Women's Fitness May 2016

Want to be in shape by summer? This issue of H&F is packed with tips to help you reach your goals, whether you want to lose pounds or train for an event. Not seeing results at the gym? Turn to ‘It’s all in the mind’ (page 18) to learn how to think yourself fitter! Pick up more insider secrets to boost your performance in ‘Train like a pro’ (page 50). And, if you’re trying to run into shape, discover the things you need to stop doing to see more benefits in ‘7 habits that are wrecking your running’ (page 108). Want a flat stomach in time for the beach? Then there’s a surprising workout you really need to do. Turn to ‘How fit is your pelvic floor?’ (page 62) to…

STAR LETTER AGELESS ENTHUSIASM I’m 40 and over the last eight months I’ve lost just short of three stone, but had reached a bit of a plateau and have two stone left to go to get to target! I’ve been feeling my age and fed up. But reading the tips in your ageless beauty special (March issue) has got me focused and encouraged me not to lose heart. I’ve also wanted to start yoga, so the four fat-burning yoga moves feature was great to get me started and I’m now trying to find a group locally! Thank you for the inspiration. Yvonne Leask, by email POWER OF THE MIND I just wanted to say thank you for your article ‘Mind over Matter’ (April 2016). I’ve been suffering from a painful…

1 BE FREE-SPIRITED It can be difficult for non-drinkers to find a sophisticated beverage, but now there’s an exciting option. Seedlip, the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit combines natural barks, spices and citrus peel and makes a perfect partner for tonic water or base for mocktails. Even better, it contains just 0.2 calories, and is free from sugar and allergens! It costs £29.99 for 700ml; selfridges.com. 2 TRY A MARATHON If you’re training for a race and need to set some targets, or enjoy running but feel hesitant about signing up to a race, the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) MyMarathon fundraising event could be the motivation you need! This May, BHF challenges you to run 26.2 miles in a month, whether it’s in four hours or four weeks, in any…

‘I wanted to find tasty, natural foods to fuel my training’ ‘I jump out of bed at 7am, shower, then cycle to my office in Hackney, arriving at 8am – I’m at my most efficient in the morning so I like to get in early. After eating breakfast at my desk – usually toast, cereal or porridge topped with nut butter and fruit – my day can take any form. I might stay in the office to manage operations, sales and marketing, or go out to meet suppliers or host tasting events. ‘Prior to Pip & Nut, I worked for the Science Museum in London producing touring theatre shows. I loved my job and never thought I’d have my own business. But an idea I had to create a pure…

Too much sitting gets the thumbs down again. After examining health data from 3,000 50-79 year-olds who took part in a US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, scientists concluded those who spent the least amount of time sitting lived the longest. And this was regardless of whether they exercised or not. Plus those who were the least active were five times more likely to die during the eight-year study than the most active, according to the study in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. It’s time for that walk!…

SWEAT MORE, SLEEP WELL Health newsflash – sleep plus sweat-work could be the key to a healthier body. According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), those who clock seven to eight hours of shut-eye each night and do 30-60 minutes of exercise three to six times a week had a 25 per cent less risk of suffering a stroke. The scientists note that the three pillars for lowering stroke risk are a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep, so make sure you eat sensibly too. APPAREL FOR ADVENTURERS Outdoor sports begin indoors – that’s the premise behind the new Mountain Athletics collection from The North Face (thenorthface.co.uk). The new sports kit is made for the rigorous training sessions outdoor athletes do to prepare for their adventures. Breathable, durable, flexible…