Ellie Goulding goes hard in the gym with boxing and strength workouts and is also known for stretching things out with relaxing yoga flows. It adds up to a well-rounded approach to fitness, one that’s obviously carved her some impressive muscles. But as the British singer revealed in an Instagram gym selfie today, the aesthetic component — the chiseled abs and arms she shows off in the photo — matters much less than the mental health benefits she gets from building strength.
“Nothing I do in the gym is for vanity,” Goulding wrote in the inspiring caption. “To me it isn’t intimidating or scary to be strong . . . When posting gym photos, I only ever wanted to show that with all the things I’ve overcome, keeping fit and strong has been my ultimate escape.” Goulding went on to describe her journey from childhood, where she was “crap at sports” and “so severely asthmatic I could barely even laugh without a coughing fit” to the strong woman she’s become. “I’ve pushed myself and used all the willpower I can muster to keep at it.”
Goulding also acknowledged that it’s not easy to focus on fitness these days. “As hard as it is to stay motivated, especially right now, I still recommend it passionately for any mental health issues you are facing . . . even a small walk or jog,” she wrote. Not that rest days aren’t just as important; the last tidbit Goulding shared is that she actually didn’t work out today, because she didn’t want to. “Might not tomorrow either,” she added. (Reminder: fitness is about balance and listening to your body, especially when it needs a day off.) Goulding finished with one last message of positivity. “Love to all the strong women out there and to those just getting started,” she wrote. “I am with you.”
