Jump directly to the content
BATTLE OF THE FITTEST-AT-50

We look at fitness inspirations Liz Hurley, 52, and Davina McCall, almost 50 — who rule Instagram with their enviable bods

From yoga and spinning to no meals at night, here's how they stay in such great shape

LIZ HURLEY is 52, Davina McCall is three months shy of her 50th birthday – and both boast enviably toned bodies.

The pair rule Instagram with their workout pictures and bikini selfies.

 Actress Liz Hurley, 52, does yoga in a bikini
10
Actress Liz Hurley, 52, does yoga in a bikini
 Presenter Davina McCall also posed in a two-piece
10
Presenter Davina McCall also posed in a two-pieceCredit: Instagram

Just this week, Liz posted a shot of her doing yoga in a bikini, and television presenter Davina posed in a two-piece.

Fitness coach James Clynes, from Premier Training, says: “Both Liz and Davina have a great approach to keeping fit and healthy.”

Here, JENNY FRANCIS looks at these fit-at-50 inspirations while James gives his verdict, too.

Lithe Liz

 The mum of one says regular yoga and a healthy diet keep her in good shape
10
The mum of one says regular yoga and a healthy diet keep her in good shape

SHE has kept her figure for decades but never sets foot in a gym.

The mum of one, whose son Damian is 15, credits yoga, never sitting still and sticking to a very healthy diet for her fab bod.

FITNESS

Liz’s Instagram is full of snaps of her doing impressive yoga moves in her back garden while wearing tiny, designer bikinis.

 'I don't lie around on the sofa much,' says Liz
10
'I don't lie around on the sofa much,' says Liz

Yoga improves flexibility and is also great for strength, especially in the core.

This gives Liz that flat stomach – different to the “six pack” you would develop by lifting weights.

Liz also keeps fit with rowing, regular walks and other outdoor pursuits.

She says: “I don’t go to the gym, but I’m quite active. I don’t really sit still. I don’t lie around on the sofa much.”

DIET

 Liz eats fruit, veg and whole grains... but nothing past 6:30pm
10
Liz eats fruit, veg and whole grains... but nothing past 6:30pm

Liz eats lots of whole grains, fruit, veg, fish and small amounts of lean meat – but insists on no food after 6.30pm.

The actress, who does drink alcohol, says: “That’s one of the best diet tips you can get – eat earlier on in the day so you’ve got more time to digest the food and your body can rest in the sleep period.

“I think that’s quite important. I always used to snack late at night because I was feeling a bit hungry before I went to bed but I’ve stopped doing that now.”

LIFESTYLE

 The star also loves taking her dogs for walks
10
The star also loves taking her dogs for walks

A country girl through and through, Liz explains that in between filming TV series The Royals, she would always be out and about.

Liz says: “I love to hike and I walk with my dogs all the time.

“I like running around so I don’t feel like I need to be skinny, but I feel the need to be athletic and fit.

“It doesn’t matter really what size you are but I do think it’s important to stay sort of firm and to do a reasonable amount of walking and exercise on a daily basis.”

 

The expert says...

“Liz’s regular yoga means she will be more flexible and have a good base level of fitness.

“She will have a stronger core, lending towards a flatter tummy, toned arms and shapely legs.”

Mega-fit McCall

 Davina loves to work up a sweat in the gym
10
Davina loves to work up a sweat in the gymCredit: Instagram

THE mum of three is one of the nation’s most sought-after female TV presenters and also has more than a decade’s worth of fitness DVDs under her belt, as well as best-selling cookbooks.

FITNESS

Davina’s Instagram shows she is no one-trick pony when it comes to keeping fit.

From spinning to five-mile runs and HIIT workouts, Davina does something different almost every day.

 The mum of three also loves barre and TRX workouts
10
The mum of three also loves barre and TRX workoutsCredit: Instagram

She also loves to cycle, clocking up 67 miles in an average weekend, and is a big fan of barre – similar to ballet – and tough TRX workouts favoured by Navy SEALs.

DIET

No sugar, no alcohol but plenty of everything else.

The soon-to-be 50-year-old keeps herself trim with three meals a day and cooking from scratch as much as she can.

 Davina doesn't drink and she watches what she eats every day
10
Davina doesn't drink and she watches what she eats every dayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

She says: “I watch what I eat every single day but it’s all about balance.

“Just because I’m always on a diet doesn’t mean I don’t eat things I love.

"My weakness is cheese – particularly stinky, runny ones.”

LIFESTYLE

When it comes to selfies, Davina often goes for the no-make-up, fresh-out-of-the gym look.

 The presenter shows off her 'mummy tum'
10
The presenter shows off her 'mummy tum'Credit: Instagram

One of her most recent snaps showed off her “mummy tum” – still very impressive after having Holly, 15, Tilly, 13 and ten-year-old Chester.

But instead of seeing fitness as a chore, Davina says working out is her “me time”.

She says: “My workouts are time for myself and there is something really empowering about that.

“I know I deserve that time and I use it to clear my head and feel good doing something I want to do.”

Even when she’s not at the gym, Davina walks her dog and does other activities to keep her moving.

The expert says...

“Davina’s high-cardio routines mean she can push herself and achieve a higher calorie burn.

“This results in a more muscular frame, fantastic ab definition and improved fitness and strength.”

Topics