Gemma Atkinson is preparing for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing with an intensive fitness and diet regime, overseen by personal trainer Mark Bohannon. Bohannon is confident of her chances, stating, “We’re leaving nothing to chance. She can definitely win.” The actress, who is 32, has undergone a gruelling 12-week body transformation to get into peak condition for the competition.
Once rehearsals begin, Atkinson will undertake three gym workouts each week in addition to up to six hours of dance training per day, five days a week. Her trainers, Mark Bohannon and Steve Chambers, will be available around the clock to provide guidance. Bohannon explained that they will assess her daily and adapt her schedule accordingly, ensuring every aspect of her preparation is managed.
Diet and lifestyle are also strictly controlled. Atkinson has been advised to avoid alcohol, as it “slows down results,” and to maintain a sleep diary to monitor rest quality. With her early morning radio commitments, sleep is a key concern. If she struggles to sleep, the team may recommend magnesium and an increase in evening carbohydrates such as sweet potato, oats, and banana to boost serotonin levels.
At the start of her transformation, Atkinson weighed in at 73kg with 16.9 per cent body fat, which she described as the heaviest she had ever been. After 12 weeks, she has lost a stone, having shed 5lb in the first week alone. Her goal, she said, is to become the best version of herself, feeling strong and athletic.
Her training programme, developed with the Ultimate Performance team, includes four sessions per week, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes. The routine mixes cardio with short weight sessions, focusing on squats for the quads and lifts for the upper body and back. Exercises are performed in four or five sets, with repetitions increasing from eight to ten per set.
