Strictly Come Dancing star Ola Jordan is showing fans what her Dance Shred routine looks like. Jordan, 41, shared a video of herself wearing black leggings and a tank top, doing a dance-based workout with a group of enthusiastic clients. “Are you looking for an exciting and fun energy in your workouts? Come and join us and let’s dance! ❤️” reads the caption on the video. Jordan and her husband lost weight and got strong and fit after packing on the pandemic pounds—here’s how they did it.
Jordan and husband James gained weight after having a baby and being forced to stay at home during the pandemic lockdowns. “Like for many people, food became a comfort,” she told Top Sante. “We would sit on the sofa every night watching a movie eating crisps and tucking into a sharing bag of Minstrels. I couldn’t help myself and, because we had also let our exercise regime slip – something so many new parents will relate to – my weight crept up.”
Jordan and husband James have been married for over 20 years. “We’re strong as a couple and always there for each other,” she told The Sun. “The secret is having a sense of humor. We’re always joking. James is a real softie with a really good heart. He’s wonderful with Ella, such a good dad. We’ve been together for a long time – we know each other inside out, and what makes each other tick.”
For Jordan, getting back into shape was more than just vanity. “I also wanted to lose weight to look after my health long term,” she told Top Sante. “I want to live as long as I can for my baby – anyone with kids will understand that. When I used to go out partying and drinking, I’d never think twice about the impact all the excess was having on my long-term health but now I do.”
Jordan is glad she waited to have a baby. “We definitely did the right thing having Ella older,” she told The Sun. “We can look back knowing we traveled the world, had a lot of fun partying and did all the jobs we wanted to do. Now it’s amazing being at home with this little person we longed for. I love her to bits – she’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Jordan was committed to losing weight, and together the couple made it happen. “Once I began on my health journey, I lost 1st 9lb [23 pounds] within the first month,” she told Top Sante. “James and I committed to cutting down on all the bad stuff. The three of us would be cha-cha-ing around the house and slowly – by combining the dancing with squats, lunges and planks, as well as following a 1,500-calorie-a-day eating plan – the weight started coming off. It was so refreshing to be doing something positive. And, it’s been brilliant creating our online programme Dance Shred so others can reap the benefits, too.”