Women's Fitness December 2015

You’ve heard of ‘IT’ girls, but what about ‘F-IT girls? With the party season in full swing, this month we meet the super-fit women who manage to stay in top shape, despite having high-profile party lifestyles. Think you can’t have your (Christmas) cake and eat it too? Read ‘The F-IT girls’ festive season survival guide’ (page 58) and learn their insider secrets. If you’re feeling stressed because there’s no time to work out between Christmas shopping and office parties, we’ve got good news. Turn to ‘Stay fit – the simple way’ (page 70) and discover how you can get more results by doing less! Want to avoid emerging the other side of Christmas feeling bloated and jaded? Try swapping that next cocktail for a mocktail. Not only are alcohol-free drinks…

STAR LETTER COLD CURES I was pleased to read your article ‘Cold Comfort’ (November). I’m a nursery school teacher and during the winter, I regularly deal with sickness amongst my pupils. I lose count of how many children’s noses I wipe! Last winter, I caught cold after cold. This year, however, I’m going to follow your good advice to ward off the bugs by boosting my immunity. Some of the tips are quite quirky, but clearly effective. I’m stocking up on elderflower, chamomile and mustard seeds and hope to be a healthier teacher in future. Alexis Poole, via email DANCE THERAPY I’m a huge fan of Strictly Come Dancing but had never considered dancing myself. However, I’ve just been through six months of physio for bad sciatica and my physiotherapist…

1 PEDAL FASTER Whether you need some confidence on your bike or are an experienced cyclist who wants to take things to the next level, Propello is a new company that offers online training plans to suit a range of abilities. Plus you can sign up for one of its guided Exmoor road rides with coaching, which last from two hours to several days, or join women-only sessions in Devon. Prices start from £10; propello.bike. 2 STAY ON TRACK Make sure you keep that date with the gym, thanks to activewear brand Lorna Jane’s Move Nourish Believe diary (£26; houseoffraser.co.uk ). As well as being able to store dates, reminders and to-do lists, it’s filled with ‘active living inspiration’, daily motivational reminders, nourishing tips and healthy recipes…

inspiration ‘I work out three to four hours a day before I go up a mountain’ ‘You just have to be mentally tough, and that’s often where women exceed the men’ ‘I wake up at 8am and have a bowl of porridge – it’s simple and keeps me full for a long time. I quickly read some news online, then head out the door for my first set of exercise – either a cardio or Pilates class at my local gym. To train for climbing at high altitudes, you have to do a lot of cardiovascular exercise. I usually climb stairs or do a cycling class every day. ‘I also do some weights – alternating between my upper and lower body, as you have to be able to carry your…

Boost your multi-tasking skills with aerobic exercise. A new study from the University of Illinois has found a direct link between aerobic fitness and mental performance. Researchers got 128 adults, aged 59 to 80, to power walk on a treadmill while responding to letters and numbers on a screen. The areas of the brain responsible for multi-tasking – the anterior cingulate cortex and the supplementary motor area – were more activated when problem solving while walking than when not exercising. Looks like it’s never too late to improve mental health by leading a fitter lifestyle. WORDS: Sarah Ivory…

3 OF THE BEST… SMART TOPS ‘Body-mapping’ activewear uses different materials to suit different body areas. X-BIONIC APANI FASTFLOW BASELAYER (£124.99; ardblairsports.com ) Heat-locking merino wool covers the chest, back and tailbone with targeted fabrics. A sweat-wicking back, but warmth for your heart. MAMMUT KIRA PRO HALF (£80; mammut.ch ) With a blend of merino and synthetics, this stylish mid-layer uses wool for scratch-free comfort next to the skin, with a strong, quick-dry polyester outer layer. THE NORTH FACE DOTMATRIX JACKET (£260; thenorthface.co.uk ) This down-filled top layer fuses tougher yarns on areas subject to wear and tear, with light materials where there’s movement. Smart. POWER YOUR PROGRESS SVAVA SIGBERTSDOTTIR founder of thevikingmethod.com ‘People often use before and after pictures to…