Markus Andrews

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    Pilates Newbie? Learn This Pilates Lingo To Help You Keep Up In Your First Class

    Pilates is hugely underrated as a form of exercise. The movements are so tiny and the weights so light… how can it possibly be effective, right? Well here’s the thing: You don’t always need to be lifting huge chunks of metal with a full range of motion to build strength and muscle tone. And with the ‘That Girl‘ aesthetic going viral on TikTok, Pilates classes are finally having their time in the spotlight. If you’re new to Pilates, though, you may find you struggle to keep up because the teacher is speaking a foreign language a.k.a. using Pilates terms. Use this guide to decode some of those common, yet totally weird, Pilates terms.
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    Pilates Terms You Should Know:
    “Scoop your abs.”
    May sound like: “Tilt your pelvis.”
    What it actually means: Pull your tummy muscles in towards your spine and simultaneously up towards your chest. This helps lengthen your waist and stabilises your spine during movements. Pilates is all about moving well to prevent injury. You don’t need an ice-cream scoop to perform this move.
    “Articulate your spine.”
    May sound like: Move vertebra by vertebra.
    What it actually means: Rolling or unrolling your spine, either from standing, so you’re rolling forward towards the ground, or sitting upright, so you’re rolling onto your back. The idea is to move slowly, little by little, and with control. Moving this way increases flexibility in your back.
    WATCH: This 45-minute Pilates Class With Kedibone Matlala Is A Great Home Workout With No Equipment
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    “Lengthen through the crown of your head.”
    May sound like: Lengthen through your spine.
    What it actually means: Sit or stand as tall as you possibly can. So no out-of-body experience then.
    “Soften your elbows.”
    Also: “Soften your knees.”
    What it actually means: Whether it’s your elbows or knees that are getting the “softening” treatment, you don’t need Ingram’s to do it. All it means is that you shouldn’t lock the joint.
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    READ MORE: What You Need To Know About Doing Pilates For Weight Loss
    “Fire your glutes.”
    May sound like: Engage your glutes.
    What it actually means: If your Pilates teacher gives you this instruction, all you’re doing is activating your butt muscles as you prepare to move. Case in point: If you’re lying on your back, about to go into bridge pose, squeeze your bum before you lift your hips.
    WATCH: 45-Minute Pilates Home Workout With The Movement Lab Using A Chair And Water Bottles
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    “Wrap your thighs.”
    What it actually means: With your legs together, rotate your thighs outwards very slightly, as you simultaneously squeeze the backs of your inner thighs together. No contact plastic required.
    READ MORE: I’ve Only Been Doing Pilates For A Month And Discovered This Amazing Sex Benefit
    “Bring your wings down.”
    What it actually means: No, this is not proof that Pilates is some woo-woo practice created for fairies. It’s not referring to actual wings. Simply pull you shoulders down away from your ears. Your neck feels better already, right?
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    “Open your chest.”
    May sound like: Chest wide.
    What it actually means: “Scalpel!” No, not really. Just pull you shoulders back and breathe more deeply so your chest expands.
    “Knit your ribs.”
    May sound like: Draw the ribs in.
    What it actually means: As much as a rib-shaped tea cosy would make an interesting talking point at your next brunch, what you want to do here is pull your front ribs, just below your chest bone, closer together. You’ll feel your upper abs engage. It also stabilises your spine. Pilates is especially good for those with back pain.
    WATCH: Beginners’ Pilates Workout With A Stretchy Band (And Practice Your Newly Learnt Pilates Terms)
    [embedded content]
    “Pull towards your midline.”
    What it actually means: It sounds like something out of Olympic rowing, but the ‘midline’ is actually an anatomical term for an invisible line down the centre of your body that divides left from right. If you hear this phrase in your Pilates class, you’re probably pulling your leg towards your other leg.
    READ MORE: 4 Genius Exercises From A Pilates Teacher That Will Help You Touch Your Toes
    “Ground your feet.”
    May sound like: Anchor your hips.
    What it actually means: Imagine yourself standing normally and someone bumps into you. You’ll probably stumble, because your weight was more on one foot than the other and you were actually kind of leaning on the side of that foot. Now imagine standing with your feet firmly planted. That’s grounding.
    “Hinge from your hip.”
    May sound like: Break in the hip.
    What it actually means: Bend forward at the hip joint, without rounding your back or bending your knees. Think of a laptop – the screen is the top half of your body, the keyboard is the lower half. Neither bends when you close the laptop.
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    *Adapted from the Best of Women’s Health Big Book of Pilates.
    Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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    6 Sustainable K-Way Products We’re Loving This Winter

    Are you even South African if you don’t whip out the K-Way as soon as the temperature starts to dip? Cape Union Mart is the first-stop destination for Saffas on the hunt for outdoor gear, gadgets or, yes, winter threads. And the K-Way down jacket is the unofficial uniform for braais, camping trips, festivals… and any other outdoor activity. 
    Now, the iconic local brand has taken things a step further by giving SA’s favourite cold gear a sustainable makeover. We’re talking social and environmental responsibility that invokes real, impactful change. 
    K-Way is constantly striving to do things better, more ethically and more sustainably. And their partnership with Re:Down® is helping them do just that. Re:Down® is an international company that collects used down from post-consumer goods. Then begins a thorough process of sorting, extracting, washing, drying, sterilising and quality-checking before the down is cleared for good-as-new reuse. 
    READ MORE: How To Change Up Your Skin Routine For More Hydrated Skin This Winter
    K-Way is the first manufacturer in Africa to use Re:Down® in its apparel, including their much-loved puffer jackets. So if you’re wanting to upgrade your outdoor gear, why not choose something with sustainability in mind? This gear guide is good for the environment and perfect for your many exciting adventures ahead!
    6 Sustainable K-Way Products To Buy RN
    K-Way Women’s Ember Re:Down Jacket 
    K-Way Women’s Ember Re:Down JacketR 1 999Buy It
    This sustainable style icon is upcycled and made from 100% Re:Down®. Made from quality upcycled down with 650 fill power for added warmth and comfort, the jacket features a seamless tube construction that minimises down migration. And to keep the cold air out? You have two hand-warmer pockets, two internal drop-in pockets and elasticated cuffs and hem. It also comes with a compression bag for easy and convenient storage when travelling. 
    K-Way Women’s Edge Waterproof Shoe
    K-Way Women’s Edge Waterproof ShoeR 1 499Buy It
    Looking to spend more QT in nature? This shoe is perfect for day hikes and other light hiking adventures. Thanks to reinforced support from the Ortholite insole, CMEVA midsole and Vibram outsole, as well as a waterproof construction, it protects your feet against the elements so you can move with ease. It’s also made with recycled materials, allowing you to do your bit for the environment, too.
    READ MORE:  11 Best New Running Shoes That’ll Inspire Your Next PB
    K-Way Eco Fleece Beanie
    K-Way Eco Fleece BeanieR 149Buy It
    Keep a warm head this winter. Made from 100% recycled polyester fleece fabric, it is specially designed to keep your head and ears warm on those colder days. Orange not your colour? This beanie comes in 11 different colours, from black to teal to dusty pink and even ochre, so you can match your beanie to any outdoor outfit. Who said you had to sacrifice style in the name of sensibility?
    K-Way Eco Evo Medium Gear Bag
    K-Way Eco Evo Medium Gear BagR 650Buy It
    The durable ripstop material is made from 14 recycled plastic bottles. The heavy-duty lockable YKK zips and buckles keep belongings secure, while the additional sling carry strap assists in carrying heavier weights. Plus, an inner mesh pocket makes organising your gear easy and external side pockets on both sides allow for additional storage.
    K-Way Men’s Creek Re:Down Jacket
    K-Way Men’s Creek Re:Down JacketR 1 999Buy It
    Made from Re:Down®, 100% recycled 90/10 down feather with 650 fill-power, this sustainable jacket is the ideal hiking, travelling and camping companion, offering cold weather protection during all your outdoor adventures. It has windproof and vapour permeable fabric, a durable water-repellent outer layer, two zip-enclosed hand pockets, elasticated hem and cuffs and a wind-baffle system behind the centre-front zip to conquer the cold.
    READ MORE: Stay Warm This Winter With This Vegan Minestrone Soup
    K-Way Men’s Edge 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boot
    K-Way Men’s Edge 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking BootR 1 699Buy It
    Designed for light hiking, this boot features reinforced support, as well as waterproof construction to keep the elements at bay. The hiking boot is also made with recycled materials; a recycled rip-stop, PU upper and inner fabric make the world of difference. So he can do his bit for the environment while exploring the great outdoors.

    READ MORE ON: Fitness Gear Sponsored More

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    Finally, You Can Rent Gym Equipment For Home Workouts

    Creating your own gym from scratch is pricey, especially if you’re a treadmill junkie. You’ll often need to buy things month-to-month, adding slowly until you have a dream-worthy squat rack.
    The only other option, until now? Get a gym membership. But a new business, Striide, is out to solve your empty home gym woes by letting you rent gym equipment.
    READ MORE: The 15-Minute Kettlebell Workout That’ll Give You Major Gains
    It started when Brett and Mark Levy, joint CEOs of telecoms company, Blue Label Telecoms, realised lockdown was going to seriously hamper their #gainz. “With gyms closed to the public, and under level 5 restriction of not being able to exercise outside, the dynamic duo was more so motivated to help South Africans to maintain their fitness goals in the comfort of their own homes,” says account director Ems Moipone Tsotetsi.
    Now, you can rent, rent to buy, or outright purchase gym equipment. Options range from all-in-one dumbbells (with a stand) to treatmills to rowing machines. Prices start from R579 for 24 months.
    READ MORE: REVIEW: I Tried A Vibrating Foam Roller PLUS How You Can Win One
    How To Rent Gym Equipment
    Simply visit the website, view the equipment online, and secure your rental. You can rent from any amount of time, including six, 12 or 24 months. Maintenance, delivery and installation are included in rental fees, too.
    READ MORE: 5 High-Impact Sports Bras That’ll Actually Keep Your Boobs in Check

    READ MORE ON: Fitness News More

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    5 High-Impact Sports Bras That’ll Actually Keep Your Boobs in Check

    If your bra size is any bigger than an orange, chances are, finding a proper sports bra to support you when running, jumping and trying to keep up with the svelte trainer is a gargantuan task.
    There just aren’t many options for big-boobed women to choose from. It can be really difficult to find a bra that’s supportive, doesn’t make having bigger boobs a nightmare, and will make us feel super cute.
    We’ve tracked down some high-impact sports bras that can fit up to an extra-large or can be custom-made to suit your needs, and the best part — they’re everything a curvy girl could want! Plus, we’ve slipped a few medium-impact gems in, too. Because we’re not jumping up and down every day, are we?
    Why Wear A *Good* Sports Bra?
    Like many things in life, breasts are pretty complex. They are made up of mostly fat, tissue and ligaments. Because breasts do not contain muscle or are not attached to muscles, they can move independently from the rest of the body and are susceptible to strain. Meaning that our breasts are supported by just skin and ligaments.
    These ligaments, called Cooper’s ligaments, are fragile and once torn, they lose their ability to support the breast leading to pain and saggyness. Women with bigger busts are more likely to have sag due to the skin and ligaments being under more strain because the weight of the breast.
    So, ensure that when choosing a bra, the band is not too tight, there should no spillage or straps cutting into your shoulders… and that you are 100% comfortable.
    READ MORE: Exactly What To Consider When Choosing A Sports Bra
    1/ High-Impact Sports Bras
    High-impact bras are great for high intensity exercises and activities such as running, dance, basketball, kickboxing and HIIT (High intensity interval training).
    PANACHE Ultimate High Impact Underwire Sports BraR 1204Buy It
    This UK-based brand offers support that lowers movement by 83%. Smooth, flat seams eliminate friction and discomfort while the wider straps make for greater support and easing shoulder pressure.
    Lisa Raleigh Body Kind Sports BraR 999Buy It
    This bra is best for changing bodies: women who are losing a large amount of body fat, pregnant women whose bodies are in flux, and anyone else who needs a super-adjustable sports bra. It comes in eight sizes up until 5XL. The chest and shoulder straps are adjustable, with extra hooks in the front to secure the front zip (no more grunting while trying to get your bra off!).
    Asics Color Block Bra IIIR 790Buy It
    A great high-impact bra that’s made from about 78% recycled materials (double yay!) plus broad, breathable straps to keep you supported.
    Under Armour Infinity High Blocked Sports BraR 800Buy It
    This bra incorporates new knowledge that when boobs move, they don’t go up and down, but rather in a figure eight. The padding has this in mind, with adjustable elastic straps and a little more coverage at the front.
    READ MORE: The 6 Best Resistance Bands For Every Type Of Workout, According To Certified Trainers
    adidas TLRD Impact Luxe Training High-Support Bra WomensR 1164Buy It
    These super-detailed bras mould to your breast and keep everything in place while you train. It’s also made with about 60% recycled materials and straps are adjustable. Plus, it’s just so beautiful.
    2/ Medium Impact Bras
    Medium-impact bras still require a fair amount of support for bending over while executing mountain climbers, push-ups and other strength training maneauvres.
    Salomon Essential Move On Seamless Sports BraR 600Buy It
    Seamless construction won’t chafe and the stretch fabric fits most body types and moves with you while you run or work out.
    READ MORE: 11 Best New Running Shoes That’ll Inspire Your Next PB
    adidas PowerImpact Luxe Training Medium-Support BraR 500Buy It
    So many things to love about this bra: the front entry means it’s so much easier to get in and out of, plus the fabric is quick-drying, so you don’t have to look like you’ve emerged from an ocean swim post-sesh.

    READ MORE ON: Fitness Fitness Gear Style Style Tips More

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    REVIEW: I Tried A Vibrating Foam Roller PLUS How You Can Win One

    Confession: When Women’s Health asked me to review a vibrating foam roller – the Hyperice Vyper 2.0  to be precise – my immediate thought was that it was going to be another gimmicky fitness tool that would end up gathering dust in the cupboard. Turns out, I was wrong.
    Vibrating Foam Roller: First Impression
    At first glance, the Hyperice Vyper 2.0 looks just like a regular foam roller – a solid cylinder about 30cm long. In the box, you also get a charging cable and a number of international plug adaptors.
    On closer inspection, there’s an on/off switch on one end and another button on the other, which controls vibration speed. LEDs indicate that it’s on and as well as its level of charge.

    How It Works
    When you switch it on, the foam roller starts vibrating fiercely, even at its lowest speed (there are three). I found it worked better to get in position first and only then switch it on – otherwise it jumped around on the floor alarmingly.
    Initially, I tried rolling on it but soon discovered that keeping it in one spot was the way to go – the vibrations do all the work that I would usually do by rolling back and forth.
    [embedded content]
    What The Research Says
    There seems to be a decent amount of evidence that the vibes actually work.
    For instance, a small study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that participants using a vibrating roller experienced better range of motion in their hips compared to those using a standard roller.
    And a 2019 study in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that vibrating foam rollers had a substantially bigger effect on pain threshold than standard rollers.
    WH Tests It
    I happened to receive the Hyperice Vyper 2.0 vibrating foam roller at a time when a sciatic nerve issue was hampering my training. I found that positioning the trouble spot (my piriformis) on the roller and then holding still while the vibrations went to work gave me relief.
    I could feel the tension easing but I didn’t experience that close-your-eyes-and-go-to-your-happy-place pressure pain that I’m used to with regular rollers. (Incidentally, research backs this up – using a vibrating roller on sore muscles was shown to have a similar effect to regular rolling but participants found it easier and more comfortable.)
    In the weeks that followed, the universe saw fit to throw more muscular niggles my way – forearm, hamstring, back. Clocking time on the roller provided relief for all of the above. I even used it under my feet, although I found it works best on longer muscles, like the hamstrings. NB: Keep it away from your neck – the vibrations are intense and skull-rattling!
    Verdict
    The benefits of foam rolling are numerous but I tend not to do it as often as I should because a) The pain! and b) It’s a mission. I found I used the vibrating foam roller way more often and got results. It’s a yes from me, although at R2 900, it’s an investment.
    WIN a Hyperice Vyper Go vibrating roller worth R3 000!
    Designed for portability, the Vyper Go is ideal for anyone who travels regularly. It’s TSA approved for hand luggage, has three vibration speeds and two hours of battery life. And you can win one rn!

    How do you enter?
    It’s so easy!
    1. Make sure that you are following us on Instagram @womenshealthmagsa and @hyperice2. Then fill in your details and sign up to our newsletter here or below.3. To be eligible for the prize, you must be over 18 and a South African resident, and follow all the steps above.4. The winner will be randomly selected and notified.

    READ MORE ON: Fitness Gear WH Tests It More

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    Exactly What To Consider When Choosing A Sports Bra

    First, let’s get one question out the way: Do you really need a proper sports bra? After all, it’s a lot of money to fork out for such a tiny piece of fabric. The short answer: Yes. Even if your go-to everyday bra is padded and underwired to the max (hello, cleavage!), it doesn’t offer enough support to withstand your workout.
    According to the Portsmouth University research team, more than 70% of women wear the wrong bra size. When choosing a sports bra, they advise looking for a comfortable fit in five areas: the underband, cups, underwire, centre-front and shoulder straps.
    There are no muscles within the breasts – they’re essentially a collection of fat and tissue held to the body by ligaments and skin – and the issue is that neither of these is especially strong. The connective tissue that holds the breast to the chest is comprised of Cooper’s ligaments, which naturally extend with age and over time – but exercise without supporting them properly and they could stretch up to 2cm during high-intensity workouts.
    READ MORE: Finally! Sports Bras That Don’t Feel Like Freaking Straitjackets
    What’s more, contrary to how your breasts may appear to move up and down as you run, burpee or push press, they actually swing in a figure of eight. It was this discovery that inspired the design of Under Armour’s Infinity bra. Instead of following the traditional method of constructing a sports bra – cutting two breast-shaped cups from a flat piece of padding, glueing and layering pieces of foam – they liquid-injected the foam in a figure-eight (a.k.a. infinity sign) shape, making the bra feel more natural and comfortable without sacrificing support.
    Debbie Risius, senior research associate at Portsmouth University, states that a woman’s choice of sports bra can also influence her breathing rate and thermoregulation during exercise. This is down to the fit of the bra and the fabric from which it’s constructed: a 2013 study found that, while all sports bras reduced the cooling ability of the breast – simply by virtue of being another layer of clothing – sports bras made from polyester allowed for better thermoregulation than bras made from other composite materials.
    Now we’ve established that a sports bra is a worthy investment, here are five things you need to know when choosing a sports bra.
    READ MORE: 5 High-Impact Sports Bras That’ll Actually Keep Your Boobs in Check
    1/ Your Bra Size
    All kinds of things can influence the size of your breasts, from your menstrual cycle to pregnancy to weight loss. Yet most of us still buy bras according to measurements taken years ago. What’s more, not only do your breasts change size – bras can vary in size from brand to brand.

    When to get measured: It’s been more than six months since your last fitting, your body has changed or you’re buying a different brand than your usual. Trying on? Make sure you can’t pull the band more than five centimetres from your chest or the straps more than five centimetres from your shoulders. And make sure the cups fully enclose your boobs.
    READ MORE: The 8 Best Groin Stretches For Anyone Who Sits All Day Long
    2/ Your Workout Style
    When you scope out the sports bras on offer, you’ll notice they’re divided into different categories. Usually these will be called high, medium and low impact or high, medium and low support. This is to help you match your bra to the type of workout you do.
    Your workout: Running, bootcamp, martial arts, boxing, bodyweight training, anything involving jumping or skipping
    You need: High impact. Look for racerback straps and padded or moulded cups. If your breasts are small, you could also you use a medium impact bra.
    Your workout: Cycling, spinning, weight lifting, the gym circuit, hiking
    You need: Medium impact if your breasts are small; high impact if they’re medium to large. Look for broad straps and padding and/or sturdy fabric with a light stretch.
    Your workout: Yoga, Pilates, Barre
    You need: Low impact for small boobs; medium impact for medium boobs; high impact for large boobs. Look for comfortable, stretchy fabric, padding optional, strap width according to your preference.
    3/ The Fabric
    You know that feeling when you walk out of a spinning class and your bra feels like a wet sea creature strapped to your chest? Avoid that sea-sponge feelin’ by choosing synthetic fabrics that don’t hold onto sweat. Words like “moisture wicking”, “breathable” and “ventilation” are what you want to see.

    READ MORE ON: Fitness Fitness Gear Style Style Tips More

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    3 Superfoods To Add To Your Grocery List This Winter 

    Brace yourself… winter has arrived. And with it, a slew of annual colds and flu. To make sure your body is totally prepared, these 3 superfoods are your best bet to keep immunity up and boost your energy levels for when you have to power through rainy days and tough workouts.
    But first things first – let’s break down what a superfood actually is. 
    Superfoods are foods that are nutritionally dense. While the term is a bit ambiguous, the basic gist is that these foods are nutrient-rich and offer an array of health benefits while being low in kilojoules.
    Here, three top superfoods to add to your grocery list this winter. 
    Ginger 
    Ginger is a must-have for an array of reasons. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helps with digestion, boosts your immune system and has even been known to help with morning sickness! There are many other proven benefits to this wonderful spice, but aside from medicinal uses, it also just tastes great (in moderation). 
    Ginger has been used in Asian cuisine for centuries, and it’s easy to understand why. The spice adds a somewhat sweet, spicy taste to any dish. You can enjoy ginger in juice form, in your dinner, on your morning oats, or even on its own. It is super versatile and will add some pizzaz to whatever you choose to use it in – and you’ll be boosting your immune system while you’re at it. It’s the perfect addition to any winter meal.  
    Citrus 
    When you think citrus fruits, you probably think vitamin C – and that’s correct. But there’s much more to these zesty superfoods than their vitamin C content. They also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, are an excellent source of fibre, contain an abundance of minerals (like magnesium and potassium), and are incredibly low in calories. 
    There are a variety of citrus fruits to choose from, but some of our personal favourites include oranges, clementines, naartjies, grapefruits, and a classic lemon. Just like ginger, these fruits are incredibly versatile and cater to an array of taste buds. They are incredibly tasty on their own but can also add a great kick to a meal. You could combine citrus juice with some ginger juice for a tasty, immune-boosting drink that will help you kickstart every winter morning.
    Squash 
    During the winter months you can never go wrong with a creamy butternut soup or some fluffy pumpkin fritters, amongst other tasty squash recipes. The great news? Not only is squash (in all its many wonderful forms) a delicious winter comfort food, it’s also healthy! This will depend on how you choose to serve it of course, but squash on its own is actually a great source of fibre. It also comes with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 
    Squash is easily one of the most versatile winter ingredients; it can be enjoyed in soups, purees, pastas, roasts, or on its own. Adding some squash to any winter meal is a super easy way to make sure your body is full of nutrition and ready to tackle the cold. 
    Some other worthy additions to this list of winter superfoods include: carrots, beetroot, kale, sweet potato, and avocado – to name a few. 
    There are so many ways to enjoy winter superfoods. If you focus on including fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices in your winter diet, you’ll be giving your immune system the upper hand when it comes to handling the cold. So be sure to keep eating the rainbow!

    Win with Herbalife!
    This season, we’re giving you even more reasons to get healthy despite the weather. We’re giving five lucky people a Herbalife hamper with everything they’ll need to get in shape, to the value of R2700. The lucky winners will receive:

    1 x Herbalife shaker
    1 x Aloe concentrate drink
    1 x Multifibre
    1 x Vegan protein drink mix
    1 x Tea extracts
    1 x Shake mix
    1 x Yoga mat
    1 x Yoga ball
    1 x Bag

    How To Enter
    Entering will only take a minute.
    1. Make sure that you are following us on Instagram @womenshealthmagsa and @herbalifesouthafrica.2. Stay tuned to the @womenshealthmagsa Instagram page on 23rd June for the competition post.3. Like the post, tag a friend in the comments, and share it to your Instagram story – tagging @womenshealthmagsa and @herbalifesouthafrica.4. The winner will be randomly selected and notified.5. The competition will run from 23rd June – 4th July 2022.6. Terms and conditions apply.

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    Caley Jäck’s Simple Formula For Sticking To A Healthy Lifestyle

    If you’re anything like a normal person, you’d almost always pick a pizza over a salad. Or an extra hour’s nap over waking up early to work out. And like any normal person, you’d still much rather resemble the glowy, sculpted goddess that is our cover girl and Les Mills trainer Caley Jäck. But to achieve this physique and look amazing, there’s a certain amount of resilience that comes with sticking to a healthy lifestyle.
    Of course, queries from people wanting to carve out such a healthy lifestyle are not unheard of for Caley, who’s been a fitness trainer for a long time. She’s also a pre-and post-natal instructor, and many women seek a return to their bodies before giving birth. Here, we’ve teased out bits of wisdom from our interview with her to reveal a down-to-earth approach that shapes her habits – and can help you, too.
    1. Keep It Simple
    A lot of modern-day weight loss and health messaging can be conflicting, misleading and downright confusing. There are so many superfood blends, protein powders and supplements that you’d be forgiven for not knowing where to start. “Keep it as simple as possible,” says Caley. “If it’s creating too much anxiety to integrate into your week, why implement that?” If you can’t find the time to cook a full breakfast, find a way to make it quick and easy, like a fast smoothie or overnight oats.
    READ MORE: Calories Vs Nutrients: What You Need To Know About Losing Weight
    2. See To Your Baseline
    When it comes to supplements, powders and health tonics, Caley is reluctant to jump on the bandwagon. “I really feel that you need to prioritize your baseline nutrition,” she says. “If you can’t consume a full meal, a protein shake is maybe the best way to get your body to absorb [nutrients]. Do that because it works for your lifestyle,” says Caley. “But don’t let that be your meal replacement. Rather try and if possible, prioritize a good, wholesome plate of food.”
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    3. Spend Time Learning About Portion Sizes
    “I’ve never been one that’s able to follow a diet or like an eating plan as such,” says Caley. “I do find there is a benefit in learning more about how to balance your macros.” While physically cutting and measuring portions might be too finicky for you, a simple chart about the correct portions of food goes a long way in figuring out a good balance on your plate. For Caley, this means happily allowing herself to have a muffin – with butter and cheese – but halving her portions. She demonstrates with her plate: “So like okay, I’m not going to have this whole piece of butter. But I’m going to have that section of butter because that is proportion to what my body needs,” she says. Focusing on what your body needs rather than what you want can be a big driver of change.
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    4. Commit To The Change
    If you’re trying to stick to a healthy lifestyle, you’ll have to accept that it’ll be uncomfortable for a little while. But that’s the case with any change. “I feel like if you create a of change within your lifestyle, and you integrate that every day, that’s when it becomes habitual. And when it’s habitual, you don’t have to think about it,” she says. “Anything that requires change takes time and it feels uncomfortable in the beginning. But if you’re wanting to create change, and if you’re wanting to hit certain goals, you need to create change.”

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