Women's Fitness October 2024

It seemed to happen overnight but autumn has arrived. And with the change in weather comes a shift in the exercise that appeals – and for many of us, this means taking at least some of our workouts indoors. Whatever your set-up – a gym membership, home gym, corner of your lounge – you don’t need a lot of kit to get great fitness rewards. So much can be achieved with minimal equipment. Just try our high-intensity, full-body session using just a set of dumbbells (p28) or some core-carving moves that can be done sans kit (p38). You could even be your very own home yoga teacher and finally master those poses you’ve always wanted to perfect – read international yoga expert Mark Stephens’ advice on page 92 to find…

STAR LETTER ‘SELF-COMPASSION IS IMPORTANT’ ‘Double Your Gym Results (September issue) was just what I needed to read. I go through a dry spell as autumn advances – depression, anxiety, stress, being done with the weather – it hits me like a ton of bricks and I usually take time off from working out. But what I realised while reading this feature was that fitness comes in waves. I may not hit all my workouts, and I am entitled to a rest, but the gym is right there when I am ready to come back. So, I’ve taken on your advice. I’ve got myself a gym buddy – thanks to my lovely neighbour – mixed up my moves, started a new programme of exercise, assessed my weaknesses and tried to…

Made to move Treat every workout as an adventure wearing the Mountain Athletics collection from The North Face (thenorthface.co.uk). This new head-to-toe activewear line fuses durability, breathability and multi-directional stretch for go-anywhere training gear built for sessions that never stop. We love this insulated yet highly breathable Mountain Athletics Cape (£180) that will keep you feeling dry and toasty even when it’s wet, paired with the supportive Mountain Athletics Leggings (£55), made from a quick-drying fabric to wick away sweat for optimal comfort and complete freedom of movement. TRY THIS… Just add water Do you still feel dehydrated even when you’re drinking several litres of water a day? Consider adding electrolytes to your H2O to help transport it to the areas of your body that need it most and beat dehydration side…

KUNAL MAKWANA Makwana is a personal trainer and founder of KMAK Fitness. Visit kmakfitness.com Q Between working, household chores and school runs, I don’t feel like I have the time (or energy!) to exercise these days. It’s got to the point where working out feels overwhelming and intimidating. Do you have any advice on finding my fitness mojo again? A Finding time and energy for exercise amidst a busy schedule can indeed feel overwhelming, but you can regain your fitness mojo. First, it’s important to reframe your perspective on exercise. Instead of viewing it as another daunting task, consider it a necessary ingredient of self-care that enhances your overall wellbeing. Begin with small, manageable goals. Aim for short, 10-15 minute sessions of physical activity that you can easily integrate into…

‘My highlight on Strictly was probably the Charleston with Chris Hollins from BBC Breakfast, back in 2009. I loved that dance, and everyone seemed to love it as well [the ‘swimming’ move on the floor became one of Strictly’s iconic moments]. There were so many amazing moments that it’s difficult to pick just one. It was always great meeting your partner for the first time and helping them go from being a non-dancer to someone performing each week; you’d feel proud having helped them get there. Every year was different and special in some way because you get to work with different people and personalities. Everyone works and learns differently. ‘I left Strictly in 2015 – almost a decade ago now! I don’t miss the intensity of the training as…

When it comes to building muscle and improving strength, you don’t necessarily need a gym membership. Pick up a pair of dumbbells and you can get total-body results using minimal kit. Don’t believe us? Just ask personal trainer Dr Robin Barrett, from the Ladder fitness app (joinladder.com), who has designed this workout using just a set of dumbbells and a mat. ‘Dumbbells are a great way to challenge yourself and get a full body workout whilst improving your balance and co-ordination,’ says Dr Barrett. ‘You can do a huge variety of exercises only using dumbbells, which makes every workout exciting and varied. This makes it’s easier to show up and stay consistent and, therefore, get results.’ THE WORKOUT Pick up some dumbbells and aim to perform this circuit three-to-four times…