Women's Fitness February 2024

...auf wiedersehen, goodnight! This is my last issue as acting editor (unless Sarah pops out any more kiddies, that is!). While I wrote in the January issue about it being the start of a new year, this issue is the first one on sale in 2024, so a happy new year once more! I also wrote about how I hope to carve out more time for my own fitness, now I no longer have WF under my wing, and I'm pleased to report I'm off to a good start: I did my first reformer Pilates class in the first week of January (doing my DVD had been the aim but the reformer is more effective) and I also went to Ceroc dancing twice and resumed ballroom dancing after a three-year…

STAR LETTER ‘I now know how to use a body bar!’ A couple of close friends bought me a body bar for my birthday, and I have to confess I wasn't sure what to do with it! I was very pleased to see your feature ‘3 ways with a body bar’ – nicely timed (I didn’t have to admit to them my ignorance!). I am now exercising with it regularly and the exercise is doing me a power of good, especially the high pull, which I can feel working my shoulders, triceps and upper back. The body bar is very easy to grip, much like barbells at the gym. I love that it will add muscle definition to my body – not that I will be entering any bodybuilding competitions…

Under cover Designed with functionality, versatility and style in mind, Speedo’s Therma Change Robe (£250, speedo.com) is a must-have for wild swimmers and outdoor adventurers. Expertly crafted with Berghaus Hydroshell fabric, this fully waterproof, windproof, breathable and durable ripstop material provides premium protection from the elements, while the super-warm and quick-drying Sherpa-Fleece lining wicks away moisture to keep you warm – even after a swim. TRY THIS… Rise and shine Bondi Rise (bondirise.com) is the new London-based boutique Pilates studio founded by British Pilates instructor Lottie Anderson. Inspired by the active lifestyle and exceptional energy of Australia’s Bondi Beach, where she previously lived, Anderson follows the ethos: ‘if you’re going to rise, you might as well shine’, and her sunrise pink studio near Hampton Court Station offers approachable workout programmes…

NOLAN SUNNASSEE Nolan is a professional strength and conditioning coach, specialist personal trainer, fitness writer and consultant. Find him at evo-fit.co.uk Q: I’m a complete beginner to fitness – would you recommend joining a gym or investing in some home gym equipment? A: Starting exercise can be a daunting task, with many challenges and potential pitfalls. With so many exercises, workouts and classes available, it’s important to establish a number of factors before deciding to invest in home gym equipment or sign up to your local gym. Firstly, knowing your goals, and the time frame you would like to achieve these by, is a crucial starting point. If your goals are urgent, you may need to determine the amount of time you are willing to realistically commit to your goal,…

COVER INTERVIEW When I sit down with Kate Ferdinand just a few weeks before Christmas to talk all things fitness, fashion and her new activewear collection with F&F, she’s a world away from the frazzled mum-of-five you’d expect to meet, with a long list of presents still to order and plenty of festive feasts to prep. Instead, she comes across as a picture of serenity in her comfy cream tracksuit, chunky white trainers and cosy camel-coloured coat – accessorised only by clear, glowing skin and a hint of lip balm. She continues to radiate calmness as I grill her about her workouts, work/life balance and what she demands from her workout wardrobe. Indeed, to say I’m surprised by her easy-breezy attitude would be an understatement. When Kate isn’t caring for…

Whether it’s the satisfying feeling that comes after rearranging heavy patio pots or mastering a headstand in your yoga class, there’s a sense of inner confidence that comes with knowing you’re strong – you feel ready to take on the world. Much of this starts deep inside, with your muscles, bones and ligaments. When they’re strong, you can move and carry things with ease, you feel more stable and your posture and performance improves. Giving your muscles a helping hand to stay robust is especially important as you get older, as muscle protects your bones and braces your internal organs, helping them to function better. Women naturally lose muscle mass after the age of 30 at around two per cent per year. Strength training can help prevent this, but that…