Exercise As Self-Care Is An Investment In Health
Lucy Wyndham-Read (50), motivator and fitness expert, has found exercise her inspiration throughout lockdown. It’s not just for herself however, but also being able to help so many people. “I’ve always loved that sense of helping people with their fitness and making success accessible to them,” she says, admitting that she’s quietly thrilled with a recent Ofcom report which revealed she’s the UK’s most popular exercise guru on YouTube, even beating lockdown star Joe Wickes.
“The nuts and bolts of exercise are important,” she says “People want to know the reality, not some celebrity endorsement of a diet drink. Exercise is an investment in your health, physically and mentally, not just about feeling and looking good.”
She started as a personal fitness trainer working in gyms and building up her client base, then quickly moved on to sharing workout videos on YouTube.
“In 2012 social media was really taking off and I took to it instantly,” she says. “I could reach people who perhaps didn’t feel exercise was for them, or who couldn’t motivate themselves to get to a gym. Seeing it demonstrated in their own home helped them realise we can all turn to fitness, and my videos made exercise accessible and affordable.”
Now, her website www.lwrfitness.com/ boasts over 1,000 workout videos and 1.7 million subscribers, from 7 Minute Workout to Lose Belly Fat. Over the past year her experience and expertise have come into their own as the country went online.
“I offer something doable, I’m a problem solver,” she says. “On the few days I did feel really low, usually over something sad in the news, I’d watch a lovely film, let myself feel sad and think, ‘Tomorrow’s another day.’ Then I’d get up and get on with it.”
She thinks that there will be many, like her, who found exercise a salvation that they will continue to enjoy. “It’s also something you can be in control of, which is more important than ever just now.”