Gemma Atkinson is getting her sweat on – with her husband. In a new social media post the Hollyoaks star hits the gym with Gorka Marquez during an intense exercise session. Gemma has been training at Ultimate Performance for four weeks, engaging in weight and strength training sessions after having her second child. She has committed to 12 weeks of intense workouts. “I want to start feeling strong again,” she says in another workout video. Weight lifting, sled pushes, squats and lunges, and lots of ab work are helping her get back into shape. Here is everything you need to know about her lifestyle habits.
1. This Is What She Eats in a Day
Gemma Atkinson/Instagram
Gemma detailed her diet to Hello. “I'll either have poached eggs on a bagel with avocado and some greens, or I'll have my porridge with almonds, berries and honey," she dished. "Then I'll train and I'll probably have a smoothie mid-morning with whey protein, coconut milk, almonds, frozen spinach, frozen broccoli and frozen cauliflower,” she added. "I make a butternut squash but I put cashew nuts in it which makes it nice and creamy," she continued. "Lunch can be a big salad or chickpeas with pesto or veg or some Mexican rice. I've always loved Mexican food. I think it's been ten years since I ate any red meat but I used to love fish tacos." And for dinner? "Sometimes I'll just have a shake before bed or sometimes Gorka will make a Spanish omelette which is great."
2. Sleep
Gemma Atkinson/Instagram
Gemma understands the importance of getting rest. 'I get up at 4.30am to present Manchester’s Key 103 Breakfast Show. I swear by getting six hours’ sleep,” she told Women’s Health. What are the health benefits of sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.
3. Hydration
Gemma Atkinson/Instagram
Gemma drinks “three litres of water a day,” she told Women’s Health. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.
4. “Heavy” Weight Training
Gemma Atkinson/Instagram
“My 12-week transformation—and current training—does involve a lot of heavy weight training. I’ve always gone to the gym – but this taught me to focus on the quality of my workouts, not the quantity,” Gemma told Women’s Health.
5. No Red Meat
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“I haven’t eaten red meat in five years, and I limit my dairy intake. I love animals and there’s cruelty in how these foods are produced. I’m working towards becoming pescetarian, then vegetarian,” she told Women’s Health.
6. Cheat Weekends
“The weekend is my time to rest. I don’t train – I’ll go for long dog walks instead. If I fancy it, I’ll have pizza, pasta or a glass of wine. I aim for 80% what my body needs, and 20% what it wants,” Gemma told Women’s Health.
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