Usually, we do the interviewing; however, on rare occasions, we’re happy for others to do the legwork! For this interview, the people at Chill Tubs “caught up” with Olympic Gold Medal Winning Sally Gunnell OBE to learn what she is doing to maintain and improve her mental and physical health.
Sally Gunnell OBE holds a very special place in British sporting history. She is the only woman to hold four major track titles concurrently—Olympic, World, European, and Commonwealth. However, she also has an equally impressive special ability: the effortless way she wins people over with her down-to-earth and approachable personality.
The Olympic Games are currently wowing crowds in Paris, so as you can imagine, it is far from easy to grab the attention of one of its champions. However, Sally made time for Chill Tubs’, where she revaled what she’s currently doing to maintain and boost her well-being, her exercise regime, and the surprising food she’s always avoided.
Chill Tubs: What are your current well-being routines, whether it’s certain exercises, relaxation methods, or anything else that you do to prioritise self-care?
Sally: I always start my day with a stretch. It’s important to get my muscles working at their best, and increasing flexibility and strength first thing puts me in good stead for general mobility and exercises during the day.
Another thing I do is use my ice bath most mornings to help make me alert and awake while decreasing any inflammation, aches, or pains I have from training.
Chill Tubs: Can you name three meals or types of food that are your go-to for a boost?
Sally: I always opt for protein yoghurts to keep my protein up; they’re quick to eat on a busy day and often delicious. Healthy soups and smoothies are my go-to for lunch and breakfast. You can pack them with healthy ingredients, and they are easy on the go.
Chill Tubs: What are your current fitness routines?
Sally: Currently, I do weights three times per week to improve my muscle strength. For cardio, I love to go running; it helps me completely clear my head and keeps my fitness levels up. Then, I challenge myself with yoga or Pilates once per week.
Chill Tubs Essential Pod. Photograph by Georgia Ryder.
Chill Tubs: How do you prioritise self-care with such a busy lifestyle?
Sally: I’m not the best at sitting still, so I try to incorporate exercises into my self-care. Stretching is fantastic, and I also focus on breathing work. Using my sauna or ice bath is also a method of recuperation.
Chill Tubs: Are there any exercises you swear by throughout your career?
Sally: Hill runs help improve my leg strength and is a good cardio workout. I aim for 6 x 2 sets up a 60-metre slope with a jog or walk back between sets.
Chill Tubs: Do you have any key fitness goals right now?
Sally: My main focus is to be strong and mobile whilst having a good VO2 max level.
Chill Tubs: What is causing you stress right now, and how do you counteract it with relaxation?
Sally: With lots of work, there is always a bit of stress in my life. However, I counteract it by doing all the nice self-care in the morning to get me mentally strong for the day.
Chill Tubs: What are the main benefits you find from using an ice bath?
Sally: It gives me a strong mentality; waking up first thing and getting in the tub completely wakes me up and sets me up for the day.
Chill Tubs: What are the three well-being tips/fads you’d tell people to avoid?
Sally: Avoid eating too many nuts. They contain lots of calories, so keep them to a minimum. Train most days, but remember rest days are equally as important, so don’t aim to completely fill your week with workouts every single day.
If possible, take an ice bath at any time during the day. It doesn’t have to be just in the morning; it can help completely reset you at any point in the day.