Women’s Health Australia's mission is to help Aussie women feel happier and healthier (every single day!) with the ideal mix of fitness, food, nutrition, mindfulness, wellness, fitspo fashion and beauty, plus so much more.
When it comes to heroes, female athletes have always been some of our biggest trailblazers. Time and time again, they display the kind of resilience, bravery and mental toughness that can’t be matched – never afraid to break down barriers, smash long-held records or prove the doubters wrong. From Cathy Freeman’s unforgettable 400m gold-medal-winning run, to Ash Barty’s historic win at the French Open in 2019, making her the first Aussie woman in 46 years to take the singles title, they’re the kind of inspiring, uplifting role models our ever-changing world needs now. In March last year, we started shooting some of this country’s biggest sporting names for the pages of Women’s Health. In top condition after almost four years of meticulously planned training to reach their mental and physical…
THE BIG QUESTION Can you get rid of calluses from exercise? Answer They’re up there with sweaty armpits and camel toe in the ranks of unwanted gym buddies – but calluses due to exercise are irritatingly common. On your hands, the hard skin build-up is most likely a consequence of lifting a 20kg kettlebell or gripping bike handles too tightly. On your feet, they may be flagging repeated pressure on a particular area, caused by gait issues. “This friction may also be caused by inappropriate footwear or simply having bony feet,” says podiatrist Margaret Dabbs. Complications – such as extreme pain – are rare, but they won’t fade away without intervention. Removing the pressure causing them is key, so see a podiatrist about bespoke orthotics or insoles. The DIY approach…
TRUST YOUR GUT In a recent study, participants who were more aware of feeling full had higher appreciation for their bodies. Anglia Ruskin University pros believe that greater gut sensitivity actually increases awareness of the positive functions your body performs – suggesting that tuning into internal sensations can help you build a better body image. Now, that’s some easy intel to digest. S-nap Back Outlook-based brain farts out of control? Try scheduling a post-lunch snooze. People who took regular afternoon naps of at least five minutes had better mental agility, appeared to be more articulate and remembered things better than those who didn’t. Just don’t forget to set an alarm. SOURCE: THE BMJ SUPPORT SQUAD A good move for helping out a pal in need? Make friends with their friends.…
Need for Speed Don’t be surprised if it takes longer to hit your step count when you’re walking with somebody rather than alone. Couples strolling together often decrease their speed, reveals new Purdue University research, especially if they’re holding hands. The takeaway: make a joint effort to pick up the pace and consider a few solo walks, too. 9,815 JUST 10 MINUTES OF EXERCISE CAN ALTER THIS MANY INDIVIDUAL MOLECULES IN YOUR BLOOD. AMONG THEM ARE THOSE THAT REGULATE YOUR METABOLISM, IMMUNITY, STRESS AND APPETITE, WHICH HELPS EXPLAIN WHERE THOSE POSTWORKOUT FEELS – HAPPY, ENERGISED, HUNGRY COME FROM. CLEVER! SOURCE: CELL PLEASE EXPLAIN... Supersets This involves pairing exercises that work opposing muscle groups. You perform them back-to-back before taking a breather. For example, on arms day, you’d do a set…
Rescue Kit If your locks need a dose of love, this innovative find is for you. Sisley La Creme 230, $125, can repair and defend your ’do against heat damage of up to 230 degrees. Plus, it leaves hair feeling soft and silky and limits the degradation of keratin (which, in turn, leads to breakage and split ends). Sign us up! Pop Quiz! How long can you hold onto make-up? A 3-6 MONTHS B 6-12 MONTHS C 2 YEARS ANSWER: A + B Hot and humid bathrooms can be a breeding ground for bacteria in cosmetics, which can spell skin breakouts and inflammation. Our handy rule of thumb: keep “wet” products such as mascaras, liquid eyeliners, cream concealers, cream eyeshadows, lip glosses and lipstick for three to six months. “Dry”…
Some Like It Hot This one’s for you, spice fiends. New research indicates that those who regularly eat chilli pepper live longer, with a 25 per cent reduction in death from any cause compared with those who never or rarely partake. While the reason isn’t yet confirmed, previous studies have suggested that chilli’s capsaicin (that’s the spicy bit) contains powerful antioxidants, as well as antiinflammatory properties. Keep that in mind for your next curry order, yeah? SOURCE: AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION 6 THAT’S HOW MANY HOURS BEFORE BED YOU SHOULD STOP DRINKING CAFFEINE TO SAVE YOUR SLEEP. IN OTHER WORDS, IF YOU HIT THE PILLOW AT 11PM, YOU CAN KEEP SIPPING UNTIL 5PM – ANYTHING TOO CLOSE TO BEDTIME CAN MAKE IT HARDER TO GET ZS. SOURCE: INSTITUTE FOR SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION…
