Sara Cox shot to fame in the Nineties as a presenter on Channel 4's late-night series The Girlie Show. She earned the nickname of 'ladette' alongside Zoe Ball, Gail Porter, and others due to her raucous behaviour. Fast forward nearly four decades, and Sara, now 51, is unrecognisable from her party life past. Since 2022, she has embarked on a strict fitness regimen, and the results are impressive.
How Sara Cox Transformed Her Body
Despite a packed agenda—hosting her BBC Radio 2 teatime programme, running a podcast, writing a third book, and being a mum to three—Sara still manages to carve out time for her well-being. Here are the fitness steps she takes to look her best.
Favourite Workout Classes
Earlier this year, Sara revealed she is a member at David Lloyd, which she described to Good Housekeeping as 'the nicest gym I’ve belonged to'. Her favourite class is Blaze, a high-intensity interval training session combining cardio, strength training, and boxing. The sessions last 45-55 minutes and are designed for all levels. Studies show HIIT workouts for women over 50 improve heart fitness, mobility, fat loss, and metabolic health.
Strength Training
Sara also regularly weight trains. 'It’s really important for women to do strength training a couple of times a week if they can,' she told the publication. She finds time to hit the gym a few times a week, even when busy.
Marathon Challenge
Last year, Sara ran five marathons in five consecutive days for Children in Need, raising over £9.5 million. After the challenge, she worked with physio Nick Worth and sports scientist Professor Greg Whyte. Resistance training was a big part of her return to exercise, but she started small. Documenting a workout post-recovery, she wrote: 'Barely any weight and low reps. But good to be (kinda) back.'
Daily Movement
Sara includes dog walks in her routine and recommends other women to 'move more! Get out, walk the dog, eat well.' She also takes the stairs to work on the eighth floor at Broadcasting House, avoiding lifts or escalators.
Horse Riding
Sara loves horse riding, which provides a full-body workout improving core strength, balance, and coordination without high-impact stress on joints—ideal for those with mild osteoarthritis.
Gut Health Diet
Sara pays attention to her gut health, adding kefir, kimchi, coffee, and Greek yoghurt to her diet. In 2022, she gave up alcohol for 10 weeks to focus on getting fitter and stronger. Sharing the results, she said: 'YASSSSSS @thesixpackrevolution done & after 10 weeks I feel ruddy ace. Loved not drinking... Recommend it massively if you want to have a go.'
