Women's Fitness December 2014

It’s that time of year again when we all want to look our best but barely have time to breathe, let alone work out. As always, the secret’s in the planning, so we’ve enlisted the experts to help. Got your eye on a little black dress? Turn to Let’s party! (page 98), for a high-intensity plan from fat-loss expert Jessie Pavelka, sure to help you tone up and drop a size in time for the office party. Got your eye on a little black dress? Turn to Let’s party! (page 98), for a high-intensity plan from fat-loss expert Jessie Pavelka, sure to help you tone up and drop a size in time for the office party. Tempted to skip your workouts to squeeze in party prep? Go from gym to…

DIET REVELATION I’m a newbie to H&Fand was hooked from the moment I started reading. I particularly liked The flat-belly diet (October issue). I’ve struggled with belly diets all my life and your article has helped me immensely with my health condition. When I started reading, I realised it was so relevant to me and so useful, with its information on imbalances, symptoms and what to eat. Thank you. Melissa, by email NEW LEASE OF LIFE I’ve recently given up smoking and have taken up exercise. Not only does it take my mind off smoking, but I was desperate to get fit and in shape and do the things I couldn’t before, such as taking part in charity events. I now go cycling, have a personal trainer, run, do gym…

1 GET YOUR SKATES ON Did you know ice-skating can burn up to 315 calories an hour? It’s also great fun. There are many ice rinks popping up this winter, but one of our favourites is Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason (November 1 - January 11). With Club Nights (with Ministry of Sound DJs), lessons and Fortnum’s Lodge providing the apres-skate, it’s worth a visit. From £7.50; somersethouse.org.uk. 2 SUPREME SUPPORT What you wear under your workout gear is as important as what you wear on the outside. Next on our sports bra shopping list is Anita Active’s Extreme Control Sports Bra (£46; anita.com). With netting inserts, a double-knit fabric to regulate moisture, an under-bust band that moulds to the body’s contours, plus padded straps, it’s high…

SIMPLE SCIENCE A recent study led by researchers at Southampton Solent University shows simple is best when it comes to honing strength gains. The scientists put the Pre-Exhaustion (PreEx) method to the test. PreEx fans exhaust muscles with isolation (single-joint) exercises such as biceps curls before hitting them with a compound (multi-joint) move such as chin-ups. The point is to fatigue the muscle so it’s already exhausted when doing the multi-joint move, netting overload results. But the scientists discovered this complicated method offered no additional benefits to other exercise approaches. Do the workout you enjoy the most, not the one that sounds a little bit pro! CELEBRITY QUOTE ’I love dance classes! I love Body by Simone. I go with my girlfriends and we sweat our faces off, then have…

Exclusive micro gyms. Sold-out Spin classes. Crossfit. Tabata... If we’ve learnt anything from overseas, it’s how to sweat in style. And now you don’t have to look enviously at Soul Cycle classes on the iPad because some of the hottest workout trends from far-flung destinations are set to hit the UK. Here are our favourite new fitness imports from across the waters. SOUL CYCLE New - age Spin class from Manhattan THE CLASS: In case you didn’t get the memo, SoulCycle - the Spinning I and hand weights class with a cult-like following - is heading to London in 2015. The ‘cycling therapy’ already has an A-list fan base in the US, with the likes of Lady Gaga, Alessandra Ambrosio, the Beckhams and Anne Hathaway all having been spotted leaving…

“Struggling to squeeze in a 30-minute workout? December I is a busy month: I get it. But if you think that post-party tiredness, a lack of time or even being short of cash are good reasons to let your fitness levels plummet, you’re wrong. For years, scientists have been gathering research that proves you don’t need a lot of time, energy or kit to stay in good shape. Workout woes, be gone! It’s time to break your bank of excuses with these Christmas-proof exercise solutions. YOU’RE... FAR TOO BUSY PARTYING To lose fat, you need a calorie deficit. Guess what - keeping fit doesn’t mean trading in your Little Black Dress (LBD) for your sweat rags. You can be the belle of every ball and stay on top of your…