Great kit to sweat it out in!

Great kit to sweat it out in.

I am an activewear ADDICT! In my book there’s nothing quite as uplifting or joyful than pulling on a new pair of leggings or heading out for a run in the latest technical top. Its taught me what I love and yes, what I hate! The fitness fashion scene has exploded over the last few years and there are more brands than ever fighting for space in the burgeoning wellness scene.

The one major benefit here of course is that competition means higher standards and higher standards mean a better product for the fit crew (i.e. us!) who want to wear them day in day out.  So now we get to rock the latest styles in comfort, in breathable, technically advanced fabrics that do their job as we sweat – supporting and sculpting our bodies & making us feel generally awesome!

In my job I’m lucky enough to test out lots of brands and have gained a real appreciation for those that are doing it right. Here are some of my favorites:

HPE: From the high performance technical fabric that prevents bacteria build up to the moisture management system that keeps sweat at a distance – I find I can do longer, more demanding workouts in HPE in perfect comfort, its like working out naked yet you have the support! It keeps me cool, supports my body and always commands attention from those who appreciate a strong fashionable legging! Current favorites are the Saturn Leggings and Cross X Seamless Zip Top.  Go check them out – you won’t regret it.

Sweaty Betty: I’m an ambassador for the Richmond store and love exploring SB’s new collections. Effortless, comfy and always on trend, I am a huge fan of the compression leggings and fleece pullovers for running in winter. Keep tabs on my events page for up-coming Fit for Free events at the Richmond store and come and work out with me!

Tiny Fish: I’m a Pilates girl but love a couple of weekly workouts to further challenge my flexibility. Tiny Fish do some lovely pieces for a yoga workout and the prints are so adorable they are great for rest days too teamed with a slouchy tee and jacket. I’m currently wearing the Sway Second Street Legging & Bra Top   

GymTote: The lovely founders of this cool brand kindly sent me their amazing Sophia Tote Bag last year and I haven’t put it down since.  Functional, roomy and beautiful to use, it has the ability to dress you up instantly, even when you’ve just rolled out of bed and are racing to meet a client. I’ve taken mine on flights, to meetings, for lunch – it really does have a multitude of uses and is packed with handy compartments that are perfect for things like lip balm, keys, make-up, deodorant etc. The best thing about it – if you’re carrying sweaty workout gear nobody ever need know! 

Every Second Counts: As the brand name suggests, this line is designed with busy women and men in mind. We all know how hectic life can be so why not spend it in the best gear that makes you feel great as you rush around the city or chase your tail to the next HIIT class? The website is like entering into an editorial spread where wellness and activewear fuse harmoniously so you may well come away with some healthy lifestyle tips as well as a new running top! My favorite piece in the current collection is the Live Everyday Legging

LilyBod: I love LilyBod’s insta feed so was delighted when the AVA Graphite Neutral leggings landed on my doorstep. This is the go to brand if sleek, bold, cutting edge shapes are your thing. The style is so distinctive yet super flattering for all shapes and sizes. And more importantly they are breathable versatile enough to be dressed up or down with pretty much anything. 

Nutritional Must Haves

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That old saying ‘you are what you eat’ is so simple, yet so true. The food we put in our bodies has huge implications on our health and wellbeing and with so many choices around us these days, it’s not difficult (or indeed expensive) to be healthy. Just a few tweaks to your diet can reap huge rewards and it doesn’t mean you have to forgo the odd treat now and again. After all what’s life without chocolate?!

Here are some of the foods I work into my week.

  • Medjool dates with cashew butter – THIS IS RIDICULOUS and actually unbelievably good for you. I recommend slicing the date lengthways and taking the stone out, then filling with a spoonful of almond butter. Heaven!
  • Steamed greens with sesame seeds – grab some seasonal greens and pan fry with a little coconut oil and toasted sesame seeds.  Super easy and makes a brilliant side dish to meat and fish.
  • Cashew butter on wholegrain toast – I buy my bread from Gail’s Bakery and like it thick with lashings of cashew butter. Pair with a black coffee for the perfect start to the day.
  • Handful of nuts – mixed nuts, pistachios, almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts….all of these are packed with great fats, fibre and omega 3 fatty acids. I like to put them in a snack box and munch on them throughout the day, perfect for a quick energy boost
  • Sweet potatoes – switching up white potatoes for these beauties will give you an extra dose of vitamins and are rich in beta carotene which helps to boost our immunity to disease. Depending on the dish, I like to oven bake them or roast them as chips with a dash of olive oil, black pepper and paprika.
  • Dark chocolate – a little of what you fancy does you good right? My go to sweet snack is dark chocolate – a few squares with a nice glass of red never fails to hit the right notes.  

Fab healthy snack idea from LA nutritionist Kat Turner.

For more info on FATS go to my blog The Skinny on Fats!

Every Second Counts - 5 Core activating moves

The ESC Blog

Your go-to guide for staying healthy, living well and exercising smarter. These days it's not just about a trip to the gym, it's about maintaining a healthy lifestyle that your body and mind will thank you for. Inspiring you to fulfill your potential and make every second count.

 

These are my top 5 body strengthening Pilates moves you need in your life! The combination workout is designed to activate your core, move your joints and get your system running so you move with greater ease and fluidity throughout your day. Activating the core with the correct form will reduce back pain and muscle tension.

Follow these five core-activating moves at home and if you want to work harder, simply add additional reps! I always advise setting yourself a goal to stick you so you can track your improvement and it’s a great way to stay motivated too…

1. DOWNTON ABBEYS

x 20 each side

TARGETS: Thighs, bum & legs, activates core

1)  Standing straight, lift the left leg up behind you, point the toe and sweep it across and behind the body, placing the toe on the floor like an extended curtsey. Squeeze the bum and keep that leg straight!

2)  Bend both knees lining the back knee up with the back of the front heel and hinge your upper body down over the thigh, Don’t let the knee come beyond the toe and keep that belly pulled in.

3)  Now stand up, Squeeze the inner thighs for a beat and reach your leg back to starting position. Repeat on the other side

2. DANCING PLANK

x 5 reps each side

TARGETS: Upper arms, shoulder girdle, activates core

Get into a plank position resting the weight on your hands and balls of feet, pull your belly in and engage the abs.

1)  Release the left leg, exhale and move the knee forward into your body towards your forehead (don’t let the back fall down), stretching it as far in to your chest as you can. Inhale, push it back out to your starting plank position.

2)  Exhale, Sweep the leg around to towards the same shoulder (as if your polishing a table) Inhale, push it back out to your starting plank position.

3)  Sweep it diagonally across the body and touch the opposite elbow. Inhale, push it back out to your starting plank position.

4)  That’s 1 rep, now to the other side.

3. CORSET TWISTS

x 40

TARGETS: Hamstrings, inner thighs, activates core.

1) Sit on the floor and bend your knees in front of you

2) Inhale and ab curl down about a third of the way

3) Bend the arms towards the chest, knuckles pressed together, elbows high and pull the pelvic floor up.

4) Exhale, twist the whole body to one side, then twist to the other side exhaling through the mouth with each twist. Twist through the upper body but keep the pelvis still to really work your abs!

4. TRICEP LUNGES

x 10 dips x 3

TARGETS: Hamstrings, triceps, activates core.

1)  Sitting on the floor with your feet grounded and hip width apart. Hands are 8 inches away from your bum with fingers faced forward.

2)  Now lift the bum up and push the hands away from the ground without locking the arms. Keep that neck long!

3)  Keep the connection between the elbows and don’t let them open up as the body dips down
slightly towards the floor while the elbows bend. Imagine the elbows are tied together!

4)  Now back up to position 2 by straightening the arms.

5. TWISTING PLANK

x 10 each side

TARGETS: Arms, side body, activates core.

1) Start in a plank position but with wide feet.

2)  Stack the wrists, elbows and shoulders in 1 line, and release the right hand.

3)  Inhale, sweep the right hand straight past the chest as you twist through the rib cage and pelvis, pushing the right arm towards the sky.

4)  Exhale, reverse and bring the hand back to the start position.

5)  Repeat on the other side! (add small hand weight for an extra challenge!)

 

 

Compiled by celebrity trainer, Sam Eastwood. Find out more about Sam here

Sam wears our Challenge Crop and Live Every Day Legging