Women's Fitness November 2018

Got the post-holiday blues? We’ve packed this issue full of fun ideas and inspiration to reignite your body and mind for the new season ahead. If the autumn weather always sends your workout motivation plummeting, we’ve got just the thing to pick you back up – a super-speedy, re-energising workout that feels like a blast of sunshine, from Californian fitness duo, The Tone It Up girls. Turn to ‘Reset your Body’ (page 18) and feel your mood soar! The change of season can be the perfect opportunity to review your fitness regimen and try something different. In ‘My power workout has transformed my life’ (page 58), three women, including singer Kate Nash, reveal how an unexpected fitness discovery has led to newfound happiness and career success. Also inspiring us this…

STAR LETTER BEATING BOREDOM I really appreciated your 10-minute tone-up article ‘Core control’ (October issue). Sit-ups are one of the first exercises that come to mind for abdominal training, but I’m tired of doing the same exercises over and over again. After reading this article, I realised there are many exercises that can help me reach my goals without getting bored or placing unnecessary stress on my spine. The core-control moves are a safe and effective way of challenging my abs, and I’ve been doing them every morning before work and feeling the benefits already. And I love the fact that no equipment is needed other than a mat. Thank you so much. Georgia Webb, Clywd, Wales GO SMOOTHIES! ‘Return of the Smoothie’ (October issue) was a great feature. I’d…

‘I step up my running – cold is better for me – and I sign up for a winter race to boost my motivation!’ Amanda Thomson, London ‘My local yoga studio is a cosy, calm retreat in the cooler months. I often do a couple of autumn workshops to push myself a bit further.’ Saskia Jones, Manchester ‘Hiking in the UK is perfect at this time of year. I do weekend breaks and make sure I have good waterproof gear!’ Toni Collins, Devon…

This month, Georgia wins a Lowe Alpine Women’s Aeon 25 Rucksack, worth £90, from Cotswold Outdoor, an ultra-lightweight daypack designed specifically for women. It has an adjustable hip belt so you can dial in the fit and a large front pocket – perfect for things you want to easily grab. All in-store experts at Cotswold Outdoor are expertly trained in how to correctly fit and adjust rucksacks. They run through five stages, including assessing shoulder straps and adjusting the back length for maximum comfort. In addition, they can advise on how best to pack your rucksack for ideal weight distribution. See the range at cotswoldoutdoor.com.…

1 NAIL MARATHON TRAINING Signed up to run 26.2 miles, but need some advice and support? Master the Marathon is a one-day workshop led by running expert Sam Murphy and her husband Jeff Pyrah for newbie or inexperienced marathoners. You’ll learn how to set realistic goals, how to prepare for race day and how to devise or adapt a personal training plan. You’ll also be coached while on a long run. It takes place on November 11 in Rye, East Sussex and costs £65; sam-murphy.co.uk. 2 SWITCH UP YOUR NETBALL If you love netball, why not try this exciting variation? Red Bull’s Switch Up tournament takes place at London’s Copper Box Arena on November 17. With just four players a side and two five-minute halves, players of all abilities can…

‘The first thing I do when wake up in my camper van is make a cup of tea and watch the sunrise for a moment of tranquillity before I eat porridge for breakfast, get into my kit, pack my equipment and food (lots of fresh fruit, boil-in-the-bag pasta and Soreen malt loaf), and meet the group I’m leading that day. ‘As a full-time freelance mountain leader, I spend a third of my working life leading adventure experiences for the Bear Grylls Survival Academy (beargryllssurvivalacademy.com) or setting up and performing film stunts with Bear; another third instructing youngsters to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh awards (dofe.org); and the rest of the time encouraging women to get outdoors through my company, Mountain Girl (mymountaingirl.co.uk). ‘I’ve committed my life to what I do,…