Women's Fitness July 2021

This year kickstarted with the UK’s third lockdown, closely followed by a washed out spring, so who’s with me when I say I couldn’t be happier that summer has finally arrived? Indeed, when this issue was sent to the printers, the sun was shining, mercury was rising and I was flaunting tan lines where my running shorts had been. Bliss! It’s at times like these that exercise motivation comes easy, and the body parts we’ve kept under wraps for months are ready to show off. Whether for water sports or sunbathing, we’ve rounded up this season’s best swimwear (page 16) to help you make the most of the sunshine. And our summer special, from page 38, has everything you need to feel your best on the beach. Plus, if you…

Christine Bailey Christine is a performance nutritionist, chef, author and keen runner. She runs online programmes and works with athletes.christinebailey.co.uk Eve Boggenpoel Eve is a holistic healer, yoga teacher and author. Her work is grounded in a deep appreciation of inner stillness as a pathway to transformation. @eveboggenpoel Joanna Ebsworth A qualified Level 3 PT and fitness instructor, Jo has been combining her love of exercise and writing for 15 years, and is keen to inspire others to be active. @joglows Louise Pyne Louise is a qualified nutritionist and freelance health writer.›She specialises in women’s health and wellness, as well as children’s health.louisepynenutrition.com Lucy Miller Lucy is an ex-national gymnast and qualified PT. She is also a nutritionist and life coach who loves nothing more than to go for a…

AB FAB Who doesn’t want a toned stomach? I was especially drawn to Tone your Tum (June issue). Summer is here and, with it, the warmer weather encourages us to shed those winter layers. For many of us, the thought of crop tops and swimwear means a renewed focus on toning our stomach – and your easy-to-follow, but obviously effective, workouts can help us get rid of the excess belly fat that has been accumulating during lockdown. Plus, I know that our abdominals are considered our ‘body’s centre of gravity’, and are responsible for aiding balance and co-ordination. So, there are even more benefits to strengthening our abdominals, beyond the aesthetic reasons! I started the workout straight away and can feel it doing me a power of good. Davida Truby,…

I took great pleasure in reading Eat Better, Feel Better (June issue). For a while now, I’ve been meaning to overhaul my health and this article couldn’t have been better timed! I noted that going back to basics is the best way to boost my body and reinvent mealtimes, and I’m all for that. There’s no question that what you eat affects how you feel, and a healthy diet will help me feel better. Plus, the healthiest diet is one that emphasises wholegrains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and that includes lean protein and low-fat or no-fat dairy products. I noted all your top rules to get started, so it’s not only my body that will benefit but also my mood! Hazel Byron, Liverpool Hazel wins a health-boosting superfood bundle of…

BEST FOOT FORWARD Looking for a running shoe that combines speed, comfort and eco-friendly credentials? Look no further than the new performance trainer from sustainable shoe designers, VEJA (veja-store.com). Made from an impressive 62 per cent bio-based or recycled materials – and named after one of the fastest and most athletic fish in the ocean – the Marlin, £145, features ultra-grippy, energy-returning soles for a super-dynamic ride while looking sleek and stylish to boot. VISIT THIS… FESTIVAL FEVER Outdoor enthusiasts, rejoice! The Salomon Festival is returning on August 7, 2021. Expect an exciting day packed with running and outdoor activities, workshops, live music, food stalls and loads more to help you escape urban life and spend time with like-minded people. Explore the outstanding natural beauty of the Chilterns with a…

Fun in the sun Roxy’s new eco-friendly On the Beach swimwear collection features a wide range of confidence-boosting styles designed to fit and flatter women of all body shapes, £18-£75; roxy-uk.co.uk Dive in Featuring a built-in shelf bra, this stunning Sweaty Betty Springboard Swimsuit, £60, is made from chlorine-resistant fabric, featuring UV 50+ protection; sweatybetty.com Adrenaline rush Hit the surf in this Perfect Moment Mesh Sport Bikini, £135, which is fully lined for the ultimate in support and style; perfectmoment.com Bright and bold This Speedo Retro Digital Placement Medalist Swimsuit, £40, is made from stretchy, shape-retaining, chlorine-resistant fabric so it fits like new for longer; speedo.com Coral crush Gymshark’s High Rise Bikini Top, £25, and High Rise Bikini Bottoms, £20, provide chlorine resistance, UV protection and secure coverage in the…