Women's Fitness March 2016

Whether it’s Davina rocking amazing, toned abs on her latest DVD, Lorraine Kelly doing her first bikini shoot at 56 or Elle Macpherson gracing beauty magazine covers at 51, have you noticed how many women are defying the stereotype of what it looks and feels like to get older? It’s not just celebs. Think about it and you’ll probably know a good handful of women who say they look and feel better now at 40+ than they did in their 20s. It’s not about looking younger than your years or erasing every line and wrinkle. It’s about having a strong, fit body, an inner confidence and an outer glow that comes from empowered, healthy living. Forget about anti-ageing; what these women possess is ‘agelessness’. And, the good news is, you…

STAR LETTER EXERCISING IN YOUR 40S I’ve always enjoyed running and group exercise classes. However, since turning 46, I’ve had a series of injuries that has meant I’ve had to give up my morning jog and step classes. Feeling old and sluggish, I bought H&F to inspire a new health and fitness regime. I read Jean-Claude’s article ‘Act Your Age’ (February issue), which recommended strength work, walking and stretching. I feel I can do these without worsening my injuries. In fact, I’ve signed up to a yoga class for the first time and will walk briskly there and back. Thank you for getting me back on the exercise wagon and for reminding me that you’re never too old to achieve your fitness goals. Kristina Symons, London LBT MOTIVATION I just…

1 GO WILD IN THE HIGHLANDS Head to Wildfitness’ new retreat in Alladale Wilderness Reserve in May and explore 23,000 acres of remote countryside while you get fitter. You’ll hike, do mind and body exercises, animal-inspired circuit training and learn about wild living, all just an hour away from Inverness airport. A week, including delicious organic food and luxury accommodation, costs £2,400 per person; see wildfitness.com for details. 2 GET DOWN & DIRTY IN PINK! Leave your cargo pants at home – it’s time to join the pink army! Raise money for Cancer Research by taking part in Race for Life’s new 5k and 10k Pretty Muddy events. In this women-only race, you’ll climb, crawl and charge your way around a muddy obstacle course. Show cancer what you’re made of…

‘My workouts are part of my job and get the same priority’ ‘I love that being a fitness model allows me to inspire and motivate others and live healthily’ ‘I like to get up between 6am and 7am, and drink water and eat hot oatmeal with almond milk – breakfast is my favourite so I never skip it! Once I’ve read the news checked emails and organised my diary, I wake up my muscles with an ‘activation routine’ using resistance bands and bodyweight exercises, then grab an apple and some almonds and head out. I usually have around four model castings a week and each one can be very different, so I’m meticulous about following the brief and getting into character for each brand.’ STARTING OUT ‘I grew up in…

Still struggling to get your fitness resolutions off the ground? Once you start, you’ll want to keep up the good work! Research from Penn State University shows there’s an upward spiral of emotion that occurs when you start exercising, lifting your mood and making you want to do more. The study also found that people who reported higher positive psychological states were more likely to be physically active. It’s a win-win situation!…

3 OF THE BEST… SPORTS SOCKS A good pair of exercise socks can make all the difference to your workout Stance Fusion Athletic  £13.99; wit-fitness.com Foot apparel just got a makeover! This Californian sock brand mixes breathable and sweat-wicking fabrics with style to create a range that looks as good as it feels. Victoria’s Secret Sport Mesh Sport Socks  £21.41; victoriasecret.com This six-pack of bright socks lets you rock a different look every workout day of the week. Cool, comfy and great when colour-matched to your top! CEP Short Socks  £14; cepsports.co.uk Socks that sit above the ankle are here to stay. And these sports-specific versions boast anti-blister fabric and compression material that boosts circulation. Handy. BREW UP ENERGY There’s nothing quite like a cup of coffee to snap you…