In this week’s Friday Focus we spoke to TV presenter and blogger Olivia Cox about publishing her first book, starting a blog and running the London marathon! Read the full interview below.
1. Who are you and where do you come from?
I’m a tv & radio presenter, and I have a blog. I grew up in London ,but lived in Germany for a while when I joined the British Army.
2. Who’s your fitness inspiration?
I’m obsessed with Fitness Blender on YouTube. Keli her husband are just super normal and happy but secretly crazy fit. Their workouts have no music so I can blast my own out, which is great because it’s a chance for me to test out what tunes I’m feeling that day.
3. What’s your go-to exercise?
I train a couple of times a week with my PT Kristy Grant, and if I’m training myself I’ll go for a run and do some HIIT in the park. I’m not great at pushing myself, so if I want a hard work-out, I’ll call Kristy or do a class like Barry’s Bootcamp or Sweat by BXR.
4. When did you decide to start blogging and why?
I was writing for Marie Claire when digital press really took off so I decided to start my own blog. I was approached by a few beauty brands to film tutorials, and then landed my first real reporting job as fashion & entertainment host on a daily Entertainment Wise show.
5. What will we find you doing when you’re not blogging or working?
To be honest most of my free time is spent in the gym. I love hanging out with sporty people, they tend to have such a positive, ambitious mindset. Working out makes me happy. It calms me down and is kind of like my therapy. I might walk in the gym exhausted and wanting to be anywhere else, but by the time I leave I’ll be feeling awesome. Other than that, I tend to be found chasing down tiny dogs for a cuddle. They’re my weakness.
6. What’s your favourite part of being a reporter?
I love that moment on an interview when you realise the other person is really interacting. It’s almost like flirting, I really enjoy the banter and the thrill of getting a good response. Especially on live TV.
7. How did it feel to publish your first book?
So weird – I still find it peculiar seeing my name on he spine in a book store! I’d like to do another, more personal book but it is so time consuming.
8. Any fitness/life goals for 2017?
This year, I want to buy a flat. I just started meeting with lawyers and mortgage advisers, it feels so adult! For fitness, I’d love another challenge.I finished the London Marathon in 3hr40 in memory of a close friend and feel like that’s his time, so I need to do something totally different so I’m not tempted to try and beat that! Maybe a triathlon, although I’m very bad at swimming!
9. Best piece of fitness advice?
My training totally changed when I finally realised that I’m only cheating myself if I miss a session / set / rep. I think psychology is totally overlooked in training, and actually getting in the right mindset can be just as important as the training itself.
10. Favourite people to follow online?
I’ve got a really childish sense of humour so I love slapstic-style meme accounts. I also follow a load of fitness bloggers for training & kit inspo. I am working towards my own range of leggings and crops so am literally always hunting for new ideas.
11. What would you be doing if you weren’t a blogger and reporter?
Ski racer – I competed when I was younger and adored it. There’s literally nothing that compares to the feeling of nailing yourself on the mountains. So exhilarating and yet weirdly peaceful at the same times. The first run on fresh powder is my happy place.
12. Have you always been into your health and fitness?
It’s always been important to me, but I really became aware of health and fitness when I joined the army. I think it’s really important to get out of your comfort zone every now and then, because you learn so much about yourself. I learnt how far I can push myself and really got the fitness bug. Fitness was a way of life in the army, and it’s a principle I try to stick to in London. A little less muddy now, though!
