‘I Work Out For Body And Mind'

Julia Bradbury reveals her simple trick for turbo-charging her walking workout and why taking time out keeps her sane…

- Faye M Smith

With three young children and a hectic filming schedule for ITV’s Best Walks, which takes her all over the country, you would be forgiven for thinking self-confessed night owl Julia, 46, would be tired for our morning photo shoot. But when she bounds fresh-faced into our London studio, it’s clear that couldn’t be further from the truth.

So what’s her secret for keeping her energy levels up? ‘Berocca or a power nap!’ reveals Julia, who keeps her skin fresh with natural skincare products, such as REN, Elemis and Ptah Cosmetics*. And when her two-year-old twin daughters Xanthe and Zena arrive and happily show us their Downward Dog moves while their mum is getting ready, it’s evident that, along with her son Zephyr, five, and partner Gerard, staying active is a family affair.

In fact, it was going on walking adventures in Derbyshire from the age of six with her own dad that got Julia hooked on the outdoors. She has since released 13 books on the subject and is the Celebrity Ambassador for Ramblers Walking Holidays.

‘When you’re that small you have no idea of the long-term impact it’s going to have on you. I’m very grateful as, without Dad, I wouldn’t have done any of this.’

‘I walked off my baby weight'

Nowadays, gadget-obsessed Julia keeps an eye on her 10,000 steps-a-day goal with fitness trackers that are sent to her to try out. ‘It’s a nice perk – I’ve always got the latest Garmin or Fitbit,’ reveals Julia, who is President of The Camping and Caravanning Club, which encourages the whole family to get outside on holiday.