How 10 Successful Women Make Time For Fitness

Nikolina Lauc, co-founder & CEO of GlycanAge

“I’m not really a morning person and tend to work out later in the day. I have been known to do some speedy hill sprints at 11pm with my other half – if it’s been a particularly busy day, we’ll often use the time while catching our breath to share news of the day. I also couldn’t be without my standing desk, and you’ll often find me doing squats during a Zoom call.”

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Stephanie Drax, founder of Leapfrog Remedies

“For a multitasker like me, all mundane chores are an opportunity for exercise. Brushing your teeth: that’s six minutes per day of prime fitness time. It might be squats, standing like a flamingo or doing Kegels (also performed every time I refill my kids’ water bottles or sit in traffic). For upper body strength, I’m the manic-looking mother pushing her kids on the swings with a little too much gusto (which, thankfully, they love). I also thrash myself with a body tapper between Zoom calls – an ancient Chinese ritual for improved circulation.”

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Jess Schuring, CEO & founder at Heartcore

“Be flexible with fitness. The last year has shown us you don’t need to commit to a 60-minute class. Some days, you may only have the mental energy for a 20-minute session and that’s fine. Stick with a method that maximises what time you have – if you’re busy, your mental and physical body will appreciate whatever movement you can fit in. In particularly busy times, we also need to be mindful that too much exercise can have the adverse effect. If you are working out from home, keep your mat and weights fresh and ready-to-go, so on time-crunched days it’s easy to head to your space and tune into your favourite on-demand workout.”

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Dr Elina Berglund, co-CEO & co-founder of Natural Cycles

“Doing yoga with the children may not sound relaxing but it’s a great way to fit in a workout and keep the kids occupied. The benefits of yoga are endless – it not only improves strength, balance and flexibility but it’s also incredible for the mind. Plus, the kids love it – whatever you do, they copy you. I’ve also recently taken up running for the first time – it isn’t something you need to commit hours to, 30 minutes out of your day is all you need.”

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Vanessa Craig, biomedical research doctor & founder of Formetta

“Sneaking in exercise throughout the day is my secret talent. When I go to the park with my kids and need to let off some steam, I’ll do some tricep dips on a bench and inclined push-ups. I’ll often jog alongside my kids while they’re scooting or cycling, too. On rainy days, nothing beats an indoor dance party – the children have fun and it’s a real cardio workout for you, too. I’m also a huge fan of rebounding and often take the kids to the trampolines – it stimulates the lymphatic system and works the core, legs and bum. I always walk wherever I can too, whether it’s food shopping, running errands or doing the school run.”

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Naomi White, PR coach & consultant

“Schedule fitness like a meeting – it makes you more accountable. In the name of time-saving, I always plan my workouts in advance. I have a programme designed by Luke Worthington so I know what I'm doing in my sessions, which makes for a more productive workout. If I’m doing a weight-based workout at home, I have the news on in the background – as a PR, it’s vital for me to stay up to speed with the headlines.”

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Sarah Chapman, facialist & founder of Skinesis

“During lockdown, I invested in a Peloton and the energy of the classes really makes me thrive. Whether it’s on the bike or a mat-based class, the instructors never fail to motivate me, even if I’m half asleep or have had a crazy day. Louise Parker once taught me that doing something every day builds the habit, so even if I don’t feel like exercising, I get on the mat and do some stretching. You don’t have to dedicate an hour to working out – short and sharp is better than nothing.”

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Natali Kelly, aesthetic practitioner & reiki healer

“Walking is a great, time-efficient way to tick off your daily exercise quota. In fact, a recent study found that in older women, taking 4,400 steps per day was associated with a 41% lower risk of dying when compared with women who walked 2,500 steps a day. I live around 20 minutes from my clinic, which is perfect for a power walk and also allows me some thinking time, usually with a coffee in hand. I also couldn’t be without my Apple watch to keep me on track – counting steps helps you stay focused.”

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Anna Teal, CEO of Aromatherapy Associates

“I’m a big advocate of walking meetings – not all cardio needs to be done in the gym. Whether done in person or over the phone, a walking meeting keeps you moving throughout the day and conversations focused. Slot these walking meetings in alongside the odd gym-based workout when you can for a realistic schedule you can actually stick to.”

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Rosie Stockley, founder and CEO of Mamawell

“Try a playdate workout – in the last year, I’ve spent a lot of time standing around in the park with the kids. Rather than just standing and chatting, my friends and I have made a point to come wearing our leggings. I’ll bring some weights and resistance bands and we do a workout while the children play. When you’re at home, try setting yourself a quick challenge, such as 20 squats or 20 push-ups – see how many you can do while the pasta is boiling.”

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