Super-fit mum-of-five Simone Gately who gets up at 5am to sculpt her ‘eight-pack’ is on a mission to help other parents get fit
The 35-year-old shares her exercise regime and healthy diet plan with her 20,000 social media followers
A SUPER-FIT mum-of-five who gets up at 5am to exercise and uses her kids as weights is on a mission to help other parents get fit.
Simone Gately, whose children are all under the age of 10, has racked up over 20,000 social media followers after sharing her fitness and diet tips online.
The 35-year-old personal trainer from Halifax is now planning to start her own YouTube channel where she will post weekly gym tutorials.
Simone is keen to show other mums that working out doesn’t need to dominate your life.
"Balancing being a mum and leading a healthy lifestyle hasn't been difficult but I know for some women it is and that's why I'm here to help,” she said.
Simone, her husband and their kids - Minnie, three, India, five, Blossom, seven, Chester, eight, and Summer, 10 - all exercise together, with both parents encouraging them to walk long distances from an early age.
But Simone admits that leading a healthy lifestyle hasn't always been her top priority.
She said: "During my first pregnancy with Summer I ate way too much and piled on the pounds, I was at least five stone heavier by the time I gave birth.
"But shortly after she was born I slimmed right back down to a size six as I was due to get married ten months later.
"I've since had another four children who are now all under the age of nine and although my stomach has stretched and deflated so many times, I still have strong ab muscles.”
Simone gained 18 stone during her pregnancies but always managed to lose the baby weight. She is now weighs eight stone.
"People always leave such lovely comments on my pictures but I want to show others that I'm just a normal mum that ensures she exercises every day and eats well,” she said.
Simone Gately: My Day On A Plate
- BREAKFAST: Fruit, yogurt and granola plus two boiled eggs
- LUNCH: Wholegrain salad with salmon or chicken
- DINNER: Fish or turkey mince with vegetables
- SNACKS: Oat cakes and popcorn
"I now have fresh food and try to avoid anything processed such as pasta and bread, as not only does it make me look better but I feel better for it too.
"I have so many friends who ask 'how do you cope with the kids and gym?' But I don't think I would be able to cope without the gym.”
Simone works out when her family are asleep and says she’s “never felt so good” about her figure.
Since starting her Instagram account six months ago, Simone has been inundated with fans fascinated by her toned physique.
She said: "Like most people I started posting on social media to update my friends but it's amazing that I now have over 20,000 followers.
"My posts are mainly fitness inspired but I do post a lot of family pictures too.
"I try to walk everywhere and when I'm off with the kids we will go on a bike ride or hike, I like them to enjoy the outdoors rather than sitting indoors on a computer game.
"I use my social media account to show other women that you don't have to live in the gym and let fitness dominate your life in order to have a flat stomach and good muscle tone.”
Simone is keen to stay in shape but treats aren’t off limits.
"I only go to the gym twice a week and I have the body I've worked for, I have an eight pack and enjoy chocolatey treats every now and again too,” she said.
"I even use the kids as weights when I'm working out, something they find really fun.
"I will pop them on my back when doing press ups and squats.
"Now I'm really into my fitness and healthy eating, I'm full of energy and even with five kids, I still manage to have Me time, it's amazing."
She added: "I'm going to set up a YouTube page soon so I can post videos of me in the gym so people can get to know me better and understand the workouts I do."