Fresh from bagging the Love Island: All Stars crown – and a new boyfriend in the form of Casey O'Gorman – heat fave Gabby Allen, 33, has never looked happier or indeed fitter.
After creating the ultimate pre-island workout to get her body in banging shape for villa life, she’s now sharing her secret to the perfect beachy bum. Get ready for the gains!
It was your second time in the villa – how different did you feel going in this time?
The first time I went in, everyone saw me have that wobble with my self-confidence. Maybe because it was my first time on TV, I was really out of my comfort zone. I was definitely in a better place this time around.
Can people do the programme you followed before you went in the villa?
Yes, my Island Workout is literally what I did before I went in. I’d already trained anyway, but I knew I needed to turn it up a notch. I do four days a week strength training, plus a couple of classes a week. And I get in loads of steps, especially with my dog Oscar.
How does it feel when people make comments about your body?
I’m an athletic-looking girl, so I was made up, because I felt like I’d achieved what I wanted. Some people don’t like it and I get comments saying I look too masculine or I’ve gone too far, but I’m like, ‘Cool, Karen’. I like looking strong and feeling strong. How I feel in myself makes such a difference and I feel – as a trainer – that’s how I want my clients to see me. I see beyond the negative comments, and nine times out of ten, people appreciate women who train. Half the gyms are filled with women these days, which I love.
Tell us about your journey with body confidence – you started off as a dancer…
I think that’s probably where my self-confidence stems from, as I’ve essentially been compared to people ever since I was three years old doing dance competitions. But I think that getting into fitness has changed my perspective on aesthetics, as it’s not just about how I look any more. I’m a different person when I haven’t trained. But when I was a dancer, I would get complimented if I’d lost weight. You go to auditions and if you don’t get through, and you’re stood next to someone who looks pretty much the same, you think, ‘She’s probably got the part, because she’s skinnier than me.’ It’s affected the way I’ve looked at myself over the years. But now I feel like it’s done me a favour, as I can really appreciate being strong.
You’ve recently revealed you have scoliosis and you’ve spoken about how strengthening your body has been key to managing that…
I got the diagnosis when I was 11, and had an operation to straighten my back, and then there was the recovery and navigating that as a dancer. Obviously, everyone is different, but for me, when I don’t train, I get more pain than I would do when I do. The stronger I am, the better life is for me.
Was part of your attraction to Casey the fact he likes to keep fit?
I do need to be with someone who wants to look after themselves. He wants to be up early and be at the gym. That gives me motivation, too.
What are your future plans for your app, Shape Up With Gabby?
We still do classes, which are amazing for energy boosting and calorie burn. But if the goal is to build your physique, you have to do weights, as well. With the app, you get your own programme that you can do at home or at the gym. I run retreats, too, which are my passion project. I love teaching and bringing a community together. I pick amazing villas and the food is unreal. We also have a boat day and beach club day, so it’s like a girls’ holiday!
Gabby is a My Protein Ambassador, visit myprotein. Download the Island Body Programme at shapeupwithgabby