‘It's never too late TO TAKE HRT OR EXERCISE!'

Mum-of-three Davina McCall talks to Woman about working out, the menopause and why mid-life is cooler than ever

- JORDAN PARAMOR

How is your health and fitness at the moment, Davina?

Well, I did my ankle in at the end of last year so I was frustrated to say the least. Basically, what I’m doing are things that are very, very low-impact exercises.

I’ve got a very simple foldaway exercise bike at home so I’ve been told to just sit and spin for a bit and not to do anything too weight-bearing. I’ve also been doing a lot of Pilates on my website, Own Your Goals, which has been great. When your body gets injured there is literally no point in pushing yourself.

Your body always outwits you!

It does. I’ve learnt there are no shortcuts. It’s not good for your body to try and push it to heal quicker than it would normally because it ends up in disaster generally. Ligaments and tendons can take six weeks to 12 weeks to get better and I’ve just had to let go and be patient.

But that must be hard when you have a routine and you love exercise so much?

What I find is that I miss the buzz. I do a spin class every Saturday and I miss the people and the uplifting feeling I get afterwards, because exercise is as much for my head as it is for my body. But you know, it’s just not worth aggravating it. I want it to get better so I can get back to doing what I love sooner rather than later.

Has not being able to work out affected you mental-health wise?

I mean, I know that if I didn’t do anything, it will definitely affect me. But I’m still dog walking, which kept me sane in lockdown and is keeping me sane now. Exercising is as much about my mental health as it is about my physical health and I will never, ever stop. I plan to still be exercising well into my 80s and 90s.