Women's Fitness September 2024

In the workout world, we often talk about September as being the month in which we think of ‘getting back to fitness’ – the premise being that many of us fall off the exercise wagon when holidaying, socialising and generally keeping busy with other activities over the summer months. I never used to subscribe to this way of thinking, as I love to run, hike or cycle when abroad. After all, what better way is there to see another location? But now as a mum-of-three, although I try to exercise regularly during the summer holidays, there’s a natural reduction in volume as my energy gets invested in other adventures. That’s why I think it’s great that this issue has packed 24 extra pages of home workout guidance in it (from…

STAR LETTER ‘YOU’VE PUT ME BACK ON TRACK’ ‘I’ve had my August issue for over a week now, as I’ve been feeling so low I couldn’t read. After a fall that put me out of action for a few weeks, then coming down with Covid for the first time, I thought I’d never get back to the gym. However, I’ve just sat down and picked my magazine up to read the Ellie Simmonds’s article and I burst out crying. What she said has really motivated me to pick myself up – so I’m off to get my bike fixed and, while it’s being done, I’ve booked a body pump session! Thank you Ellie and WF – you’ve put me back on track.’ Kirsty Congratulations Kirsty, you’ve won our star letter…

Ooh la la! Inspired to update your workout wardrobe after watching the 2024 Paris Olympics? Why not add a little ‘French girl’ style to your fitness kit with pieces from the freshly updated Harmony sports range from proudly Parisian lingerie brand Simone Pérèle (uk.simone-perele.com). Originally launched in 2022 in collaboration with French fitness guru Lucille Woodward, the highly technical yet effortlessly stylish range is now available in a stunning deep French navy with signature gold trim, with the addition of two new styles seen here: the Harmony Sports Top, £85, and the Harmony Cycle Shorts, £65. J’adore! WEAR THIS… Bend me, shape me Lululemon’s new collection of reversible light-support bras can be switched from front to back so you can revamp your gym style in a flash. Built for yoga,…

LUIS RIBEIRO Ribeiro is a world-renowned physiotherapist and body healer. He is also the founder and clinical director of Club Health (clubhealth.uk), which is committed to unlocking potential and health span in individuals. Q What are the best ways to measure and track my fitness progress? I used to focus solely on my weight, but now I’m not sure if this is the best way to measure my overall health and fitness. A When it comes to measuring and tracking fitness progress, focusing solely on weight can be misleading. While it can provide some insights, it doesn’t capture the full picture of your overall health and fitness. Here’s how to track fitness progress effectively: Body measurements: Taking regular body measurements is a more comprehensive approach than just monitoring weight. Measure…

COVER INTERVIEW When you read this interview with long-distance runner Eilish McColgan – conducted ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, while she was altitude training at the ASICs training camp in Font-Romeu, France – you will already know whether her battle to get to her fourth Games resulted in a medal or not. But, as Women’s Fitness found out, winning another Olympic gold really wasn’t a priority for McColgan, since suffering one of her most challenging years ever in the lead up to Paris 2024. In fact, as McColgan puts it bluntly, ‘It’s all about the longevity of my career and my health at this moment in time, because I want to be running into my 40s and possibly even my 50s. I want to still enjoy running, just…

It’s easy to forget the importance of connecting to your pelvic floor, but this intricate web of muscles might be the most important you’ll ever target in a workout. Not only are your pelvic floor muscles responsible for postural stability, mobility (or immobility), organ support and their optimal function, but they are also in charge of stress and pain responses in your body. The pelvic floor muscles are at the base of your pelvis, interconnected with your core and your glutes, which is why this workout targets your bottom and pelvic floor muscles at the same time. As women journey through their lives, their pelvic floor muscles are challenged and changed, from pregnancy to child birth to menopause. From physical intra-abdominal pressure, to emotional stress and hormonal shifts, the pelvic…