ITV Loose Women star opens up on health woes in candid confession

Daily Record

2 days ago

Dame Kelly Holmes, who is a double Olympic gold medalist, has opened up about her busy year and how she was forced to take things easy after feeling extreme burnout
A Loose Women star has opened up about the need to slow down this year after experiencing severe burnout due to her hectic lifestyle. Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes, 55, candidly opened up on her health woes.
The 55-year-old, celebrated for her achievements in middle distance running, confessed that an action-packed previous year had left her too exhausted to continue. The familiar face on Loose Women still powers on to maintain a fit lifestyle.
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"I was travelling all over the world, often doing five or six speaking engagements a week, I had my big 20-year medal celebrations and visiting Machu Picchu for charity. But burnout is a big issue for me, by January I could feel something wasn't right health wise," she disclosed to the Mirror.
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Often seen on the Loose Women panel as part of the ITV lunchtime chat show, Kelly remarked: "I took it as a sign that, while last year was amazing, I overdid it, and I couldn't do the same this year."
She admitted: "I can't jump out of bed every day full of energy, and not every day is motivating. If I'm not feeling up to it, I don't need to run the half-marathon, for example, I'd rather be there in full spirit and energising everybody else."
Kelly shared how embracing a more leisurely lifestyle has been beneficial, saying: "I've been able to look at every part of how I deal with things now, and that's a real strength. Over the last four or five months, I think I've spent more time at home than I have in years. I love being out in the garden – and with my alpacas!"
Yet, with Kelly still striving for 12,500 steps daily, participating in parkruns, and maintaining a healthy diet, it's evident that she remains significantly active.
She explained: "I try to move every day, and that might be walking to a job rather than getting an Uber, because I'll get my steps in and I can people watch! I use it as a wellbeing tool to make me feel good about myself. On a weekend, we might go paddleboarding or on a dog walk or meet up with friends."
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Kelly has also become the official ambassador for vitamin brand Solgar's wellness partnership with The AJ Bell Great Run series this summer.
She shared her enthusiasm for promoting health and fitness, saying: "I'm a huge fan of inspiring and motivating people to keep fit and moving in their lives – especially as we get older. Fitness has always been part of my life, but I'm at a point where I really understand the need for us to look at our overall wellbeing.
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"So I've been going to the runs and it's just been the best. I've seen people of all ages getting their moment when they cross the finish line."
She also reflected on her involvement with the running events. Kelly observed a positive trend among young participants, adding: "Also, I've seen a huge amount of young women, in their mid-to-late twenties, taking part – more than I'd normally see. It was so positive to see that generation into their fitness and not being embarrassed or worried about the old vision of what women "should" look like. It's changed, athletic, strong bodies are seen as beautiful now."