Women's Fitness June 2022

As our thoughts turn to summer sports events and holidays, I’ve been thinking a lot about a phrase we sometimes hear when talking about fitness: ‘getting in shape’. What does it mean? I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s about feeling and functioning at your best – and this can be a very personal thing. Perhaps it means having the energy to run after your kids, the strength to do a physically demanding job, less stress and more headspace, or maybe you want to get a personal best in competition. This month, we’ve looked at ways to shape up on all fronts, whether you want to get fit for life (page 24), be super fit (page 84) or feel great (page 32). As well as improving your fitness, it’s important…

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 yoga teacher, counsellor and author. Her work is grounded in a deep appreciation of inner stillness as a pathway to transformation.@findingstillness.uk 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…

WEIGHTS WORK I thoroughly enjoyed your article Lift Weights, Feel Great (May issue). I’m keen to bolster my body by strength training, and I realise now how hitting the weights room could kickstart this journey. Using weights has so many advantages – building muscles and increasing strength is not just for men! I'm taking your good advice on board. With countless exercises to choose from, I want to make sure I have the right equipment and learn how to do a good quality workout, at home or in the gym. The feature has made me think a lot more about my own fitness and goals, and has inspired me to keep on getting better and better. Poppy Aitchison EN POINTE My cousin is a professional ballet dancer and she has…

TIME TO TRI! Your article Give it a Tri (May issue) was beautifully timed. I’m with a running club, and fellow members and I have been talking about trying triathlon but didn’t know where to start. I think our fitness levels are quite good as we’re runners but, as your experts note, it is best to know your strengths and weaknesses – spending less time on your strengths and building up on the weaknesses. My weakness is swimming, having only really enjoyed it on holiday. I’m sharing all your invaluable information on how to start with the others, and we’ve found a triathlon club a few miles away already! I’m glad we’ve decided to try this exciting and challenging sport. I learned that more than two million people participate in…

Ready To Race Designed for the female form, the new Tri-Fit Evo triathlon suit (£179; tri-fitathletic.co.uk), features a high-density foam chamois and secure leg bands for comfort, plus a plethora of pockets to cover all your storage needs during training or racing. Tested in every kind of condition imaginable – think roads, open water and wind tunnels in both extreme heat and sub-zero temperatures – the aerodynamic design is made from quick-drying, sustainable fabrics that boast breathability, flexibility and compression qualities, so you can take everything in your stride. Sleeveless suits are also available. DO THIS… Take to the trails Love Trails Festival, the world’s first trail running and music festival, is back this summer with a packed programme of adventure activities. Taking place on Wales’ Gower Peninsula from June…

Want to work out without the burnout? Jericho McMatthews and Elise Joan are the brains behind Beachbody On Demand’s new FIRE AND FLOW training, a four-week programme that serves up 25-30 minutes of either Jericho’s metabolism-boosting moves or Elise’s stress-reducing sessions, six days a week. ‘FIRE AND FLOW has everything your body needs because it combines high-intensity exercise with low-impact, recovery workouts,’ says Elise. ‘On alternating days, we fire you up with Jericho’s epic metabolic conditioning, and then you’ll flow with me into a completely different type of movement – slow and controlled, using dumbbells and resistance loops to restore your body and expand your range of motion. By the end of the month, you’ll be feeling conditioned and energised.’ We caught up with the workout wonders so that you…