The big summer shape up with Lorraine Kelly

Balmy evenings, barbecues, alfresco picnics and the prospect of jetting off abroad – there’s not much to dislike about summer. 

But as the winter jumpers are resigned to the loft, and the flimsy dresses and swimsuits dusted off, many will be feeling a familiar dread about flashing the flesh in the months ahead.

This week, new health and fitness segment The Bikini Promise on ITV’s Lorraine aims to help viewers feel happier and healthier as they hit the beach by delivering a “simple, lifesaving approach to losing weight”. Unlike other fad diets, the idea is to make a lifelong change.

Three ladies have signed up to take part in the five-week health and fitness programme, taking place on Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean.

Far from being a holiday, the ladies will be put through their paces by exercise guru Maxine Jones and healthy eating expert Sally Bee – who also fronted last year’s Brazilian Bikini Diet plan on Lorraine – offering an exercise programme and nutritional advice. 

“It’s all about making yourself a promise to be fit and healthy and wear your bikini with confidence,” says Lorraine Kelly. “It’s about eating well, changing the way you think about food and being healthy from the inside out. 

“Sally uses produce which is affordable and easy to cook, while Maxine’s five-week exercise plan is fun but delivers incredible results.”

At 55, Lorraine is a great ambassador for the segment and a poster girl for the older woman. The TV presenter, who has recently launched her own fashion range with online retailer JD Williams, says she hopes she can inspire other women. 

“I can’t believe I’m wearing a bikini at 55. If  I can do it, anyone can,” she says. 

“I don’t like the word diet. I have a healthy eating plan for life and I follow Sally’s recipes. I eat sensibly during the week, but never starve myself. At the weekends I let my hair down a bit and if I fancy a fish supper, or curry, then I go for it. It’s about balance.”

Lorraine adds that you don’t have to spend lots of money or follow the latest exercise fads to see results.

“Maxine runs classes in a local church hall and it costs a fiver. 

I go two or three times a week. We have such fun,” she says. “Maxine is the most positive, energetic and enthusiastic woman I’ve ever met. She has changed my life. I have a waist for the first time in years.”

Lorraine explains that The Bikini Promise is accessible to all and very easy to follow at home, with a mixture of dance and body exercise. 

There will also be exercise videos on the Lorraine website and plans that everyone can follow. Sally’s companion book The Bikini Promise is available to buy now, too, and contains a selection of simple recipes.

Ahead of the launch of The Bikini Promise, we asked Maxine to share a selection of exercises and her top tip for keeping motivated…

The Bikini Promise launches on Lorraine on June 8. For more details see itv.com/lorraine.

Maxine’s key exercises

The Moving Twist

“Imagine your arms are pulling you along an imaginary tug-of-war rope. Step to the side and twist, using the rope to pull you along. Do this twice to the left, then twice to the right. Knees are bent to really get a full twist going on in the waistline area.”

The arm punch

“Take a wide stance, bend your knees, fists clenched. Punch up into the air in a ‘single, single, double’ motion, so: right, left, right, right; left, right, left, left and so on. Suck your tummy in tight and pull your hips backwards in time with your arm movements.”

The boxer’s stance

“This is a squat with a twist and a punch. Stand with your feet just wider than hip width apart, punch out with your right arm, then your left, then right again, bringing your left knee up to meet it each time. This is a great toner for your thighs, your bum, your waistline and your arms.”

The booty swirl

“Start off with a wide stance, then swirl your hips around the back of your body to the front and then back again the other way – this move tones and tightens your body.”

Maxine’s motivational tips… 

1. Hang a dress or a pair of skinny jeans that you want to get back into on the wardrobe door, walk past them every day saying to yourself, “I’m going to do this, those jeans are mine”. I call this “Having a Word With Yourself”.

2. Focus on the end result, give yourself a deadline, block fitness classes out in your diary and stick to the plan.

3. Buy yourself some new gym kit, invest in decent trainers and a sports bra; money spent means you’ll be more engaged.

4. Find a friend with the same goals and go to fitness classes together. If this isn’t possible, try to make friends at your class.

5. If you’re feeling nervous about going to a class, get in touch with the instructor and break the ice. I love hearing from potential clients – if they have any queries or reservations all they need to do is ask. 

The Bikini Promise, Lorraine, from Monday, 8.30am, ITV