Fitness and Exercise

HUGE sports fan? Setting sail on the seas doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the big game or your  fitness regime. 

Modern cruise ships come kitted out with all the latest wellness gear whether its high-tech courts, sports bars showing the latest footie games or  themed itineraries for mega fans.

From footie sailings with NFL tickets to island-hopping cycling tours, Sophie Swietochowski picks five of the best sports voyages. 

TAKE ON CROATIA ON TWO WHEELS 

CYCLISTS  will love this  adventure along Croatia’s sun-drenched Dalmatian coast with Sail Croatia. 

In just one week, you’ll tick off some of its  most picturesque islands on two wheels, including  mountainous Hvar and Mljet with its  peaceful lakes. 

Sail Croatia’s ships are small, so there will be just 38 of you on board. 

NO WAY

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Guests can hire bikes or e-bikes and will be accompanied on daily  cycling adventures by a  local guide. 

Itineraries vary in difficulty level – the Split Return Southern route is the toughest but has  breathtaking views. 

This cruise also calls at Milna, Bol, Korcula, Makarska and Split. 

GO: The seven-night Split Return Southern cycling cruise  from £929pp leaves Split on April 18, 2025. Flights extra. See sail-croatia.com.

BIG GAME WITH MIAMI NFL CRUISE 

AMERICAN Football is soaring in popularity in the UK with NFL matches taking place here for several years.  

But nothing beats seeing the stars on their home turf. So Iglu Cruise has launched NFL packages that combine a voyage with tickets to top games.

Fans can hop aboard Carnival Sunrise for a nine-night Western Caribbean cruise which includes tickets to see Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills.  

You’ll spend three nights in Miami then day four at sea where you can enjoy mini golf or volleyball on board, before reaching Ocho Rios in Jamaica. You’ll head to Grand Cayman then back to Miami.  

GO: The nine-night NFL cruise is from £2,079pp, including Heathrow flights and Miami hotel stay. Leaves November 7. See iglucruise.com. 

WATCH GRAND PRIX IN ABU DHABI 

FORMULA One legends will be putting their pedals to the metal in Abu Dhabi this December for the much-anticipated grand prix.  

And if one cruise line understands what racing fans want, it’s Celestyal. You’ll have to splash the cash, but it’ll be worth it for this cruise.  

The Arabian Gulf package includes a short stay in a four-star hotel on the Corniche – the five-mile promenade – in Abu Dhabi and three-day  grandstand ticket to the Grand Prix.  

This is  followed by a five-night Desert Days cruise, with an overnight stop in Dubai.  

If you’ve never made it to the Grand Prix before then prepare to be dazzled as  fans will not only be watching their racing favourites  whizz round the tracks, they’ll also enjoy performances from Benson Boone, Post Malone, Metallica and Katy Perry.  

And the F1 fun continues on board, with passengers  joined by guest speakers, former race ace David Coulthard and sports host Laura Winter,  as they sail between Dubai, Yas Island and Abu Dhabi.  

GO: The seven-night Desert Days & Abu Dhabi Grand Prix cruise costs from £2,390pp including flights from the UK, all transfers, two-night hotel stay, three-day grandstand ticket and cruise.  

The price also includes an exclusive beach party on Sir Bani Yas island. See ­celestyaltravel.com. 

PUMP SOME IRON AROUND THE MED 

KEEN to keep on top of your fitness? Princess Cruises has 18 ships offering top-notch gyms, blood-pumping classes and state-of-the-art courts. 

Whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast or prefer something more low-key,  the sports court  of Sun Princess has something for all. 

More of a runner? The gym isn’t short of treadmills, and there’s also an outdoor running track. There are fitness classes too, from pilates to spin. Revive aching muscles  at the spa. 

Explore Naples in Italy, Chania in Greece, Kusadasi in Turkey and Mykonos and Athens in Greece on this seven-night Med voyage. 

GO: A seven-day Mediterranean with Italy & Turkey sailing is from £796pp departing Rome on May 23. Flights extra. See princess.com. 

SINK HOOPS IN  THE CARIBBEAN 

MORE of an all-rounder?  You’ll love the adults-only Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade on board Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Star of the Seas. 

The lively venue is crammed with screens showing the biggest sports games and events. 

For something more physically  challenging, the sports court has a basketball area, pickleball and football. Or at Adrenaline Peak, guests can take on the rock-climbing wall or try riding waves on the surf simulator. 

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The ship departs Orlando and sails to  CocoCay in the Bahamas, above, Cozumel (Mexico) Roatan (Honduras) and Puerto Costa Maya (Mexico). 

GO: The seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise is from £1,059pp leaving  on November 23. See royalcaribbean.com. 

Derek Lunsford is an American IFBB Pro bodybuilder and Mr Olympia champion who’s as devoted to his family as he is to his training.

Here’s the lowdown on his wife, their family life, and the latest on his success in Olympia.

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Who is Derek Lunsford’s wife, Jhelsin?

Derek is married to Jhelsin Mabaga, a fitness professional who focuses on helping clients with weight loss and muscle building.

She’s built her own following by sharing practical coaching content and healthy-living advice online.

The pair have been together for more than a decade and tied the knot in 2022, marking two years of marriage in 2024.

Jhelsin regularly features in Derek’s posts, with the couple sharing glimpses of their life together, from gym sessions to big family milestones.

Derek has publicly praised her as his best friend and the “mother of our baby girl.”

Does Derek Lunsford have any children?

Derek and Jhelsin welcomed a baby girl in January 2024.

He shared the news shortly after the birth and has since posted heartfelt tributes to his wife and daughter.

In a later message celebrating their relationship, Derek also referred to their daughter by name, Evie.

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Who is Derek Lunsford?

Born May 14, 1993, in Petersburg, Indiana, Derek Lunsford competes in the Men’s Open division of the IFBB Pro League.

He first made waves after moving up from the 212 class, showcasing the blend of size, symmetry, and conditioning needed to contend with the biggest names in the sport.

His fast rise included an early pro splash at the Tampa Pro in the 212 division and, after stepping into Open, he delivered on the sport’s biggest stage by becoming the 2023 Mr Olympia champion.

Has Derek Lunsford appeared at Mr Olympia?

Derek has become a fixture at the Olympia weekend.

After early success in the 212s, he transitioned to Open and captured the Mr Olympia title in 2023, confirming his status among bodybuilding’s elite.

He has continued to compete at the very top since then, balancing the demands of championship prep with new-dad life.

Derek reclaimed the Sandow in 2025, becoming a two-time Mr Olympia champion.

He sealed the win on Saturday night against a stacked field to put his name back on the trophy after the 2024 setback.

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Why fans love the Lunsfords’ updates

Beyond the hardware, fans connect with Derek because he brings them along for the ride — from late-night posing updates to intimate family moments.

Posts like his “31 and glowing!” birthday tribute to Jhelsin, calling her the “mother of our baby girl,” have become some of his most-liked family content, showing the softer side of a world-class competitor.

Likewise, his “13 years together and 2 years married” message thanking God “every single day for you and Evie” says a lot about where his priorities are these days: faith, family, and physiques — in that order.

If you’re looking to change your body shape, we’ve got you covered.

Here, Laura Hoggins, a personal trainer and author, takes you through your new workout plan.

Your New Workout 

Include a few compound movements in each workout, which work multiple muscles and joints at once. Do eight to 12 reps in each set.

“Women should lift heavy enough that the last two to three reps of a set are challenging but doable with good form,” says Laura.

You can use dumbbells or a barbell for these exercises:

SQUATS 

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• Hold a dumbbell in each hand, letting them hang at your sides. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, chest up, and core tight.
• Initiate the squat by pushing your hips back, as if you are reaching for a chair behind you.
• Bend your knees and lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the floor (or as low as you can comfortably go while keeping your back straight and chest up). Keep the dumbbells close to your sides.
• Push through your heels and the middle of your feet to powerfully drive back up to the starting position.
• At the top, fully straighten your legs and squeeze your glutes for a complete repetition.

Try a goblet squat with one, heavier dumbbell held at the chest, or with a barbell on your upper back/neck.

DEADLIFTS

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• Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Bend over and grip the bar with your hands just outside your shins.
• With the bar still on the floor, bend your knees until your shins touch the bar. The bar should be going across the mid-foot. Keep your hips low, chest up, and back straight. Take a big breath and brace your core.
• Drive through your heels, pushing the floor away. Stand up by extending your knees and hips simultaneously. Keep the bar in contact with your body (dragging it up your shins).
• Finish the lift by standing tall. Squeeze your glutes together and lock your hips and knees.
• To lower the bar again, hinge at your hips first, keeping your back straight, and allow the bar to descend down your thighs. Once the bar passes your knees, bend your knees to lower it to the floor with control.

BENCH PRESS

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• In the gym, set up a barbell on a rack with a flat bench underneath it. Lie on the bench and, planting your feet firmly on the floor, grab the bar with an overhand grip slightly wider than shoulder-width.
• Squeeze your shoulder blades back and down (like you’re pinching a pencil between them). Arch your upper back slightly and drive your feet into the floor to lock in your entire body.
• Take a deep breath and push the bar straight up and off the rack. Move it forward until it is balanced directly over your shoulders. This is your starting position (see illustration above).
• Slowly lower the bar to your mid-chest, just below your collarbone. Keep your elbows tucked to a 45-to-70-degree angle from your body (avoid flaring them out wide).
• When the bar lightly touches your chest, press it forcefully up and slightly back (not straight up) until your arms are fully extended over your shoulders. Exhale, and then repeat the movement for the next rep.

Try with dumbbells if you are at home or are new to the exercise and want more flexibility or range of motion, for example.

BENT OVER ROWS

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• Stand with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing each other (neutral grip). Bend your knees slightly, then hinge at your hips so your torso is close to a 45-degree angle to the floor.
• Keep your back straight, chest up, and core tight. Let the dumbbells hang straight down, just below your knees.
• Lead the movement by pulling your elbows up and back towards the ceiling, drawing the dumbbells toward the sides of your chest/lower rib cage.
• At the top of the movement, squeeze your back muscles together (imagine pinching a pencil between your shoulder blades).
• Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position with your arms fully extended, maintaining the bent-over posture for all repetitions.

Try with a barbell too.

OVERHEAD PRESS WITH SQUAT

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• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand by your sides (palms facing inward). Keep your chest up and core tight.
• Initiate the squat by pushing your hips back, as if you are sitting down into a chair.
• Bend your knees, keeping your back straight and the dumbbells hanging close to your body. Go down until your thighs are parallel to the floor, or as low as comfortable.
• Push through your heels and the middle of your feet to drive your body back up to the starting position. Fully straighten your legs and squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement.

Add on a couple of accessory lifts, which target specific areas and work only one side of the body at a time.

Think biceps curls or single-leg glute bridges.

Short on time?

“I suggest pairing exercises together from opposite muscle groups (such as quads and hamstrings), or an upper and a lower exercise to get the biggest bang for your time spent in the gym,” says Laura. 

HER incredible figure has been the envy of women across the world for decades.

But now supermodel-turned-filmmaker Caprice Bourret has revealed she was so scared of being trolled after gaining 20lbs that she turned to weight loss drug Mounjaro.

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The 53-year-old – who was concerned about possible health issues – put on weight after easing up on her strict health regime and started indulging in sweet treats like cake and chocolate, as well her favourite tipple – red wine.

Her relaxed regime in Spring 2024 saw her jump from a size 8 to 12, bringing with it a string of worrying ailments including “heart palpitations”, difficulty walking upstairs, joint pain, severe inflammation and being unable to fit into her designer clothes.

As much as she tried, she just couldn’t shift the weight, which she blames on menopause and a refusal to go on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

“My health was deteriorating and I was feeling really bad about myself,” Caprice, who is also an actress and filmmaker, explains while chatting to us in her gleaming white kitchen as she tucks into a pot of cottage cheese.

“Even small things like walking up the stairs left me huffing and puffing.

“I would get out of bed and my back and joints were inflamed and stiff because of the additional weight.

“I started to get sick more often, so I knew my immunity was being compromised.

“I tried to lose the weight, but I couldn’t because I wasn’t taking HRT and I’m going through the menopause.

“My normal weight is about 138lbs, but I shot up to 160. That was the same weight as when I was pregnant.

“Then I started having these weird heart palpitations. Who has that at 53? I was too young for what was going on.”

Having made her fortune through her good looks and appearing on more than 350 magazine covers, from Vogue to Playboy, Caprice was suddenly terrified of “being judged for not looking how I did in my twenties.”

She continues: “Maybe it was me being hard on myself. Maybe I thought everyone was going to judge me because I was judging myself.

“I guess people might have been more supportive and said ‘you look great’. But I manifested this craziness in my head.

“I used to put on clothes and everything looked amazing, but then nothing fit. Honestly, I thought I’d be judged.”

Dozens of celebrities have confessed to using the jabs including Oprah Winfrey, James Corden, Sharon Osbourne, and tennis player Serena Williams.

But it’s not just showbiz royalty who rely on the drugs to shed the pounds – 1.5million Brits are also hooked.

Most people will find it hard to be sympathetic to super slim Caprice – but she explains that even her doctor was worried and suggested she try the fat busting drug.

I used to put on clothes and everything looked amazing, but then nothing fit. Honestly, I thought I’d be ridiculed

Caprice

At first she was hesitant – always preferring to tackle health issues with natural methods.

But she admits that the reported health benefits of taking Mounjaro – which include reducing inflammation, improving liver health, protecting kidneys, and potentially enhancing cognitive and mental well-being – were attractive.

‘It was awful’

“My BMI was super high,” she says, “and the doctor said: ‘You need help here, you need to lose this weight. You’re borderline clinically obese.’

“But I wasn’t sure. Even when I had bronchitis I had a whole bag of vitamin C and zinc intravenously to get rid of it.

“I like to go down the natural way first but I obviously couldn’t do it this time. It was strange because you’d look at me, and even though I was a size 12 – which is totally normal – I was struggling.”

Regular check-ups ensued, with the doctor prescribing half of .25, “a microdose of a microdose.”

But after a few days Caprice was struck with severe nausea.

“It was awful,” she says, “I got sick to my stomach. I got dizzy and lightheaded but I kept persisting because I needed to lose the weight.

“I continued for two months, mainly because there was all this research about the benefits for cardiovascular health.”

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After two months she lost five pounds but the side effects continued. Battling nausea and not being able to properly enjoy food anymore, she decided to stop taking Mounjaro.

“I’d had enough,” she insists. “I couldn’t take it anymore. I also love craving food and that’s another thing with these drugs, you don’t get the cravings. I really missed that.”

Taking matters into her own hands, she decided to cut out carbs and processed sugar.

“The first month eliminating carbs and sugar was hell,” she explains, “an absolute horror. You are begging for that pasta but I stuck to it.

“Then I started exercising again. I know we go to the office and we get stuck behind the computer and think, tomorrow I’ll do it. But try to make it a part of your life.”

Now she still enjoys three meals a day but has made her portions smaller.

“Sometimes I’ll cheat,” she says, “and have some white rice or a baked potato but that’s okay.

“I only have dark chocolate and lots of honey. I also eat lots of fruit. I love pomegranate, it’s great for your gut health, as is watermelon which is super alkaline.

“At the end of the day we keep our body alkaline and we keep disease away.”

As we talk she pulls out dozens of supplements, swallowing them one by one. Then she shows me Shilajit – a black tar like paste formed from the decomposition of plant and animal matter over centuries in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas.

I couldn’t take it anymore. I also love craving food and that’s another thing with these drugs, you don’t get the cravings. I really missed that

Caprice

She puts some of the paste onto a knife and tells me to lick it off. Intrigued, I follow orders then quickly gag, as it is probably one of the most revolting things I’ve ever tasted.

But she beams. “Well done,” she says, “it’s vile. But it’s full of goodness.”

She also has filtered Kanyon water and she suggests I drink a glass of celery juice every morning if I want to get clear skin.

Talking about her weight loss, she continues: “Since losing the weight I’ve no ache in my joints. The energy levels I have are the same as when I was in my twenties.

“I sleep through the night. Everything has changed.”

Thankfully Mounjaro didn’t damage her sex life. Caprice has been married to businessman Ty Comfort since 2019. They have 12-year-old sons Jett and Jax together.

“That’s been pretty healthy,” she says, smiling, “I have to be honest. My husband is so amazing. Even when I was 20 pounds over, he was like ‘you look great Cap’.

‘Change your lifestyle’

“I actually didn’t tell him I was going on the jabs. But I told him when I finally stopped because I couldn’t stand the sickness.

“When I started to lose weight quite fast by cutting out the carbs and exercising, I’d been away for two weeks shooting a movie.

“I came back and he said: ‘What happened to my wife?’ That’s when I told him. He said: ‘No, Cap, I didn’t mind the curves, I liked the curves.’”

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She won’t be telling her kids about Mounjaro or weight loss because “they already have so much pressure from social media. I don’t want to get it in their heads at all.”

She says everyone in showbusiness is on a weight loss drug. And she recently reached out to one celebrity pal who’d lost too much weight.

She explains: “When you take Mounjaro for a long time your skin changes and loosens. I’ve seen it with my friends. You think you are going to avoid it but you don’t.

“I called up some of my friends, worried, but they are so happy to be that skinny that they don’t see it.

“I think ‘wow, look what it’s done to you.’ It’s complete body dysmorphia.”

She says many of her friends go on the jabs but when they come off they put the weight back on.

“Ultimately, is that going to be healthy?” she wonders. “People are on Ozempic because it’s easy and they are getting a result – but is it at a cost?

“You are losing weight because you are starving your body. Let’s be clear on this. Also a lot of people have been losing their hair. I’ve heard of some women having to wear wigs because of Ozempic.”

At that point she makes me touch her hair, which is extremely thick and silky.

“This is what you get from doing it naturally,” she says. “Yes, it’s more difficult and then you change your lifestyle. I want people to be educated on healthy options and think twice about doing this jab. Ultimately the healthy route is longevity.”

Caprice admits her whole life has centred on her image – and she is not ashamed of being vain.

“I am vain but I don’t care,” she says. “I come from a world of vanity, it’s instilled in me, and it makes me feel good when I look good but it makes me feel good when I feel good more than anything. Health is my number one priority.

“That I swear to you is coming from my heart.”

WE all know gardening is good for you.

But did you know that when you’re getting older, it can also help with arthritis?

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Research published in the Journal of Ageing and Physical Activity also found gardeners were 30 per cent less likely to report falls than non-gardeners, with improved gait and balance helping you along the way.

World Arthritis Day is celebrated on October 12th, so why not get out there and garden – safe in the knowledge that you’ll actually be helping your aching joints.

Dr Wendy Holden, Arthritis Action’s Medical Advisor and Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at North Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, told Sun Gardening: “Being active and incorporating exercise into your life helps arthritis .

“Even if joints are hurting, they can’t be harmed by exercise.

“Getting outside in the fresh air, being close to nature and nurturing plants also improves both mood and mental health.

“Just remember to pace yourself, take breaks when you need them and make use of many types of adaptive tools available to assist you.”

She added: “Whatever type of arthritis you have, staying active, keeping your joints moving and looking after your sleep and mental wellbeing are all vital to help beat pain.”

Naomi Patrick, Clinical Director at Medella Home Physio & Occupational Therapy, based in Dorset and Wiltshire, added: “Pruning requires controlled movements that work through the full range of motion in shoulders, elbows and wrists.

“These actions can help maintain joint flexibility and may reduce stiffness in people with early-stage arthritis.

“The reaching and snipping motions help maintain the upper body mobility that’s essential for everyday tasks like dressing, cooking and personal care.

“Research shows these movements can be as effective as targeted exercise therapy for certain conditions.

“For those with painful joints, we recommend using lightweight, ergonomic secateurs and taking regular breaks,” she said.

TOP TIPS FOR ADAPTING YOUR GARDENING

Make access easier by using raised beds, vertical gardens, hanging baskets, or containers
Reduce stress on joints and muscles from repetitive movements by using garden tools that keep hands and wrists in a good position
Minimise bending and stress on back, neck and shoulders by using special long-reach easy grip tools – this includes bulb planters
Reduce the amount of weeding you do by applying a weed barrier with mulch
Reduce the amount of force required to trim plants by using power assisted tools

ADAPTIVE TOOLS FOR ARTHRITIS

Essentialaids.com is a website selling adaptive tools for gardeners. They include tools like easy grip gardening tools with arm supports, and long handled tools for those who struggle bending down. Great for easier weeding and digging. From £29.99

Stiga.com has a cordless, battery powered electric pruning shears and saw. I’ve tried both of these and the pruning shears especially, are fantastic for those with limited strength, as they require no effort to cut. From £129

Flexon Guard N Grip Hose, which earned an Arthritis Foundation Ease of Use certification, makes connecting it to outdoor faucets less strenuous on hands and wrists and stops the need for lugging around heavy watering cans.

Safetygloves.co.uk has a whole range of gardening gloves for arthritis from £3

Amazon.co.uk sell Bionic ReliefGrip Premium Leather Gardening Gloves which are good for arthritic hands. From £29.99

New company www.rootup.co.uk has launched a new product perfect for people with limited reach. Called the Growyo Hanger, it is endorsed by thirteen-time gold Chelsea Flower Show winner, Medwyn Williams MBE. The hanger organises individual yo-yos used to lift the branches of heavily-laden plants — such as tomatoes, aubergines, cucumbers and apple trees — allowing users to more easily and efficiently support and train them. £14.99

Also in Veronica’s Gardening Column this week…

Top tips, Gardening news, plant of the week, and a competition to win a year’s subscription to 123Flowers

For more gardening content and competiitons, follow me @biros_and_bloom

WIN! 123 Flowers is a UK-based online florist designed to make flower delivery ‘as easy as 1-2-3’, with a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. They’re offering one Sun Gardening reader a whole year flower subscription.
To enter, visit www.thesun.co.uk/123FLOWERSCOMP or write to 123 Flowers Competiton, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. October 18, 2025. T&Cs apply

PLANT OF THE WEEK! CORNUS ‘Midwinter Fire’ AKA Dogwood.
This is a perfect plant to see you through Autumn and Winter. Not only does it provide lovely green leaves over summer and into Autumn – they fall to reveal stunning vivid orange red and yellow stems which look like fire through Winter.

JOB OF THE WEEK Don’t throw away all your raked up leaves – they can be turned into leaf mould – literally chop them up, pack them in binbags hidden away – and eventually after a year or so, they’ll turn into lovely usable nourishing compost.

SCARLETT Moffatt has wowed fans after showing off her incredible weight loss – revealing she’s ditched her size 18 clothes for good.

The former Gogglebox star, 31, left viewers stunned as she unveiled her slimmer figure on Big Brother Late and Live on Sunday.

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Scarlett looked happier than ever as she wowed viewers in a dark green co-ord top and mini skirt with feather deatiling at the trims.

She oozed confidence wearing a pair of leopard print block high heels and styled her dark hair in classy loose curls.

The reality star posted her look on Instagram, with the caption: “Always been a huge fan of big brother, in fact my guilty pleasure will forever be a chicken kebab and watching reality tv!

“So glad I got to do a major tick off my bucket list and be at a launch night at @bbuk“.

Fans flooded the comments gushing over her transformation, with one saying: “You look amazing.”

Another added: “Stunning!!🔥 😍😍 need outfit drop pls!”

A third penned: “Looking beautiful gal.”

This comes after Scarlett revealed she finally feels “happier” than ever after years of yo-yo dieting, brutal bootcamps and body battles.

She admitted she once dropped to a size 8 after punishing herself with 700-calorie days and a gruelling Swiss bootcamp involving six hours of exercise – all in a bid to stay slim after releasing her controversial fitness DVD in 2016.

But despite shedding three stone, Scarlett confessed she was still miserable and wracked with body image issues.

Now, she says she’s proud to embrace her curves – and is finally comfortable in her own skin.

“The thing with being body positive and having body confidence is just celebrating everybody’s body,” Scarlett previously told The Sun.

“As long as you are healthy, being yourself and you’re being nice to people, you do you.”

The I’m A Celeb star said she regrets the years she “missed out” on life because of low self-esteem, but now urges fans to stop being so hard on themselves.

Scarlett even revealed her own trick – imagining she’s speaking to her younger self whenever negative thoughts creep in.

“Would you ever say horrible things to a six-year-old?” she said. “Of course not. So don’t say it to yourself either.”

Now proudly flying the flag as a plus-size TV presenter, Scarlett says she’s thrilled kids today get to see more diverse faces and body types on screen.

Since bursting onto Gogglebox in 2014 aged just 23, Scarlett has carved out a successful career in telly.

And now she’s moving into hard-hitting documentaries, with her latest, Britain’s Tourette’s Mystery: Scarlett Moffatt Investigates, airing soon on Channel 4.

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DREAMING of upgrading your home gym? Don’t miss out on this year’s best treadmill Black Friday deals.

Whatever your budget, you’re sure to find a brand and style to suit your fitness goals among the Black Friday bargains.

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Whether you’re buying your first treadmill or upgrading to a high-tech model, Black Friday is the perfect time to snag a fantastic deal.

To help you navigate the November sale, we’ve covered everything you need to know about this year’s best Black Friday treadmill deals.

From important dates and unmissable deals to delivery fees and additional discounts, read on to find out more.

When is Black Friday 2025?

Black Friday 2025 falls on November 28.

The sale follows the Thanksgiving celebrations in the US, where the event first started.

The best Black Friday deals usually hit on the day itself, with prices steadily dropping throughout November.

Want to learn more about the biggest shopping bonanza of the year? Our ‘Why is Black Friday called Black Friday?‘ explainer covers everything you need to know.

What treadmill deals to expect during Black Friday 2025?

Black Friday 2025 is expected to offer some seriously impressive savings across a wide range of brands and models.

To get the most out of the sale, figure out which type of treadmill you need and do some research.

You’ll want to consider factors such as budget, space and storage, speed settings, incline options, and noise level.

It’s always best to shop around, so make sure you check out the places below for the best Black Friday deals:

What was in the treadmill Black Friday sale last year?

Black Friday 2024 saw major discounts on home treadmills.

The savings included:

• Reebok FR20z Floatride Treadmill with Connected Fitness, £529 (was £749) from Argos – buy here
• Echelon Stride-6 Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill, £972 (was £1,599) from Echelon – buy here
• Toputure 2-in-1 Home Folding Treadmill with Dual LED Screen, £322.99 (was £399.99) from Amazon – buy here
• Mobvoi Home Treadmill SE 3-in-1, £197.19 (was £289.99) from Amazon – buy here
• Reebok GT40 S Treadmill, £549.99 (was £799.99) from Sports Direct – buy here

When is Cyber Monday 2025 and are treadmill retailers taking part?

Cyber Monday falls on December 1, 2025.

It’s normally the final day to get your hands on incredible discounts, as it comes straight after Black Friday.

Unlike Black Friday, Cyber Monday was traditionally geared toward online shoppers, with some retailers adding extra discounts for web purchasers.

However, over the last few years, it has become an extension of Black Friday, with retailers extending deals both online and in-store.

It’s well worth keeping an eye out for any last-minute price cuts, as it’s the final chance to score treadmill savings before the festive season (although retailers will sometimes extend the sale).

For this year’s best Cyber Monday deals, make sure to check out our Cyber Monday hub.

How much does treadmill shipping cost?

Delivery costs will vary depending on the retailer, distance, weight, and size of the treadmill.

If free shipping isn’t available, treadmill delivery costs generally range from around £25 to £100 or more.

Additional fees may apply for installation or upstairs delivery.

Do treadmill retailers offer any other discounts?

Yes, retailers like Amazon, Argos, Very, and John Lewis offer treadmill promotions, limited-time deals, and new customer discounts throughout the year.

You can also search for monthly offers and seasonal sales at retailers like NordicTrack, Decathlon, WalkingPad, Echelon, and Sports Direct.

Which retailers had the best Black Friday treadmill deals in 2024?

All the big fitness brands usually take part in the Black Friday sales action, as well as retailers like Argos, WalkingPad, and Decathlon.

This means you can pick up a bargain on treadmills by the likes of NordicTrack, Echelon, Reebok, and more.

Because of the sheer range of choices, it’s hard to give a definitive answer for which retailer had the ‘best’ deal.

There were bargains to be found in several places and on different brands and models of treadmills – so this year, it’s well worth shopping around to compare prices.

Make sure you check out the following places for deals:

What are the best treadmills you can buy?

Not sure which treadmill is right for you?

When it comes to the best treadmills to use in the comfort of your own home, there are plenty of great options out there, depending on your needs and budget.

If you’re prepared to make a serious investment, NordicTrack’s Commercial X22i will keep you motivated and quite literally on track with its trainer-led iFIT workouts and 22″ smart HD touchscreen.

ProForm’s Carbon TLX is equally as immersive, with interactive training sessions through cities, trails, and studio classes to help keep you stimulated.

If you’re on a budget, though, fear not – there are plenty of options for those looking to shell out a bit less.

We’ve listed a couple of budget-friendly options below, so make sure to check them out.

How much do treadmills cost?

You can pick up a cheap, foldable treadmill for around £100 if you’re budget-conscious.

If you spend around £300, you’ll get more choice of design and features, like a smartphone connection.

On average, the majority of treadmills fetch around £400 – a reasonable amount that will get you all the gadgets and gizmos, a foldable and compact design, and still help you on your fitness journey without breaking the bank.

High-end treadmills are around £500-£3,000, with a huge choice of designs, brands, sizes, and features within that range.

It really depends on what you need from your treadmill, how often you’ll use it, how much space you have, and whether it’s worth making that bigger investment.

How much is a Peloton treadmill?

A Peloton treadmill starts at £3,345.

There is also a £39 monthly fee for membership and access to the Peloton app and classes.

Shoppers who purchase a Peloton treadmill will also receive free delivery and installation to a room of their choice.

Peloton also offers several deals to help shoppers save.

For example, you’ll save £55 when you purchase the Tread Ultimate Set, which includes dumbbells in four different weights, a workout mat, and a water bottle.

Finance options are also available to take the sting out of paying the total sum in one fell swoop.

What is the best foldable treadmill to buy?

According to our best home treadmills UK 2025 guide, one of the best foldable options on the market is the Stride-6s Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill from Echelon.

It features a 10” Class HD Touchscreen, Bluetooth audio connectivity, adjustable speed and incline levels ranging up to 12.4 MPH and 12.5, and, best of all, it folds away easily.

There are plenty of foldable treadmills available from various online retailers, so be sure to shop around.

Is Black Friday a good time to buy a treadmill?

Yes, Black Friday is a fantastic time to invest in a treadmill, especially if you’re hoping to score significant savings on premium models.

Major retailers like Amazon, Argos, and John Lewis stock several models to suit all fitness needs and budgets, and during Black Friday, many of them are heavily discounted.

Whether you’re searching for a foldable treadmill to maximise storage or a machine that features a smart display to monitor your progress, there are plenty of options up for grabs in the Black Friday sales.

We’ve listed several retailers worth checking out above, so make sure to take a look at the deals and discounts they’re offering this November.

What is the best treadmill on a budget?

For those on the hunt for a budget-friendly treadmill, Amazon has an array of offers you won’t want to miss.

One standout saving is on the Walking Pad Treadmill with 5% Incline, which has been discounted from £119.99 to just £99.99.

The major retailer is also treating bargain hunters to an incredible price drop on the Treadmill Walking Pad Running Machine, which has been slashed by a staggering 75%.

It’s now scanning at the checkout for just £149.99, down from £599.99.

Both machines effectively boost your workouts, fold down when not needed, and are ideal choices for at-home fitness routines.

FORMER PM MARGARET THATCHER famously got by on just four hours’ kip, while wartime leader Winston Churchill hit the hay for just a few hours a night.

A study suggests the average person gets just six hours and 50 minutes sleep – and others are getting less than three hours.

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But a good night’s shut-eye doesn’t start with jumping into bed at a reasonable time, it begins the moment you open your eyes in the morning.

Confused? Here, physiologist and sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, tells Ella Walker how she gets quality sleep.

4AM – Go back to sleep: Dr Nerina says: “There are two main hormones that govern our kip – the sleep hormone melatonin and cortisol, which is produced when we’re stressed and drives us to get things done.

“Cortisol levels start to increase from around 4am, so many people find they can go into a shallower phase of sleep.

“I wake around then but don’t look at the time. I place weighted yoga eye pillows over my eyes and get another phase of sleep.”

7AM – Wake up the right way: The circadian rhythm – the body’s internal 24-hour biological clock that determines your sleep-wake cycle – is important to Dr Nerina.

She says: “I like to wake up naturally, I don’t like the jangling of an alarm.

“I get some natural daylight, ideally not through glass, even just a few seconds. It helps adjust my circadian rhythms.”

8AM – Breakfast of proteins, fats and carbs: It might be the first meal of the day, but Dr Nerina is already prepping for her sleep.

Something sugary like a croissant can overstimulate the nervous system and ruin sleep later.

So Dr Nerina has full-fat Greek yoghurt with a mixture of chia and flax seeds soaked overnight.

Dr Nerina says: “Protein and fat provides sustained energy, fullness and supports stable blood sugar levels.

“It sets the body on the right metabolic trajectory, increasing the likelihood of optimal melatonin production later.”

9AM – Post-breakfast coffee: Even sleep experts are not afraid of caffeine but they are careful with it.

“I have caffeine either with food or after breakfast,” says Dr Nerina.

“I don’t tend to have more than one caffeinated drink a day, and that’s before midday.

“The half-life of caffeine is about five hours, so if you have a cup of coffee at 3pm, you’ll have half the amount in your blood supply around 8pm.

“It might not make you feel lively, but could impact the quality of sleep.”

11 AM – Mid-morning exercise: Working out too late can also disrupt sleep so Dr Nerina does hers early.

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She says: “I do strength training or go to the river and swim.

“Exercise is really important, otherwise I’m more stressed with too much mental energy.

“I don’t like exercising in the evening.

“It can overstimulate the nervous system and produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which will disrupt sleep.”

1PM – Lunch of eggs and gut-friendly foods: Increasing research is showing the impact of microbiome health on sleep.

Dr Nerina says: “If your gut is healthy, you sleep better.

“Lunch for me is always something that won’t spike blood sugar levels like heavy carbohydrates (which turn into sugar) would. I like an omelette with salad and sauerkraut.”

5PM – Dinner: A healthy meal and fasting window can support better quality sleep and help manage your circadian rhythm.

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Dr Nerina says: “I’ll eat some fish, vegetables and rice. I do like something sweet, so it might be some dark chocolate.

“A few days a week, I try intermittent fasting, having my last meal at 5pm. Other times, I eat no later than 7pm.”

8PM – Turn down the lights: Bright light tells your body to wake up, even in the evening, so turn the main lights off.

Dr Nerina says: “I might watch TV and turn the lamps on instead.

“I go to bed around 9pm, my device is switched off, charging outside my room, and I keep the room as cool as possible.

“I take a magnesium supplement now too, which helps relax the nervous system and muscles.”

10PM – If drifting off is tricky: It should take 15 minutes to fall asleep.

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“If you have any trouble, Dr Nerina says: “I use some box breathing to help me fall asleep.

“If I’m really stressed, I do ten minutes of journaling before I turn the lights out.

“Stress journaling has been shown to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.”