Women's Health are here to bring you an exclusive look at the morning routine of your favourite celebrities: this month, it’s presenter Tess Daly. Catch her cover shoot and interview in the April issue of Women’s Health, out now.
When she’s not busy gracing our screens as part of Strictly Come Dancing’s feel-good double act, Tess Daly has plenty to be getting on with – ongoing pandemic or otherwise.
Between launching new swimwear line Naia Beach and raising two daughters with husband and fellow presenter Vernon Kay, Tess fills her day with things that keep her happy and healthy.
We sat down with the presenter on the set of her April Women’s Health cover shoot to talk through a typical morning in the life. From stretching it out with Adriene to enjoying her favourite ‘pudding for breakfast’, keep scrolling for a look into Tess Daly’s AM routine.
Waking up
Like many parents, Tess’s morning alarm depends on the school day. ‘Most mornings, if the kids [Phoebe, 16, and Amber, 11] are actually physically at school, I wake up at 6:30,’ she says. ‘When they have homeschooling, I get a bit of a lie in and get up about 7:20.’
And to start the day, there’s nothing like a good downward dog: ‘Then I try and get in 20 minutes of yoga, which is more of a stretch at that time, and a cup of tea before the kids get up.’
Stretching it out
With current times meaning we’re all a bit more sedentary than usual, Tess is keen to get some movement in first thing. ‘I do yoga most mornings first thing when I have a little bit of time to myself, before the kids get up,’ she says. ‘I do Yoga with Adriene online, on YouTube. It's awesome – and it's free!’
As for Adriene’s toolkit? She’s got it all, according to Tess: ‘She's got a class for everything. Stiff back, flexibility, stiff neck – whatever it may be, she's got the solution. 20 minutes later, you feel better. It's great.’
Setting the alarm
When it comes to larks and owls, Tess is very much attuned to the early hours, she says. ‘I would say that I'm definitely a morning person – I love getting out of bed and seizing the day ahead.’
And as for her wakeup call, it all depends on the day. ‘I'm one of those people who always sets an alarm on weekdays when it's school or home school,’ says the cover star. ‘On the weekends I do not and that for me is the biggest luxury. Inevitably, I wake up at 7:30 anyway.’ Been there.
Breakfast time
On training days, Tess makes sure to time her breakfast for the most effective boost. ‘I usually have breakfast about an hour after I've woken up, so I eat about 8:30 in the morning,’ she says. ‘I train a couple of times a week so I try to eat 45 minutes before I do a workout, because it gives you a bit of energy for your workout.’
As for what’s on the menu, you might want to write this down: ‘For breakfast I usually have yoghurt with berries, so either blueberries or cherries, which I heat up in the microwave,’ says the presenter. ‘I like them hot – it's like pudding for breakfast, but a healthy pudding! And then maybe a bit of maple syrup or honey or some granola.’
Her one non-negotiable? ‘For me, the day does not begin without a very strong cup of builder's tea,’ says Tess. ‘I am Northern after all!’ Seems sensible, if you ask us.
Lions Non-Slip Yoga Mat
Eco Friendly Yoga Mat
Sweaty Betty Eco Yoga Mat
Cut through the noise and get practical, expert advice, home workouts, easy nutrition and more direct to your inbox. Sign up to the WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWSLETTER
