Most, if not all, of us share one image of former Spice Girl Mel B: Screaming, all over the place, loud, and with huge, wild, and curly hair—and scary, of course.

Interestingly, a lot of things have changed since she and the rest of her girl group broke out into the scene with their smash hit “Wannabe.” Now, Mel B is a mom of three, maintains straight hair, and has relocated to Australia with her family.

She is still in the entertainment industry; she joined “The X Factor Australia” as a judge in its third season, and is now one of the hosts of the Australian version of “Dancing with the Stars.”

Mel B has also become the face (and body) of fitness, being involved in projects for brands like Jenny Craig and Real Alkalized Water. She even has her own video game (Get Fit with Mel B) and DVD (Totally Fit).

But nothing can beat how the woman formerly known as Scary Spice has been chosen to be the global ambassador of the Fitness First-powered International Fitness Week this 2012 (March 19-25).

It is actually Mel B’s third time to represent the campaign, which opens the doors of over 400 Fitness First clubs around the world to offer everyone the opportunity to try out classes and trainings for free for a whole week—in hopes of making the world a fitter place.

Mel B and Fitness First make a great combo. She loves to stay fit and healthy, but also acknowledges how difficult it is to stick to a workout routine, while the fitness club aims to inspire people to lead a healthy lifestyle and achieve their fitness goals.

Fresh from helping Fitness First make the world a fitter place, here is Scary Spice sharing how her love affair with getting fit started, what she does to battle laziness, and who she listens to when working out.

How do you feel about being the global ambassador for International Fitness Week for the third year? Why did you agree to do it again?

I just think it is a really exciting campaign, and I believe in what they are trying to achieve by encouraging everyone to get moving off the sofa and go to the gym even if you have never done that before.

What are your duties as an ambassador?

Just to spread the word, really. I think exercising is really important and we should all find time to fit it in. I know how hard it can be with three kids, including a baby, a husband, and a career. But for 45 minutes, three times a week, that is my time.

When did your love affair with keeping fit start?

I have always been quite active because I was touring with the Spice Girls, but once I stopped and hit my 30s, I decided that I had to do something more significant, so I started going to the gym and working out with a personal trainer.

Was there ever a time when you didn’t feel like going to the gym and exercising?

Lots of times! Just after Madison was born, I felt quite lazy and tired, but I started introducing short walks with the stroller to kick-start my fitness. Now that I can work out more, I like to take a friend with me to the gym, as they can be really good motivators and give you the extra “kick” you need sometimes.

What are your favorite workouts/exercises/sports?

I really like running and cardio, but I also love doing classes such as Zumba and yoga.

How did you bounce back to your pre-pregnant body?

It was a combination of light exercise when I was happy to start moving, and eating good, healthy foods at the right time.

What music do you listen to when working out?

Anything with a good beat. Beyonce, Rihanna.

Are you on a diet? What healthy food do you like to eat?

Whilst I was trying to lose my baby weight, all of my meals were calorie and portion controlled. I’d have scrambled eggs and veggies for breakfast, lunch would be a tuna salad, and dinner would be chicken or steak with lots of veg and a few potatoes. My hubby also cooks for me every weekend. He’s the best cook.

What are the unhealthy foods that you avoid?

I don’t really avoid any foods, but I do limit how often I eat these foods I have. For instance, I love burgers, but I won’t have these every day. Instead, on weekends, with my kids, I will allow myself to have one.

What tips can you give people who are lazy or are uninspired to work out?

The first battle is getting off the sofa. That’s why I really love International Fitness Week; it makes gyms accessible to people who have never been there before and helps make exercise fun, which is what it should be.

What’s the best thing about being part of “The X Factor Australia”?

Discovering raw talent and someone who may be the next big thing!

What can we expect from you as the newest addition to the Australian version of “Dancing with the Stars”?

Lots of very honest commentary!

What else can we expect from you, career-wise?

We’re working on Spice Girls the Musical, and this should be out before the end of the year.

Niño Mark M. Sablan, Contributor, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Who is your favorite Spice Girl? E-mail the author at [email protected] or visit his blog at ninomarksablan.blogspot.com.