Sara Cox, 51, reveals the diet and fitness hacks that changed her life after former ‘ladette’ ditched her unhealthy habits to run five marathons in five days

She rose to fame in the nineties as a presenter on Channel 4’s late-night series The Girlie Show.

Sara Cox also earned the nickname “ladette” for her boisterous behavior, along with Zoe Ball, Gail Porter, Sarah Cawood, Donna Air, Claire Gorham, Rachel Williams and Jayne Middlemiss.

But fast forward almost three decades and Sara, 51, is unrecognizable from her partying past as the radio star transforms her body in recent years.

He has been following a strict fitness regime since 2022 and the results are impressive.

So how did he manage to achieve this?

Sara earned the nickname ‘ladette’ alongside the likes of Zoe Ball (right) for her boisterous behavior (Photo taken in 2001)

Despite her busy schedule, which includes hosting a BBC Radio 2 teatime show, launching a podcast, a third book on the way and being a mother of three, Sara still manages to make time for her own health.

Here are the fitness steps the radio star takes to look her best.

Earlier this year, Sara revealed to Good Housekeeping that she is a member of David Lloyd, which she describes as: ‘the best gym I’ve ever belonged to’.

She also shared in an Instagram post that Blaze was her favorite class, writing alongside a workout photo. ‘Traditionally the three little words people want to hear are ‘I love you’

‘But for me, when I’m running on the treadmill in Blaze class, coach Saul has to say “CARDIO HIT ZERO”.’

Blaze is a high-intensity interval training class at the fitness club that combines cardio, strength training and boxing.

Sessions last approximately 45-55 minutes and are designed to suit all levels.

According to many studies, HIIT exercises for women over 50 are linked to better cardiac conditioning with VO2 max, improved mobility and functional capacity, better fat loss and metabolic health.

In the same interview, Sara revealed that she does weight training regularly.

‘It’s really important for women to do strength training a few times a week if possible,’ she told the publication.

The star added that even if she is busy, she will find time to go to the gym a few times a week.

Last year Sara raised an impressive £9.5 million by running five marathons in five consecutive days for Children in Need.

After this struggle, which he describes as the most challenging but most rewarding, physio Nick Worth and sports scientist Professor Greg Whyte.

A big part of her return to exercise was resistance training, but it was important for her to start small.

Documenting a post-recovery workout in November 2025, he wrote: ‘Almost no weight and low rep count.

‘But it’s nice to be back (sort of).’

Last month Sara revealed she was a member of David Lloyd and said her favorite workout class was BLAZE.

If you’re one of the radio star’s Instagram followers, you know about her passion for horseback riding.

In addition to hitting the gym regularly, Sara also likes to include dog walks in her routine.

When asked what advice she would give to other women, she replied: ‘Move more! ‘Go out, walk the dog, eat well.’

Another form of the NEAT movement he participates in is climbing the stairs via elevator or escalator.

He specifically uses the stairs to his location on the eighth floor of the Yeni Publishing House.

If you’re one of the radio star’s Instagram followers, you know about her passion for horseback riding.

Horseback riding is very beneficial for women over 50 as it provides a full-body workout and improves core strength, balance and coordination.

It is also an exercise that does not put too much stress on the joints; It is an excellent exercise if you have mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

In addition to fitness, Sara also pays attention to intestinal health.

Kefir, kimchi, coffee, and Greek yogurt are some of the foods he adds to his diet to do this.

Sara announced that she did not consume alcohol for 10 weeks to focus on making her body fitter and stronger in 2022.

Sharing the incredible results of her body transformation with the help of friend Rylan Clark, Sara told her followers: ‘YASSSSSS @thesixpackrevolution is complete ✅ and 10 weeks later I feel red. I loved not drinking – although 2 large family parties AND an all-inclusive holiday on a wagon was challenging but totally worth it.

‘I’ve been interested in fitness for a while but really needed some momentum and this has been great.’

He added: ‘I was quite pleased to break it at 47.

‘Highly recommend if you want to try it. ‘Thank you to @iamscottharrison for all his support and @rylan for encouraging me to try it.’

‘P.S. I’m heading to @julesvonhep’s STEN party now and getting off the #prayforsaz wagon but will be back Mon-Fri.’