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You Need To Make Our Gingerbread Christmas Pudding Recipe This Festive Season

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It’s time to put a new spin on an old classic. And we’d like to introduce you to this Gingerbread Christmas pudding recipe to help you do just that. You’ll warm up your pud by adding gingerbread spices and then drizzle over a luscious ginger caramel sauce for added wow factor.READ MORE: Try This Tasty Snowy Angel Cake Recipe For ChristmasPhotography: Myles New

READ MORE: These 6 Healthy Festive Recipes Will Complete Your Christmas Menu

3 Pre-Made Festive Desserts If You’re Running Low On Time

While this dessert only requires 25 minutes of hands-on time, we understand you might not have more than 30 mins to spend on making a dessert. Bulk up your dessert station by stocking up on some of these delicious pre-made options from Woolworths.

Christmas Fruit Pudding

Looking for a Christmas pudding option sans the booze? We have just the thing for you! This fruit pudding contains no alcohol and is expertly crafted with juicy vine fruit, glacé cherries, roasted almonds and pecan nuts.

Malva Christmas Pudding

This locally-made, all-butter pudding with vine fruits combines two SA faves, malva pudding and Christmas pudding. It’s soaked in a creamy malva liqueur with apricots and made with free range eggs. Yum, yum yum!

Fruit Trifle

What’s a South African summer celebration without a trusty trifle? This trifle doesn’t skimp on any of your favourite ingredients with layers of fruit compote, jelly, vanilla sponge, custard and fresh whipped cream.

READ MORE: How To Manage The Festive Sugar Spike This Christmas – For Adults And Kids

Gingerbread Christmas Pudding

This decadently spiced pud is topped with a ginger caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Yes please!

Prep Time 25 minutes minsCook Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes minsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 55 minutes mins

Course DessertCuisine British

Servings 8 peopleCalories 482 kcal

For The Christmas Pudding175 g Raisins175 g Sultanas100 g Medjool dates, stoned and finely chopped25 g Chopped mixed peel100 ml Apple juice50 ml BrandyButter, to grease150 g Grated apple2 tsp Ground cinnamon 2 tsp Mixed spice2 tsp Ground ginger3 balls Stem ginger/Ginger Preserves, drained and finely chopped 100 g Dark brown soft sugar75 g Treacle75 g Golden syrup100 g Plain flour75 g Fresh white breadcrumbs1 large Egg, beaten25 g Vegetarian suetFor The Ginger Caramel Sauce50 g Caster sugar50 ml Water150 ml Double cream15 g Unsalted butter3 Tbsp Ginger syrup
For The Christmas PuddingPut the dried fruit, mixed peel, apple juice and brandy into a large non-metallic bowl. Mix, cover and leave to soak overnight at room temperature.Grease a 900ml pudding basin and line the base with a disc of baking parchment. Put a 30.5cm square of foil on top of a square of baking parchment of the same size. Fold a 4cm pleat in the centre and set aside.Add remaining ingredients to the soaked fruit, mixing well. Transfer to the basin and press down. Put the foil and parchment (foil side up) on top and smooth down to cover. Tie a long piece of string securely under the lip of the basin and loop over the top to create a handle.To cook, put a heatproof saucer into a large pan that has a tight-fitting lid. Lower in the pudding and pour in water to halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover with the lid, bring to a boil and simmer for 4½hr, topping up the water as necessary.Remove the pudding from the pan and leave to cool completely. Wrap the entire basin in a layer of clingfilm followed by a layer of foil. Store in a cool, dark place and leave to mature for up to 2 months.For The Ginger Caramel SauceHeat the caster sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed pan, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Turn up the heat and bubble until a deep caramel colour – do not stir, rather swirl the pan. Remove from heat and slowly stir in the double cream, followed by the unsalted butter and ginger syrup (from a stem ginger jar). Return to the heat to dissolve any hardened sugar, stirring. Bubble for a couple of min. Take off heat. Cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature over, or alongside, the pudding.To Reheat Christmas PuddingRemove clingfilm and foil and re-cover with a new lid as per instructions in steps 2 and 3. Following method in step 4, steam for 1½hr until piping hot in the centre when pierced with a skewer. Remove from the pan and leave to sit for 5min. Remove lid and invert on to a serving plate. Peel off baking parchment and serve with Ginger Caramel Sauce, if you like.

Tip: Get ahead by making the Ginger Caramel Sauce up to a day ahead. Cool, cover and chill. To serve, reheat gently in a pan.
One serving of Ginger Caramel Sauce is 1 Tbsp. Per 1 Tbsp: 74cals, 0g protein, 6g fat (4g saturates), 5g carbs (5g total sugars), 0g fibre
Per Serving of Gingerbread Christmas Pudding: 408cals, 5g protein, 4g fat (2g saturates), 83g carbs (68g total sugars), 3g fibre
 

Keyword Christmas, Classic Dish, dessert, sauce

Recipes: Meike Beck and Gabriella English | Food Styling: Meike Beck | Prop Styling: Jenny Igglenden | Photography: Kris Kirkham & Myles NewThis recipe was originally published in the November 2018 issue of Good Housekeeping UK More

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    You Need To Make Our Gingerbread Christmas Pudding Recipe This Festive Season

    It’s time to put a new spin on an old classic. And we’d like to introduce you to this Gingerbread Christmas pudding recipe to help you do just that. You’ll warm up your pud by adding gingerbread spices and then drizzle over a luscious ginger caramel sauce for added wow factor.READ MORE: Try This Tasty Snowy Angel Cake Recipe For ChristmasPhotography: Myles New

    READ MORE: These 6 Healthy Festive Recipes Will Complete Your Christmas Menu

    3 Pre-Made Festive Desserts If You’re Running Low On Time

    While this dessert only requires 25 minutes of hands-on time, we understand you might not have more than 30 mins to spend on making a dessert. Bulk up your dessert station by stocking up on some of these delicious pre-made options from Woolworths.

    Christmas Fruit Pudding

    Looking for a Christmas pudding option sans the booze? We have just the thing for you! This fruit pudding contains no alcohol and is expertly crafted with juicy vine fruit, glacé cherries, roasted almonds and pecan nuts.

    Malva Christmas Pudding

    This locally-made, all-butter pudding with vine fruits combines two SA faves, malva pudding and Christmas pudding. It’s soaked in a creamy malva liqueur with apricots and made with free range eggs. Yum, yum yum!

    Fruit Trifle

    What’s a South African summer celebration without a trusty trifle? This trifle doesn’t skimp on any of your favourite ingredients with layers of fruit compote, jelly, vanilla sponge, custard and fresh whipped cream.

    READ MORE: How To Manage The Festive Sugar Spike This Christmas – For Adults And Kids

    Gingerbread Christmas Pudding

    This decadently spiced pud is topped with a ginger caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Yes please!

    Prep Time 25 minutes minsCook Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes minsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 55 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine British

    Servings 8 peopleCalories 482 kcal

    For The Christmas Pudding175 g Raisins175 g Sultanas100 g Medjool dates, stoned and finely chopped25 g Chopped mixed peel100 ml Apple juice50 ml BrandyButter, to grease150 g Grated apple2 tsp Ground cinnamon 2 tsp Mixed spice2 tsp Ground ginger3 balls Stem ginger/Ginger Preserves, drained and finely chopped 100 g Dark brown soft sugar75 g Treacle75 g Golden syrup100 g Plain flour75 g Fresh white breadcrumbs1 large Egg, beaten25 g Vegetarian suetFor The Ginger Caramel Sauce50 g Caster sugar50 ml Water150 ml Double cream15 g Unsalted butter3 Tbsp Ginger syrup
    For The Christmas PuddingPut the dried fruit, mixed peel, apple juice and brandy into a large non-metallic bowl. Mix, cover and leave to soak overnight at room temperature.Grease a 900ml pudding basin and line the base with a disc of baking parchment. Put a 30.5cm square of foil on top of a square of baking parchment of the same size. Fold a 4cm pleat in the centre and set aside.Add remaining ingredients to the soaked fruit, mixing well. Transfer to the basin and press down. Put the foil and parchment (foil side up) on top and smooth down to cover. Tie a long piece of string securely under the lip of the basin and loop over the top to create a handle.To cook, put a heatproof saucer into a large pan that has a tight-fitting lid. Lower in the pudding and pour in water to halfway up the sides of the basin. Cover with the lid, bring to a boil and simmer for 4½hr, topping up the water as necessary.Remove the pudding from the pan and leave to cool completely. Wrap the entire basin in a layer of clingfilm followed by a layer of foil. Store in a cool, dark place and leave to mature for up to 2 months.For The Ginger Caramel SauceHeat the caster sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed pan, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Turn up the heat and bubble until a deep caramel colour – do not stir, rather swirl the pan. Remove from heat and slowly stir in the double cream, followed by the unsalted butter and ginger syrup (from a stem ginger jar). Return to the heat to dissolve any hardened sugar, stirring. Bubble for a couple of min. Take off heat. Cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature over, or alongside, the pudding.To Reheat Christmas PuddingRemove clingfilm and foil and re-cover with a new lid as per instructions in steps 2 and 3. Following method in step 4, steam for 1½hr until piping hot in the centre when pierced with a skewer. Remove from the pan and leave to sit for 5min. Remove lid and invert on to a serving plate. Peel off baking parchment and serve with Ginger Caramel Sauce, if you like.

    Tip: Get ahead by making the Ginger Caramel Sauce up to a day ahead. Cool, cover and chill. To serve, reheat gently in a pan.
    One serving of Ginger Caramel Sauce is 1 Tbsp. Per 1 Tbsp: 74cals, 0g protein, 6g fat (4g saturates), 5g carbs (5g total sugars), 0g fibre
    Per Serving of Gingerbread Christmas Pudding: 408cals, 5g protein, 4g fat (2g saturates), 83g carbs (68g total sugars), 3g fibre
     

    Keyword Christmas, Classic Dish, dessert, sauce

    Recipes: Meike Beck and Gabriella English | Food Styling: Meike Beck | Prop Styling: Jenny Igglenden | Photography: Kris Kirkham & Myles NewThis recipe was originally published in the November 2018 issue of Good Housekeeping UK More

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    The Best Yoga Flow For Relaxation

    Who’s ready for a quick 2-minute relaxation sesh? Pick me! It’s that time of year when burnout, stress and end-of-year blues creep in. If you’re struggling with focus or feeling overwhelmed, this yoga flow is exactly what you need to unwind. Woosah!Time: 2 minutesEquipment: Yoga matGood for: RelaxationInstructions: Flow from one pose to the next. Complete the yoga flow as many times as you’d like. You can also hold each pose for more than one breath, to make the flow a bit longer.Crocodile PoseHow to: Lie on your stomach with your legs extended and spread slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Fold your arms on the ground in front of you, and place your forehead on your arms. Stay here for one breath, then move to the next pose.Cat-Cow PoseHow to: Come onto all fours, into a tabletop position with your hands directly under your shoulders, knees below your hips. As you inhale, lift your head and your tailbone as you arch your spine down and open your chest up, coming into cow pose. Then exhale, tuck your tailbone, curl your spine, and lower your head into cat pose. Go back and forth three times, then continue to the next pose.Child’s PoseHow to: From all fours in a tabletop position, inhale and bend your knees, bringing your butt back onto your heels. Keep your arms extended in front of you. Stay here for one breath, then move to the next pose.READ MORE: Consider This Yoga HIIT Workout A Total-Body ShredCat-Cow PoseHow to: Come back onto all fours, into a tabletop position with your hands directly under your shoulders, knees below your hips. As you inhale, lift your head and your tailbone as you arch your spine down and open your chest up, coming into cow pose. Then exhale, tuck your tailbone, curl your spine, and lower your head into cat pose. Go back and forth three times, then continue to the next pose.Child’s PoseHow to: From all fours in a tabletop position, inhale and bend your knees, bringing your butt back onto your heels. Keep your arms extended in front of you. Stay here for one breath, then move to the next pose.Upward DogHow to: From a low hover position, extend your arms and lift your upper body, with an arch in your upper back, and your chest open and lifted. Your legs should be fully extended, the tops of your feet against your mat, and your thighs lifted a few inches off your mat. Stay here for one breath, then move to the next pose.READ MORE: Boost Your Morning Routine With This Easy 15-Minute Yoga FlowCrocodile PoseHow to: Lie on your stomach with your legs extended and spread slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Fold your arms on the ground in front of you, and place your forehead on your arms. Stay here for one breath. Complete the entire flow as many times as you’d like.This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com. More

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    Is The Thule Urban Glide 3 The Best Running Stroller? I Tried It Out

    As a new mum, getting back into running (or even just some form of exercise) can feel like an uphill battle – especially if you don’t have the right gear. Between squeezing into your pre-baby leggings and actually finding the energy to plan a run, it’s a lot to juggle in those early days.For me, the key items to get were the pram, car seat and cot (these are where I’d suggest investing your money, the rest you can pick up later). So, if you’re hunting for the perfect stroller, you might want to read this first. After all, strollers are a serious investment – you want something that’s going to work for both you and your little one. That’s why I put the Thule Urban Glide 3 to the test, so you don’t have to.Tried & TestedOver the last three months, I’ve walked, jogged and explored with this stroller, and I’m convinced it’s one of the best choices for active parents. We took this stroller everywhere – and when I say everywhere, I mean it. If there was a limit, we were going to find it (spoiler: there weren’t many). Thule is known for performance, and trust me, this stroller doesn’t disappoint.The rotary brake on top of the handlebar.

    The Thule Urban Glide 3 Stroller.

    Large wheels for stability.We really put it through its paces – stability, manoeuvrability, handling and comfort for our little one – and I can confidently say, this stroller clings to the road, offering a smooth ride no matter the terrain. The only challenge? Pretoria’s thorn trees. If you’re not careful, the tyres could take a hit. Mom’s hot take: use bike tyre sealant. That way, if you do get a puncture, it’s not a crisis – you can fix it when you get home.Folding this stroller is a breeze and it fits well in the car. That said, if you’ve got a compact car, you might need to pop the wheels off and get a bit creative with the packing.READ MORE: 10 Super-Cool And Inspirational Fit Moms You Need To Follow On InstagramWhat’s In The Box?The Thule Urban Glide 3 is a full-sized, all-terrain stroller designed for both tiny babies and bigger kids. With added comfort features like a built-in leg rest, an adjustable seat tilt and a soft top that provides full coverage with ventilation, every ride is as comfortable as can be.Specs:Max child weight: 22kg

    Folded dimensions: 88 x 58 x 31 cm

    Pram weight: 11.9kg

    Seat height: 51 cm

    Door passage width: 69 cm

    Max cargo basket capacity: 7kgSo, Is This Stroller for You?If you’re a parent who loves an early morning jog or you’re always planning the next adventure, this stroller ticks all the boxes. It’s lightweight, smooth and ready for action.Pros

    Quick and easy to set up

    Loads of storage

    Adjustable handlebar

    Cons

    A bit bulky, especially for smaller cars

    No completely upright seating positionREAD MORE: This 15-Minute Pregnancy Workout Does It All – FastStand-Out Features I LovedThe Handbrake Yes, there’s a handbrake at the top of the handle! If you’re running downhill or feel like you’re going too fast, you can slow down by gently pulling on the rotary brake.The CanopyThe canopy is massive – it practically reaches your kid’s legs, offering top-notch protection from the sun, wind and even rain. No need to stress about the elements getting in your way.Storage, Storage, StoragePockets. Everywhere. Perfect for stashing snacks, water bottles and all the little things you’ll need on those long walks or runs.Easy Fold You can collapse the stroller with one hand, while still holding your toddler with the other. Yes, it’s that simple.Big WheelsThanks to its large wheels, the Thule Urban Glide 3 offers great stability on the road. We picked up the pace during our runs and I was pleased to find that the pram stayed steady  – never tilting or rattling. READ MORE: Hey New Mom — These Products Will Change Your LifeQuestions You Might Have…Can you use the Thule Urban Glide before six months? Yes, you can! There are bassinet attachments available to adapt the pram for newborns. Plus, there are plenty of other add-on accessories to make the pram even cooler and more functional.Can the Thule Urban Glide 3 recline and sit more upright?The seat can be adjusted with a pull strap at the back. It’s a simple system – pull to raise the seat or loosen it to recline. However, this pram doesn’t offer a completely upright seating position. But our kid seemed to love the slightly reclined position, more time to kick it back and enjoy the view while mom runs. Is it easy to clean or even washable?Straight up, yes! Testing this pram with our toddler definitely had me wondering – because, well, toddlers. Snacks on the go, dirty feet and general messiness are part of the package. But with just a soapy washcloth, I wiped down the seat and cover, left it to dry in the sun and it looked as good as new in no time.What colours does it come in?Thule Urban Glide 3 – Mid Blue

    Thule Urban Glide 3 – Nutria

    Thule Urban Glide 3 Double – Black

    Chamain is the Online Editor of Women’s Health. Explorer by heart, a creative thinker by day and a coffee addict, always. My hobbies include hiking, drawing, painting, photography, cooking and *recently* running. More

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    You’re About To Get Addicted To This Rose-and-Raspberry Lemon Tart

    A fresh dessert is always a good idea, especially when it marries flavours that you wouldn’t have imagined coming together. We’ve picked this delectable creation from award-winning Chef Monché Muller‘s book Harvest Table: A Culinary Journey Through The Wine Regions Of France, Italy, Spain And South Africa. Let’s jump right in!READ MORE: This Braai Dessert Is So Simple Even Kids Can Make ItRose-and-Raspberry Lemon Tart from Harvest Table Book

    Harvest Table: A Culinary Journey Through the Wine Regions of France, Italy, Spain and South Africa

    Chef Monchè’s book blossomed from a casual conversation about good food and wine into a much-loved project that tells many magnificent stories about ingredients, communities, local producers and the people behind Oddo Vins et Domaines wines. The recipes, some traditional and some curated especially for this book, are an ode to some culinary regions in France, Italy, Spain and our very own South Africa.

    READ MORE: You Need To Try This Easy Air Fryer Milk Tart Recipe ASAP

    Rose-and-Raspberry Lemon Tart

    Chef Monché Muller

    Course Dessert

    Servings 8

    1 Food processor1 Tart Dish
    For the crust180 g Cake flour55 g Icing sugar¼ tsp Salt115 g Cold butter, cubed 1 Egg½ Vanilla extractFor the filling125 g Raspberries 100 g White sugar 3 Eggs125 ml Lemon juice 2 tsp Lemon zest90 g Cold butter, cubed 2 tsp Rose waterFresh raspberries, to decorate
    To make the crust, place the flour, sugar and salt in a food processor. Blend for a few seconds, then add the butter and blend until the mixture becomes crumbly.Add the egg and vanilla and continue pulsing until the mixture starts to come together. Do not overmix.Turn out the pastry dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a ball. Flatten slightly to form a disc, cover in cling wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.Roll out the pastry to a thickness of 5 mm, then place in a greased 22 cm tart dish, trimming off any excess. Cover in cling wrap and freeze for 30 minutes.Preheat the oven to 190°C and place a rack in the centre of the oven. Prick the pastry dough using a fork, line with parchment paper, add baking beans and blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove the beans and paper and bake for a further 15 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely.To make the filling, blend the raspberries in a blender, then strain through a sieve to remove the seeds.Whisk the raspberry purée with the sugar, eggs, lemon juice and lemon zest in a saucepan. Place over a low heat and stir using a wooden spoon for 1 minute.Add the butter while stirring until well combined. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon.Strain the filling through a sieve, add the rose water and stir. Place a sheet of cling wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate for 1 hour.Preheat the oven to 190°C. Fill the baked tart crust with the filling and smooth the top. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven, cool to room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 2 hours.Decorate with fresh raspberries to serve.

    Keyword Lemon Dessert, Rasberry

    Latest Recipes To Try: More

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    The 15-Minute Tone Up Workout

    “This workout is simple, but it’ll seriously crank your heart rate and metabolism,” says strength and conditioning specialist Jen Ator.You’ll also increase your flexibility and core strength and sculpt your butt, legs and shoulders, so you can get back to that sun lounger asap. Make this set your travel go-to, or do it three times a week as a super-efficient workout. Starting with the first exercise, perform as many reps as you can in 50 seconds, rest for 10, then move on to the next. After all four moves, rest for one minute. Repeat two more times for three circuits total.You’ll need: Floor space; a mat (optional)Marching Glute Bridge

    Lie face-up with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, arms by your sides. Press through your heels to raise your hips so your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees (A). Raise your right foot, knee bent at 90 degrees, until your shin is parallel to the floor (B). Hold for three seconds, then lower your foot and repeat with the left. Alternate.READ MORE: This Do-Anywhere Workout Will Have You Sweating Up A StormAlternating Reverse Lunge

    Stand with feet hip-width apart, hands clasped behind your head (A). Step back with your right leg and lower your body until your left knee is bent 90 degrees (B). Push back up to start. That’s one rep. Switch legs and repeat.Plank Builders

    Get into plank position, forearms on the floor, elbows under your shoulders, legs extended behind you (A). Place your right hand flat on the floor (B), and then your left, straightening your arms to push-up position (C). Return to start by lowering onto your right, then left, forearms. Repeat, leading with your left hand; alternate.READ MORE: Women’s Health Fitness Special 2024Skater Hop

    Cross your left leg behind your right and lower into a half-squat, your right arm out to the side, left arm across your hips (A). Hop to the left, switching your legs and arms (B). That’s one rep. Keep hopping quickly, alternating from side to side.Moves extracted from The Women’s Health Big Book of 15-Minute Workouts. More

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    Get The Strong Girl Look This Summer With The New Fitness Fusion Collection

    Join the club, the Strong Girl Club. The inspiration behind the latest Fitness Fusion line comes straight from the powerhouse women we see every day. Strong in every aspect of life, whether it’s in the gym, at home, or in the office, these everyday women hustle, grind and make it happen. Fitness Fusion is here to celebrate that strength and grow with you.About Fitness FusionFitness Fusion is all about fuelling your body, moving with purpose, and helping you feel unstoppable. Their goal? To have you feeling confident, supported and ready to take on the world in your activewear.READ MORE: Here’s Why We Love Our Cover Search Partners (And Why You’ll Be Obsessed Too)Support Meets StyleThe design aesthetic is all about Style in Motion; keeping you looking and feeling your best as you work towards hitting that next goal.With high-performance fabrics and flattering fits, Fitness Fusion focuses on superior design and fashion-forward looks – all without breaking the bank. Say goodbye to compromising on quality and hello to the perfect blend of style and functionality. Get The LookSculpt Active Tank (Green)

    Sculpt Active Shorts Black (Green Logo)

    Stanley The All Day Slim Bottle

    Sculpt Active Tank (Pink)

    Lovisa Waterproof Oval Hoops

    Sculpt Active Shorts Black (Pink Logo)

    Fitness Fusion Yoga Block

    Sculpt Active Shorts (Green)

    Lovisa Neutral Coated Claw Clips

    Find them in Cavendish Square, Houghton Estate and online.**WH Partnership More

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    This Do-Anywhere Workout Will Have You Sweating Up A Storm

    When you have to travel or prior commitments (whether it’s your family, kids, work or friends) are making it impossible to get to the gym, it’s always great to have a simple, do-anywhere workout tucked into your back pocket. This one, from SWEAT 1000‘s Andrew Rothschild, is perfect for any space, even a smaller-than-ideal hotel room or the beach, and it will get your heart rate up — just what you need to get all those endorphins pumping and calories burning.Do each exercise move as described, working as hard as you can and resting as indicated. If you’re looking for even more of a burn, repeat the workout from the top for just under 25 minutes of intense calorie burning.The Do-Anywhere WorkoutWarm Up1 minute: bouncing side to side

    1 minute: jumping jacksLower-body WorkoutDo all four exercises in a row, sticking to the time frames. Recover for one minute, then start from the top. Repeat three times. Work hard for the recoveries and use the rest to reset and refocus.40 seconds: squats

    20 seconds: squat pulses

    20 seconds: squat jumps

    40 seconds: reverse lunges, alternating legsREAD MORE: Sculpt A Great Butt With This Home Booty WorkoutFull-Body And Core WorkoutDo all three exercises in a row, sticking to the time frames. Recover for 30 seconds, then start again. Repeat three times. Once again, maximum effort will get you maximum results, so push hard during the exercises and work for those recoveries.30 seconds: 2 push-ups, 4 mountain climbers

    30 seconds: burpees

    30 seconds: cross mountain climbersREAD MORE: 30 Plank Variations That Will Transform Your Core From A TrainerGetting into fitness and looking for more inspo? Buy a copy of The Women’s Health Big Book Of Walking Workouts on sale now! More

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    “I Took On The Wildest Half Marathon — Here’s How It Went Down”

    When it comes to bucket list runs, I’ve ticked off some wild and wonderful locations: the damp forests and slippery glaciers of Patagonia, the icy altitudes of the Alps and Rocky Mountains and the landmark-strewn streets of London and Paris. However, it was Mpumalanga’s Skukuza Half Marathon that provided the most thrilling run I’ve ever had – and I relished every moment. On the eve of the race, we entered the Kruger Park from the Paul Kruger Gate and drove to camp along the Skukuza road. It wasn’t long before we saw the most elegant male leopard out for an evening walk – perhaps hunting now that the sun was low. Deep in the thick bush, we tracked him for ten minutes; his exquisite tawny coat flowing between the muddied backdrop of the Mopaneveld. We lost sight of him behind a huge acacia tree. There was no mistaking it: we were in the land of the untamed, with wild animals and the magic of the African bush.

    READ MORE: The Only Half-Marathon Training Plan You Need Per Run CoachesThe next morning’s race started at 8:30, after a helicopter buzzed any potential threats away. As a safeguard, there were more than 40 armed rangers on the course to help provide a sense of calm. Elephants, hippos, buffalo, leopards and lions were all constantly being urged away from the route by the SANParks helicopter. At first, I mistook it for a TV camera heli, smiling and waving until I realised that every time it came close it was because there were wild animals nearby. Later on I confirmed with the pilot that they were indeed constantly leading buffalo, hippos and leopards away from the course. READ MORE: Running Wild For A Greener FutureOasis Water To Beat the Heat Kruger National Park itself spans 19 455km and Skukuza Camp is just 280m above sea level, so there is no challenge of altitude, but the route is a tough one which many underestimate. Underfoot are mostly gravel roads with slippery corners in places and there’s about 8km of tarred roads, too, so it’s a real mashup with both road and trail shoes being an option. What’s most punishing, however, are the many short but very sharp hills. Overall elevation gain is 218m and it was a scorching 28ºC by 8:30am. This is where the Oasis Water availability throughout the full 21km was a complete game-changer. Not only was it stocked every few kilometres, but it was at a chilled temperature that tasted delicious with every sip and step. There is no doubt this race is a unique, visceral thrill. It’s the real deal: running in the wild, sharing the space with Africa’s most revered game. It hit home hardest when I recognised the acacia tree from the previous evening. Just ten metres away. I did what I had never done before in a race: I stopped, ignored runners in front and behind me and peered into the bush, wondering if there was a leopard staring back.For more information on how to enter, visit krugerparkmc.co.za. And for more details regarding Oasis Water’s dedication to sustainable and healthy living, visit oasiswater.co.za. More