The former BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball chose to stay healthy in a nontraditional way. Instead of going to the gym, she embraces a more sustainable, low-intensity form of movement, NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis).

NEAT refers to general movements that are not exercise-related. These account for the major calorie burning daily, which does not include intentional exercise. It includes activities like walking, climbing stairs, or doing household chores. 

By adopting this philosophy of low-intensity movements in daily life, Ball has increased her calorie expenditure and boosted her overall well-being. For Ball, this typically means regularly indulging in gardening.

According to Women’s Health, in a previous episode of her podcast “Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball,” she said,

“We cannot underestimate the power of gardening and how good it is for your health.” The Radio 2 Breakfast Show presenter further explained, “What I love about it the most is that it doesn’t matter if I’m out there for two, three minutes, half an hour."

Gardening can be an extremely good stress-busting tool for people who enjoy it. And for Ball, that is exactly why she prefers this over traditional workouts.

"The world is quite overwhelming at the moment, and when the kids drive me mad or anything like that, I just get out there – whether that’s to tidy up, sweep up, or just sit on a bench with a cup of coffee and watch the birds and all the insects.”

In fact, during an interview with Radio Times, Ball even called gardening “life-changing” because just 15 minutes of gardening every evening had given her so much emotional support and relief. 

Research published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health supports gardening. It reports that digging, raking, and weeding are moderate-intensity exercises that help meet weekly physical activity criteria. 

In fact, other studies have also found a link between regular gardening and improved well-being, lower BMI, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

In addition to gardening, the host of the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour also follows some tips from the book “Hack Yourself Healthy.”

Zoe Ball’s Healthy Habits

Julia Bradbury, the author of the book “Hack Yourself Healthy,” shared a video on her Instagram on September 2, 2025. The post reads,

“Zoe Ball’s trying WHAT from my new book?!"

And listen out for the two lifestyle changes she's made to take care of her health....”

In the video, Ball revealed that she had adopted certain tips to stay healthy and fit. They include:

• Walking backwards
• Pilates (for 20 minutes every day)
• Incorporating high-intensity interval training 
• Slow sprint
• Weight training 
• Consuming olive oil 
• Taking turmeric 
• Prioritize sleep

Talking further about the virtues of this book, Ball said,

“It's really making a difference. It's really helping with the strength.”

Apart from gardening, these small, consistent changes in her life also contribute to her fit and healthy lifestyle at 55.

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil