Women's Fitness August 2024

I love this time of year, when sport on TV and in real life (should you be lucky enough to watch any of it in person) becomes a mainstay. From Euro 2024, to Wimbledon, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes, and now the summer Olympics and Paralympics, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to watching those at the pinnacle of their sporting careers – and this does everything for our workout motivation! While you might not be planning on making a career out of your fitness ambitions, seeing others who have done so may really fuel your workout mojo. Whether you get a buzz from hitting that dance class every Thursday, or are determined to train properly for the half marathon you signed up for, or…

STAR LETTER ‘I TURNED MY FITNESS AROUND IN MY 50S!’ It was fantastic to hear Dame Kelly Holmes’ insights into exercising in your 50s (June issue). In the build-up to turning 50, I was overweight, out-of-shape, unhealthy and miserable. I wasn't sure if I could turn it around, and someone even suggested that I was too old to change. But with the support of a couple of lovely PTs, I managed it, and with 52 now on the horizon, I’m a healthy weight and the fittest I’ve ever been. This was through taking a sensible approach to weight-training, cardio, nutrition and some lifestyle changes. My next challenge? I’m now training for my first HYROX! Kate, Scotland Congratulations Kate, you’ve won our star letter prize: any pair of trainers from Vionic…

Dive in! Speedo has teamed up with D+ lingerie specialists Bravissimo to create a range of high-performance sports swimwear featuring built-in bra-sized support for fuller-busted women. Available in band sizes 30-40 and cup sizes D-K, you’ll find a range of wired and non-wired designs with adjustable straps for a perfect fit – including this Speedo Iris Sports Swimsuit, £70, with a high-neck mesh panel for stylish coverage – all made from 100 per cent chlorine-resistant recycled fabric. Lightweight, breathable and quick drying, the styles are a game-changer for busty ladies who haven’t been able to benefit from the technical properties of Speedo’s regular dress-sized swimsuits. Prices start from £40, bravissimo.com WEAR THIS… Pedal power As a part of its new This Is How We Ride campaign to inspire women to feel…

PENNY WESTON Weston is a wellness, fitness and nutrition expert who also runs Moddershall Oaks, an award-winning health spa, and MADE, a leading wellness centre complete with a boutique fitness gym, studios, treatment rooms, retail shop and health café. Find out more at pennyweston.com Q I struggle to find the balance between relaxing on holiday and maintaining my health and fitness, and I tend to feel guilty if I overindulge on food or drinks! Do you have any advice? A Firstly, I would stress that you shouldn’t feel guilty about indulging on food and drink while on holiday. Relaxing every so often is completely fine – balance is key! However, if you’re wanting to maintain your health and fitness while away, you can do a few things to find that…

If you thought Ellie Simmonds would be swapping life in the fast lane for a slower pace when she announced her retirement from competitive swimming three years ago, you’d be mistaken. Because, according to the 29-year-old multiple world record breaker – who captured the hearts of the British public back in 2008 after winning her first Paralympic gold at the tender age of 13 – she’s not ready to slow down yet. In fact, she’s just getting started. ‘To be honest, I think I’m busier now than when I was as an athlete’, exclaims Simmonds, who won an incredible five Paralympic golds, eight World Championship golds and 10 European golds before hanging up her professional swimming goggles after the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. ‘When I was an athlete, my life was…

Blending ballet, Pilates and cardio training, Barre is a low-impact way to get your sweat on and sculpt those muscles. This series of dynamic exercises is designed to inspire your summer movement goals, whether you are at home or travelling. In as little as 10 minutes, you’ll experience focused and effective training that will leave you feeling strong, confident and motivated. All you need is a mat, chair and optional hand weights (500g or 1kg). WARM-UP SECOND TO LUNGE WITH PUNCH This exercise works your quads, glutes and core. • Stand with feet in a wide second position (A), then bend your knees into a plié (B). • Rotate your left foot into a lunge position while reaching your left arm across your body (C). Ensure your arms are held…