The rising fitness model and physiotherapist on kicking off the new year the right way, with tips on health, fitness and keeping it simple.
Millie Lindsey is sat at home, talking happily about her biggest indulgence: “It’s probably food,” she laughs. “I love desserts, so I’ll always indulge in, like, a cheesecake.” The ears on her boyfriend Lonan perk up and he says incredulously, “I've never seen you eat a cheesecake!”
“When I go out for dinner,” Lindsey responds, steadfast, “I like a cheesecake.” It’s a big treat for someone so focused, a reward after a packed week — and Millie’s weeks are only getting more packed. While she rocks a full Burberry get-up for FLANNELS and appears in campaigns for several fitness brands, modelling is just one of her many hustles, an “on the side” career as she describes it.
After teenage ambitions as a gymnast were put on hold, Lindsey gravitated towards a more holistic side of fitness, greatly inspired from the time spent rehabbing her own injuries. Juggling time as a qualified physiotherapist, pilates teacher and personal trainer, a regular day finds her helping clients from the crack of dawn through to the late evening, with just enough time to squeeze in a quick mid-day workout and pop to Pret. “Definitely keeping busy,” she laughs, “Long days.”
So when a gap in her hyper-packed schedule opened up, FLANNELS thought that the very fashionable, thoroughly modern Millie could help out with approaching our 2020 fitness. Because it’s always good to hear direct from the professionals.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
You don't need to overcomplicate it! The gym can be very intimidating, with everyone lugging around big weights and throwing around machinery, so just keep it simple. Keep it to the basics - lunges, squats... On the internet, there's so many videos you can watch to help you.
SWITCH IT UP
I hate doing weight training. I know it's really important for osteoporosis and keeping toned and all of that shebang, so I have a personal trainer that I train with twice a week. Other times I either do pilates or train myself - I have access to a full mirror and a trapeze at work, so I train there. Once or twice a week I'll do cardio or something boring like uphill walking, or my boyfriend and I will do a fitness class together... boxing, something that gets the heart rate up.
STOCK UP ON GEAR
Bands are the best equipment, they’re really great for glute engagement and low body workouts. And upper bodies as well! Get a foam roller, that's important. You can actually work out with a foam roller: pop it under your back to help support your pelvis, then extend and flex over it for a good ab workout.
HOW TO MANAGE FOOD
The ratio is 80% diet, 20% fitness if you want to lose weight. You don't need to do tons of cardio if you eat really well. The most important thing is keeping your training varied: hip training then weight training, then cardio, then pilates, mix it up. If you just do cardio the whole week, your body's not going to change and you're going to plateau. It’s best to keep mixing up your fitness routine and to keep everything in moderation. Don't restrict yourself on anything.
Photography: Matthew Brann