‘It’s only recently that I’ve really come to appreciate the benefits of exercise’

From homeschooling her two boys, to settling into country life, Scottish DJ and broadcaster Edith Bowman talks all matters wellbeing with Liz Connor

As a presenter, podcast host and mum-of-two, life for Edith Bowman hasn’t slowed down during lockdown.

Recently, Bowman, 46, moved from London to the Cotswolds with her husband Tom Smith, who is frontman of rock band Editors, and their sons Rudy and Spike.

Since relocating to the countryside, city-dweller Bowman says she’s fully embraced a new way of life, and is finding ways to stay fit in her beautiful new surroundings – all while juggling homeschooling and a hectic work schedule. Here, she shares her health, fitness and wellbeing goals ....

What are your favourite ways to keep fit and healthy?

“As I’ve got older, I’ve definitely gone through different phases of things that I’m into – but it’s only recently that I’ve really come to appreciate the benefits of exercise. For me, it’s not just physical – it’s a mental thing too.

“Usually, I try to go for a run three times a week, as I know that exercising does me the world of good. We moved out of London just before Christmas and I’m now in the countryside, which is just incredible.

“Before lockdown, I’d found a really nice local lady that I was going to do Pilates with once a week, and a friend was organising a yoga gathering around her house. But because of the homeschooling and working from home, it’s much harder to find moments that are just for you.”

Do you find it hard to fit in exercise as a mum?

“I can’t motivate myself to be honest! I would say I’ve done maybe three yoga videos over the whole of lockdown.

“I love Yoga With Adriene. I find I have to do exercise in the morning, because it sorts me out for the day, so my plan was to get up and do one of her videos every day. At the moment though, I just can’t find the motivation to do it, and I think it’s because I’m in my home environment, where there’s always other things to do. Whether it’s washing, ironing or painting; exercise just falls down the list of priorities.