With the new year firmly upon us – and no doubt several health-focused resolutions on our lists – who better to talk to about all things health and wellness than lifestyle guru Joe Wicks? Joanna Lewis caught up with him ahead of his visit to Bath next month. Photography by Des Illes
As one of the UK’s most trusted voices on health and wellness, Joe has spent the past decade helping millions rethink how they move, eat, and feel. From lockdown living rooms to family kitchens, the fitness coach-turned-lifestyle guru has built a reputation for making healthy living accessible, realistic, and, crucially, enjoyable.
So, for those wishing to transform their health in 2026, where does one start? Joe says the first thing to focus on is small daily wins by breaking your day into little goals.
“For example, the first one could be ‘right, I want to do a little movement’,” Joe says. “It could be a 20-minute workout or going for a walk. But if you fail that, say ‘right, I didn’t manage to exercise as I didn’t have the energy, so, instead I’m going to put some good food in my body’.”
He explains that a daily win could be cooking a recipe, putting your phone down, detaching from digital devices, or simply going to bed an hour earlier.
“They all add up, so try to focus on more little wins,” he says. “Don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t have the perfect day and know that you will make progress if you do one of those things every day.”
For those who have made living a healthier lifestyle their New Year’s resolution, Joe suggests making exercise a daily habit. “Finding a little bit of time every day to do some movement really shifts your mood. Movement is medicine, it’s about doing anything you can to be active,” Joe says.
Rest and recovery
One of Joe’s biggest priorities is sleep, a key component of a healthy lifestyle that he believes many people underestimate.
“Really having a good sleep routine, being consistent with that, and trying to get into a routine that’s consistent throughout the week really helps with your energy, your commitment to exercise, your discipline around food choices, and your mental health. Sleep is about rest and recovery; you need that time to regulate,” Joe explains.
Another key message he is keen to convey is how relatively simple leading a healthy lifestyle can be, and that you don’t need a lot of time, equipment, or to be an expert cook.
“I really believe short workouts, around 15 to 20 minutes, are enough. I believe in quick cooking, making food convenient and fast. These are both things that are achievable, and they can really transform you quickly.”
So, as a busy dad to four young children, how does the lifestyle guru stay fit and healthy?
“I like to do a combination of strength training, and I’ve also really enjoyed starting to do a bit of yoga for mobility, so on the days I’m not doing a full body workout or strength training, I’ll do a half an hour yoga session on my body coach app, which has been great. Really, it’s what I feel like, I don’t have a strict routine, it depends on what I’m in the mood for.”
He adds: “For me, exercise is my core tool that I use to shift my mindset to feel positive, to feel optimistic, and to release stress on the body, that’s always my go-to.”
Moments to connect
Talking of young family, Joe says it can be a challenge to balance work while being present at home, but says it’s all about finding moments to connect.
“Putting my phone down and bonding, reading a book together, cooking a recipe together, or doing a little bit of exercise in the garden. It’s these little things that bring us together, really shift the mood and energy in the house. I want them to be passionate about food and to enjoy exercise, so it’s just the little things. I did a run the other day with my kids around the block and just saw their faces light up.”
He adds: “Exercise should be fun, and it should be something you celebrate and do together. We need to be role models to our children, so role-modelling in the kitchen, at the dinner table, and with exercise, will change their lives.”
And, finally, if Joe could set one challenge for our readers, what would it be?
“When you’re in a place as beautiful as Bath, a nice low-intensity way of getting strong and getting good mental health is walking. So, try to incorporate it even once a week, go on a bike ride or a walk as a family, doing it together with someone is really great.”
Joe Wicks will be in Bath at The Forum on Friday, 6 February, where he will introduce his latest book, Protein in 15, which features 80 quick, protein-packed, unprocessed recipes for the whole family. Visit bathboxoffice.org.uk to book tickets.