How fitness writers stay fit

Joanna Benecke, film and beauty editor at Diva magazine and contributor at We Heart Living

‘Usually I do a different exercise class every day, testing whatever looks fun; one day strength andtoning, the next cardio. However, my current schedule is slightly disrupted as I’m trying to get a pesky slipped disc to ease back into place (or stay where it is but stop hurting!). So I can’t do a lot of jumping or running, or lift heavy weights. I still do some form of workout every day though; whether it’s a hot yoga class (great for easing tight muscles – I really like Jaqui Wan’s class at Yotopia), a session in the gym, a reformer Pilates class (you can do anything on a reformer) or a fitness DVD at home (Tracy Anderson’s Mat Workout, Ballet Beautiful and anything by Jillian Michaels are my current favourites). In addition I try and do a lying down weights sequence, plus press-ups, planks and my physio back exercises everyday.

We Heart Living – Joanna Benecke

Reformer Pilates is my favourite class, because it’s brilliant for isolating and toning; I keep discovering muscles I didn’t even know I had. It’s given me a strong upper body, so I can now do proper press-ups, yesss! I work out with a London-based trainer called Lauren Masaoka – she’s a Pilates goddess.

Finding out that I love exercise was my biggest fitness achievement. At school in Sweden I always hated PE. We had to play mixed rugby. It was horrible. Why couldn’t we do yoga sometimes?

My goal for the new year is healing my back, and working on my posture and strength to try and make sure I don’t injure myself again. I’m going to get a standing desk, as sitting down does not make my back happy.

The crazy fitness trends I want to try are Skijoring and Jungshin.’