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The Wellness Diaries: How keeping it simple is the key to health for Ali Hayes
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Welcome to The Wellness Diaries, a new series where we chat with familiar faces about the habits and rituals that support their wellbeing. Here we catch up with Ali Hayes, personal trainer and founder of Cloud Pilates, who shares why movement is something she’s grateful for rather than something she feels obligated to do and why, when it comes to wellness, keeping things simple is often the key.
How do you start your day to set yourself up for wellness?
I always start my day with movement, whether that’s a gym session, a walk or a workout class with friends. Starting the day with movement gives me the energy, focus, and positive mindset I need to tackle whatever the day brings!
What wellness practices are essential to your routine, things you never skip?
Daily exercise is a big one for both my physical and mental well-being. It’s become a routine I don’t really have to think twice about anymore. I’m also trying to get better at prioritising sleep, which isn’t always easy when you’re self-employed! Late-night emails and early workout classes aren’t the ideal combination, but you just have to work around the time you have.
Are there little things you do each day that most support your mental or physical wellness?
For me, well-being really comes down to keeping a positive outlook and appreciating the small things in everyday life. I feel grateful to be able to move my body, and I view daily movement as something to be thankful for rather than something I have to do. I’m always thinking about my future self and what I can do now to set myself up for a strong, happy future. I also make a conscious effort to surround myself with like-minded people, as that has such a positive impact on overall wellness.
What might surprise people about how you take care of yourself?
What might surprise people is that I don’t take a restrictive approach to nutrition at all. I try to prioritise getting enough protein, healthy fats, and fibre to fuel my body, but beyond that, I focus on balance and what I enjoy eating most. A lot of days this will involve also eating chocolate, pastries and pizza, and I’ve found that balance and a flexible approach is what works best for long-term wellbeing.
Can you share a time when your wellness habits slipped, or you struggled to stay on track?
During a 2–3 month period when my dad was in the hospital and later moved into hospice care, my focus was understandably on him. I was also in the early stages of launching my business, which made it an extremely busy and demanding time. My usual wellness routine wasn’t consistent, but I did try to maintain some sort of structure where I could, particularly through movement. Even on difficult days, going to the gym for a short session gave me a bit of structure and energy when everything else felt uncertain. I’ve also found that weight training in particular can help build resilience, both mentally and physically, which was something I really leaned on during that period.
Who or what helps you stay well, friends, family, mentors or communities?
I am so lucky to be surrounded by like-minded people who value wellness in their own lives. I have friends I regularly meet for workouts and fitness classes, some of them have even managed to get me into weekly 6 am HIIT classes, which definitely wasn’t an easy sell at first! My own Cloud Pilates community is another big source of support. Their energy and consistency really inspire me, and it motivates me to show up fully for them. The gym I go to, Perpetua Fitness, is also a great source of motivation. It has a strong sense of community and the perfect balance of support and encouragement that helps you push yourself further.
Are there any tools, apps, or products that play a key role in your wellness routine?
I swear by my fitness wearable, Whoop, as it focuses on sleep, recovery, and overall strain, which helps me plan my training and weekly routine more effectively. Another simple swap that’s made a big difference to my night routine is my Kindle. I used to scroll on my phone before bed, which I know isn’t ideal for sleep quality, so I’ve really enjoyed switching to reading instead over the past year.
How do you balance physical, mental and emotional well-being?
I think it’s important to have a realistic, balanced approach to everything. Nobody is perfect, and we all have days or even weeks where things don’t feel as aligned. For me, it’s about focusing on the basics and not overcomplicating things. I have small daily habits that support both my physical and mental well-being. It’s less about doing everything perfectly and more about finding consistency.
If you could give one piece of wellness advice to someone starting out, what would it be?
Keep it simple. I’d start by trying a few different types of movement or fitness classes to find something you genuinely enjoy. There are so many options out there, and something for everyone. When you actually enjoy what you’re doing, it becomes so much easier to build consistency. There are also plenty of apps and online classes if home workouts suit you better. Most importantly, I think it helps to keep a positive mindset and remember that movement is something we’re lucky to have access to, so it’s worth enjoying and reaping the physical and mental benefits that come with it.
You can follow Ali on Instagram at @alihazey
To stay up to date on our latest articles, podcast episodes and more, visit the IMAGE Wellness Project hub. Listen to The IMAGE Wellness Project HERE or wherever you get your podcasts. The IMAGE Wellness Project 2026 is sponsored by Boots, Vita Coco, Cocoa Brown and Manhattan.
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