Forget the polished celebrity fitness routines built around personal chefs and unlimited time. Jennifer Metcalfe's approach to staying in shape is refreshingly ordinary, built to survive long filming days, a busy schedule, and life as a single parent. 

The Hollyoaks star, best known for her role as Mercedes McQueen, recently spoke to Women’s Health, during which she opened up about her fitness routine. 

On a good week, her routine mostly includes a couple of weight sessions, a couple of Pilates classes, and cardio worked in wherever it fits, whether that's a brisk walk, the stepper, or the rower. 

During the interview with Women’s Health published on August 26th, Metcalfe expressed that she does not work out just for how she looks. 

"I just know it makes everything more balanced. You have more energy, sleep better, and feel more in control of everything. My drive to train these days comes from more than wanting to look good, but it's great when that [comes as a byproduct, too]," she expressed to Women’s Health.

However, when her schedule gets tighter, Metcalfe sticks to something far shorter but effective. During her recent trip to Spain, her personal trainer, who is also her son, Daye, set up a short 25-minute workout. 

According to the reports put out by Women’s Health, the 25-minute circuit included:

1. Slam balls 
2. Skipping
3. Standing bench toe taps
4. Jumping lunges with elevated front foot
5. Single-arm banded lateral raise 
6. Stability ball crunches

She did 40 seconds of each exercise and rested for 20 seconds between each. 

For simpler sessions, Metcalfe sticks to two go-to workouts: a brisk incline treadmill walk at 5km/h on a 15 per cent incline, and stepper intervals, alternating one minute of intense climbing with one minute of easier recovery. 

Ultimately, Jennifer Metcalfe's routine isn't about hitting the perfect weekly schedule but rather about having the flexible options, from an hour in the gym to 25 minutes squeezed into a packed day, to keep moving consistently. 

Jennifer Metcalfe's Diet Philosophy: Balance, Not Restriction

Fitness is only part of the picture for Metcalfe. Out of the gym, her approach to food and downtime follows the same relaxed philosophy.

Her meals tend to stay simple and unfussy, built around eggs and lean bacon, a jacket potato, and chicken, more about routine than restriction.

Metcalfe spoke about her diet while in an interview with Closer magazine. 

"I have a positive attitude towards food," she told Closer in an interview posted on August 24th 2024. "I like to eat well, but avoid sugary and fatty foods."

She isn't rigid about treats, either, choosing not to deprive herself when something feels worth it, so long as the rest of her week stays balanced.

Gym-free days aren't wasted days. Instead, Metcalfe turns to DVD workouts that make fitting in exercise feel less like a chore and more manageable around a packed schedule.

Whether it's food, rest days, or a quick DVD workout, Metcalfe's philosophy stays consistent: balance over restriction, and doing what actually fits into real life. 

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco