Carol and Julie have now produced a video, Changing Shape with Carol Smillie, which is a guide to exercise during and after pregnancy. But why take the leap from simply exercising for herself and trying to help other pregnant women?
“It just seemed a great idea to do this, and since everyone sees me heavily pregnant I thought, heavily pregnant AND exercising – what’s the difference?
“Actually, the difference was that I have been pregnant in two series of Changing Rooms and this time I was going up lighthouse stairs and into top floor flats without any problems at all – the crew were asking if I was OK – they didn’t have kids! – and I genuinely was fine. My energy levels really stayed up because I was power walking – just walking a bit faster than usual but it really gets your heart rate up.
“I knew I wouldn’t go to the gym and that I wouldn’t manage it on my own. I couldn’t find anything like this on the shelves and decided I could get involved.
“Women don’t want to go to the gym and have everything hanging out while they get fit. I thought, well I’m being seen heavily pregnant anyway, what difference does it make? I’ve known Julie for about ten years and her children are in the same class at nursery as my daughter Christie.
“She’s a good mate and it really was a laugh and I think that comes across in the video. I have to say she looks fantastic and she’s got two kids of her own. I’m still hoping I’ll look like that!”
