Women's Fitness Issue 7

One of the many things we’ve learnt during lockdown is just how much we love the great outdoors. Yes, we’ve discovered fun, new home workouts during our confinement (who knew just how many ways there are to get fit without the gym?). But nothing beats the benefits of escaping outside and harnessing the power of Mother Nature to challenge body and mind. So, in this month’s issue, we’ve created a 16-page special to help you get active outdoors this summer. The ‘Outdoor Fitness & Adventure Summer Buyer’s Guide’ (page 45) is packed with tips and kit ideas for cycling, hiking, camping and paddleboarding. It’s time to make the most of ‘the new normal’! Boost the body benefits of your everyday walks by reading ‘Turn your walk into a workout’ (page…

EASE IT OUT I’m so grateful for your article ‘Keep Fit with Karen’ (issue 6). I’ve always worried about stretching properly after exercise, so was glad to discover what moves I should be doing. Everyone should have good flexibility, but due to our sedentary lifestyles, our natural flexibility is compromised. A regular stretching routine should be an integral part of fitness. Thank you Karen and WF! Jo Ainsley, Wirral HANDS-ON ADVICE As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, health officials have emphasised that washing one’s hands regularly and properly is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection. I know this is important, but it has also been taking its toll on my hands, making them very dry. So I was pleased to read your ‘Beauty Notes’…

Your article on mindful running (issue 6) was so useful, and served as a great reminder that sometimes it’s best to leave all the gadgets behind. It’s easy to become so absorbed in the detail and the data that we don’t fully immerse ourselves in the process and in nature. However, at the opposite end of the scale, often it’s too easy to immerse ourselves too deeply in our own thoughts while running; we forget to leave our problems behind! The article served as a great reminder to aim for a balance somewhere between these two states and ‘just become one with where you are right now’, especially during these worrying times. Many thanks WF, I’m off to lace up my trainers! Tracey Austin, via email This month, Tracey wins…

‘I knew I’d hate not going to the gym so I bought a FITT Cube. After two months, I’m fitter now than ever!’ Jess Carter, London ‘I started doing Jo Wicks’ sessions with the kids, and now we’re creating our own mini workouts!’ Candy Moore, Hull ‘Yoga in the garden. Sun salutes in real life are so inspiring!’ Kate Tomlinson, Bude THIS MONTH’S QUESTION What’s the first event you’ll sign up for when lockdown eases? Let us know on social media (left).…

Eat. Sleep. Run. Repeat. With 34 million of us discussing running on social media in the first month of lockdown, it seems the activity has become something of a quarantine hero. But wearing the right footwear is essential if you want to avoid any running-related injuries. For a lightweight, responsive ride, WF loves New Balance’s Fresh Foam Tempo Trainers, £110 (newbalance.co.uk), which have super-springy midsole cushioning and strategic support to help propel you through any virtual challenge or race in comfort and style. TRY THIS… STAND TO ATTENTION With so many of us utilising online workouts to stay fit as gyms remain closed, one of the biggest challenges we face is figuring out how to keep our smartphones and tablets upright. But not anymore! New smartwear brand SLYK has created…

WF LOVES With its relaxed fit and soft Merino wool blend, this cardi will get you from workouts to the weekend in style.…