Women's Fitness May 2019

As this month’s H&F goes to press, the UK is sparkling in spring sunshine. Suddenly, exercise feels fun again and the nation’s parks are buzzing with activity. Love taking your workouts outdoors but can’t find like-minded fitness buddies? How about creating your own club? In ‘I started a fitness club!’ (page 40), we meet four inspiring women who’ve set up groups – from running to cold-water swimming – that are changing lives and building friendships. Have a read and find your tribe! All you need is two feet to enjoy nature’s best workout – walking! It sounds obvious, but research shows many of us are missing out. Do you drive to the gym? Catch the bus in a hurry? Read ‘Hit your stride’ (page 14) to discover why walking’s the…

BACK ON TRACK Thank you H&F for helping me regain my fitness mojo. After a tough couple of years where depression and anxiety made me turn to my nemesis, smoking – which I’m not proud of after giving up for 10 years – and a serious shoulder injury saw me go from running three times a week to sofa-bound for two months, I looked for things to entertain me that didn’t involve Netflix or celebrity gossip. A long-time subscriber to H&F, I dug out a stash of old editions. After an afternoon immersed in recipes, training advice and lifestyle tips I’d made a plan to get back on track. It’s baby steps – walks with the family, yoga, listening to my physio and cooking easy, healthy food – but I’m…

This month, Kate wins a limited edition Osprey Tempest 20 backpack, worth £90. This year, the company celebrates 25 years of making women’s specific packs designed for a range of pursuits, from hiking and biking, to travel and backpacking, to ensure comfort and support whatever your activity. The Tempest 20 features an AirScape mesh-covered accordion foam back panel with an ergonomically shaped hip belt, harness and yoke for comfort and performance. It also has adjustable torso length, zipped panel access and a trekking pole attachment. Find out more at ospreyeurope.com.…

‘I’m training for a walking marathon and do five-milers in the week. I can’t wait to walk on trails instead of treadmills.’ Tara Best, Finchingfield, Essex ‘Long bike rides out in the sticks. Cycling along country lanes is just too dangerous in the dark.’ Mandy Corker, Combe Magna ‘I’m a keen outdoor swimmer but only manage weekends in winter. Donning my wetsuit after work and going for a wild swim is so refreshing after a busy day.’ Elsbeth Montgomery, Pembrokeshire…

1 FIND YOUR CENTRE Put the world’s best in the palm of your hand with Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth’s new health and fitness programme, Centr. Choose your trainer or coach from among Chris’s hand-picked team of international trainers, wellbeing gurus, nutritionists and meditation teachers, then set your goals and exercise intensity for led or self-guided workouts. Browse dietician-approved meal plans and bring calm into your life with meditations. Priced from £15.49 a month or £93.99 for a year. Find out more at centr.com. 2 WILD THINGS Fancy a family holiday with a difference? Luxury adventure travel expert Off the Map Travel has created an experience in Costa Rica that puts young minds at the centre of their own wildlife documentary as they learn about the natural world and culture of…

‘The first thing I do after waking at 6am is some mindfulness, either a sitting meditation or a body scan for around 20-30 minutes, and then I’ll set my intention for the day – something simple like smiling more or really listening to others. After that I’ll drink some water with lemon, do some stretching and have a green smoothie before heading out to work. My days can be pretty long, teaching mindfulness to children in schools by day and leading classes for adults several evenings a week, as well as giving talks and running workshops at conferences, expos, art centres and wellness festivals on weekends. The challenge is staying on top of it all, but I call on mindfulness throughout my day to keep me calm and supported.’ BECOMING…