Catching up with…
Laura Whitmore, TV presenter and new mum-of-one
HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN ACTIVE?
‘I have, yes. I’m not necessarily a gym person, but I’m always on the move and I find it hard to keep still. Fitness has to fit into my life and be part of my day, and it also has to be fun. Obviously, exercise has physical benefits, but for me it’s about the mental benefits, especially when I go out for a run or a walk with the dog in nature. Yoga and stretching is also really important for me, particularly since my body has changed so much in the past year.’
HAVE YOUR WORKOUTS CHANGED NOW YOU’RE A MUM?
‘I think I’m just as busy now as I’ve ever been, so that hasn’t changed. I love squeezing in a class, but it might not be at the same time each week as my schedule is always changing. I always pack a pair of trainers in my suitcase no matter where I go in the world because I can get up in the morning and go out for a little run before a shoot or filming.’
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR ACTIVEWEAR RANGES WITH DARE 2B?
‘Basically, I love clothes, I love fashion and I also love being comfortable – I think I’ve worn more activewear in the past year than I have in my entire life! Running, walking, yoga and workouts with my trainer Harry became really important to me during a year of restrictions, as did just sitting on my sofa being comfortable. So, it was crucial that my collections were versatile, not too overwhelming and fun. It’s great to be back for a second season, and my favourite piece from the new collection is the lovely Lambent Jacket in Ebony Grey, £70 (below), which goes with everything! I love layers, and this jacket doesn’t take up too much space in your bag so you can take it everywhere – perfect for when you don’t know what the UK weather is going to be doing. I also like the Mantra Sports Bra, £24 (below). It’s super comfortable and the print adds a little element of fun!’
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO ENJOY SOME ‘ME TIME’?
‘Bathtime! I love a bath as it’s always good for achy limbs. And I enjoy sitting on the sofa watching Love Island! We need a bit of entertainment and fun in our lives, so that’s how I get my fun. I always find cooking a really nice process, too.’
WHAT’S YOUR MANTRA FOR LIVING A HAPPY LIFE?
‘A song lyric from the first album I ever owned by Wilson Phillips, Hold On. The lyric is ‘no one can change your life except for you’ and that’s a little mantra I live for, so much so that I named my book after it. It’s just a really positive affirmation I tell myself every time I feel overwhelmed or there’s people in the world who aren’t very nice – I take it back to what I can do to change things and make the world a bit better.’
‘Fitness has to fit into my life and be part of my day’