Women's Fitness November 2022

As I write this, my legs are still aching from a half marathon I decided to do ‘on a whim’. Now, I’m not a whimsical kind-of-girl – I like to compete after oodles of preparation – and when race-day came around, I was already talking myself out of it. But one woman had more motivation than me: my Mum. At 68, and with a lot on her plate, she was more determined than ever. And this highlights something I deem to be really important: fitness is a mindset. That’s why, for this month’s issue, I leapt at the chance to feature Hollywood PT Monique Eastwood on our cover. At 55, Eastwood is living proof of what you can achieve if you invest in your fitness. And it’s all thanks to…

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. Tommy Wanless Tommy is a Speedflex and Blade master trainer with a passion for fitness. When not keeping fit with his kids’ gymnastic routines, you’ll find him in the gym lifting something heavy. 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 Jen Devonshire Jen Devonshire is a personal trainer, Pilates and yoga teacher. She is also founder of Pause2Perform. Pause2perform. teachable.com Joanna Ebsworth A qualified Level 3 PT and fitness instructor, Jo has been combining her love of exercise and writing for 15…

Go with the fluro The search for stylish hi-viz running kit is over. Already famous for its anti-ugly, on-trend ‘bodyglowers’, Belgium-based visibility brand Gofluo has expanded into activewear, and we are here for it! You’ll love the retro-inspired jackets, leggings, base layers and neck warmers, many emblazoned with reflective, motivational messages such as ‘keep going’ and ‘show up’. See the range, including this Lori Bodyglower, £61.23, Emma Top, £43.72, and Ivy cycling shorts, £52.48, at gofluo.com TRY THIS… Smooth moves Pliability (pliability.com) is the new mind-body connection brand on a mission to facilitate better movement and improved physical and mental flexibility. How? By using a multi-modality approach that fuses mobility drills, yin yoga, prehab, rehab, recovery, strength and breathwork. Designed to be used as an essential component of any…

STAR LETTER HAVING A BALL A big thank you for your feature about professional dancer, Janette Manrara (‘I’m just a girl who likes to dance’; October issue). Watching the celebrities and professionals waltz, quickstep and tango around the dancefloor every Saturday night has got lots of people in the mood for dancing, and there are so many reasons to start shimmying – whatever your age or ability. The thing about dance is that it makes you feel good, and it can really benefit your physical, mental and social wellbeing. I joined a dance class four years ago and go three times a week. It’s helped boost my confidence, so much so that I am not the one who is being dragged onto the dancefloor because I'm up there first! I…

Vitality, exuberance and a lust for life are just some of the qualities celebrity PT Monique Eastwood has in abundance. Lucky for us, she’s also far from shy when it comes to sharing the secrets behind her boundless energy and super strong body. But don’t take our word for it. Eastwood’s A-list clients are keen to shower the former ballet dancer with praise, from actresses Hayley Atwell (‘She’s a secret weapon!’) and Emily Blunt (‘Monique is just the most extraordinary trainer’) to actor Stanley Tucci (‘The biceps are by Monique Eastwood’). The good news, however, is you no longer need to be Hollywood royalty to try Eastwood’s famous multi-directional movement method. Her new virtual training platform, The Eastwood Fit app (eastwoodfit.com), is a one-stop shop of live and on-demand workouts,…

WORKOUT WARDROBE Easy breezy Feel comfy and cool in classes, wearing this Puma Maternity Studio Oversized Training Tee, £30, and Puma Maternity Studio 7/8 Training Leggings, £35; uk.puma.com Sure footed Built for durable support and comfort, these ultra-cushioned New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12 shoes, £140, have a dual-density medial post to reduce overpronation, which can increase in pregnancy; newbalance.co.uk In the bag This waterproof Babymel Georgi Eco Convertible Backpack, £69, is roomy enough to hold all your gym kit, and converts into a changing bag once baby arrives; jojomamanbebe.co.uk Bumpy ride Soft and flexible, this Adidas by Stella McCartney Maternity Tank Top, £65, hugs the body without suffocating the belly; adidas.co.uk Room to grow Keep your bump covered and comfortable wearing these flattering Adidas by Stella McCartney Maternity Yoga…