Mel C, 52, Uses Strength Training After Bandmates Feared Looking Bulky

Mel C, 52, is now embracing heavy strength training, a big change from the Spice Girls era where bandmates worried about looking 'bulky'.
By Newsroom | Celebrity Fitness, Music |

Melanie Chisholm, known globally as Mel C or Sporty Spice, is currently 52 years old and actively discusses her commitment to a robust fitness regimen, particularly focusing on heavy lifting. This emphasis on strength training marks a notable evolution from her experiences during the Spice Girls' peak, when, according to Chisholm, her bandmates were hesitant to engage in exercise due to concerns about appearing "bulky," prioritizing a "very slim" aesthetic instead.

Mel C, 52, reveals how she maintains her incredibly ripped physique and says her fellow Spice Girls 'disliked exercise' during band's heyday as 'we were all nervous about getting bulky - the aesthetic was very slim' - 1

Chisholm's current approach involves a structured routine that blends compound lifts with various forms of cardio and flexibility work. This is demonstrated by her participation in events like the Hyrox competition, a demanding endurance race, and her consistent sharing of detailed workouts. She has detailed an 8-step workout incorporating movements such as sled pulls and pushes, highlighting a significant shift towards challenging her physical limits.

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Mel C, 52, reveals how she maintains her incredibly ripped physique and says her fellow Spice Girls 'disliked exercise' during band's heyday as 'we were all nervous about getting bulky - the aesthetic was very slim' - 2

Recently, Chisholm has spoken about feeling "confident enough" at 52 to wear more "revealing outfits," linking this to her reclaiming her "Sporty Spice persona" and her commitment to her new album, 'Sweat.' This confidence appears to be rooted in her consistent dedication to fitness, moving beyond the pressures of maintaining a singular, slender image.

Mel C, 52, reveals how she maintains her incredibly ripped physique and says her fellow Spice Girls 'disliked exercise' during band's heyday as 'we were all nervous about getting bulky - the aesthetic was very slim' - 3

Her current fitness philosophy emphasizes continuous movement and building strength, a stark contrast to the early days of the Spice Girls. At that time, the band's focus was predominantly on achieving a specific, thin physique, leading to an aversion to exercise among some members. Chisholm has reflected on how her own relationship with her body and food became "increasingly destructive" during the later years of the band, leading to struggles with depression and loneliness, as she described to The Times of London.

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Mel C, 52, reveals how she maintains her incredibly ripped physique and says her fellow Spice Girls 'disliked exercise' during band's heyday as 'we were all nervous about getting bulky - the aesthetic was very slim' - 4

Chisholm's present-day regimen includes exercises like sumo barbell deadlifts, heavy back squats, and banded pull-ups, often performing these with a spotter for safety. She also incorporates activities such as running, cycling, yoga, and martial arts drills, aiming for approximately five training days per week with at least three focused on strength. Even when traveling, she has a portable 30-minute hotel routine that begins with yoga-inspired movements.

Her engagement with fitness extends to public displays, with numerous instances of her showcasing her physique in workout videos and during performances. These appearances, often featuring her in athletic wear or revealing outfits, underscore her commitment to embracing her "Sporty Spice" identity. The evolution in her approach highlights a personal journey toward self-acceptance and a redefined understanding of strength and body image, moving away from the pressures of the past.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Mel C, 52, talking about strength training now?
Mel C is now 52 and focuses on heavy lifting. She says this is different from her Spice Girls days when her bandmates did not want to exercise because they feared looking 'bulky' and preferred to be 'very slim'.
Q: What kind of exercises does Mel C do now?
Mel C does many exercises like heavy deadlifts, squats, and pull-ups. She also runs, cycles, does yoga, and martial arts. She trains about five days a week, with three days focused on strength.
Q: How has Mel C's view on her body changed?
Mel C feels more confident at 52 and wears more revealing clothes. She says this is because she is embracing her 'Sporty Spice' persona and her new album. She has moved past the past pressures of looking a certain way.
Q: Did Mel C struggle with her body image in the past?
Yes, Mel C said her relationship with her body and food became 'increasingly destructive' in the later Spice Girls years. This led to problems like depression and loneliness.