Kate and Rio Ferdinand display their toned bodies in coordinated cover features for Women’s and Men’s Health UK. The couple, who moved to Dubai last year with their younger children, highlight their dedication to fitness amid the relocation.
Cover Shoot Showcases Fitness Dedication
Kate, 34, and Rio, 47, strike impressive poses that emphasize their gym-sculpted figures. Kate appears in a tennis-inspired outfit, a white T-shirt paired with black shorts during workouts, and dynamic desert scenes. Rio showcases his strength shirtless, flexing during intense sessions.
Adventure-Driven Relocation to Dubai
The family relocated to the UAE with Rio’s daughter Tia, 13, from his first marriage, and their children Cree, 5, and Shae, 2. Rio’s older sons, Lorenz, 19, and Tate, 17, remain in the UK to pursue football careers.
Rio views the move as a bold step. “I look at it like an adventure,” he states. “My life has been governed by the fixture list while playing football and then, post-career, being a pundit. There aren’t many opportunities in life where you get time to make a big change, have an adventure, step out of your comfort zone and explore something new. So this is it. This is what we wanted to do.”
Stepping back from his TNT Sports pundit role has allowed Rio to become more present at home, improving family work-life balance. He handles school runs and enjoys simple walks together.
Kate Opens Up on Adjustment Struggles
Kate recently shared emotional challenges with the transition, tearing up over missing her family, particularly the older boys. “I feel like we’ve opened our eyes to a different world. But I love London, I love the UK,” she says. “I do feel happy in Dubai, but I’m just missing a part of me.”
Despite thriving children and enhanced safety, she misses England’s culture, people, rain, and cool air. “If I could merge the two worlds together it would be absolutely perfect,” Kate adds. “I think I miss people. I miss the rain. The cold, cool air on your face. I miss the culture of England.”
Exercise and therapy support her mental health. “I want to look good and I’m happier when I look good, I have to be honest. But I would always choose to exercise because I work out for my mental health, too,” she explains. “I also want to be a healthy role model for my children: they see me working hard in the gym and that makes a difference.”
“I’m quite aware of how I feel and what I need to do in order to make myself feel better. If I need help, I’ll have therapy. If I’m struggling, I’ll go outside and go for a walk, I’ll talk to people.”
Positive Impacts on Family Life
Dubai offers children outdoor freedom and diverse cultures. “I think it’s an amazing place to live, I think it’s amazing for the children. The children are thriving and happy,” Kate notes. The decision prioritizes the younger kids’ needs while supporting the older sons’ paths.
The full interview appears in the March issue of Men’s and Women’s Health UK, available from February 10.
