Women's Fitness Issue 10

The other day I was working out in the gym when I looked up in between sets and noticed that most of the women in there were half my age. Many of them were in better shape than me (in my mind, anyway). I felt a pinch of insecurity. Then I stopped myself from going down the path of negative thinking. I’m relatively fit. I have a clean bill of health. I have spent all of my adult life exercising. I have as much right to be in the gym as anyone else. Yet I know it’s perfectly normal for many of us to feel insecure about we look. However, I constantly remind myself it’s not just about how we look, but what we can do. People without six-packs can…

Christine Bailey Christine is a performance nutritionist, chef, author and keen runner. She runs online programmes and works with athletes.christinebailey.co.uk Ian Gardner Ian is a personal trainer with more than six years’ experience. He has interests in Olympic weightlifting and ultra-marathons. Visit igptcoaching.com Louise Pyne Louise is a qualified nutritionist and freelance health writer.›She specialises in women’s health and wellness, and children’s health.louisepynenutrition.com Eve Boggenpoel Eve has practised yoga and meditation for 25 years. She trained as a yoga teacher at Triyoga and is a qualified homeopath.findingstillness.uk Dr Juliet McGrattan Juliet is a former GP and author of Sorted: The Active Woman’s Guide to Health. She is the Women’s Health Leader for the 261 Fearless running network.drjulietmcgrattan.com› Sarah Sellens Sarah is a leading health and fitness writer, and a REPs-certified…

BAREFOOT CHOICE After reading The Benefits of Barefoot Shoes article in issue 9, I was inspired to give it a go. I’m pleased to say it was the reset I needed to get out of my running rut. I felt so in tune with my surroundings in a way that I never have before: the sand between my toes and the splashing of the waves against my legs, it was an energising kind of harmony. I loved it so much, my new goal is to run a barefoot 5K every day for a month to see what happens. Watch this space... Louise George, via email STRENGTH BENEFITS I’ve often read about the benefits of weight training over the years, but never really got into it as I prefer cardio exercise…

PROTEIN SOLUTION I used to get cravings for sweet foods at certain times of the month and I always ended up overeating just before my period was due. I’d eat well for about three weeks and then undo all of my good work in one week. Then I spoke to a friend who is a personal trainer, who encouraged me to eat more lean protein, and to have some protein with every meal, plus two small protein snacks during the day, such as a handful of nuts or a hard-boiled egg. I followed his advice and, much to my surprise, my cravings have completely gone and the protein seems to have really helped to stabilise my blood sugar levels. I’ve also lost weight and feel so much more in control…

‘Some yes and some no. I feel like they need to be very special, because there are just too many now.’ Fiona Russell ‘Personally they don’t do it for me. For all of my medals I like to go and run somewhere new with the race-day atmosphere.’ Helen Reardon ‘I’ve used a virtual race to get me back running and get into a set routine.’ Myrina Porter ‘They are a good idea, but not for me. I prefer running according to my schedule and time. Virtual runs don’t really inspire me.’ Jennifa Kgadi Mohale…

ALL IN ONE Catsuits have made a comeback and are now de rigueur for yoga and Pilates classes, thanks to the way they work with your every movement and keep you covered in all poses. Silou London’s new fully-lined Tatiana Bodysuit, £169 (siloulondon.com) is made from moisture-wicking, thick, flexible fabric that never goes see-through and supports the body for a sculpted look – also perfect for travel, worn under ski wear or paired with an oversized sweater and sneakers after training. • For the ultimate in comfort, look for seamless styles that are incredibly stretchy and banish chafing for good. • Into high-intensity activities? Choose a one-piece made from compression fabric, to boost performance and aid recovery. • Invest in a good-quality bodysuit that has thick, supportive, opaque fabric to…