Women's Fitness January 2016

Kick caffeine for good. Tick. Go cold-turkey on alcohol. Tick. Get super-fit by February. Tick. Is it any wonder so many new-year resolutions fall by the wayside during the chilly weeks of January? This year, we’re trading in punishing checklists in favour of some small, positive self-promises we can actually stick to! Why don’t you join us? Turn to ‘New Year, New You!’ (page 52), to discover 20 small steps which, according to the experts, will transform your life in 2016. Fed up with not seeing results at the gym? In ‘Beat your workout weak spots’ (page 58), we reveal the five surprise habits that are sabotaging your progress. Ditch them today and see your fitness soar! Then read ‘The Best Discoveries of 2015’ (page 68) for seven new scientific…

STAR LETTER ALCOHOL AWARE Reading your feature ‘You are what you drink’ (December issue) made me sit up and take notice. Christmas and new year are such enjoyable times of the year, but all that alcohol leaves a lot of us succumbing to hangovers and post-office party embarrassments, including myself. Knowing how to avoid these is invaluable information. So thank you for all your good advice. I found it amazing how small changes can make a big difference in reducing my alcohol intake. I not only intend to drink safely during the festive season, but in the future, too. I realise I need to learn to say ‘no’. When I’m offered a drink and I don’t want one, a polite but convincing ‘no thanks’ is all that’s needed. Justina Roberts,…

1 YOUR FIRST OBSTACLE RACE Do you find the idea of adventure races intimidating? For 2016, Tough Mudder will have new courses for those too daunted to try the 12-mile one. Ditching the fire, electricity and ice obstacles, but keeping old favourites such as the ‘kiss of mud’ and ‘walk the plank,’ this five-mile run with obstacles is more manageable, but just as adventurous. It costs from £35; visit toughmudderhalf.co.uk. 2 BUY NEW-AGE ACTIVEWEAR Inspired by the Mars One mission and nomads of bygone eras, Björn Borg’s latest collection ( bjornborg.com ) is a tribute to adventure. Look out for breathable, smooth and lightweight polyamide in graphic geometric prints, a performance collection with dark colours and sweat-wicking properties, and monochrome sportswear with cool mesh textures. It’s sleek and…

‘I wake up around 11am or, sometimes even midday. It might sound late, but because of our performances for Amaluna [Cirque du Soleil’s latest show], I don’t get to bed until 2am – so I’m very much a night owl. I’ll have cereal for breakfast; usually Weetabix or Cornflakes, then I’ll make my way on site. We move from country to country for each run of the show, so the tent area is like home. We have a backstage kitchen facility, make-up and costume areas, plus training zones. I’m pretty much there all day! ‘Depending on the day, I might need to train, practise my act or just turn up half an hour before the show starts. Strength and conditioning work is tailored to the individual acrobat – some people…

Welcome to the year 2016, in which activity trackers rein top of the fitness charts. That’s according to the annual American College of Sports Medicine’s trend survey, which shows that wearable tech such as workout bands and smart watches are set to be this year’s biggest exercise craze. Last year’s fitness faves – high-intensity interval training (HIIT), heavy strength work and exercising with expert PTs – still rank highly on the charts. But our fascination with new gizmos and the gratification that technology can provide knows no bounds……

3 OF THE BEST… WAYS TO BE SEEN Be bright with the latest reflective activewear collections. ODLO SHINE IN THE DARK ( odlo.com )  This urban-inspired collection uses cleverly-placed reflectors to ensure you are both safe and stylish in the dark. Wear the pieces together for ‘matchy-matchy’ combos. From £45. PROVIZ PIXELITE ( provizsports.com ) Designed for runners, this breathable windproof range has reflective yarn built into the performance fabric to ensure ultimate visibility. From £24.99. NIKE FLASH PACK ( nike.com ) Taking inspiration from the Northern Lights, Nike’s collection has a multicolour reflective print that ensures head-to-toe visibility in dreary conditions. From £55. SWEAT MORE, FORGET LESS Do you worry about losing your noggin? Memories are precious – and now’s the time to…