Innholdsfortegnelse for February/March 2026 i Women's Fitness Australia

As we step into a new year, there’s a unique kind of magic in the air — the sense that everything is possible, and that what we choose now shapes what unfolds next. My word for the year is alignment: aligning how we live, work, rest, and recover with what our bodies truly need. In this issue, we explore exactly that. We dive into the science of how the menstrual cycle impacts women’s sleep, explaining why certain weeks feel effortless and others feel anything but — and, most importantly, what to do about it. We also take you to Bali for our Best of the Best hotel escapes, spotlighting restorative stays at Six Senses and Karma Kandara — destinations where rest is elevated to an art form. You’ll also meet one of our Women to Watch, Camilla Thompson, Australia’s…

The journey itself feels like a prelude to adventure. I arrived from Nadi International Airport, taking a scenic 15 minute helicopter flight that skimmed over the turquoise waters of Fiji’s western coast. The aerial view revealed the Mamanuca Islands’ pristine beaches and coral-studded waters, setting the tone for a stay that would be as visually spectacular as it was rejuvenating. For those who prefer a more grounded approach, a one hour boat ride from Port Denarau Marina offers equally breathtaking perspectives, with the sea breeze and warm sun on your face immediately transporting you to island time. Upon arrival, the warm Fijian welcome was unforgettable. Guests are greeted with traditional kava ceremonies and a heartfelt “Bula!” a simple yet sincere greeting that instantly makes you feel at home. Walking through…

When it comes to fitness goals, building muscle and burning fat usually top the list, but strength training offers far more than just physical gains. From boosting your metabolism and building lean muscle, to protecting your joints and supporting hormone health, lifting weights benefits every woman whatever her age or ability. But how heavy should you go to feel the benefits? Should you be lifting heavier weights for fewer reps, or reaching for lighter dumbbells and upping the volume? If you’ve stuck with the same ‘three sets of 10 reps’ for years, or avoided strength training because lifting heavy felt too intimidating or ‘too manly’, there’s good news: you absolutely can build strength and sculpt definition using lighter weights and a higher rep count. Not only that but this style…

If you think yoga and Pilates are simply for relaxation and less effective when it comes to fat burning and overall strength, then think again. You’ll get all the breathing, stretching and body-awareness benefits from this yoga circuit, and you’ll also perform six super-effective moves that will raise your heart rate and challenge every muscle from head to toe, whilst lengthening and toning any trouble spots. HOW IT WORKS This energising yet grounding sequence will engage your core and co-ordination, all the while waking up and preparing your entire body. Try doing it after you wake up. Moving first thing in the morning will sharpen your focus, as well as help you to connect to your inner self. This, in turn, will leave you feeling more alert and motivated to…

I considered myself to be fairly healthy before my cancer diagnosis in 2021. I walked, enjoyed nature and ate reasonably healthy food (or so I thought), but I know now that I didn’t really do any of those things with intention and purpose or think about how they fitted in with my lifestyle. Once it was confirmed to me that I had breast cancer, I started doing research – which quickly turned into ‘me-search’ – and I realised there were fundamentals I was getting wrong. My job was, and still is, very involving with a lot of travel and crossing time zones, but I didn’t really honour my sleep or look after myself emotionally or psychologically. I also didn’t understand the importance of moving or eating at the right time…

AIMEE VICTORIA LONG Aimee is one of London’s premier fitness experts, trusted by those who seek sustainable, real results. Her unique approach combines Pilates, barre, strength training and HIIT. Visit aimeevictorialong.co.uk Q I haven’t exercised in years and feel really unfit. I’d like to get back in shape. Where should I start? ‘You’re not starting from scratch again, you’re starting from experience...’ A First, take a deep breath – truly. Choosing to begin again is powerful, and it’s a decision rooted in self-respect. The most important mindset shift to make? You don’t have to ‘earn’ your way back into fitness, you just need to begin. Consistency trumps intensity, every time. Start with 2-3 manageable workouts per week: 20-30 minutes is plenty. Focus on foundational strength moves such as bodyweight squats,…

STATUS UPDATE: FULL NAME: Andi LewINSTAGRAM: andi.lewTikTok: andi.lew Tell us a bit about your shoot - where, when, the idea behind it, etc... I’ve been a wellness expert contributor to Women’s Fitness magazine for over a year and have been living in Los Angeles where I have been producing and hosting my Podcast, Well to Do. Upon returning to Bondi, we decided to spontaneously shoot a cover to inspire readers to understand fitness and healing as not just ‘physical’, but also, energetic. A January appearance on the Today Show show, featured quantum energy, and Leela Quantum, so we brought that to life here! I am wearing the same harmonising necklace that Zac Efron has also been seen wearing on his Instagram post playing golf, shirtless. Are there any other funny…

But after spending time here, it becomes clear that the real magic isn’t just visual. It’s visceral. It’s the energy of the place — and the people within it. There’s a calm that settles in quickly, one that feels genuine rather than curated. The staff carry a warmth and ease that can’t be trained. That energy speaks louder than any award, and it’s what stays with you long after you leave. My Villa: Private Pool, Cabana and all. The villas are designed with spaciousness in mind — space to think, to feel, to slow down. My suite was absolutely the way to go, complete with a private pool, cabana, and sweeping, jaw-dropping views. The kind you see in the movies. Except it’s real — and it’s right in front of…

Do you prioritise over-the-counter products or on-the-plate goodness? If you’re opting for beauty products and wellness supplements, you’re not alone. New research reveals that nearly half of the UK population admits it chooses supplements as a quick-fix over a healthy, balanced diet. Indeed, data shows that leafy greens (containing folates for hair growth) and protein-rich oily fish (which can support muscle repair) are missing from a third of British diets. That’s why Strictly star Oti Mabuse was first to be served at Green Chef’s first Wellness Counter at Battersea Power Station this summer. ‘I’m a sucker for a trend, but over the years I’ve discovered how I fuel my body is the secret to feeling good,’ she says. ‘With a busy schedule, I’m always looking for ways that I can…

We’ve all been there after a hard workout, when simply getting up out of a chair or lifting arms to hold a hairdryer can make you wince! Muscles can become tight and stiff after an intense workout, but the good news is that’s where foam rolling can help. Once preserved for pro athletes but now common place among the fitness masses, a foam roller is a self-myofascial release (SMR) tool that can improve your mobility and reduce muscles soreness by improving blood flow to affected areas. It’s the perfect thing to do after a workout or on a rest day alongside stretching, and can really help to speed up your recovery. Easy to use, you roll your bodyweight back and forth over a foam roller to apply pressure to tight…

If you’re trying to eat more healthily, discovering that 95 per cent of diets don’t work can make for sobering reading. Counting calories may lead to a temporary drop on the scales but chances are you’ll gain weight once you come off the diet, or your body will adapt to the perceived threat of reduced food intake by slowing your metabolism, increasing hunger hormone ghrelin and reducing satiety hormone leptin. But all is not lost – adopting a weight-loss plan that includes your mind as well as your body has been shown to have lasting results. Here’s how… ‘Adopting a weight-loss plan that includes your mind as well as your body has been shown to have lasting results’ MIND OVER MUNCHING One reason we need to take a psychological approach…

From bold new books and breakthrough beauty to unforgettable events and inspiring escapes — this season is packed with ways to energise your body, expand your mind, and elevate your wellbeing. As always, I’ve handpicked the standouts: the experiences that moved me, the products I swear by, and the people redefining wellness in real time. Whether you’re chasing deep sleep, glowing skin, stronger energy, or a moment to reset — consider this your insider guide. The wellness world is buzzing right now… and these are the names you need to know. TRY Zilch – Digestion & Bloat Formula Clinically formulated with over 15 years of experience, TGA listed Zilch supplements are exactly what you think they are - no nasties, no hidden additives, just pure ingredients to help you feel…

WHY IS WORKING OUT AT HOME CRUCIAL FOR SO MANY WOMEN? Home workouts are phenomenal and they are hugely popular for a very good reason. Practical and accessible, they remove almost all barriers to exercise because you don’t need any fancy equipment, you don’t need to take time out of your busy day to travel to and from the gym, you don’t need childcare, and can enjoy a great workout in a very small space. When I first started doing home workouts, I didn’t have any fancy fitness trackers or cute workout clothes. I had one pair of tennis shoes that I’d had since high school, and I was just working out in the hallway of our one-bedroom basement apartment when I had 15-30 minutes spare, usually when my son…

Perimenopause stopped Petra Coveney in her tracks aged 45. At a time when menopause wasn’t widely discussed, and unable to find the self-help information she needed, Petra immersed herself in a journey of research, education and self-healing that eventually led to the foundation of Menopause Yoga, which supports women through perimenopause, menopause and post menopause with classes targeting the symptoms and long-term side effects that come from hormonal changes of midlife. ‘My therapeutic approach uses specially selected yoga poses, movement, breathwork and meditation techniques modified for common menopause conditions such as hot flushes, dizziness, osteoporosis, and joint and muscle pain (including frozen shoulder and inflammation in your lumber spine, hips and pelvis),’ she explains. ‘These techniques can help you feel cooler, calmer, more grounded, ease musculoskeletal discomfort, support sleep and…