Author name: Jyoti Pal

Balancing a thriving career, family life, and personal wellness is no small feat, but Gemma Atkinson makes it look effortless. When she’s not parenting her two children, six-year-old Mia and two-year-old Thiago, she’s busy hosting on Hits Radio, running her health and beauty brand Gem & Tonic, and co-hosting the Women’s Health podcast “Just As Well” with Editor-in-Chief Claire Sanderson. With such a packed schedule, Gemma relies on one key principle to stay fit: efficiency. Why Early Morning Workouts Work for Gemma For Gemma, the only way to guarantee her workouts happen is to get them done before the day officially begins. “I need to be in and out before the kids wake up,” she says. “So it’s back to 4.30am wake-ups and 5am sessions. But in just four days, my body adjusted, and this morning I actually woke up naturally two minutes before my alarm.” This level of commitment might sound intense, but for Gemma, it’s the only way to fit in consistent training while managing her many responsibilities. The Power of Routine and Discipline Gemma admits that training later in the day simply doesn’t work for her. “I don’t like training past 11am. I can’t focus, and I’m chasing my tail with everything else I have to do. I have much more energy and time for everything else if I’ve moved in the morning. I’m a sucker for routine, so it’s perfect both mentally and physically.” Her focus on discipline over motivation reflects an athlete’s mindset. She acknowledges that some mornings, especially during dark winter months, getting up isn’t easy. Yet, she emphasizes that progress only comes when you push past the mental resistance. Why Morning Workouts Boost Productivity and Well-Being Training early doesn’t just benefit Gemma’s fitness—it improves her entire day. By getting her workout done first thing, she experiences: Increased energy levels for work and parenting. Improved mental focus for her demanding schedule. A sense of accomplishment before the day has even started. Stronger discipline, which translates into other areas of her life. “In order to grow and feel my best, I have to have discipline,” Gemma explains. “Because motivation isn’t always there. You have to get past that voice in your head and get it done. It’s the only way you’ll make progress—and it’s always worth it.” A Lesson in Consistency and Self-Care Gemma Atkinson’s approach to fitness is a reminder that success isn’t about finding more hours in the day—it’s about making the hours you have count. By prioritizing health first thing in the morning, she ensures that her demanding life doesn’t derail her personal well-being. Her story proves that with structure, routine, and determination, it’s possible to balance career, family, and fitness—while staying strong both physically and mentally.