For those who know Helen Skelton from Countryfile or her days on BBC1's Morning Live, it'll come as no surprise that she loves being in the outdoors. Over the years, the presenter, broadcaster, and author has been on some major adventures. She's picked up two Guinness World Records for a solo kayak down the Amazon River, become the first person to reach the South Pole by bike, and completed several marathons, to name a few.
These days, though, she likes to take things a little easier. While hiking and dedicated walking workouts might be increasingly popular, Helen says there's one exercise habit that's a constant for her.
"I'm obsessed with steps - my friends tease me - but I've always been like that. I love fresh air. I don't even mind the rain; it makes me feel alive. I'm lucky living in the countryside, but even if it's dark, I’ll go for a walk. Movement and fresh air make me feel good. And honestly, if you wrap up right, there’s something so smugly satisfying about braving the rain," she tells woman&home in an exclusive interview.
"Coming home to the heating, a cup of tea, a drink - it all feels better. I sleep better, I eat better, I’m a nicer person when I’ve been outdoors."
There's plenty of scientific evidence to back up Helen's good feeling, too. Studies show the benefits of walking outdoors for the body include lower cortisol levels, blood pressure, and 'bad cholesterol', contributing to improved quality of life and longevity. For the mind, studies show it eases "negative emotions" and fatigue, while boosting energy levels.
Most experts will also recommend combining walking with strength work - and Helen does this too. She tells us she goes to the gym "for joy, not aesthetics". "I work out to keep my head clear, not my bum peachy! I like movement and sport. I'm not one for those shouty, dark gyms - I get enough of that energy at home with my kids!"
Whether it's a gym dumbbell workout or Pilates, which she has also done in the past, the star likes to prioritise "the simple stuff". "Move more, eat well, and sleep", she says, with the view to staying healthy with age. "I look at my aunt - she's still in the gym three times a week - and think, 'That's worked for you'."
Helen is also an ambassador for GO Outdoors, and keeping things simple was the idea behind her new curated collection with the retailer. It includes clothing from the likes of Sweaty Betty, Peter Storm, Rab, and North Ridge, all chosen and modelled by the presenter.
"People want practical stuff. We're an active nation, an active generation, and people want clothes that can go from a workout to the school run to the weekend," she says. "What’s nice about this collection, and why I’ve loved working with [the brand], is that the people behind it are like me - women going from work to pick-ups, to a run, to trying to make the most of the weekends."
We know layers are essential in winter, and Helen's jacket recommendation is sure to keep you warm as the temperature drops with heat transfer technology and taffeta insulation. It's still lightweight enough to throw over a jumper, though, and it comes in multiple colourways to suit your style.
If you or someone you're buying a present for this season is looking to get into wild swimming (an activity that Helen says she "loves" seeing embraced), a robe like this one is a staple in the post-dip kit. It has a totally waterproof construction and deep-pile fleece inner lining.
It's not only outdoor clothing that features in Helen's curation, however. These Sweaty Betty joggers (for which there's also a matching top) are a comfortable pair to wear around the house - or for a quick trip to the shops. They have three pockets and flare at the leg for a flattering fit.
Helen is a proud ambassador for GO Outdoors, the UK’s biggest outdoor retailer. Shop Helen’s new Autumn Winter collection online and in-stores nationwide.
