Women's Fitness February 2022

Dark mornings, dreary weather, low energy levels… this time of year can be tough, and it’s during the winter months that many of us experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or the ‘winter blues’. Indeed, data shows that around 40 per cent of us suffer with SAD over winter, and that women are four times more likely to be affected than men. So what better way to kick the winter blues than to exercise all winter long? This month, we’ve rounded up some of the best events for 2022 (page 36), so that you can find the one that’s perfect for you and start working towards that summer goal. Low levels of the ‘sunshine’ vitamin D have been found in people with SAD. We find out how to get your fill…

Nicki Petitt Nicki is an online fitness coach and workout writer. She brings energy via Zoom Room, which will challenge your body and create a stronger mindset. Find out more @nickipetitt 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 Christine Bailey Christine is a performance nutritionist, chef, author and keen runner. She runs online…

STAR LETTER PLANT FUEL I was pleased to come across your Make it vegan feature (January issue). I’ve been a vegetarian for 25 years and a vegan for five. My partner and I do CrossFit, and we are both vegans. I’m glad your article supported vegans. Since becoming a vegan, I have become stronger, more flexible, healthier and more co-ordinated than I had imagined possible. I am also a lot happier and content with my life. The journey taught me that, despite what others seem to think, plant-based athletes cannot only survive a CrossFit gym session, but also thrive. I was most grateful for all your good advice about fuelling our bodies. I learned things I didn’t know and feel more knowledgeable about fuelling my body. Corrina Williams PAIN RELIEF…

Stylish support The much-awaited collaboration between sports bra experts Shock Absorber and athletic-wear brand Champion has finally arrived – and we are totally here for it. The new capsule collection of sports bras and crop tops blends boob-protecting science with Champion’s signature retro style to ensure all eyes are on you for the right reasons. We love this high-impact Shock Absorber x Champion Ultimate Padded Run Bra, £52, which boasts moisture-managing fabric, wide adjustable straps and friction-free seams to ensure you stay comfy at all times; shockabsorber.co.uk TRY THIS… Find your tribe Already famous for its super tasty protein bars and shakes, plant-based performance brand Tribe (wearetribe.co) has launched its own instant plant-based breakfast oats so you can kickstart your day the healthy way. The Active Oats+ range comes in…

If you’ve ever revelled in a tough workout, you’ll be able to relate to this month’s cover model, Sara Sigmundsdóttir. The CrossFit champion is known for her ability to push through pain, and with a thrice-daily workout schedule plus her own clothing collection for activewear brand WIT (wit-fitness.com) to boot, it’s clear Sara’s not afraid to put in the hours. Aged just 29, the Iceland-born weightlifter is a two-time CrossFit Games medallist, a three-time CrossFit regional champion, and a women’s strength icon to her 1.8 million-plus Instagram followers. After suffering a devastating ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] tear that saw her miss the 2021 CrossFit Games, Sara is back and more determined than ever. We caught up with her to talk about building a winning mindset, working hard in the gym…

Made to move This Under Armour SmartForm Rush Mid Sports Bra, £45, is designed to adapt to the unique contours of your body, while these SmartForm Rush Custom Length Leggings, £90, flex to fit your exact shape; underarmour. co.uk Sock it to ’em These BAM Bamboo Trainer Socks, £16.50 for a pack of four, draw away moisture to keep your feet cool and dry, plus feature cushioning through the footbed for extra shock absorbency; bambooclothing.co.uk Sculpt your body These adidas Formotion Sculpt Two-tone Tights, £75, have targeted compression zones to support your muscles in studio classes and a super high-rise waist for comfy coverage; adidas.co.uk Stylish support With its flattering V-neck, removable padding and peek-a-boo back, this medium support Gym+Coffee All-In Bra, £40, guarantees super-soft comfort and a fully flexible…