Former model and actress Gemma Atkinson has opened up about the exact exercise regimen that helps her maintain her toned physique, a stark contrast to her earlier modelling days.
From Lads' Mags to Lunges: A Fitness Transformation
The 41-year-old, who was a prominent figure in noughties lads' magazines, confessed she hardly exercised at all during that era. However, in recent years, the former Hollyoaks star has cultivated a deep passion for fitness, following a bespoke plan designed by her personal trainer, Elliott Upton.
Speaking to Heat magazine, Gemma outlined her weekly schedule, which is designed to be manageable around her family life. 'I do one lower-body strength session, which takes about 50 minutes; a metabolic day session, which is 22 minutes; workout three is glutes; and the fourth is another quick metabolic session,' she explained. 'It's really doable around the kids, plus I go on lots of dog walks and stuff.'
Nutrition, Inspiration and a Shared Passion
Atkinson, who was sporty in her youth participating in gymnastics, karate, and running for the Manchester girls' athletic team, also discussed her nutritional approach. She has found intermittent fasting to be a healthy balance, sometimes finishing her evening meal at 7:30pm and not eating again until around 12:30pm the following day. Despite this, she emphasises she eats 'quite a lot' to fuel her active lifestyle.
Her fitness inspiration is none other than Jennifer Lopez. This dedication to wellness is something she shares with her husband, Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez. The couple met on the show and bonded during the subsequent UK tour over their mutual love for the gym.
'When we were doing shows, I’d go into the hotel gym first thing in the morning and she would be the only other one in there,' Gorka told Men's Health. 'We used to chat, run on the same treadmill and so on... I fancied her. Then I learned she fancied me, too.'
Fitness for Longevity and Family
Now parents to six-year-old Mia and two-year-old Thiago, the couple say their children are a primary motivation for staying in peak condition. 'We are both aligned. It’s not just for aesthetics, it’s for longevity and health,' Gorka stated. 'We want to stretch life as long as possible and be healthy, too. We want to keep playing with our children.'
Gorka credits his own athletic build to his profession, noting that dancers train with a full range of motion, creating long, useful muscles. He views aesthetics as a consequence of training for strength and health, a philosophy that clearly resonates with the family's approach to wellbeing.
Reflecting on her past, Gemma insisted she 'loved' her lads' mag modelling days and never worried about her appearance at the time, highlighting a journey from confidence in her youth to a empowered, health-focused lifestyle today.
