I go to get stronger. Mentally, physically and emotionally, it helps me to cope with three children and a husband!
Christine and husband Paddy
What are your gym bag essentials?
WATER. It sounds obvious but the only thing I really bring with me to the gym is a bottle of water that I can refill.
I have a spare bobble on my wrist and that’s about it.
I’m really low-maintenance when it comes to the gym. I’m not there to impress anyone.
It’s my time. As long as I’ve got water and my car keys, I’m good to go.
Are there any activewear brands you swear by?
I’D SAY Gymshark is probably the most comfortable. I find that new gym clothes are good motivation to go to the gym and it can be a bit of an excuse to go shopping sometimes.
I know I’ll get my wear out of my kit though because I’m in the gym all the time and having some new bits makes you feel good.
Do you and Paddy work out together?
WE DO it separately because we go to different gyms. When we finish doing up our house we’ll have our own gym though and I don’t know how that’s going to work! Whether we’ll have to take it in turns.
I try and do around four to five days a week in the gym, but Paddy’s so busy filming Top Gear at the moment that he only gets into the gym once a week.
He goes to a very macho gym that I probably wouldn’t feel comfortable in.
I just go to the one around the corner that’s light, airy and very local.
What’s the best fitness tip you’ve ever been given?
TO BE patient and stick at it. It takes time to see a difference with your body and for you to get into the routine of making it a part of your lifestyle.
The gym is a completely normal part of my day now and it’s unusual for me not to go.
I’m always surprised that it’s not more of a regular thing in people’s day, because it’s so important for your health. That hour in the gym is completely for me. I get a lot of mums messaging me saying they haven’t got time or can’t afford a gym membership – which I totally understand and respect – but when I had the twins I worked out at home.
They didn’t start school until they were five so for all of those years I worked out in the living room when they were asleep.
So stick at it and don’t make excuses, because that time is for you and it’s worth it in the end.