"I'm not one of those people who loves spending hours in the gym," Jess confesses to heat as we chat to her about her workout brand Fi7ness, which has just been added to the tv.fit platform. "But twenty minutes or so five times a week means there's no excuses. I even do it in my sports bra and pants!" Jess launched her seven-week programme two years ago and the three phase workouts helped her and thousands of her fans achieve their body goals. Now she says she can plan in birthdays and blow-out holidays guilt-free. We're listening...
What inspired your fitness journey?
Being in front of the camera, being on a beach and getting papped… all of that definitely put me under more pressure to look good. Two years ago I started my programme and I saw it change my body dramatically for the better. I felt so much better being more toned and fit compared to before where I just felt a bit sluggish and not so toned in my clothes and in a bikini. Now it's become a way of life for me.
There is so much information, it can be overwhelming for some people...
That's why I love tv.fit – it's a brand new platform which really allows people to have choice. You have different celebs workouts, men, women, all different sizes and techniques. You can also choose the length and intensity of the workout you want – it couldn’t be more tailored to people's needs. It doesn't take long and you don't even have to leave your house – for me, that's the most motivating part.
How do you keep yourself motivated on days when you're not feeling it?
I would say to keep it short and sweet. When you can do the workouts at home you don’t need to face anyone if you’re feeling crap or have a hangover and you can go at your own pace. Or just take the dog for a walk in the fresh air, get outside and get your steps up. I really love walking, especially in the summer. We’re always being told now to keep active and just move a bit more.
What nutrition rules do you follow?
My life is all about balance. My social life is mental and my work life can be all over the place so it's really hard for me to find routine. On the days when I can manage it I will – I'll have a protein shake for breakfast, chicken and veg for lunch and cook something really healthy in the evening. But there might be a day when I’m out for lunch then drinks in the evening – you just have to write that day off and know that tomorrow you can get back on it again. Drink loads of water, eat as much vegetables and protein as possible and try to eliminate junk where you can.
How often do you work out and how long for?
There’s no written rule for everyone. Everyone’s metabolism is different and everyone’s muscles are different. For me, I know that if I work out five times a week, don’t socialise as much and cook more at home then I can change my body in four weeks and back to where I was. If you complete my seven week programme then once you’ve got your body and fitness to the point where that muscle is there then you can afford to have those cheat days or those holidays where you let go because when you get back on it your body responds immediately. And then you don’t have to feel guilty about treating yourself because you know that you’re going to work out tomorrow.
Get unlimited access to FI7ness and other workouts for just £4.99 a month at tv.fit.
Feel The Burn
If you're a beginner to exercising, these simple moves are great to get you moving and really effective for making you feel the burn.
Side plank
Great for working your abs, start off sitting on your side with your feet together. Lean down onto your elbow, straighten your legs and lift your hips off the floor keeping your body as straight as possible.
Squat
Squats will really work your glutes, so start with feet shoulder width apart and bend your knees pushing your bottom down and driving your hips back. Try to keep your knees over your ankles.
Stability ball ab tuck
Start in a plank postion with your shins on the ball, with hands underneath shoulders and keeping your body as flat as possible. Slowly bend your legs, drawing your abs in so that your toes are resting on the ball, then stretch your legs back out again.
Plank
Try to hold this position for a count of 30 seconds keeping your abs engaged and your body as flat as possible. Once you’ve done this a few times add on another ten seconds until you can hold this pose for up to a minute.