Q&A with WHL co-founder Ellie Moss

How did you get into fitness and wellbeing?
I’ve always been pretty active. I did lots of sport and activities as a child and got really into the gym and fitness classes after university, so when I started out in journalism, writing about fitness and health seemed like the obvious choice.

We know you have done gymnastics in the past, is that something that you’ve done from a young age?
I started out in gymnastics when I was about four years old, then got selected for squad training – I trained 3-4 times a week until I was about 10. I wasn’t the bravest of gymnasts –  the vault terrified me! I carried on doing gymnastics a few times a week more casually at a different club until I was about 14 and then trained as a coach and went on to coach for around 10 years. Gymnastics has been a huge part of my life and I’ve loved being involved in the sport. I hope I can go back to coaching at some point.

We know you like to go horse riding when you can too. What is it about riding that you love?
I grew up riding and rode every day for years. I love being in the outdoors and I love galloping through the countryside and cross country jumping. It’s exhilarating and a great break from city life.

What other sports or activities do you enjoy in your spare time?
I’m a regular at my local Virgin Active and like to get my sessions done early in the morning when it’s quiet. I usually make a coffee to take with me on the tube and read my book on the way there. I try to go about three to four times a week and I really enjoy my little morning routine now. I also love cycling (though I prefer the countryside to the London roads) and recently had some swimming lessons with SwimLab – which have transformed my technique – so I’m hoping to do a triathlon next year. I’ve also got quite into squash, as my boyfriend plays and has been trying to teach me. But my favourite activities are usually outdoorsy ones – climbing, skiing and riding!

What is your favourite healthy snack?
I love nut butter and always have a jar of cashew nut butter on my desk.

What’s your favourite healthy dish to cook?
OK, it’s not that healthy, but you can tweak it a bit to make it healthier. I love to make San Choy Bao as a mid-week treat. It’s a delicious traditional Chinese dish made with pork mince. There’s a great recipe on bbcgoodfood.com that I tweak. I also make an awesome dairy and wheat-free, nut-based, ‘cheesecake’ from a recipe fellow co-founder Amanda gave me. It’s the only dessert I can make (I cannot bake) and always goes down a treat!

And what cheeky cheat treat can you not be without?
I am an absolute chocolate fiend. If it’s in the house or on my desk I will eat it. La Maison Du Chocolat do the best chocolate ever. But a KitKat Chunky is my real weakness!

Who is your fitness idol / inspiration and why?
That’s tough! I meet so many inspiring fitness people through my work. But to be honest my friends inspire me as much as anyone else. Some of my best friends have done amazing things like half ironmans and marathons and raised huge amounts of money for charity in the process. They love a challenge and I really admire the hours of training and commitment they put in. My boyfriend is always at the gym or at the track, too – the fact he always, always manages to make it to his session, even after the longest day at work or biggest night out, I find that pretty inspiring. He doesn’t do excuses!

What is the best fitness class or workout you’ve done recently?
I’m a huge fan of Helle Hammonds’ GymClass in Holland Park. It’s a great studio, super-friendly and Helle is a real inspiration. And I love 1Rebel and Barry’s Bootcamp – those workouts are a killer. For yoga, I love Union Station Yoga. My friend and all-time favourite yogi Katy Bateman manages the studio and her classes are incredible.