We are so thrilled to have Em Sheldon join our ‘On the bike’ series. Em really is one of the most inspirational girls we know. She runs her famous EmTalks.co.uk blog, travels the world, is a top pizza critic (not officially.. but she knows a good pizza or two) yet is also business savvy and smart. Just how does she always look so glam and stay in perfect shape whilst always on the go! Here we spend ten minutes with Em to find out! Plus, did we mention she has over 100k followers on Instagram over at @emshelx .. get following!
Firstly, just how do you manage to tie in fitness with your amazing lifestyle blog of travelling, and eating pizza of course? That looks like a full time job!
I’ve always been into fitness, at school I competed for Yorkshire in athletics, I used to ice skate, do ballet, you name it, I did it. I’ve grown up with sport and it’s always been an integral part of my life. I truly believe you can move on the go and I massively believe in balance so yes, you can eat pizza and be in shape too.
Talk us through your fitness regime, and do you have spin as part of your fitness plan?
When I was at university, I would spin 3-5x per week. It was great because it never got easier. In fact, every session gets harder with spin which is why I love it so much, it’s a constant challenge and my body never gets used to the different bumps, hurdles and intense training. You of course get fitter and stronger but then you push yourself harder. It was easier for me to spin loads at University as I could walk over to a spin class in 5 minutes. Nowadays, I’m here, there and everywhere so have considered getting a bike for my house so I can at least spin at home (haven’t done that yet!). I try to spin now as much as I can, I’m on my 3rd session this week but it’s not always feasible depending on which country I’m in or what events are on.
Do you think diet has played a big part in reaching your fitness goals? You just love pizza and carbs, yet look so fab!
I’m very open with the fact that carbs are not the enemy and I eat them, every day but I don’t eat pizza every day. It’s all about balance and moderation. If you deprive yourself, you will binge. It’s not going to kill you if you have pizza once or a month.
How do you stay motivated to keep your blog going, staying active and eating well?
My blog is my passion, I absolutely love it and when I get a message saying I’ve inspired someone or motivated them, it only makes me want to continue! I like the fact that I’m just real, normal and busy so I feel like it’s relatable when I talk about staying active and eating well. I don’t want to make recipes with 460 ingredients, I want quick, every day tasty things that taste like chocolate without the sugar. I’m actually REALLY bad at concentrating for a long amount of time, I get bored quickly so I like to whip up 3 ingredient recipes and then have them in the house for the week to snack on. Any complicated recipes and I’d rather just call for a Deliveroo (a healthy one, of course).
What advice would you give to someone who wants to change their lifestyle to get on track with healthy eating and get into fitness?
Clear your cupboards out first, for me if it’s in the house I’ll eat it. I genuinely LOVE McDonalds, pizza, crisps you name it. It’s about not having it in the house at all times, so as I said, make your healthy treats so you have them to grab, always have nutritious, good things in the house to grab for. Try find a fitness buddy, it should inspire and push you when you don’t have the drive yourself. Also, start slow, you can start by doing workouts at home in the comfort of your own space first, then go to a gym.
Do you continue to exercise whilst you are travelling, or do you give your body a little rest?
I do actually try to give my body a rest when I’m away, or often the schedule is so packed I simply don’t have the time and I believe sleep is more important. If I’m not rested, it will have such bad effects on my body so there’s not point forcing a workout too on no sleep or jetlag. On some trips though I feel the urge to move so I try workout when I can.
We noticed people like to shame your Instagram posts (we have NO clue why as you look a-mazing!). What advice do you have for people to make sure that social media does not affect their confidence?
It says SO much more about the other people behind a screen rather than you. No happy, successful person trolls! Ignore, mute, block, avoid.
What is your favourite Active Wear brand to spin and work out in?
I adore Sweaty Betty, the highest quality and everything fits so well. Their leggings last me YEARS. I also love Fabletics leggings. They are so flattering.
We are dying to know what the best pizza you have ever had is!
Bleecker Street pizza in NYC!
… and lastly.. the best thing about spin is …
It’s challenging every single time and you feel the sweat melting off you!