Gemma Atkinson has hit back after being accused of taking her physical fitness 'too far' after posting a bikini photo on social media.
Former soap star Gemma, 39, has been open about her love for fitness and healthy eating down through the years, but after becoming a mum-of-two, the star has had to slow down her rigorous regime somewhat. The former Hollyoaks actress, who shares two children with Strictly Come Dancing professional, Gorka Marquez, often shares glimpses into her gruelling gym and weight-lifting routines on social media.
In her latest offering, Gemma posted a sizzling snap of herself in a bikini. The photo saw her ring out her hair after going for a swim in the sea. Gemma's muscles are in full show, and her toned tummy takes centre stage in the photo - however, the mum-of-two revealed that she was called 'too manly' after sharing the photo.
As it turns out, the image in question was actually a throwback photo which was taken before the former soap star welcomed her children, Mia, 4, and eight-month-old Thiago. Gemma hit back at cruel trolls who claimed that her physique was 'too manly' and that she had taken her exercise regime 'too far'.
Hitting back at the cruel keyboard warriors and body-shamers, Gemma re-shared the photo on her stories and clarified that the image was actually taken back in 2014, three years before she welcomed her eldest child, Mia. "To clarify, this is the original. Before I had children and before I had my tattoo removed. But thanks to those who messaged to tell me I'd gone 'too far' and looked 'too manly'".
In February last year, while Gemma was pregnant with her second child, she was mum-shamed by fans after she shared her gym routine online. At the time, pregnant Gemma took to her Instagram to share a clip of her glute-focused workout.
"Glute focused today with bands only," she said in the caption. "Strong glutes in pregnancy helps with lower back pain and helps support the pelvis so I’m all for it! Anything to help keep this little fella supported." Gemma went on to explain her exact workout, which ended with a slow walk on the treadmill. She wrote: "150 monster walks (broken into 3 sets of 50) Standing fire hydrant (60 on each side. 3 sets of 20). 3x 15 prisoner good mornings. Lateral wall sit 30 secs each side for 3 mins in total. These look easy but they wreck if done correctly. Drive your knee into the wall to activate the quad and glute."
After sharing her gruelling glutes workout, fans hit out at Gemma as they begged the pregnant star to give her unborn baby a 'rest'. Taking to the comment section to criticise her, one Instagram user wrote "Give that baby a rest man. Please don't over do things...it worries me."
Another person complained: "Gemma please don’t over do it. Well done, but I’m worried you exercising too much." While someone else commented: "I don't think you should be promoting this to be honest. You should be resting, not doing so much in the gym."
However, according to the NHS, it's okay to exercise while pregnant. The site said 'exercise is not dangerous for the baby.' "Exercise is not dangerous for your baby. There is some evidence that active women are less likely to experience problems in later pregnancy and labour."
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