Women's Fitness May 2022

If you’re reading Women’s Fitness, chances are you like to exercise. But exercising during and after pregnancy can be a bit of a minefield. How do you know that you’re doing it safely? When after labour is it OK to work out? If you’re confused about exercising as a new mum or mum-to-be, turn to page 42 to read our expert advice. Why keep moving? This month’s cover model Gemma Atkinson tells us ‘it is vital to me, as when I’ve worked out it totally changes how I feel – I’m not only a better mother, but fiancé and friend, too’. And she should know. As a busy working mum to two-year-old daughter Mia, Gemma finds time to exercise by fitting everything around her daughter’s schedule. In Get Fit With…

Nicole Chapman Qualified PT, Nicole is the creator of six-week online programme, Power of Mum, designed to empower you to be fitter and stronger in body and mind. nicolechapman.com 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 programmes and…

ROAD TO RECOVERY I was grateful for The Covid Effect (April issue). I’ve caught Covid twice in two years. The first time, I had long Covid for about 10 months. I remember going for my first run and struggling to breathe, but I slowly got back to fitness again. Then, I caught Covid again at New Year. This time, I recovered quicker but still got lots of headaches. It was important to learn more about the help I can get and also to learn more about how I can get back to exercising whilst clearly still suffering from symptoms. I used to do a form of exercise every day before Covid struck and I miss it. I do realise I’m luckier than a lot of people, but I hope to…

EXERCISING EMOTION I was very interested in the feature Victoria Pendleton: ‘Exercise helps me process my emotions’ (April issue). It was helpful for Victoria to share her secrets, both good and bad, because it made me realise that no one is perfect. When it comes to fitness, I’m very self-critical and this motivates me to try harder and do everything better and faster. But when you are constantly pushing yourself, you don’t reward yourself and can then get into a slump if things aren’t going your way. Everyone needs to take a break. I’m so pleased Victoria is doing so well and hope she gets her dream to climb Everest again, one day. Genna Cooper Genna wins a King Size Hammock and Hanging Kit from Fair Trade accessory brand Ticket…

Female first Lululemon has taken its ‘women first’ approach to a whole new level by launching their first-ever range of performance footwear for ladies in 2022, while the men’s collection won’t drop until 2023. Instead of tailoring male or unisex models to women’s needs, Lululemon has spent four years researching and developing shoes from scratch that are specifically designed to work for the women’s anatomy. The Lululemon Blissfeel running shoe (£138; lululemon.co.uk), seen here on parasport athlete Kadenna Cox, promises bouncy take-offs and soft landings and comes in 10 colours. Keep your eyes peeled for three other workout and recovery shoes launching later this year. TRY THIS… Hips don’t lie Hip thrusts hurting? Then you need this new Cloud Barbell Pad, £16.99, in your gym bag, now! Created by fitness…

With starring roles in everything from Hollyoaks and EastEnders to Strictly Come Dancing and MasterChef, Gemma Atkinson is no stranger to being in front of the camera. Her career has thrown her into the public eye from a very young age, and Gemma has remained as down to earth as ever, pointing to her happy childhood and supportive parents for keeping her grounded. Having met her fiancé, Strictly pro Gorka Marquez on the 2017 dance show, the couple are parents to two-year-old daughter Mia – the inspiration behind Gemma’s second book The Ultimate Body Plan for New Mums, which launched earlier this month. Renowned for her passion for fitness, the book offers a variety of exercises and meal plans to help new mums feel strong both physically and mentally. As…