Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games - Carol Smillie: 'If I can Step Up and get active, anyone can'

Carol Smillie: 'If I can Step Up and get active, anyone can'

TV Star Carol Smillie is urging Scots to Step Up and be part of Glasgow 2014's 'Sport your Trainers' campaign to kick-start a positive new attitude to exercise and lifestyle.

Carol, who hates going to the gym, puts her fantastic figure down to walking her two black labradors Jess and Ruby. She believes that any form of exercise can make a real difference to a person's health and approach to life:

“Walking the dogs is my only form of exercise, however it’s a huge contributor to how I feel and look. It’s so simple and if it means I stay fit and healthy then I urge others to look at what they’re doing and how they can Step Up and make a change.

“A couple of weeks ago I took a pedometer on one of our walks and realised I walk over 2.5 miles every day. I was shocked – I thought it was more like a mile but when I’m out in the open and listening to an audiobook on my phone, you seem to walk forever!”

Carol's inspirational message is that the 'Sport your Trainers' campaign gives everyone the chance to have fun with fitness - at whatever level they choose.

Carol, 50, star of Changing Rooms and Strictly Come Dancing, says: "Anyone and everyone can take part in the Sport Your Trainers campaign and every small step can go a long way.

“I’ve been involved in many campaigns throughout the years but Sport your Trainers is very easy for people to take part in. It’s a chance for anyone to put a bit more effort into their health and fitness, by stepping up and trying something new or different, you can achieve so much.

“I’m not sporty myself, people always assume that I am but the reality is that I walk the dogs every day, and that’s enough for me. All you have to do is occasionally take the stairs instead of the lift or go for a walk on your lunch break, it’s a small amount of effort but it will make a big difference. If I can do it, anybody can.”

Carol, who was in the Fruitmarket for the historic Commonwealth Games winning bid in 2007, believes the event is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the whole country:

“It’s brilliant for Glasgow, it’s brilliant for Scotland and it’s something which is never going to be forgotten in our country’s history.”

“I’m so proud of being Scottish and Glaswegian. I think the Games will bring wonderful trade to the city, bring thousands of international tourists to Scotland and give us the opportunity to showcase what we’re all about as a country.”

Glasgow 2014 is asking Scots to kick start 2012 by supporting this year's 'Sport your Trainers' campaign. Backed by Carol we are asking people to Step Up and set themselves a challenge for a fitter and healthier lifestyle and to celebrate their achievements by wearing their trainers on Commonwealth Day, which falls on Monday 12th March.

The Step Up challenge can be anything that will encourage people to push themselves that little bit harder to achieving a new goal and improving their lifestyle. It can be something as simple as taking the stairs at the local shopping centre or setting a more ambitious challenge like running a 5k or taking up a new sport.

Glasgow 2014 will be the biggest event ever to come to Scotland, and through 'Sport your Trainers', it's a great opportunity for everyone across the country to get involved with the Games and also a wonderful opportunity to achieve a fitter and healthier lifestyle.

David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive said:

"We want the whole of Scotland to Step Up to the challenge with this year's Sport your Trainers campaign. It’s an enjoyable opportunity with a serious message, as one of the key ambitions behind bringing the Games to Scotland is to encourage far more people of all ages to get active and take part in regular exercise.

"It's a great time of year to start to get fit and we believe that by getting involved, people will feel the benefits of exercise and feel fitter and healthier by March. It would be fantastic to see as many people as possible sporting their trainers on Commonwealth Day in support of the Games and healthy active lifestyles."

This is the second year of Sport your Trainers which, last year, saw thousands of people from across the entire country getting into the spirit of the Games - from Arran to Aberdeen and Dumfries to Dundee, people put their best foot forward and joined in by pledging their support for the campaign.

To get involved this year and to register a challenge, visit www.glasgow2014.com where you can show your support by clicking on the 'Sport your Trainers' link.