Gemma Atkinson is known for her love of strength training, and recently reminded followers why building muscle matters – especially amid the renewed trend towards slimmer physiques.
‘I’m constantly seeing adverts on how we can become smaller. I feel like we’re going backwards,’ the former WH cover star and Just As Well co-host wrote while sharing her latest full-body workout.
‘I’ve decided to be my own advert for striving for stronger, bigger, healthier and happier,’ the 41-year-old podcaster and entrepreneur added. ‘I want a body that functions and carries me through the ageing process. A body that I’ll work with, not punish by trying to shrink it.’
Gemma also highlighted the importance of muscle as we get older. ‘Simply put, the more you have, the better your body will function. Especially as we age,’ she wrote. ‘Move and fuel. Your brain, body and future self will thank you for it.’
Encouraging women to focus less on size and more on strength, she added: ‘Let’s try and aim for strength over a size. Go for those PBs, ladies! Your body has carried you through a lot. Its main purpose is to keep you alive.’
Gemma Atkinson’s go-to exercises
Stand on the middle of the rope and pull the handles upwards – they should roughly reach your armpits.Keep your chest lifted and core engaged as you rotate the rope using your wrists.Jump lightly from the balls of your feet, keeping the movement small and controlled.
Hold the barbell at shoulder height with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.Brace your core and bend your knees slightly.Push through your legs to press the bar overhead.Lower the bar back down to your shoulders with control.
Stand a few feet in front of a bench and place one foot behind you on the bench.Holding kettlebells by your sides, lower into a lunge position.Keep your chest lifted and core engaged throughout.Push through your front heel to return to standing.4. Wall balls
Stand facing a wall holding a medicine ball at chest height.Lower into a squat while keeping your chest up.Drive upwards explosively and throw the ball towards the wall.Catch the ball and lower straight back into the next squat.5. Kettlebell farmer’s carries
Stand tall holding a kettlebell in each hand by your sides.Keep your shoulders back, chest lifted and core tight.Walk forwards slowly using small, controlled steps while maintaining good posture.
Having a strong core is about far more than sporting a six-pack. Build functional mid-section strength – while also improving your power, posture, coordination and balance – with WH COLLECTIVE coach Izy George’s 4-week core challenge. Download the Women’s Health UK app to access the full training plan today.
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