
I trained with Olympians at a luxury resort — it wasn't what I expected
I've woken up in Turkey with the blazing sun giving me a false sense of hope. I won't be grabbing a flamingo floaty and wearing a bikini.
Instead, I'm in workout clothes to begin four days of gruelling training with Olympic champions at the ultra-luxurious, all-inclusive Anda Barut resort in Didim, on western Turkey's Aegean coast.
Can these decorated sporting giants whip me into shape?
They'll certainly deserve a medal for trying.
I ease into the week with a walk alongside former decathlete Daley Thompson. We chat as we stroll just outside the grounds of the hotel, feeling dwarfed by its size — and the challenges that await me over the next seven days.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
'I am slowing down because I used to do all the running,' Daley laughs as Paula Radcliffe's running group sprints past us. I make a mental note that, in a day or two, that will be me.
Now that my legs are stretched, I'm feeling ready for my next class: Fitsteps with Ian Waite.
A Strictly pro I am not, but I've always thought of myself as a good dancer. However, I was truly humbled after doing the Samba Whisk to Olly Murs for 45 minutes. I have a newfound appreciation of ballroom dancers.
With all that moving and shaking, it's time for a refreshing iced vanilla latte with a sea view, but my moment of calm is interrupted by the booming voice of JE Thrive hosting their boxercise class nearby.
Hearing what I'm going to be in for has put the fear of God into me, but I will rise to the challenge when the time comes.
For now, I'm getting myself ready for a yoga class with the charming Leon Taylor. I've never quite managed to master the crow pose, but with Leon on my side, I have hope.
I'm not perfect, but I feel like I'm getting the hang of it and, honestly, it's quite satisfying looking to my left and seeing the accomplished James Jordan struggling to keep his balance as a tree.
With day one over, it's time to enjoy a dreamy dinner at the beachfront Mansion restaurant, but it'll be an early night as tomorrow, I'll be taking on the 5km run I've been dreading.
It's only 8am, but it already feels like it's 30 degrees, and I'm concerned about how long I'm going to last in this heat; the Gate of Sun meeting point makes sense, now.
I start strong up front with sprinters Paula Radcliffe and Dame Jessica, but it doesn't take long for me to fall back as we run around the bay of the Delice Peninsula.
The blazing heat is getting the best of me, but I make it back to camp surprised at how much I genuinely enjoyed putting myself through a new challenge.
I'm struggling to breathe, so it's time to stop and refuel on post-workout shakes and snacks with Chris Baber. The protein blueberry and chia smoothie goes down a treat.
My action-packed morning continues with James and Ola Jordan's Dance Shred in the outdoor fitness space. Their class works every part of my core, and by the end, I'm starting to feel the burn, which can only be a good thing, I think.
In the evening, I attend a glamorous cocktail party, dine with the athletes at the generous Zestful Bazaar buffet and manage to catch up with other retreaters, many of whom are regular guests on 'body' holidays.
It's inspiring that some of them are twice my age, and I think, if they can do it, I can too.
I slept like a baby, but every muscle in my body is on fire. Even sitting down makes me wince. Still, I'm not stopping now, and on the schedule this morning is the Sea Front Circuits. How bad could they be?
'I'm going to f**k you up,' Thompson barks at the large group of us standing in a huge circle at the Gate of Sun overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Hundreds of sit-ups later, it's punishing, but the Sea Front Circuits have been my favourite activity so far. It feels like a warped school sports day for adults.
At this point, I need some inspiration and ask Dame Jessica if she can share some wisdom.
'I'm more of a speed-based athlete, so the endurance side can be quite challenging,' she reassures me. 'Some people play a 5k down, but actually it's a hard distance. The key is just to build it up naturally.
'Be kind to yourself. Recovery and listening to your body are important.'
With her words of encouragement, I'm all pumped up to attempt boxercise for the first time, undeterred from overhearing JE Thrive on day one.
I give it my best shot and surprise myself with my strength as I channel Rocky Balboa.
Sore from boxing, dancing, running and circuit-training, I dedicate the rest of the day to recovery, taking on board Dame Jessica's advice with the gorgeous surroundings of Anda Barut my playground — a grilled sea bream fillet at the Fish Camp is coming right up.
It's my final day at Anda Barut, so I take it easy with one last yoga class and finally enjoy the highly-recommended spa while reflecting on all I've experienced over the past few days.
I never thought I could enjoy working out as much as I have in Turkey, but perhaps the most shocking part is how welcoming everyone has been at the retreat. I've stumbled across the most supportive community.
Is four days of training enough to change your whole outlook?
In my case, yes, because it was a total shock to the system. It was humbling to meet these greats of sports, and their words of encouragement and golden tips will stay with me forever. More Trending
Yes, it was exhausting and daunting. At times, it was painful. But it has changed my attitude towards healthy eating and keeping fit. Now, I want to exercise, rather than feeling like I have to.
You never know if a holiday romance is legit until you leave the resort bubble and get back home.
Well, I think this one is the real deal because, not long after I land, I sign up for my local Parkrun. Wellness Week has certainly changed my perspective on fitness, and I'm not mad at it at all.
The closest airport to Anda Barut is Bodrum. Direct flights run from the UK, from London, Liverpool, Bristol and Manchester, with prices starting from £89 return in July.
Alicia Adejobi was a guest of Anda Barut Collection and the Bayou Villas. For more information on Wellness Week 2026, visit their website.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: The underrated Swiss lake town that's like Como without the crowds
MORE: I visited the 'Santorini of Tunisia' with cool coffee shops, local art and flights from £76
MORE: I travelled Uzbekistan before it was 'cool' — go before everyone else does
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Metro
4 hours ago
- Metro
Bridgerton star fights off prolific phone thief as crowds watch on
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour bravely defended herself after being targeted by a prolific London criminal while getting lunch. The 27-year-old star's real-life drama was thoroughly modern as she fought off a phone thief in Joe & the Juice. Chenneour, who plays Clara Livingston in Netflix's beloved show, was waiting for her order at the chain cafe on Kensington High Street, London. The thief, who the Daily Mail identified as Zacariah Boulares, 18, quietly snuck up behind her and grabbed her phone, which was placed on the counter. Immediately, Chenneour sprang into action as she spun around and grabbed his arm while another man came to her aid. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. CCTV footage shows her freeing her phone from his grasp as she pushes him to the ground and fights back against the hooded criminal. In court on May 29, Boulares pleaded guilty to stealing her phone as well as assaulting another customer. The actress previously told the Mail: 'They didn't expect me to stand up for myself – but I did.' 'I was left with a concussion just before the Screen Actors Guild Awards and since then, I've felt constantly on edge,' she shared. 'Even my dog was traumatised – now, if anyone touches me, he panics and tries to protect me. Getting a coffee shouldn't be something you need your wits about you for.' Chenneour added that she was thankful to the staff in store who were 'incredible' during the incident, and she has returned to see since. She retrained as an actress after winning an Olympic scholarship to train for Team GB's artistic swimming team at the age of 15. Unfortunately an injury prevented her from going pro but after being a stunt double for underwater scenes in Gateway To The West she landed a role on Bridgerton. Boulares reportedly also threatened Aled Jones with a machete 18 months prior, as he stole the star's £17,000 Rolex watch while in West London. He was jailed for 14 months in a young offenders centre after the incident in October 2023, getting released 10 months early. At the hearing regarding Chenneour's case, he also admitted to stealing a handbag at a pizza restaurant in London's West End in January this year. In a message on her Instagram, the Bridgerton debutante thanked fans for their support after the attack. 'I'm okay and incredibly grateful he won't be able to harm anyone else,' she said. 'I am, however, finding it difficult to feel safe going out – especially after being repeatedly threatened with being stabbed in the face.' Chenneour revealed that the man at the end of the video had threatened to stab her, turning it into a 'life or death' situation'in her mind'. This second man has been released due to a lack of evidence and won't be going to court, according to the star. A spokesman for the Met Police said: 'Police were called to a restaurant on Kensington High Street on Saturday, 8 February following reports of a theft and an assault. 'CCTV showed the suspect stealing a phone from the table and then assaulting a separate member of the public who confronted him. More Trending 'The victim of the assault was kicked and punched before the suspect left the premises. 'CCTV enquiries identified Zacariah Boulares as the suspect and he was arrested. Boulares, 18, was charged with common assault and theft.' View More » He will be sentenced later this month. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'Raw' thriller with unbelievable twist shoots to the top of Netflix chart MORE: Missing woman found 'safe and well' three months after she disappeared MORE: Netflix fans threaten to cancel subscriptions over 'worst update possible'


ITV News
4 hours ago
- ITV News
World Rowing criticised for failing to remove historical videos of topless women filmed during races
Words by ITV News Sports Producer Joe Wardropper, Sports Editor Steve Scott and Producer Esme Jones World Rowing has been criticised for failing to remove a video from its website in which women were filmed sunbathing topless by a river during a World Cup women's race, ITV News can reveal. The footage, which was still available on the governing body's official website on Wednesday afternoon, was filmed during a race in Munich in the 1990s. The coverage twice cuts away from the race action to focus in on topless women, who are seemingly unaware they were being filmed. World Rowing was alerted to the existence of the video almost a week ago by Alan Sinclair, a former Team GB Olympic rower, and European Champion, who was reviewing old race footage as part of his job as a coach. Sinclair told ITV News he was ''horrified'' by what he saw. When first reporting the video to World Rowing, Sinclair cited ITV News' investigation into serious allegations at the world's oldest club, urging the governing body to act quickly. ''With the rowing world being in the news in the UK… it is vital that World Rowing sets an example by recognising - promptly - this issue,'' he wrote. ''I would have thought that World Rowing, as the international governing body, would want to be setting a precedent in making the rowing world a safe, respectful and inclusive place for all, especially with something that should have been so easily and swiftly corrected. We can do so much better." Sinclair told ITV News he first contacted World Rowing about the video on June 5 and received a reply on the same day from its European President, Annamarie Phelps, who acknowledged the video was ''shocking''. She then alerted a safeguarding officer at World Rowing, who promised to ''coordinate with the communications team to determine the appropriate course of action.'' Sinclair sent multiple follow-up emails, with Phelps replying on Saturday to say she had requested it be removed ''immediately'', before adding: ''I suspect nothing will happen until Monday.'' But the video has remained live on the website since. In his email to World Rowing, Sinclair said their failure to act made him ''question how seriously you [World Rowing] are taking this situation.'' ''The women being filmed deserve at the very least the respect of the videos being removed and that should have happened yesterday'', he wrote, a day after contacting the organisation.


Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Confirmed Soccer Aid 2025 line-ups as Tyson Fury and Man Utd legends return
Wayne Rooney and Peter Schmeichel will take charge of England and World XI as charity fundraiser returns to Old Trafford with Tyson Fury set for central role on Sunday night Soccer Aid makes its return to Old Trafford on Sunday night and there is no shortage of Manchester United legends involved with Wayne Rooney taking over the England side as player manager. And the United legend will need to overcome one of the club's greatest goalkeepers Peter Schmeichel, who will manage a world XI also featuring Nemanja Vidic and Carlos Tevez. The match will kick off at 7:30pm and be shown live on ITV with Tyson Fury also announced as one of Rooney's assistant coaches as England look to tie level in the head battle with the World XI holding a narrow 7-6 advantage. Here is the full list of confirmed stars set to appear for the annual UNICEF fundraiser. England Rooney will be joined by former team-mates Gary Neville and Paul Scholes for England. One Direction star Louis Tomlinson returns, as does Player of the Match 12 months ago, Steven Bartlett. And the former Manchester City goalkeeper turned pundit Joe Hart makes his Soccer Aid debut. The rest of the Three Lions squad includes Jermain Defoe, Steph Houghton, Toni Duggan, Aaron Lennon, Jill Scott, Sam Thompson, Sam Quek, Sir Mo Farah, Paddy McGuinness, Dame Denise Lewis, Bear Grylls, Tom Grennan, Alex Brooker and Angry Ginge. England's coaching staff is made up of Rooney, heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, Harry Redknapp, actor Vicky McClure and David James. England: Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur), Alex Brooker (TV personality), Jermain Defoe (Former footballer), Toni Duggan (Former footballer), Sir Mo Farah (Former Olympian), Angry Ginge (YouTuber), Tom Grennan (Musician), Bear Grylls (TV personality), Joe Hart (Former footballer), Steph Houghton (Former footballer), Aaron Lennon (Former footballer), Dame Denise Lewis (Olympic gold medallist), Paddy McGuinness (TV personality), Gary Neville (Former footballer), Sam Quek (Former Olympian), Wayne Rooney (Former footballer), Paul Scholes (Former footballer), Jill Scott (Former footballer), Sam Thompson (King of the Jungle), Louis Tomlinson (Musician). World XI The visitors will be managed by former United shotstopper Schmeichel and includes a host of prominent ex-players, including fellow Red Devils legends Edwin van der Sar and Vidic. Boxer and Evertonian Tony Bellew is set to play alongside Leonardo Bonucci, Harry Kewell, Carlos Tevez, Toby Brown, Martin Compston, Richard Gadd, Bryan Habana, Dermot Kennedy, Kaylyn Kyle, Gorka Marquez, Nadia Nadim and Livi Sheldon. World XI: Noah Beck (Actor), Tony Bellew (Boxer), Leonardo Bonucci (Former footballer), Tobi Brown (Sideman star), Martin Compston (Actor), Richard Gadd (Actor/comedian), Bryan Habana (Rugby), Dermot Kennedy (Musician and halftime performer), Harry Kewell (Former footballer), Kaylyn Kyle (Former footballer), Gorka Marquez (Strictly), Nadia Nadim (Footballer), Livi Sheldon (Diamond from Gladiators), Carlos Tevez (Former footballer), Edwin van der Sar (Former footballer), Nemanja Vidic (Former footballer), Billy Wingrove (Freestyle footballer), Big Zuu (Musician and TV personality) Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.