Women's Fitness June 2015

In 2012, the London Olympic Games put the UK’s female athletes firmly in the spotlight. Since then, women’s sport has been enjoying more attention than ever, but there’s still a long way to go before it gets the same coverage and sponsorship as men’s events. So we’re excited that this summer sees a host of major women’s competitions that will showcase the talents of the crème de la crème of the world’s female athletes. From the FIFA Women’s World Cup to the Women’s Ashes Series and the Women’s British Open, whether you enjoy playing or watching sport, there’s something to inspire you. Turn to ‘Summer of Women’s Sport’ (page 60) for our guide to the must-see events and the players to watch. The action kicks off on June 17-21 with…

STAR LETTER BEATING MY OBSESSION I was putting myself under a lot of pressure to continuously improve my fitness. So much so that my boyfriend and parents were becoming worried about my addiction to exercise. I’ve had anxiety over how many calories I’m burning versus how much I’ve eaten. It wasn’t until I read ‘Are you suffering from “wellness syndrome”’? (May issue) that I realised the extent of it. I’m now going to focus on enjoying exercise again. One piece of cake occasionally doesn’t mean I have to feel bad about it for days. Zoë Longford, Edinburgh TRIATHLON LOVE I just wanted to say how pleased I was to read the ‘Triple the fun’ feature in May issue. I completed my first triathlon last year (inspired by a friend who…

‘Working out outside in the sunshine.’ @adriennevbell ‘I’m based in Cincinnati, Ohio, where winters are cold and bleak. We look forward to all the bright and cheerful summer colours!’ Hipsy ‘I have Parkinson’s Disease but I’m only 38 and still love high-intensity exercise. I’ve been injured so am looking forward to summer to be able to get back into exercise. I always try to tell others with Parkinson’s what a difference exercise can make! It certainly makes me feel amazing.’ Heidi Reynolds…

1 BE JUDGED Known for their ‘pre-race secrecy’ – no obstacle lists or course maps are announced – Judgement Day events (judgement-day.co.uk) are tough, but exciting, fitness challenges. Tackle one alone or take mates to help you get through the tunnels, barbed wire crawls, rope climbs and monkey bars. Why not try one of Fitness First’s Freestyle Group Training sessions that develop strength, power, agility and speed to help you prepare? Visit fitnessfirst.co.uk. 2 HIT THE BEACH Looking for a sporty beach break? Opening its doors this month, Swissôtel Resort Bodrum Beach offers a private beach on the azure waters of the Aegean coast that’s perfect for windsurfing, diving and kayaking. After a busy day’s activities, wind down in the hotel’s Pürovel Spa – bliss! Garden View Rooms cost from…

Want to get fitter but need a push in the right direction? Turns out your postcode could do more for your fitness than you thought. According to an analysis of studies published in the journal Obesity Reviews, fitter communities have their healthy living choices right on their doorsteps, with public services, such as bike lanes, playgrounds and trails, to encourage people to be more active on a day-to-day basis. It seems it’s easier to squeeze activity into your day when the necessary facilities are within easy reach. Look for towns and villages with plenty of green space, public footpaths and nearby gyms.…

FURTHER, FASTER, STRONGER Move over beetroot – there’s a new food superstar in town! According to two new studies by the University of Chichester, the New Zealand-grown blackcurrant could be a great nutritional weapon for athletes. Findings from the first study show that runners who had taken a blackcurrant supplement increased sprinting distance by 10.6 per cent and showed a greater lactate tolerance. The secret? Experts say the NZ currants contain unusually high levels of anthocyanin, due to the intense UV light there. This polyphenol boosts peripheral blood flow and therefore performance. Stock up if you can… {CELEBRITY QUOTE} ‘[I do] a lot of running on the treadmill. Cardio is the key. I have a personal trainer who travels with me if we have a big event coming up’ Rihanna…