Sign up to HELLO Daily! for the best royal, celebrity and lifestyle coverage
By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.
The stunning Fleur East has been super busy of late. Not only has she been busy launching her haircare brand, The Kurl Kitchen, but she also is the face of sportswear brand Dare 2b, and she has recently given birth to a gorgeous baby girl, Nova. Phew!
HELLO! sat down with the It Takes Two host, who told us all about life as a new mum.
Exercise is so important to the 36-year-old, even more so since becoming a mother. She explains: “Before I was pregnant, I would work out a minimum of 3 days a week and would always do some form of high intensity exercise. During pregnancy, that slowed down and I incorporated a lot more stretching and yoga.
“Now, with a newborn, I take the time to workout when there’s a window of opportunity, for example when Nova is having a nap, or when she plays on her playmat, I lay next to her and do my exercises alongside her. I fit something into everyday life, whether it’s a walk or a dedicated workout, I always try to move.”
Being in the public eye, many celebrity mums talk about feeling the pressure to look good and snap back into shape quickly. Fleur has such a refreshing take on the whole topic. “It’s funny, because I thought after pregnancy, I would feel very self-conscious and worry a lot more about the way I looked. But, I’ve really embraced the changes my body is going through and haven’t put any pressure on myself at all. I’ve always worked out to feel good first and foremost and as long as movement makes me feel good, that’s the most important thing,” she explains.
Fleur waited until her body was ready before she began working out again. “I did my first proper workout in the gym 10 weeks after giving birth. The first month was purely dedicated to healing and recovering after my home birth with Nova. Then I started with walks and stretching and then eased my way back into the gym with cycling and light weights.”
Being aware of your body is so important, and the singer is treating it herself with kindness. “I’ve made sure I listen to my body and do what I feel comfortable doing without pushing too hard. I’ve also done my Mummy MOT classes since giving birth, which I recommend every woman to do! It’s so important to get checked out properly and make sure you recover safely.”
Fittingly, Fleur has a fabulous new range with brand Dare 2b and loves her workout wear. “I love the ‘Swift II’ bra and the ‘Move II’ leggings are my personal favourite combination. I love the blue and orange combo and how vibrant the set looks. I feel really comfortable in the leggings too which is really important for me when doing any exercise.”
Looking stylish and working out go hand-in-hand in Fleur’s world. She muses: “It’s very important! If I have a good workout set on and feel good in what I’m wearing, I instantly feel more motivated to workout. If I feel good in my workout clothes, I feel more empowered. The clothes are like my armour and make me feel strong and ready.”
Speaking of fashion, the stylish former I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! contestant is a high street girl at heart. “I like to shop in Zara, H&M and COS. I mix up high street with staple designer pieces that I’ve had for years and that’s how I dress up an outfit.”
Here at HELLO! we are all about the royals, and the Sax songstress loves the Princess of Wale’s style. “Kate always looks so chic! I love her outfits and to this day, I think her wedding dress is one of the most beautiful gowns I’ve ever seen. Stunning.”
The Hits Radio star always looks gorgeous, and has some amazing beauty products in her bathroom cabinet. “My Elizabeth Arden ‘Eight Hour Cream’ is essential for my lips! And I’m loving the Caroline Hirons ‘Skin Rocks Cream Cleanser’ for my face. So hydrating and refreshing.”
January is peak season for fitness sales, with major discounts on gym memberships, fitness trackers, activewear and beginner-friendly exercise equipment. No wonder — it is a perfect opportunity for retailers to clear inventory and capitalize on all those “New Year, New You” resolutions.
For an exercise novice, however, this endless sea of workout gear and gadgets can be downright overwhelming. But if that is you, do not worry! You do not need a gym’s worth of exercise equipment, a high-end Garmin watch or a professional athlete’s wardrobe to begin. Starting simple is often the most effective strategy for a long-term lifestyle change — not to mention that it is much easier on the wallet.
Here’s what to buy (and what to skip) to launch your fitness journey in strategic fashion — and save yourself some money in the process.
Anna Gora is a health writer and reviewer at Live Science, as well as a highly experienced personal trainer, nutritionist and fitness coach. Over the years, she has helped numerous exercise beginners kickstart their fitness journey, and is always on the lookout for versatile, easy-to-use fitness gear to recommend to her clients. At Live Science, Anna has written a guide to the best exercise equipment for beginners and is a significant contributor to our round-ups of the best fitness trackers, cardio machines and running shoes.

Before investing in a premium running watch or one of the best rowing machines, focus on the basics. Buying the right footwear and workout clothing is an essential first step on your fitness journey. This is not about fashion; it is about comfort and safety.
Footwear: Your most important investment
This is your non-negotiable purchase. Appropriate footwear helps you maintain good foot health, reduces the risk of injuries and boosts your overall well-being, according to a 2024 review published in the journal Applied Sciences. Choose shoes that are stable, comfortable to wear and suitable for your intended activities.
That said, do not get bogged down in premium brands and ultra-specialized shoes. Start with a quality pair of all-purpose trainers or cross-trainers. The best beginner-friendly options have a good balance of cushioning and stability for a mix of gym workouts, walking, jogging and low- to moderate-intensity aerobics. Good looks are just the cherry on top.

Workout clothing: It is all about comfort
Workout clothing should help you withstand the demands of intense exercise, not actively impede your attempts to get fit. Look for synthetic, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or spandex — they help regulate body temperature and prevent sweat from lingering on your skin, while cotton, for example, holds sweat and can cause chafing.
Then, focus on freedom of movement. A well-designed piece of activewear will allow for freedom of movement and not slip off or irritate your skin during intense workouts. Start with a few core pieces to build a rotation: a few tops and bottoms, several pairs of sports socks and, for women, a couple of good-quality sports bras.
Again, there is no need to invest in premium brands and highly specialized activewear; affordable lines from major retailers work perfectly fine. Comfort here is key — if you feel good, you are more likely to get moving.
The best retailers for finding deals on beginner-friendly workout clothing:

While you may be tempted to splash out on a premium treadmill or super-smart exercise bike, hold off on the big purchases for now. You can build remarkable strength, endurance and mobility with basic, space-savvy equipment too, and at a much lower cost. A yoga mat, adjustable dumbbells and resistance bands, for example, are very beginner-friendly, offering maximum versatility with a minimal footprint.
If you are not entirely sure how to use them, look up beginner-friendly home exercise video tutorials or join an online fitness class. January fitness sales are not just about physical gear — many fitness apps and services are discounted, too, or offer free taster sessions. There is also plenty of good-quality content that is entirely free of charge.

A well-chosen fitness tracker can provide a lot of valuable feedback and positive reinforcement in the early stages of your fitness journey. Counting your daily steps, tracking an active workout and reviewing your past activities can help you make more sense of your workouts and general progress.
Training by “feel” is hard for beginners, and continuous heart rate measurements provide objective data on your efforts. It helps you understand zones: are you in a moderate, fat-burning zone or pushing into high intensity? This ensures your easy days are genuinely promoting recovery and your hard days are truly effective.
Moreover, the goal-setting and “closing your rings” features (a visual representation of your progress towards your daily exercise goals) leverage gamification, and this in itself can be a powerful motivator. Not to mention, many fitness trackers come in handy outside of the gym or running track, too.
However, do not get swayed by the trends here. A basic Fitbit, Garmin or Apple Watch SE will track steps, heart rate, sleep, and active minutes just as well as the more advanced and expensive models. They also tend to be more beginner-friendly in terms of their user interfaces and the language they use to describe your fitness stats.

The allure of a shiny new machine is strong, but impulsive buys often become expensive clothes racks. Here are some tips on how to avoid costly mistakes as an exercise beginner.
Hold off on major equipment. Do not start by buying an expensive treadmill, elliptical, or full home-gym system. Use your foundational gear or a gym trial for one month at least. If you have consistently stuck with your routine, then research what machine would best suit the activities you have genuinely enjoyed.
Avoid over-specialization. You do not need cycling shoes until you are sure indoor cycling is your go-to sport. Similarly, you do not need Olympic weightlifting shoes for general strength training. Let your sustained interest guide niche purchases, not the other way around.
Beware of fads and “quick fix” gadgets. If a product promises insane results with minimal effort, it is likely selling a fantasy. Sustainable fitness is built on consistent effort, not electrical muscle stimulators, ab belts or dodgy supplements. Stick to the good-old healthy diet and regular workouts, and you will be primed for success in 2026.
The goal of your initial purchases is not to equip a pro athlete from the get-go, but to minimize barriers to exercise and help you establish healthy habits. Every item should make it easier to say “yes” to your workout and harder to make an excuse.
This New Year, invest first in the basics that support consistency. Let your proven dedication over weeks and months, not your initial January enthusiasm, guide your future investments. Your journey starts not with the fanciest gear, but with the first step taken in the right shoes.
We hope that our list will help you do just that.
If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
Target is starting the year off on the right foot with huge savings on tons of exercise equipment. One deal that stood out to us is The YOSUDA Classical Model Exercise Bike, now only $300, down from $500. This sale comes at the perfect time, as many people have fitness goals in their New Year’s Resolutions.
The YOSUDA Classical Model Exercise Bike features a 30 lbs flywheel and a heavy-duty steel frame, ensuring stability during workouts. It utilizes a belt-driven system that offers a smooth and quiet ride.
The bike can support a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs. It is designed to fit a wide range of users, with 2-way adjustable handlebars, a 4-way adjustable padded seat and spring-loaded comfort. The bike is suitable for individuals between 4′8″ and 6′1″ in height.
An LCD monitor tracks essential workout data, and a tablet holder and Bluetooth connectivity add entertainment and smart app integration. Safety features include adjustable cage pedals and a resistance bar for emergency stops.
The “Ride Comfort All the Way” feature, with its upgraded spring-loaded seat and adjustable handlebars, is designed to enhance shock absorption and reduce exercise-related discomfort.
This ensures a more enjoyable and sustainable workout experience.
The two-way adjustable handlebars and four-way adjustable padded seat go a long way to making the user comfortable.
The YOSUDA Classical Model Exercise Bike has received predominantly positive feedback from customers, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 115 reviews. Users appreciate the bike’s quality, value, and smooth operation. Many reviewers highlight the bike’s stability, comfort features such as the adjustable seat and handlebars, and the quiet belt-drive system.
You can buy the The YOSUDA Classical Model Exercise Bike at Target for only $300 this week, but hurry, your New Year’s Resolutions are waiting.
More deals at Target.
Sign up for MassLive’s Shopping Newsletter: A recap of the biggest online deals and sales from the week, curated by MassLive’s expert e-commerce writer, Jessica Day.
CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7 Chicago wants to see your wellness journey in the new year.
RELATED: Our Chicago: Managing your mental well-being during the holidays and into winter
Send us photos and videos, as you tackle exercise, nutrition, mental health, financial wellness and more in 2026.
Submit your content below, and you may see yourself on ABC7.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Hamas builds new terror regime in Gaza, recruiting teens amid problematic election
For those who help the poor, 2025 goes down as a year of chaos
Instacart ends AI pricing test that charged shoppers different prices for the same items
Did holiday stress wreak havoc on your gut? Doctors say 6 simple tips can help
ChatGPT’s GPT-5.2 is here, and it feels rushed
A tale of two Ralphs — Lauren and the supermarket — shows the reality of a K-shaped economy
We Asked for Environmental Fixes in Your State. You Sent In Thousands.
The biggest losers of 2025: Who fell flat as the year closed