Shirley Ballas, 64, reveals how she transformed her body with 10k steps, Peloton, running, and yoga
Celebrity Bear Hunt contestant Shirley Ballas has revealed the intense fitness regime she followed to get ready for the competitive survival show.
Strictly's head judge and the oldest contestant on the reality competition Netflix series shared that she would get in 10,000 steps daily before 7am, while she also did yoga classes, regular rides on her Peloton bike, runs on the treadmill and sessions at the gym. It's a lot, but as Shirley explained, it was necessary ahead of the rigorous physical fitness tests that the Celebrity Bear Hunt cast completed ahead of filming last April, to ensure they were fit enough for the gruelling conditions.
Shirley's fitness plan is tailored to her own goal, and she likely had the guidance of many health and fitness professionals. Though it may be useful to take inspiration from parts of her routine, her full schedule isn't sustainable for most people. Always consult a qualified health professional before undertaking a new workout regime.
Ahead of the show's first episode on 5 February, Shirley said to Daily Mail: 'I've broken in my boots like I did [when I climbed] Kilimanjaro. So I didn't just get them and pack them, I wore them over and over again.
'I go to the gym, I get my 10,000 steps in before seven o'clock in the morning every day. At home I get up super early before I go to work, I do yoga, I do the Peloton bike, I do the running machine.'
Acknowledging that it was a rigorous routine, she said: 'You know, it's not easy at 64. I'm not a competitive dancer anymore, but I teach dancing on my feet every day for 12 hours. So, yes, I've done my bit. I've done the best that I can for it.
'My son this morning said - "Don't think about being competitive",' she continued. 'I said, "How do you tell a 64-year-old woman who has been competitive all her life, not to be competitive?" Even though we have got young and strong people there, that's who I am.'
Rather than deterring her, she finds ambitious goals galvanising. 'I've climbed Kilimanjaro. I've jumped out of aeroplanes for men's mental health. I do a lot of challenges and whilst I get a bit nervous inside, I never show it. Fear is not something I show.'
Celebrity Bear Hunt features a group of celebrities dropped into the Costa Rican jungle as they try to survive being hunted by adventurer and former SAS trooper, Bear Gryllis. Mel B, Lottie Moss and Una Healy are a few of the contestants lined up to avoid elimination each episode, while Holly Willoughby is hosting.
Posting on social, Shirley described her experience to fans: 'One of the most challenging experiences I’ve ever been through … the Celebrity Bear Hunt @netflixuk 💪🏻❤️ abandoned in the Costa Rican jungle with 11 other celebrities all hoping to outrun @beargrylls. Never have I been more nervous.
'There’re ups, downs, tears and hugs. It’s a show like nothing else. No phones. No glam. No family. No friends. I learnt so much about myself while in the jungle. We learnt survival skills to put to the test in the Bear Pit where we were pray to Mr @beargrylls. I’ve never run so fast in my whole life.'
Celebrity Bear Hunt premiered on Netflix on 5 February. The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour plays at the O2 from Friday 7 Feb - Sunday 9 Feb 2025
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