Gran-of-eight Maggie Clayton on lockdown life

Before she had children, Michelle Flynn, from Glasgow, loved going to fitness classes and even ran the New York marathon.

But juggling work and social commitments with looking after Grace, seven, Maria, four, and Daniel, two, meant classes took a backseat. Now, with more time on her hands, Michelle, 39, has rekindled her love for fitness. “I used to do classes, like body combat, yoga and Pilates, and I was very into keeping fit. I enjoyed running 10k challenges as there was a sociable aspect. “But once the kids came along, I got out of the habit. I’ve always liked being outside or going to a community class, and Michelle once you are Flynn juggling kids it’s hard enough to meet up with friends for drinks, never mind a yoga session.

“But since our family has been in self isolation, live-streamed workouts have helped me find my motivation.

“We started the Joe Wicks’ PE class as a family. I wanted to give some structure and routine to everyone’s day as we needed something to gee us up! “When you’ve had three kids, your body takes quite a battering. “You become a bit lost and don’t know strong you are or how much your body can manage. “So I was a little scared of going back to classes – I didn’t know if I would manage it. That’s why being able to workout in the living room has been fantastic. “I don’t think I have the selfdiscipline to say, ‘Right let’s go out and crush 40 burpees and 20 lunges’ so having someone on the TV guiding you through it has been great.

“Plus, the fact the classes are streamed live makes you feel like you are still part of something.”

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