Photo credit: Borislav Yosifov
Danni Levy is one of Britain’s most celebrated media health figures. Her career began as a British television host on multiple high-profile SKY shows, before becoming a renowned author under Penguin publishing house and establishing a career as a respected editor. In addition to her journalism work, Danni appears on magazine covers and supports health and fitness campaigns worldwide, having earned the crown for the most consistently lean woman in the British media.
Danni’s ability to retain a shredded physique catapulted into the international press when she became a mother of a little boy who is now two years old, displaying her “stage-ready” body at 9 months pregnant as she lifted weights and ran for miles with her baby bump in tow. Danni has now launched SuperMum, a fitness plan designed exclusively for pregnant women and mums to enable them to continue enjoying training during and after pregnancy without fear or shame, and knowing their body is fully supported nutritionally and that exercise, when done right, will not harm their baby or their body.
Danni’s body was in optimal shape just one week after giving birth. She was hill running 8 km up mountains the day before she gave birth. She wants to quash the stigma surrounding pregnancy and exercise. She also wants to support new mums who may be struggling with diet and exercise with babies and toddlers because she appreciates it’s an uphill battle, especially with sleepless nights.
Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with Danni Levy – an exceptionally talented and accomplished Fitness Trainer, Writer, and Journalist. Here she talks about her fitness routine, her diet, prenatal & postnatal health, and her success story.
Namita Nayyar:
Your fitness routines are widely admired. Could you walk us through your current personal exercise regimen and how it’s evolved over your career?
Danni Levy:
Thank you, that’s so kind of you. I’ve never been a fan of long workouts and I’ve always preferred training first thing in the morning. I usually have breakfast (I never train fasted) and then either do a 40-minute mountainous run or head to the gym for a weights session.
I train supersets and normally pack two body parts into 45 minutes in the gym. I used to do cardio post-weights, but now, I either run or lift. Running such an arduous route has taken my results up a notch, and there’s nothing like it for mental clarity.
Weights-wise, I lift lighter than I used to. People often ask how much I lift for shoulders because aesthetically, they’re one of my strongest areas, but I only use 4kgs for flies!
Namita Nayyar:
How do you balance functional fitness, strength training, and mental wellness in your workouts?
Danni Levy:
Strength training for aesthetics and running for mental wellness. Being a hybrid athlete naturally ensures you’re functionally fit. I’m not someone who can sit and meditate. Running is my meditation. I never train with music, not even in the gym. When I’m training, I’m in the zone and that’s when my brain churns out ideas at 1000 miles an hour.
Namita Nayyar:
What are the most common misconceptions about prenatal exercise, and how do you address them in your programs?
Danni Levy:
I always presumed that if and when I fell pregnant, I’d have to entirely change my workout program or worse still, stop training altogether. Of course, every woman is different and for some, running or lifting during the second and third trimester can be challenging due to excess water retention, weight on the joints, or a supersized bump (which I didn’t have).
I was so lucky in that I was able to continue the same routine, save for some small but fundamental adaptations to ensure all movements were safe for my baby.
I ran four times a week (8km up mountains) and right up until the day before I gave birth! I also continued to lift in the gym and was able to enjoy pretty much the same range of movement I had pre-pregnancy. Yes, I was “lucky,” but also, the reason this was possible was because each and every day I was consistent and my body adapted slowly to enable it to evolve with the biological changes it was experiencing. The human body is an incredible thing, you just have to look after it, and that doesn’t mean sitting on the couch all day- even if you are carrying a baby.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you adapt workouts for postpartum recovery while ensuring safety and effectiveness?
Danni Levy:
Postpartum it can be tempting to just get back out there and smash your “bounce back” body goals, especially if you’re a fitness fanatic. This is a time to rest and bond with your baby, whilst enjoying brisk walks, lots of fresh air, and light, controlled workouts that don’t compromise the laxity of the joints.
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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2025 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
What advice would you give to new mothers struggling to regain fitness confidence after childbirth?
Danni Levy:
Remember, your new child is your greatest asset. Baby first, body second. That said, if you don’t feel good about yourself, it’s sometimes hard to be the best possible mom. Find a coach or support group of women who’ve been there or are in the same boat and set yourself incremental challenges that fit into your new (and sometimes seemingly impossible) schedule.
Walking for at least an hour every day with the stroller may sound simple, but it’s the best meditation and physical activity and great for your baby too.
Enjoy an iron-rich diet and get cooking new things for the family that nourish your body and allows you to spend time at home with your little one whilst rewarding yourself.
Don’t pull the denim mini shorts out of the cupboard during week one and kick yourself if they’re tight. I always say it’s best to do something when you’re sure than set yourself up for disappointment. I had zero expectations of what my postpartum body would look like, and I can honestly say that due to my consistency, I walked out of the hospital almost the same as I had walked in on my 5-week scan. Act big, dream small, then you’ll always exceed yourself!
Namita Nayyar:
Are there specific foods or habits you advise avoiding during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Danni Levy:
Yes. I have an eBook available on this, which I make available to anyone who writes to me and asks for it, but you should avoid (or limit) foods like blue-veined cheeses, swordfish, and cold-cured meats, amongst other things. You should of course avoid (or drastically limit) caffeine and alcohol too. This is something I thought I’d find difficult but actually, I found out I was pregnant because during a work trip to LA, I found I wasn’t enjoying my usual morning coffee and didn’t fancy my red wine on the plane home, so I did a test during my layover in the airport toilets. I was shocked when I found out. Anyway, the moral of the story is that your body generally adapts itself to let you know what you should and shouldn’t eat or drink. Our bodies are so, so clever.
Namita Nayyar:
Which supplements do you recommend for prenatal and postnatal health, and how do you ensure they’re safe and effective?
Danni Levy:
Vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, iron, B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc, among others. You can’t always be “perfect” and take them all or get it all exactly right, but these supplements, in the right quantities taken at optimal times, can help. I also have an eBook on this.
Namita Nayyar:
What red flags should people watch for when choosing pregnancy-related supplements?
Danni Levy:
Gosh, there are so many supplement scams on the market. I always avoid anything that doesn’t come with a personal recommendation from someone I know or respect who says they’re used it themselves.
Namita Nayyar:
Pregnancy often brings skin changes (e.g., melasma, dryness). What are your go-to strategies or products for managing these?
Danni Levy:
I used Bio Oil to prevent stretch marks and didn’t get any at all. For body, I always find the blue Nivea cream works wonders and it’s so reasonably priced. I’m not really into all these “innovative” and expensive lotions and potions. Oldies are Goldie’s!
Namita Nayyar:
How does your approach to hair care evolve during hormonal shifts like pregnancy or postpartum shedding?
Danni Levy:
Oh gosh, I have the worst hair in the world genetically. I burned it all off (literally), back in 2017, and had to wear wigs for two years. I didn’t notice a huge change during or after pregnancy,y and I stick so many extensions in to hide my baldness, I probably wouldn’t have noticed shedding either. I do take Loniten now, but I’m not sure whether it’s helped.
Namita Nayyar:
As a model and fitness expert, how do you balance your regimen with travel, work, and personal life?
Danni Levy:
Having a toddler can be challenging when I’m traveling for work, especially if my sitter isn’t available. Right now I’m trying to plan a month away with my husband and little one whilst navigating the pressures of running a publication and my work in the media and fitness industry. It’s so difficult to keep everyone happy and uphold a career, but I can’t complain, I have everything in life I could wish for and more.
Namita Nayyar:
What’s your #1 tip for staying motivated during busy or stressful periods?
Danni Levy:
Get out and go for a run or do something physical first thing in the morning. I’m not a fasted cardio kinda person, but I always run in the mountains or go to the gym after brekkie. If I don’t, I feel flat and moody all day long and completely lose focus. It’s my time to get my head in order and compile my mental lists.
Namita Nayyar:
How has your modeling career influenced your approach to promoting body positivity and holistic health?
Danni Levy:
I’m a huge advocate for body positivity no matter what your shape and size, so long as you’re happy and healthy. There is so much focus on embracing the plus-sized market, which is great, but when being overweight impacts your health, it’s not a positive thing. Slim models have been ousted from major campaigns quite significantly in recent years, and as someone who is genetically very slim, I feel as if we need to do more to promote body positivity for all shapes and sizes. Slim models deserve their place in campaigns, as do muscular models and of course curvy models. I love that we are way more open-minded as a society than we were back in the 80s and 90s and I adore the ethnic diversity we see in major campaigns.
Namita Nayyar:
Can you share a client success story that deeply inspired you?
Danni Levy:
Oh goodness, there are so many. It’s so easy to presume Hollywood stars have an “easy” life and they’re always happy. I’ve interviewed so many famous faces who’ve suffered from severe depression. I think perhaps the most motivational of all time was Terry Crews. When his career as an athlete came to an end, he went into a deep depression. He told me, “Danni, you have to become unembarrassable”. It’s been my favorite word ever since.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you integrate motherhood (if applicable) or caregiving responsibilities into your own fitness and wellness journey?
Danni Levy:
My little boy is two now, but I was walking miles with the pushchair from the day he was born until he could walk and now, he comes with me on his balance bike. He’s extremely strong and active and loves being outdoors. He eats, a lot! But I think it’s super important to allow young children to enjoy their food and experiment with flavors. He’ll have an entire 150g salmon fillet with rice for dinner. I think he’s a bodybuilder in the making.
Namita Nayyar:
What’s the biggest misconception about being a fitness model that you’d like to debunk?
Danni Levy:
I can’t speak for all fitness models, but I never EVER take bodybuilding supplements, never drink green juice, and love a glass of red wine! It’s not all boring.
Namita Nayyar:
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or goals you’re excited about?
Danni Levy:
Absolutely! My SuperMum and SuperCut programs are both now live. SuperCut is for men and women who want to get ripped in just 48 minutes per session. No phones, no messing about, no time wasting and surprisingly, it’s not difficult to follow. It’s my secret to shredded success all packaged up and comes with a personalised meal plan for every member. You can opt for low-carb, keto, etc, too if you like, and you get full support directly from me.
SuperMum is my program for pregnant women, new mums and mums with kids of all ages who want to get the best out of their bodies and minds. All mums deserve to look and feel like SuperMums. This program is a little easier going than SuperCut and also provides a personalised meal plan, plus exercises designed specifically for each trimester and postpartum. My in-app community is a great way to connect with other SuperMums too.
You can start the SuperMum or SuperCut plan at www.dannilevy.com and select the plan that best suits your needs.
I’m also launching a line of products to help people suffering from chronic bladder problems. This is something close to my heart, as I’ve suffered greatly for ten years, and it’s hell. Getting support from a community and access to things that can help is something I’d have loved to have had available to me, but never did, so I hope I can really make a difference.
Lastly, I’ll be working with WWE’s Paul Heyman on a number of high-profile modeling projects, which is great fun for me as I am so happy when I’m shooting.
Namita Nayyar:
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to build a career in fitness and wellness?
Danni Levy:
The industry is so different from when I started, I can’t keep up. Now, everything is about AI. Half the models you see on social are robots, so it can be daunting trying to carve out a chance for yourself if you’re not picture-perfect. The retouch apps people use now are also crazy. With this in mind, if I were starting now, I’d say, “Be that person who’s 100% natural.” Don’t over-edit your work; create videos speaking to your audience so they know they’re engaging with a real person. I don’t like the term “be authentic,” but that’s it.
Namita Nayyar:
Quote you live by.
Danni Levy:
“You have to become unembarrassable.”
Namita Nayyar:
Tell us a day in the life of Danni Levy.
Danni Levy:
6:30: Wake up, do my son Leo’s brekkie, shower and eat (with coffee).
8:30am: Take Leo to nursery
9:30am: Mountain running or gym
11am: Snack and start working on my editorial projects, which can be a lot of “boring” computer work or can, mean travelling and interviewing or hosting.
2pm: Lunch (usually at my desk or out with a friend)
Afternoon: Fitness work, editorial work, photo-shoots
8-9pm: Dinner
10:30pm: Bed
That changes a lot when I’m travelling. I’m lucky to live right by the beach so at the weekends we might take the boat out or spend days at the pool or in the sea.
Danni Levy is an editor and host known for her long standing successful career in the media and fitness industry. Her laid back approach to Hollywood interviews and her ability to stay in world class shape year on year have earned her one of the top spots on the international stage of fitness faces. @dannilevyfit www.dannilevy.com
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2025 Women Fitness