Fitness

EMILY PRESCOTT: Movie star and hardcore fitness fan Kate Beckinsale, 50, who hits the gym six times a week turns her kitchen into makeshift exercise area

Published

2 years ago

June 9, 2024

EMILY PRESCOTT: Movie star and hardcore fitness fan Kate Beckinsale, 50, who hits the gym six times a week turns her kitchen into makeshift exercise area

Action movie star Kate Beckinsale is a hardcore fitness fan, hitting the gym six times a week.

But even that doesn’t seem to be enough for the 50-year-old, who turned her kitchen into a makeshift exercise area for an impromptu extra workout.

The British actress, worth an estimated £20million, shared a video with her six million Instagram followers last week showing her performing strength exercises against the kitchen cabinets while wearing a pink sports bra and tracksuit bottoms.

However she deleted it some time later.

This budget workout was quite a change for Kate, pictured left at a Cannes gala event last year.

Action movie star Kate Beckinsale is a hardcore fitness fan, hitting the gym six times a week

She shared a video with her six million Instagram followers last week showing her performing strength exercises against the kitchen cabinets while wearing a pink sports bra and tracksuit bottoms

Her vigorous exercise regime often involves workouts using a weighted sled, which burn up to 100 calories a minute, and in 2019 her personal trainer revealed she hits the gym six days a week to train for an hour non-stop.

The actress is recovering from a tear in her oesophagus earlier this year, which required a six-week hospital stay.

She has been in Italy filming her next movie, Stolen Girl, based on a true story of child abduction.

No 10’s Cleo faces a new Partygate

Boris Johnson’s ex-aide Cleo Watson has had to apologise to friends expecting a invitation to the launch party of her second political bonkbuster, Cleavage.

Cleo, nicknamed The Gazelle during her time in No 10, had to soothe feelings hurt by the apparent snub by explaining the election had put the kibosh on her planned bash.

‘You are exactly the people I would like to have invited had I been able to have a book launch,’ she told them. ‘Regrettably this isn’t the only party I’ve been wrongly suspected of having.’

Boris Johnson’s ex-aide Cleo Watson (pictured) has had to apologise to friends expecting a invitation to the launch party of her second political bonkbuster, Cleavage

This might be awkward! Ellie Goulding has been signed up to sing at a charity bash Zac Goldsmith is on the committee for – despite the former close friends severing contact earlier this year.

The pop star was booked for Thursday’s Ormeley Dinner without the Tory peer realising.

Ellie Goulding has been signed up to sing at a charity bash Zac Goldsmith is on the committee for – despite the former close friends severing contact earlier this year

Ellie broke off their friendship when she began dating a surf instructor. Zac is now seeing Hum Fleming, the great-niece of 007 creator Ian.

A source says: ‘Zac’s laid-back but it doesn’t sound like he’s thrilled with this.’

Expecting… her own fashion line!

She went public with her pregnancy with a grand fashion statement at New York’s Met Gala last month.

Now model Adwoa Aboah could be set to launch her own maternity line with H&M, the retailer that created the ruffled red skirt and crop top which revealed her baby bump to the world, right.

Model Adwoa Aboah could be set to launch her own maternity line with H&M

A source close to the 32-year-old Top Boy star told me she was in talks with the high street chain, saying: ‘She’s loving being pregnant and adores showing off her bump. The H&M team have discussed a capsule collection modelled by her for their maternity line.’

Adwoa – who also spearheads a mental health charity, Gurls Talk – is expecting her first child with US skater Daniel Wheatley and the new range could be ready as soon as this summer.

Fashion designer Alice Temperley might as well change her name to Dr Dolittle as it seems there is no end to her rescuing animals.

Last year, I revealed that Alice – a favourite of the Princess of Wales – had adopted a field mouse, and now I can report she took in a wandering peacock after it chased her car.

After a brief stay chez Alice, the peacock flew back to its owners across the field.

Fashion designer Alice Temperley posted a picture on Instagram with the peacock she took in

Rapper Professor Green looks to have rekindled his romance with former fiancee Karima McAdams – five months after they split.

The pair, who dated for five years and who have a three-year-old son, looked happier than ever at the opening of Maison Diptyque store in London.

Professor Green – real name Stephen Manderson – was formerly married to Made In Chelsea’s Millie Mackintosh.

Socialite artist Nettie Wakefield is backing a campaign to stop tech giants Facebook and Instagram from using people’s photographs on social media to ‘develop and improve’ its AI tools.

Although there is a little-noticed option to opt out of the scheme, Nettie, left, tells me: ‘Apparently AI is automatically being trained on everything we do on the social media platforms.’

Socialite artist Nettie Wakefield is backing a campaign to stop tech giants Facebook and Instagram from using people’s photographs on social media to ‘develop and improve’ its AI tools

It is certainly a terrifying prospect for some and so Nettie – whose past loves include Poldark heart-throb Aidan Turner and TV presenter Alex Zane, is railing against the idea.

How? By taking to Instagram, of course!

Nat’s ticket to hide

She’s used to all eyes being on her so I wonder why Natalie Portman was decidedly camera-shy on her visit to the Beatles Museum in Liverpool?

The Hollywood star banned staff, including the museum’s owner Roag Best – the brother of original Beatles drummer Pete Best – from taking photos of her at the venue.

This also meant that the 42-year-old couldn’t be added to the museum’s wall of fame-style gallery of famous faces.

The museum’s social media page later called out the Black Swan actress, right, who has appeared in one of Sir Paul McCartney’s music videos, for her reticence, prompting fans to criticise her actions.

On her visit to the Beatles Museum in Liverpool Natalie Portman banned staff, including the museum’s owner Roag Best – the brother of original Beatles drummer Pete Best – from taking photos of her

The owners of Drayton House in Northamptonshire, where black comedy Saltburn was shot, have complained of the unwanted attention the film has brought.

But Fiona, Countess of Carnarvon and chatelaine of Highclere Castle – aka Downton Abbey – has little sympathy. Rather sensibly, Lady Carnarvon says: ‘If you’re doing something like a film, then obviously it might well bring some attention – so if you don’t want any attention, maybe you shouldn’t have done the film. It’s just having that logical progression of thought process.’

The cast and crew of Downton have again descended on Highclere to shoot a third film, much to the joy of Fiona.

She gushes about the catering coffee cart and tells me: ‘It’s lovely to have everybody back.’

Fitness

Physical Fitness Movies and Shows to Keep You Motivated Toward Your Goals

Published

5 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Physical Fitness Movies and Shows to Keep You Motivated Toward Your Goals

The New Year is a time when many of us feel motivated to think more about our physical fitness. Lift heavier weights. Run longer distances. Shave a few seconds off that mile time. Whether you’re looking to hit a new PB or simply incorporate more movement into your daily routine, it’s easier to reach your goals if you surround yourself with positive affirmations about staying consistent and practicing discipline.

Lock in by watching these movies and shows that celebrate a good sweat session. You can stream these titles while climbing the Stairmaster, foam rolling after the gym, or enjoying a well-deserved rest day in a cozy, horizontal position. After all, visualization is one way to gear up to get moving — and it can be done from the comfort of your couch.

Final Draft

It’s never too late to restart a fitness journey. This Japanese series gathers together twenty-five former professional athletes — some of whom had no choice but to walk away from their respective sports, and others who retired on their own terms. They take part in a high-stakes survival competition, and the winner is awarded 30 million yen to kick-start their second-chance career. Among the participants: baseball legend Yoshio Itoi, soccer icon Yoshito Ōkubo, and three-division boxing world champion Hozumi Hasegawa.

Lorena, Light-Footed Woman

The sport of running is hard enough, but tackling a long-distance race without some good sneakers is a whole new kind of challenge. This short documentary introduces Lorena Ramírez, the member of Mexico’s Rarámuri community who earned the world’s attention in 2017 by competing in the Cerro Rojo UltraTrail, an ultramarathon of over 30 miles. She did so while wearing huaraches — traditional Mexican sandals — as well as her trademark long skirt and other customary indigenous garb.

The Other Shore: The Diana Nyad Story

Diana Nyad first gained acclaim in 1975 for swimming around Manhattan in record time. This documentary follows the long-distance swimmer as she pursues a perilous goal — swimming from Cuba to Florida without the use of a protective shark cage — a journey she attempts repeatedly, up until the age of 63. Afterward, queue up Nyad, the dramatic take starring Annette Bening as the athlete and Jodie Foster as her best friend and trainer, Bonnie Stoll.

Physical: 100

This search for the ultimate physique in Korea caught the attention of fitness lovers worldwide — for good reason. In this unique tournament, 100 athletes, bodybuilders, and military professionals take part in daunting challenges that test raw strength, speed, endurance, and technique. They face off in various trials until there’s only one competitor left standing. Want even more rivalry? Queue up Physical: Asia, the continent-wide spin-off in which athletes compete in teams representing their countries of origin.

SPRINT

This docuseries closely follows the world’s fastest athletes as they ready their bodies, minds, and spirits to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Created by the same team behind Formula 1: Drive to Survive, these episodes zoom in on American sprinters Gabby Thomas, Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley, Twanisha ‘TeeTee’ Terry, Kenny Bednarek, and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, as well as runners from the UK, Ivory Coast, Italy, Jamaica, and Kenya. Watching these elite runners prove what the human body is capable of is apt inspiration for athletes at any level.

Tour de France: Unchained

Go behind the scenes of the world’s most thrilling race on two wheels: the Tour de France, the famed road cycling competition that spans approximately 2,200 miles over a period of three weeks. In each of its three seasons, the series embeds with multiple teams as they race while dealing with terrain, injury, and other setbacks. These episodes track the annual men’s competition in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Ultimate Beastmaster

After countless hours of training, contestants take on the supersized obstacle course called “The Beast.” Produced by and featuring Sylvester Stallone, the international competition made history when it debuted with six localized versions in various countries, all featuring different competitors, hosts, and languages of origin. (The U.S. edition is hosted by Terry Crews and Charissa Thompson.) Also available to stream: Ultimate Beastmaster Mexico, hosted by Inés Sainz and Luis Ernesto Franco.

Fitness

Brazilian jiu-jitsu helped me find joy in movement again—here are three of my favorite solo moves you can do at home

Published

17 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Brazilian jiu-jitsu helped me find joy in movement again—here are three of my favorite solo moves you can do at home

If you’re looking for a way to move your body that builds strength, boosts your mobility and improves your mental agility, you need to try Brazilian jiu-jitsu (also known as BJJ).

Many people assume martial arts aren’t for them. I certainly never thought it was something I would enjoy. Working as a fitness writer, I’ve tried countless forms of exercise over the years, but grappling on the floor with a stranger had never appealed to me.

But when I recently tried BJJ, I discovered there’s much more to it. Not only did I learn lots of new skills in one session, it also challenged my strength, fitness and mobility—and I was laughing almost the whole time.

I now believe it’s one of the best ways for people of any age to move, especially if you have longevity in mind.

What is Brazilian jiu-jitsu?

BJJ is a martial art involving grappling, which often looks like rolling around on the floor with a partner. But it isn’t about sheer force—it involves specific sequences and techniques, like chokes and headlocks, to come out on top.

What are the benefits of Brazilian jiu-jitsu?

BJJ can be beneficial at any age.

“One of the best parts of jiu-jitsu, especially at the beginning, is body control and body awareness—you start to become conscious of your weight distribution, like where you’re placing your feet,” says Nia Blackman, a black belt and coach at ARMA, a BJJ gym in Clapham, London.

It’s also great for cognitive function, setting it apart from other forms of exercise. “In combat sports, there’s a lot of decision making,” says Blackman. “Jiu-jitsu really helps with staying calm under pressure, too.”

It’s also a fantastic way to develop your range of motion and flexibility. “It very much ties into mobility because the more mobile you are, the more you can flow,” Blackman explains.

My experience of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

I was lucky enough to have a one-to-one session with Blackman.

I was nervous about training with a black belt—would I get hurt?—but this wasn’t the case at all.

“A lot of people hear jiu-jitsu, think of Marvel film stunt sequences and think I can’t do that,” Blackman told me. “But the beginning of the journey is about learning basic movements rather than full-on sparring.”

In fact, Blackman started the session by teaching me some solo exercises, including how to fall to the floor and get back up.

“The biggest thing, especially when you start jiu-jitsu is learning how to fall, how to break your fall and how to get up safely,” says Blackman.

We then went through sequences together, starting in a closed guard position with Blackman sitting on her knees and me lying on my back with my legs around her waist. From there, she taught me how to maneuver both our bodies in order to tackle her or get her into a hold.

Writer Alice Porter being taught a sequence by Blackman

(Image credit: ARMA)

The session challenged my mobility and strength as much as a typical strength workout. Instead of using weights as resistance, I was using another person. It required more mental energy too, making BJJ a great way to keep your brain active as much as your body.

I also had more fun than I’ve had exercising in years. “It’s kind of like letting out your inner child,” Blackman told me. I 100% agree.

Three solo beginner-friendly Brazilian jiu-jitsu-inspired moves

You don’t need a partner to start practicing BJJ. If you’re interested, but don’t have anywhere nearby to practice, or want to prep at home, Blackman has shared three BJJ-inspired moves to help you work on mobility and skills.

“There are a lot of basic moves that you don’t do in everyday life that you’ll have to learn before you start actually doing jiu-jitsu,” says Blackman.

1. Technical stand-up

Getting off the floor efficiently isn’t just key to this sport—it’s useful for everyday life too. The technical stand-up is how you do it in jiu-jitsu.

Sit on the floor with your right leg stretched out in front, and your left leg bent, foot flat on the floor.
Place your right hand on the floor behind you, connecting your left elbow to your left knee.
Shift your weight onto your right hand and lift your hips, balancing with the left arm out in front.
Bring your right leg behind your right hand, coming into a wide squat position. You can come into a kneeling position first if you prefer.
Slowly stand up, taking your hands off the floor and bringing your feet into a parallel position.
Complete 10 repetitions.

2. Hip escape

A hip escape is a defensive move in jiu-jitsu. “In jiu-jitsu as a whole, you want to create angles,” Blackman says. “If you want to escape from under someone, then hip escapes are really helpful.”

Lie on your back with your feet close to your hips.
Bend your arms so your hands are hovering over your chest, palms facing up.
Thrust your hips up, then turn onto your side, shifting your weight onto your shoulders and sidebody.
Then push your legs out to drive your hips behind you.
Repeat on the other side.
Complete 10 repetitions.

3. 90-90

Hip mobility is essential to jiu-jitsu and working them through this range of motion will help with a variety of moves. You might have come across this move before.

Sit on the floor with one leg bent in front at 90°, the other leg to your side, also bent at 90°.
Keeping your torso upright, rotate your legs so the opposite leg is forward.
Then push up through your hips onto your knees.
Pause at the top, then return to your starting position and repeat on the other side.
Complete 10 repetitions on each side.

Fitness

How to get started at the gym – and keep going

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

How to get started at the gym – and keep going

It’s important to have goals in mind as you set out on your fitness journey, whether you’re trying to lose weight, gain muscle or train for a race.skynesher/Supplied

January is notoriously the busiest time of year at the gym. A survey from Ipsos reported that a third of Canadians made exercise-based resolutions for the new year, with many folks working out for the first time or returning to fitness after some time away. If you’re new to exercise, the gym can feel like an intimidating place. But it doesn’t need to be. Below we’ve put together a few suggestions to help you get started.

Have a plan going in

For success at the gym, it’s crucial to have a plan. Before you start, it’s important to identify your goals. Are you looking to get stronger? Training for a race or competition? Do you want to improve body composition? While almost any consistent exercise is going to improve your overall health, specific results require specific training.

Following a workout program can help you stay committed – here’s how to write your own

Those completely new to working out may want to invest in a few sessions with a personal trainer. A reputable trainer will be able to put together a plan based on your preferences and skill level, while walking you through the proper form for each exercise. If cost is an issue, many gyms offer a free intro training session as a sign-up perk. There are also hundreds of different workout programs you can find online and video tutorials outlining proper form.

If you’re intimidated to exercise on your own, a fitness class allows you to follow along with an instructor while getting some quick pointers on how to properly perform the workout. Many gyms offer discounted or free classes to first-time visitors.

Trying to do too much, too fast will burn you out, leave you injured or both

When you’re motivated by a new year’s resolution, it’s tempting to pencil in long gym sessions multiple times a week. But that kind of regime is rarely sustainable. If you’d like to make exercising a habit beyond January – and you’ll need to for any kind of lasting results – it’s best to think about what you can do in the long term.

“You can either do an hour of weightlifting a few days a week, and actually do it, or you have these imaginary 10-hour training sessions you’ll never actually have time for,” said Dan John, strength coach and author. “I try to focus on [programs that are] doable, repeatable and reasonable.”

Want to focus on healthy aging in 2026? Here are 10 nutrition tips to start the new year

Similarly, trying to immediately push beyond your physical limitations is a great way to get injured. For weightlifting, it’s important to consider proper warm-ups, active mobility exercises and learning the right techniques before trying to lift anything too heavy. For cardio, Canada Running Series offers a Couch to 5K plan that eases newcomers into jogging by starting small and gradually increasing the length/difficulty of each run.

Follow basic gym etiquette

The gym is a shared public space. Everyone there is trying to get in a good workout. That’s harder to do when people are having phone conversations, listening to videos without using headphones and refusing to wipe down their equipment after use.

In March, fitness trainer Paul Landini wrote an article explaining some unofficial rules to follow when going to the gym, including being mindful of other people’s space and making sure you’re not monopolizing equipment during busy hours.

Try to find what you like about the gym

Changes in body composition, strength and overall health take time. They also need upkeep over the long term. Building a consistent fitness habit is something that will help with all those goals. One of the best ways to do that is finding something at the gym you genuinely enjoy doing. That can be working out with a friend to add a social aspect to exercise and accountability to show up. It can entail learning a new fitness-adjacent skill such as boxing or training for a competition like Hyrox. It can be rooted in the sense of accomplishment that comes with getting stronger. Whatever the reason, finding the joy in exercise is going to be key if you want to move beyond short-term motivation.