Gemma Atkinson has been applauded for sharing a heartening message about training in the gym at Christmas. The 38-year-old fitness fan, who regularly shares her workouts with fans on Instagram, shared a snap of herself holding her head in her hands after what appeared to have been a gruelling session.
Writing "how the gym sometimes feels at this time of year", the former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actress went on to share how she balances training with enjoying Christmas. "I’m always asked if I still train over Christmas. My answer is always 'if I feel like it,'" Gemma explained.
"I never put pressure on myself to train over Christmas but I also don’t go the other way and use Christmas as a reason to do nothing and eat everything in sight," she wrote. "Between, all the manic shopping and end of work loads and wrapping and organising etc… I need something to keep me sane! Sometimes that something is a sweaty gym session, sometimes it’s a Christmas movie with a hot chocolate."
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The Hits Radio presenter, from Bury, says 'healthy mind' comes first and she never counts calories at Christmas. "I’m fully aware that the more my consistency goes over the Christmas period, the harder it’ll be to start back again, so I do like to do 'something' even just a nice walk or a YouTube yoga session," she said.
"Don’t beat yourself up for falling off track a little when life gets busy. We’re only human, and I ain’t ever counting calories over Christmas! Do what you know works for you. Get a plan in place for when you 'restart' remove any pressure to be always 'on it' and instead, enjoy the festive period!
"Add in the occasional movements to keep you feeling Great! And get back on track when you’re ready to make the changes! Healthy mind first. Always."
mikaela.ramsay.378 told her: "Couldn’t agree with you more. Cheers." lizrogers35 responded: "Fab words of wisdom!! I beat myself up all too often for enjoying myself. It’s all about the balance!" And rachywalters messaged: "Needed to read this today- THANK U."
lucycurtispt told her: "Love this Gemma. Spot on." susanclarkson34 wrote: "Well said Gem." And shonaharris2 commented: "Thankyou for your honesty."
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