Women's Fitness October 2022

If you’re reading Women’s Fitness, chances are you already know the importance of having a smart active recovery strategy – it decreases muscle soreness and stiffness, lowers the risk of a strain or injury, plus gives your brain a break from hard exercise, which can help to reduce mental fatigue. But how often do you really take the time out to focus on your recovery? I’ll be the first to put my hand up and say that sometimes there’s just not the space in my schedule for a lengthy stretch session – I’ve got to rush off to collect the kids, or my workout has over-run and I need to get back to work. That’s why it’s handy to know how to spend the precious recovery minutes you have, and…

Suzanne Baum Suzanne is a celebrity interviewer and lifestyle editor. She has written on fitness and wellbeing for over two decades and also specialises in reviewing beauty products. 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 Christine Bailey Christine is a performance nutritionist, chef, author and keen runner. She runs online programmes and works with athletes. christinebailey.co.uk Josh Ivory Josh is a qualified PT and online body transformation coach. He believes in pairing flexible nutrition with effective programming…

STAR LETTER SUCCESS STORY I wanted to write in to share a snippet of my journey over the past four months and how reading the magazine has guided me. It prompted me to invest in the right gym kit, trainers and, most importantly, a personal trainer. This has not only seen me lose weight but also gain energy and confidence. I regularly read the magazine and identify new recipes, stretches or new technology on the market – it’s always enjoyable and inspiring me on my journey. In the photograph above, I am holding the weight I have lost to date. Becky (via email) Becky wins a prize worth £370 and the chance to update her running wardrobe. Courtesy of Up & Running, the UK’s largest independent running store, Becky will…

Run. Train. Go. If you never know where your workouts will to take you, you need a pair of the new Lululemon Chargefeel Mid Workout Shoes, £138. Designed specifically for the female foot, these performance-first cross-training shoes feature dual-density cushioning and pressure-mapped outsoles to give you the bounce, agile support and traction you need to run, lunge, kick, sprint, jump and HIIT your way to fitness. Meanwhile, the stretchy mesh upper with its smooth second-skin-feel liner provides ventilation, superior comfort, and adaptability across every type of workout. If the Mid Top style isn’t for you, check out the Low Top version, £128; lululemon.co.uk WEAR THIS… Bright and beautiful The days might be getting darker but that doesn’t mean your gym kit has to be dull and grey. Inject some…

COVER MODEL INTERVIEW When the news was announced in September that one of Strictly ’s favourites was returning to present the new series’ companion show, fans erupted in a happy dance. For, almost a decade on from first joining the cast of Strictly, Janette Manrara is once again a firm fixture on our screens, bringing fans all the behind-the-scenes gossip from the main show. With this in mind, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Manrara has always had a dancing career, but she was a relative latecomer to the professional world of dance. Born in Miami, she studied finance and worked in a bank for several years, but dance was always her main passion – leading to her taking part and becoming a finalist in the US version of So…

Layer up Feel comfortable and stylish wearing the latest hiking collection from BAM, including this moisture-wicking Thirlmere Merino Bamboo Headband, £15, worn with the super-soft Thermo Luxe Bamboo Zip-Neck Base Layer, £52, and durable Roborough Bamboo Cargo Trousers, £69; bambooclothing.co.uk Sure footed Combining athleisure-inspired style with hiking utility, these Hotter Alpine GTX Boots, £139, provide built-in support and waterproof Gore-Tex technology for extra breathability and dryness; hotter.com Pack it in This hydration-compatible, multi-activity Rab Women’s Aeon 18L Daypack, £100, has a female-specific fit and a close fitting back system that flexes as you move; rab.equipment Fresh feet Reduce friction, increase your blood flow and enjoy enhanced cushioning and impact protection with these oh-so-stylish Stance Montalvo Hike Crew Socks, £19.99; stance.eu.com All about the base This seamless, high-stretch Sweaty Betty Athlete…