Fitness
Kelly Rowland’s fitness routine and the major life events that shaped it
Once upon a time, Kelly Rowland was a bit embarrassed by her athletic physique.
“I used to be scared to hold up my arms,” she previously told Us Weekly. “People would be like, ‘Oh my God, she looks so masculine.’”
However, the singer eventually learned to embrace her hard-earned muscles and “feel strong.”
“Whether I look masculine or feminine, I’m comfortable in my skin. I don’t give a care what anybody says, I look great. And I feel that’s how every woman should feel. Don’t be ashamed of your body; own it,” the 43-year-old added.
Rowland has a balanced wellness routine that focuses on healthy eating and exercise, but she’s not someone who obsesses over the number on the scale.
“I like the fact that exercising makes me feel good. It’s not about size,” she previously said during an appearance on “The Graham Norton Show.”
Still, all of Rowland’s hard work certainly seems to be paying off. Looking for some fitspiration? Here are some of what the star’s said about her wellness routine.
She sees working out as “me time”
Busy moms know all too well that finding time to take care of yourself isn’t always easy. But Rowland told Extra TV that she views her workout routine as a form of self care.
“When I work out, that’s my time for (my)self. That’s my time to pour into myself physically (and) mentally,” she said.
She prioritized health even more after her mother died
When she lost her mother to cardiac arrest in 2014, Rowland got serious about her health.
“I made a vow to myself to change the way I would eat (and) how I would take care of my body when it came to exercising because that was something I really wish she would have done more of,” she told Business Insider.
While chatting with TODAY.com about her renewed focus on health, Rowland said she’s motivated to take care of herself for her children’s sake.
“I promised myself when I became a mother, I would have my kids see me eat healthy — I can indulge, of course sometimes — and work out and go for walks with them,” she said. “I feel like the earlier kids learn all these things for themselves, the more they’ll be able to put it in their own lives.
Music motivates her to work out
As a musician, Rowland is particularly inspired to exercise when she has the right workout soundtrack.
“I’m boxing a lot right now and when I first recorded ‘The Game’ it put me in a different headspace. I really wanted to go into my workouts like Rocky. Jeanette (Jenkins, her personal trainer) was like, ‘What is wrong with you?’ It kind of just snaps you into place. Pharrell’s ‘Happy’ did that for me too, the other day when I was doing yoga and it came on at the end, and I just danced out of class,” she previously told Cosmopolitan.
She doesn’t count calories
Obsessing over calories can send you into an unhealthy spiral, and Rowland previously admitted that she doesn’t examine every calorie that enters her mouth.
“I don’t really count calories,” she told Women’s Health.
Instead, Rowland makes it a point not to eat meals past 7 p.m. when she can.
“Trust me, there are some days when it’s hard to look at seeds and nuts and fruit when everybody’s got French fries and burgers and Roscoe’s chicken and waffles at midnight,” she said, adding that heavy foods late at night interrupt her sleep cycle.
Rowland has also never been a fan of the word “diet,” as she previously told PopSugar.
“I never like to say diet. I like to say eating clean and actually listening to your body and knowing what your body responds well to. For me, it’s green vegetables or fish. I don’t feel like I’m heavy or weighted down or lethargic from food. Food should give us energy. It shouldn’t weigh us down, unless you’re having a cheat day,” she said.
Dancing is one of her go-to workouts
When she was a member of Destiny’s Child, Rowland had plenty of opportunities to show off her moves. Years later, she’s still a fan of dancing.
“I really, really love to move. You know what I mean? I mean, it’s not a workout, but I absolutely love to do it, and that’s performing, which is very close to doing Zumba,” she previously told Glamour.
“When you’re on stage and you’re moving everything, every single part of your body, it’s actually working and active to the tips of your fingers. You’re burning a hell of a lot of calories.”
She was very active during her first pregnancy
When she was pregnant with her first child, Rowland was quite passionate about fitness.
“I swam, I did yoga, I did weights, I jogged and walked,” she previously told Women’s Health.
The star even suggested that her commitment to exercise ushered in an easier delivery with only “four pushes.”
She focused more on strengthening exercises after a postpartum health scare
After she gave birth to her first son, Titan, Rowland noticed her abs looked different. She later learned that she had a common condition called diastasis recti.
Per The Cleveland Clinic, it occurs when “the rectus abdominis muscles (six-pack ab muscles) separate during pregnancy from being stretched.” As a result, your belly can “stick out or bulge months or years postpartum.”
Rowland then worked with her personal trainer to learn about strengthening exercises that could remedy her condition.
“My trainer now helps me with my abs, and it’s such a relief because I can feel them, slowly but steadily, coming back together,” she previously told Self.
While reflecting on her condition with E! News, Rowland said the experience shifted her perspective on fitness.
“The inside of my body changed and it was a moment when my core became extremely weak, which gave me back problems—Diastasis recti,” she said. “It affected my abs, which affected my back. I don’t care about being skinny more than I care about being healthy.”
She altered her workout routine during her second pregnancy
After a super active first pregnancy, Rowland was anticipating a similar experience when she was expecting her second child. However, she told Women’s Health she spent the first few months of her second pregnancy in bed.
When she was able to start working out, Rowland eased in with yoga, walking and stretching. She also prioritized strengthening exercises to avoid another abdominal separation.
Later on in her pregnancy, Rowland posted a video of herself doing an intense workout that involved squats, donkey kicks and a wall sit.
She likes to ‘shock’ her body by switching up her workouts
Before she got married in 2014, Rowland spoke with Glamour about her pre-nuptials workout routine, saying she was “changing up” her workout routine like she’s “always done.”
“Jeanette Jenkins always says, ‘I believe in shocking the body!’ So we do different types of workouts—from weights to dancing to running our mouth sometimes. We have a good time! She changes it up on me: sprinting, boxing one day, cardio, sculpt,” she said.
She’s grown to love Pilates
After hearing about the many benefits of Pilates for years, Rowland decided to give the workout a try. In 2023, she told TODAY.com she was “obsessed” with it.
“(When I’m traveling), I will usually call my Pilates instructor and figure out a time that works for us both for me to get in a session. If I’m not doing that, then I’m walking or I’m sprinting or lifting weights,” she said.
She’s a Southern girl at heart and still enjoys her favorite foods in moderation
A nutritional diet is one of Rowland’s top priorities, but she still gives in to her cravings.
“I’m a Texas girl, and I love queso with chips,” she previously told Delish.
The star also enjoys combining waffle fries and ice cream, a combo she called “amazing.”
“You’ve got the salt with the potato and the sugar; it’s just so good,” she said.
Of course, Rowland also likes to load up on healthy options.
“I am a Southern girl. I love food but I have learned to eat what I like in moderation,” she previously told Essence. “I drink a healthy amount of water daily and I do some form of exercise daily.”
While talking with Extra TV in 2015, Rowland said she believes in the 80/20 diet rule.
“The 80/20 rule is all the way real, 80% of the time you eat those foods giving you nourishment, you’re eating clean, and 20% of the time, have guacamole, a ton of it like I do, and a margarita and maybe queso too!” she said.
Fitness
How Jeremy Clarkson Reset His Health and Fitness at 66 – Walking, Pilates and Trying ‘Not to Die’
Rewind a decade or so, and Jeremy Clarkson had a particular disdain for exercise, healthy eating and denying himself life’s pleasures. He never worked out, smoked 40 cigarettes a day and, in his own words, drank four pints of wine daily. Now, at 65, his entire outlook on health and longevity has shifted.
At the heart of Clarkson’s desire to change are his young grandchildren.
‘I’m not going to dwell on the joys of being a grandparent because what can be said about it has already been said. But I have decided that it is so wonderful that I want it to go on for as long as is humanly possible. Which means I must do everything in my power not to die,’ he wrote in his column forThe Times.
And the British TV personality has certainly had a couple of wake-up calls.
After being admitted to hospital with pneumonia in 2017, Clarkson then suffered what he described as ‘really bad coronary artery problems’ at the end of 2024. Documented in the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm, he experienced a ‘sudden deterioration’ in his health and needed a stent fitted to restore proper blood flow.
Why Clarkson Finally Started Taking His Health Seriously
Since then, he has taken up reformer Pilates, had a pickleball court installed at his Oxfordshire home and started going for walks when the weather is just right.
‘Eventually, I decided that organised, indoor exercise was not for me and decided instead to do walking. Not when it’s raining obviously. Or if it’s too cold, or hot. And not if I’m busy. But on a reasonably temperate Sunday morning, I’d get out there and pootle along,’ he wrote.
‘So far I’ve relied on luck to keep me alive. But I’m in sniper’s alley right now and I have to work at dodging the bullets. Two years ago, I saw old age as a wearisome tangle of tubes and knee-replacement surgery. Now though, thanks to my grandchildren, I’m actively looking forward to it.’
Clarkson’s comments highlight just how much his attitude to ageing has changed.
‘I’m buying time. It hurts and it’s expensive. But it’s better than wasting your money on a new watch.’
The Diet Changes Behind Clarkson’s 3-Stone Weight Loss
Diet has also become a key part of his health overhaul.
He now eats burgers wrapped in lettuce rather than buns and opts for alcohol-free versions of his Hawkstone beer. Underpinning much of that change has been a microdose of the GLP-1 medication Mounjaro, which Clarkson credits with helping him lose more than three stone in six months by suppressing his appetite – although he admits he doesn’t particularly enjoy the experience.
‘When you are on Muntjac [his name for Mounjaro] you can come down in the morning and idly help yourself to a small handful of sunflower seeds,’ Clarkson said. ‘And it’ll feel like you’ve just finished a massive Christmas lunch. You’re stuffed.
‘So you find yourself living a minibar existence. Tiny packets of milk, sachets with only three grains of sugar in them, vodka in thimbles. That’s not living, though. That’s existing.’
If there’s one thing Kori Sampson knows, it’s how to optimise your body composition for performance. To tap into his knowledge as an elite athlete and coach, we asked him to create a 4-week plan to help you move faster, recover quicker and keep pushing when the fatigue sets in – all while improving your muscle-to-fat ratio.
Ready to build muscle, burn fat and come out the other side looking, feeling and performing better? Click here to get 14 days of free access to the plan via the Men’s Health app.
Ryan is a Senior Writer at Men’s Health UK with a passion for storytelling, health and fitness. Having graduated from Cardiff University in 2020, and later obtaining his NCTJ qualification, Ryan started his career as a Trainee News Writer for sports titles Golf Monthly, Cycling Weekly and Rugby World before progressing to Staff Writer and subsequently Senior Writer with football magazine FourFourTwo.
During his two-and-a-half years there he wrote news stories for the website and features for the magazine, while he also interviewed names such as Les Ferdinand, Ally McCoist, Jamie Redknapp and Antonio Rudiger, among many others. His standout memory, though, came when getting the opportunity to speak to then-Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher as the club won League One in 2023.
Having grown up a keen footballer and playing for his boyhood side until the age of 16, Ryan got the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland national futsal team eight times, scoring three goals against England, Scotland and Gibraltar. Now past his peak, Ryan prefers to mix weightlifting with running – he achieved a marathon PB of 3:31:49 at Manchester in April 2025, but credits the heat for failing to get below the coveted 3:30 mark…
You can follow Ryan on Instagram or on X
Fitness
Fitness coach debunks 8 ‘crazy’ exercise myths women still believe: From periods and workouts to weightlifting
Despite growing awareness around fitness and women’s health, several outdated exercise myths continue to persist. From misconceptions about strength training to beliefs surrounding periods, pregnancy and weight loss, many women still receive advice that isn’t backed by science. These myths can not only slow progress but also discourage women from prioritising their health and fitness. (Also read: Can eating too much protein be harmful? Experts explain why excess intake may do more harm than good )
Fitness coach Zoe recently addressed some of the most common misconceptions women continue to hear in a June 12 Instagram post titled, “craziest exercise myths women still hear.” Here’s what she had to say:
1. Periods mean complete bed rest
According to Zoe, menstruation does not mean you need to stop exercising altogether. “No. You can train. Just adjust intensity if needed,” she wrote, explaining that while energy levels may fluctuate during different phases of the menstrual cycle, movement and exercise can still be beneficial.
2. After marriage or kids, fitness is not important
Many women are often made to feel that fitness should take a back seat after major life changes such as marriage or motherhood. Zoe strongly disagrees. “That is exactly when it becomes more important,” she said, highlighting the need to maintain strength, mobility and overall health while navigating increased responsibilities.
3. A C-section means your core is gone forever
Recovering from a Caesarean delivery can be challenging, but Zoe says it doesn’t mean women should give up on rebuilding strength. “Wrong. It means you need rebuilding, not giving up,” she wrote, emphasising that gradual rehabilitation and proper training can help restore core function.
4. Walking around the house is enough exercise
While daily movement is important, Zoe points out that it isn’t the same as a structured workout. “No. That is movement, not full training,” she explained, noting that a balanced fitness routine should include strength, mobility and cardiovascular exercises.
5. Sweating more means more fat loss
Many people associate excessive sweating with effective fat burning, but Zoe says that’s a common misunderstanding. “No. It means you are hot,” she wrote. Sweat is the body’s cooling mechanism and does not necessarily reflect the number of calories burned or fat lost.
6. Running will ruin your uterus, boobs or joints
This long-standing myth often discourages women from running or high-impact activities. “No. Poor preparation and weak support is the issue,” Zoe said, stressing the importance of proper training, supportive gear and gradually building endurance.
7. Women should only do yoga, not weights
Strength training is still viewed by some as a male-dominated form of exercise, but Zoe believes women benefit greatly from lifting weights. “Women need strength too,” she wrote, highlighting how resistance training supports muscle mass, bone health, metabolism and overall fitness.
8. Carbs at night make you fat
Carbohydrates often get unfairly blamed for weight gain, especially when eaten in the evening. “No. Overeating does,” Zoe explained, pointing out that overall calorie intake and dietary patterns matter far more than the timing of carbohydrate consumption.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
For Hobart teacher Mary Holton, health means everything.
She started feeling the squeeze from cost-of-living pressures when fuel prices spiked again.
“Going out for just fitness alone was a bit much,”
she said.
Mary Holton says since joining the group, her fitness across the board has improved. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Many Tasmanians are feeling cost-of-living pressures in a very physical way, with locals saying exercise routines are being dropped, health appointments delayed and wellbeing pushed to the bottom of the list as budgets tighten.
Ms Holton relies on multiple physiotherapy sessions each week, but says paid fitness classes simply are not an option.
“That costs … so to actually go to other classes as well, it’s out of my budget really.“
Ollie Mathewson conducts a free workout session. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
National data shows that almost half of Australians already fall short of minimum physical activity guidelines, and rising prices are making even basic care unaffordable for many.
Consultant clinical psychologist academic Kimberley Norris says this is exactly how unhealthy patterns begin.
“We tend to focus on the most stressful thing first … and health is one of those things we don’t think about until things go wrong,”
Professor Norris said.
Kimberley Norris says humans tend to focus on alleviating stress first and foremost, and warns de-prioritising health can become a cycle. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
For Ms Holton, going to a free workout group in her local community was a game-changer.
“Came down and absolutely loved it. It’s really nice to have a group and it just keeps growing,” she said.
Finding a free exercise group has drastically improved her health, as noted by her GP, and she is part of a growing trend.
Free exercise classes become a lifeline
At a community exercise class in South Arm, south-east of Hobart, the mood is upbeat, with laughter, movement, and a sense of relief.
Participation has more than doubled in the past year, with more than 100 Tasmanians now involved.
Trainer Ollie Mathewson said the surge was unmistakable.
“It’s free of charge for everybody … and over the last 12 months I’ve noticed a lot more people starting to come along,”
he said.
Ollie Mathewson says attendance at his classes has almost doubled over the past year. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Across greater Hobart, free and low-cost alternatives are multiplying and include walking groups, community-run circuits, and morning and afternoon fitness meet-ups.
Tasmanians are increasingly organising their own solutions.
Mr Mathewson said connections drive outcomes.
“A lot of people talk about weight and strength, which are obviously insanely important, having other people there to push you single every week makes it a hundred times easier.“
Professor Norris said one’s health can be prioritised for free.
“What we know about health is, it’s more about sustainable wellbeing, it’s about quality of life,” she said.
“So rather than focusing on how much you can deadlift, how far you can run, it’s about how your life has improved and how close your life is to the way you want to live it.”
She said free options were vital because once people stop moving, it becomes harder to start again.
“If we develop routines in which health is not a priority, then we almost get stuck in this cycle of health always being last.“
Health appointments being delayed or dropped
For some Tasmanians, the financial pressure is forcing even tougher choices.
Amy Dakin says she can’t even think about getting a gym membership with all the other costs of living on her mind. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Amy Dakin, who lives with a compromised immune system, often has no choice but to delay essential care.
“My health needs to be prioritised, but your bills come first, really,” she said.
Jordyn Rowbottom says she’s not the only one changing her hobbies to save on costs. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Jordyn Rowbottom has seen the same pattern around her.
“People are being forced to cut what they can access,”
she said.
Professor Norris warns that these short-term decisions can create long-term harm, not just for individuals, but for the broader health system.
She said the combination of financial pressure and reduced physical activity would create a public health challenge.
Trainers adapting to shrinking budgets
Personal trainer Nickola Orr works with clients across different income levels, ages and needs.
She said affordability now shapes almost every program she designs.
“You want to make sure they can get as much help as they can within their price range,”
she said.
Nickola Orr is concerned about access to fitness and health services in the face of rising cost pressures. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
With the median individual spend on fitness in Tasmania sitting at almost $600 last year, Ms Orr said the warning signs were already visible.
“We’re going to see more results of long-term neglect; higher injuries, more need for mental health assistance. It’s going to snowball.”
Her concerns echo Professor Norris’s academic findings that once healthy routines break down, the consequences ripple for years.
“The changes are very small … while they add up over time, there is no immediate impact,”
Ms Orr said.
Calls for more free and low-cost options
Mr Mathewson hopes the success of free community classes will inspire governments and private operators to expand accessible fitness programs.
“More free options would be a great thing. There are a few now, but there should be more,” he said.
The Tasmanian government has said it will release its 20-year preventive health strategy this month, titled The Health Revolution.
A Department of Health spokesperson said the strategy “will address the broader social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health and wellbeing”.
“Specific issues about access to health services and programs are being considered through the Access to Health Services project, a Commonwealth-State partnership.
“The Health Revolution will complement that project by addressing the root causes of poor health and the underlying conditions to make it easier for Tasmanians to live well.“
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