Women's Fitness June 2024

EDITOR’S NOTE I keep reading reports about how the seasons are warming up, and yet it still seems as if this year has provided a long old winter. Perhaps it’s the drearier days, or maybe the chilly winds that have been hitting my home town, but I don’t think I’m alone in being SO ready for summer weather. Thankfully, June is on its way and if, like me, you love spending time soaking up the ‘sunshine’ vitamin, vitamin D, you’ll be starting to think of ways to take your training outside. Outdoor running is a popular choice, and great for physical health as well as mental wellbeing. This month’s cover model, double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, explains on page 20 why she still gets so much enjoyment from running…

STAR LETTER ‘RUNNING IS A LOT ABOUT YOUR MENTAL ATTITUDE, AS WELL AS BEING FIT’ ‘I’m running my FIRST marathon this year and it’s a big one – the London Marathon. Nicely timed to help me get ready was your article My first marathon (April 2024), in which running coach Cory Wharton-Malcolm explains how running his marathon changed the course of his life forever. It really is a lot about your mental attitude, as well as being fit. I recently ran 15 miles and I found I was in a better frame of mind for the last five miles, compared to the middle five when I really struggled. I have more miles to cover soon and need to be mentally ready. I’m running for the charity, Missing Persons (I have…

Positive vibes Feel fab this summer wearing Fleur East’s second activewear collection with Dare 2b. Designed to reflect the singer-songwriter, TV host and qualified PT’s infectious positivity for fitness, it features mood-boosting prints and supportive fabrics to help you jump, flex and stretch with confidence. From squat-proof leggings and sports bras, to these Sprint Up 2-in-1 Shorts (£45) – which offer a water-repellent finish, UV protection, sweat-wicking inner liner and reflective details to keep you seen outdoors – the range boasts all the tech you need to stay cool and dry when things get hot! Available in sizes 6-20, prices start from £20, dare2b.com WEAR THIS… Find your place Whether you’re trekking through the Amazon rainforest, hiking the Himalayas or simply exploring your local surroundings, British outdoor and adventure clothing…

ALI MALIK Personal trainer Malik is a highly-skilled strength and conditioning coach, and the founder of Fit Labs Kensington (fitlabskensington.com), an empowering boutique fitness experience for people of all ages and abilities. Q: I’m new to strength training and not sure where to start. I find the various machines and free weights in the gym rather intimidating, but I really want to get strong and toned. Do you have any advice on getting started? A: Starting your strength training journey can feel daunting, especially when faced with a plethora of machines and free weights at the gym. However, rest assured that with the right approach, you can achieve your fitness goals. First and foremost, it’s essential to set clear and achievable goals. Whether your aim is to build muscle, increase…

2024 might mark the year of the Paris Olympics, but it also heralds a special anniversary for Dame Kelly Holmes. Believe it or not, it’s been 20 years since the world witnessed the retired professional athlete’s epic double gold victory in the 800m and 1500m at the 2004 Athens games: a feat that forever cemented her place in history books as the oldest woman to win either event, let alone both at the same time – and in the hearts of the British public. And the good news is that Dame Kelly is still going strong today. ‘Here I am, two decades after I won my Olympic gold medals at the age of 34, and I’m now running more – and have more endurance – than ever!’ exclaims the Nuffield…

Lacking gym confidence? You’re not alone. In my experience, many midlife women who grew up with aerobics still feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to lifting heavier weights in the gym. The free weights section is often seen as an intimidating, off-limits zone, and many of us don’t know where to begin when it comes to lifting more than 2-4kg. But it’s important that you do consider heavy lifting, as the latest science suggests that women over the age of 40 should be aiming to strength train two-to-three times a week, using heavier weights and progressively overloading the muscle in order for it to grow. This is crucial, because after this age, we rapidly start to lose our muscle mass. The great news is that at any age, the…