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      Strengthen your core in the comfort of your home with this online platform

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      Lifestyle

      by Amy Sessions
      3 hours ago

      Bryony Deery, Founder of The Platform, takes us through her tips to get beach ready.
      What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like at home and how does this differ on vacation?
      During the week I wake up between 5:45-6am, drink a big glass of water and then head downstairs to make my collagen matcha using Enso matcha and Dose & Co Dairy Free collagen. I then take it back up to the bed, I love this me-time. I like to begin my day with a meditation and afterwards, I grab my journal and write my to-do list, my intentions for that day and any thoughts/feelings that come up during my meditation practice. There is something so powerful about early mornings and it’s crucial for me to have an hour to myself before I start my first client at 7am. My routine fits in around the type of vacation I’m on depending on the time difference and whether I have later evenings etc but generally the mornings start in the same way with my mind and body routine followed by a later breakfast. I want to feel my best on holiday and daily movement and mindfulness helps me achieve this. I am less strict on holiday but I like to alternate Pilates with morning walks.
      Can you take us through your top de-bloating tips to be beach ready?
      For me being beach ready is more of a mindset and feeling confident and comfortable in my own skin. Naturally, if I am doing Pilates and meditating my cortisol levels are reduced and therefore I have less inflammation in my body and tend to feel less bloated. On the days thatI am suffering from bloating I have a video on my app that are my go-tos for debloating, perfect for that time of the month andit really does work! Focusing on my gut health is a daily non-negotiable but drinking lots of water, cutting out excess salt, dry brushing and lymphatic drainage massage are all pre-holiday essentials for me.
      Do you exercise each day on vacation and if so when do you carve out time for this?
      I naturally like to always stay active whether I am on holiday or at home. I like to do Pilates first thing before breakfast and then tend to do a walk after breakfast and sometimes again at the end of the day. Walking along a beach with a podcast is pure heaven and such a magical way to start the day and boost your mood. We can all find reasons not to find the time but I am disciplined on this and always make sure I invest in myself and my mental and physical health and schedule the time in each day. I love how Pilates is so easy to do anywhere whether you’re in your hotel room, on the beach, or on a balcony.
      How long have you been using body gua sha and skin brushing and what effect have you seen from implementing these practices?
      I have been body brushing for years! I could talk about the benefits all day long. It helped me with water retention, bloating, detoxing, and skin elasticity and it makes me feel alive before a cold shower in the morning. I love to use my body gua sha to aid in lymphatic drainage and release any buildup there. I do this twice a day and it has become a staple in my bathroom routine.
      How often should we be doing this?
      Once a day minimum. Every day, no excuses!

      What are your go-to products for sun protection as in face, body and hair?

      I never put my face in the sun, I wear a huge hat, sunglasses and sit with my face and chest in the shade. I want to avoid sun damage as much as I can. I use Eurcerin oil control SPF 50 on my face and I like Institut esthederm or ultrasun for my body. Pre-holiday I swear by Amanda Harrington fake tan for the body and tan luxe for the face. Buy both now and thank me later.
      Are you a light packer or a heavy packer and are there any go-to pieces you always pack for vacation?
      I like to pack by outfits so I know I have the right looks for each occasion but then will also add a few extra pieces that I know will go with everything. I always pack a blazer for colder evenings, a comfy but cool pair of trainers that can double up for travel and workouts, oversized shirts that I can wear on the beach over bikinis, Hermes Oran sandals for day-to-night looks and I’m a real fan of maxi skirts as I find them so elegant and flattering with a crop top or bodysuit. My real secret must-have for packing is Muji packing cubes, they are incredibly functional and make unpacking the dream. I am militant when it comes to packing and travel.
      Travelling can disrupt our routines. How do you ensure you maintain your habits?
      By reminding myself that routine is what makes me feel good and asking myself how I want to feel today. I know that my daily rituals are what makes me feel grounded, at peace and healthy. The book Atomic Habits is one of my favourites and a book I recommend to all of my friends. I really believe that staying consistent with small daily habits amount to a big shift in your day and week!
      You recently launched Pilates By Bryony The App – do you find there is a huge demand to work out remotely and what made you take the leap?
      Without a doubt. Since COVID-19 there was a big shift in our attitude towards home workouts. People saw that they could achieve results at home, save time and money on gym membership fees, and fit the sessions in around their home life. There has absolutely been an increase in online fitness, I started with 15 people joining my zoom classes and I am now able to connect with people all over the world via the app. I feel so happy and fulfilled knowing that I can reach so many people and help in some way with their mental and physical well-being.

      “Drinking lots of water, cutting out excess salt, dry brushing and lymphatic drainage massages are pre-holiday essentials for me.” 

      What have been the biggest challenges to date and how did you overcome them?
      Having a scalable platform for lots of users in- evitably has its challenges but I am a firm believer that there is always a way to figure it out and lessons to learn along the way. I am lucky to have a team of incredibly talented people that have been invaluable to me, especially in the last few months. My meditation practice has changed me as a person and in these stressful times I manage to stay relatively calm and positive and tell myself that there is always a solution. Without meditation, I wouldn’t be able to deal with the stressful situations that building a business can bring so I am very grateful for that.
      How have you found social media in terms of supporting brand growth?
      It’s almost impossible to build a brand in today’s climate without having a social media presence and it is a key driver for growth in the online fitness industry. It is also a brilliant business tool and allows you to access insights into your audience and speak directly to the consumer. It still blows my mind how quickly a business can grow based on one key share of a story.
      How do you approach scaling without compromising on quality?
      Scaling a subscription business should never impact quality. I strive to improve the quality as I scale and really listen to my audience. It was harder to deliver quality before launching The Platform because the growth was quicker than I had expected, so I had to figure it out and find a way to grow and develop with demand. I am always read- ing books on startups and businesses as I love to learn.
      This is The Summer Escape Issue – where would you like to escape to this summer?
      With the nature of the business, it can be difficult to completely switch off and escape but I am hoping to really cut down in August and go to Mykonos. I’d like to spend more time in the sur- rounding Greek islands as they look so beautiful and undiscovered. Last summer I worked non stop so the aim of this summer is to work smarter and have more balance when I am away.
      July/August’s – The Summer Escape Issue – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied  More

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      I’m a Yoga Instructor and These Are the Only Poses You Need for a Strong Core

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      As a yoga instructor and fitness fanatic, I know that a strong core is essential for both your exercise routine and daily life. However, most of my students don’t want to spend an entire yoga class working on abs, and I don’t blame them. The good news is you only need a few poses for a phenomenal abdominal workout. Below are my three go-to yoga positions to develop a strong core. 

      1. Plank

      On mornings when I don’t have time for sun salutations, I still squeeze in a minute of planking after a quick stretch. That’s because this popular pose works all four muscle groups in your core, making it my go-to move. These muscles include the rectus abdominis (your “six pack” muscles), transverse abdominals (your deep core muscles), and the external and internal obliques (the outermost muscles on each side of your core). In other words, adding this single pose to your exercise routine can seriously elevate your ab game. 
      You’re likely already familiar with this exercise, but implementing a few tweaks to it can make it more effective. First and foremost, make sure your hips aren’t sagging and your booty isn’t sticking out. Your body should be a straight line from your heels to your shoulders. To prevent a strained neck, don’t look up. Instead, gaze at a spot on the floor about a foot in front of you, keeping your neck neutral. Lastly, if you feel tension in your lower back, you’re probably not properly engaging your core. To fire up your abs, imagine pulling your belly button to your spine. 

      2. Cobra 

      When I have time to warm up my spine with some cat-cow stretching, I like to incorporate cobra pose into my practice. On the surface, cobra may look like any other stretch. However, it’s a great way to strengthen your core and spine when done correctly. If you’re anything like me, you spend too much time looking down at your phone or laptop. Over time, this can take a toll on your posture and cause back pain. Cobra pose helps counter the effects of poor posture by encouraging proper spinal alignment and relieving pressure from your lower back. This enables you to keep your spine erect throughout the day, relieving back pain and engaging your core even when you’re off the mat. 
      To practice cobra pose, start lying down on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders and your fingers spread wide. Your elbows should point straight back and remain close to your body. Press your pubic bone and tops of your feet into your mat, engaging your thighs and rotating them inward. On your next inhale, lift your chest off the floor, keeping your shoulders down and opening your chest. Look forward and pull your belly button to your spine to feel engagement through your core. 

      3. Boat Pose with a Twist 

      If I’m feeling a high-energy core workout, I like adding movement to traditionally still poses. My favorite sweat-inducing variation is boat pose with an oblique twist. While this move strengthens your entire core, it forces you to focus on your obliques. This helps improve your balance and protects your spine when twisting your torso doing everyday activities, like reaching across your body for a cup of coffee. 
      To try this pose, sit on your mat with your legs extended out in front of you. Lean back slightly, keep your back straight, and lift your legs off the floor. From there, you can either keep your knees bent with your shins parallel to the floor or extend your legs to a 45-degree angle for a more intense core burn. Keeping your chest lifted and your core engaged, bring your hands into a praying position. From here, twist side to side, gently tapping alternating elbows on the mat.

      5 Inexpensive Ways To Become a Pilates Girl at Home More

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      How You Can Join The Nedbank Running Club That’s Improving Mental Health In SA

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      So you want to join a running club? Maybe you want to get active? Find your running tribe? Or do something that improves your mental health? We’d like to introduce you to Nedbank Runified.
      Nedbank and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) are running for better mental well-being in South Africa. Here’s everything you need to know:
      What’s Happening?
      Every day during August and September, Nedbank Runified, Africa’s biggest virtual mass participation race, will challenge South Africans around the country to run in support groups to encourage better mental well-being.
      Nedbank Runified group runs, led by athletes, mental health advocates and running enthusiasts like Zinhle Masango, Amy Hopkins, Nicola Schreuder, Nombulelo Mgabadeli and Tumi Sole, will take place in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban with at least one run every day between August and September 2022. Anyone can participate, and these group runs will be followed by a national mass participation Strava challenge during Mental Health Month in October.
      What Is Nedbank Runified?
      Originally launched as a proactive response to fight the societal effects of Covid-19, Nedbank Runified was a movement to instil a sense of ‘togetherness’ when South Africans were forced to be apart, with running as the catalyst. With over nine million kilometres run by more than 225 000 participants, the Nedbank Runified virtual series became a source of mental relief for many South Africans during the national lockdowns.
      ‘As the nation moves on post the national lockdowns, there is a natural evolution and a new meaning to Nedbank Runified, one which serves to bring South Africans together to address mental health, a serious healthcare issue that is impacting society’, says Nthabiseng Matshekga, Executive Head for Group Marketing at Nedbank.
      ‘The mental health crisis existed long before the Covid-19 pandemic but intensified during lockdown. Currently, mental health in South Africa is one of the worst in the world, with one in three South Africans battling with their mental health,’ says Cassey Chambers, Operations Director at SADAG. ‘It is scientifically proven that exercise, particularly running, improves mental health and reduces depression, stress and anxiety. As we approach Mental Health Month in October, we are immensely excited to partner with Nedbank through Nedbank Runified to raise awareness and drive education on this issue’.
      Why Run For Mental Health?
      Now in its third instalment, Nedbank Runified will combine virtual and physical running challenges to rally around a very real issue in our country – mental health. This running challenge, in partnership with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), aims to demonstrate that running (particularly in groups) can reduce stress, depression and anxiety.
      ‘Nedbank has been involved in running for decades, and we are proud to use the Nedbank Running Club as a vehicle, coupled with relevant partnerships, to create a lasting impact in the communities we serve. SADAG’s expertise is vested in helping people throughout South Africa with their mental health and is an invaluable part of our community. We are proud to partner with them to help drive the movement for better mental health’, says Matshekga.
      How Can You Join?
      To find out how you can join Nedbank Runified in your city, join the Nedbank Running Club on Strava or search #NedbankRunified or #MoreThanAClub on social media.
      The Nedbank Running Club is more than a club and welcomes runners of all fitness levels to unify through running. It is time to Runify around mental health, and take the first step towards a happier, healthier South Africa.
      How Is WH Getting Involved?
      Here at Women’s Health we believe being healthy involves every element of your life. In fact, it’s why we strive to give our readers all the resources they need for their wellness journeys; whether that’s in the gym, on the yoga mat, in the kitchen, with a journal in hand or by hitting the road.
      We’ll be showcasing May/June Women’s Health Cover Star Caley Jack and Nombulelo Mgabadeli as they take on Nedbank Runified. We’ll even be joining in on the runs around South Africa ourselves. Make sure to follow us on Instagram (@womenshealthmagsa).
      *If you or your loved ones are battling with mental health challenges, there is hope. Visit sadag.org or call 0800 567 567 in the event of an emergency.
      *In Partnership with Nedbank More

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      Workout Clothes So Trendy, You’ll Want to Wear Them 24/7

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      Lacking motivation to work out? The fix might be as simple as a wardrobe upgrade with some new cute workout clothes. When you feel like your best self, you’ll be more likely to treat your body better. Whether you’re looking for motivation to get sweaty or you plan on living in activewear all year long (same), we’ve rounded up the cutest activewear that 2022 has to offer (because you deserve to look as good as a workout makes you feel).
      Between “it” colors (give me all the neon and pastel shades!), more luxe fabrics, and trendy new details, your activewear is about to be the chicest section of your wardrobe (watch your back, blazers!). 

      In this article

      Sports Bras

      Tops

      Bottoms & Dresses

      Shoes

      All the Cool Girls on TikTok Are Obsessed with This Workout Clothing Brand More

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      Why Everyone Is Playing Pickleball Right Now—And How You Can Try It, Too

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      I first heard about pickleball while listening to my favorite podcast, What We Said. The hosts were chatting about how competitive they had become when playing each other with their husbands. Once they mentioned how easy pickleball was to pick up, I knew it was going to be my new hobby. I will take any chance to do an out-of-the-house activity that’s active and requires a learning curve. But first things first: I had to find a partner to play with (and learn to play, for that matter). That’s when Operation Convince My Husband to Learn Pickleball with Me commenced. Luckily, it didn’t take much for me to get him on board.
      My parents conveniently own a pickleball set, so we borrowed their paddles to learn with. For our first match, we committed to trying it out for 30 minutes. Before we knew it, we checked our watches and a whole hour had passed. Within the first five minutes of hitting the ball back and forth, I knew we would both love this activity.
      Now, we play about three times a week, usually on weeknights after work or on Saturday mornings to replace a gym session. I now understand why some say it’s one of the fastest-growing sports right now. Our daily lives changed a lot over the past few years thanks to COVID, and I think the popularity of pickleball is one of the best things to come out of it. Don’t get me wrong, pickleball has always been a pretty popular activity. But especially with the rise of TikTok, word spread fast about how fun and easy it is to learn. If you’d like to try pickleball for yourself, read on for some helpful info on how to play and everything you need to get started.

      What is pickleball?
      It’s essentially a cross between ping pong and tennis. On a smaller version of a tennis court, you and a partner (or two teams of two) use paddles to hit a plastic ball back and forth over a low net. Aside from a few specific rules (like how you serve and when to let the ball bounce first before hitting it), that’s all you really need to know to get started. You can learn more about how to play here.
      To find a pickleball court near you, start with a good old Google search. We found a regional park near us that costs $3 to enter and usually has open courts. I searched for “public pickleball court near [enter your city name]” and vetted them from Google reviews.

      What’s so great about it?
      What I love most about pickleball is that it can be as difficult or easy as you want it to be. For now, my husband and I love just playing for fun. We try to hit the ball back and forth as many times as possible without hitting it out of bounds and don’t usually keep score. It’s just fun getting outside and being active, but I’m sure some flirty competitiveness is in our future as we get better at the game. We are still learning!
      Anyone can play pickleball—it doesn’t matter what your physical capabilities are, and you don’t have to be super strong or fast. It’s really about practice and friendly competition. For us, pickleball is a fun activity to do as a couple that gets us out of the house and helps us stay active. I also love how accomplished I feel after playing at the end of a long work day, rather than sitting and watching TV. 

      What do you need to play?
      You will need a partner to play with, as well as a pickleball set, which includes two paddles and usually a few balls. If you want to play with four people total (doubles), then you’ll need four paddles. To make learning as easy as possible, I recommend investing in a quality pickleball set because it’s easier to direct the ball with good paddles. 
      Ready to start playing? Grab all the pickleball essentials below.

      These Feel-Good Hobbies Will Solve All of Your “I’m Bored” Woes More

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      The 7-Minute Fat-Blasting Workout That’ll Tone All Over

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      Toning every bit of your body in less than 10 minutes sounds like something you can only achieve with the help of Photoshop, right? Wrong! Turns out you can burn serious kilojoules and work every muscle from head to toe with this fat-blasting 7-minute workout circuit from certified trainer Craig Ballantyne.
      Use this total-body session to boost your metabolism and fat loss.
      Start with a three-minute warm-up of bodyweight squats, pushups, and jumping jacks (do each for 30 seconds, and repeat twice).
      Then complete the following exercises in order, performing as many reps as you can in the prescribed time frame. You’ll finish in seven minutes flat. Have more time? Repeat it up to four times for an ultimate 30-minute workout. Get ready to sweat!
      7-Minute Workout Move 1: Jump Rope

      Grab the handles of a jump rope with each hand and jump rope for 30 seconds; rest for 30 seconds then continue to the next exercise.
      READ MORE: These Heart-Pumping Cardio Circuit Workouts Are Perfect For When You’re Short On Time
      Move 2: Close-Stance Bodyweight Squats
      Stand as tall as you can with your feet spread shoulder-width apart. Lower your body as far as you can by pushing your hips back and bending your knees. Pause, then slowly push yourself back to the starting position. That’s one rep.Do as many as you can in 50 seconds; rest for 10 seconds, then continue to the next exercise.
      READ MORE: Have You Tried The Explosive Cardio Hopscotch Workout?
      Move 3: Bodyweight Row
      Grab a bar with an overhand, shoulder-width grip. Hang with your arms completely straight and your hands positioned directly above your shoulders. Initiate the movement by pulling your shoulder blades back, then continue the pull with your arms to lift your chest to the bar. Pause, then slowly lower your body back to the starting position. That’s one rep.Do as many as you can in 45 seconds; rest for 15 seconds, then continue to the next exercise.
      Move 4: Decline Pushups

      Get into plank position, with your hands underneath your shoulders and place your feet on a box or bench. This increases the amount of your body weight you have to lift, making the exercise harder. Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor. Pause, then push back to the starting position as quickly as possible. That’s one rep.Do as many as you can in 60 seconds, and immediately continue to the next exercise.
      READ MORE: Everything You Need To Know About The Viral 12-3-30 Treadmill Workout On TikTok
      Move 5: Bulgarian Split Squats

      Place the instep of your back foot on a bench. Stand in a staggered stance, your left foot in front of your right. Slowly lower your body as far as you can. Pause, then push yourself back up to the starting position as quickly as you can. Complete the prescribed number of reps with your left leg forward, then do the same with your right foot in front of your left. That’s one rep.Do as many as you can in 30 seconds, then immediately continue to the next exercise.
      Move 6: Cross-Body Mountain Climbers
      Assume a pushup position with your arms completely straight. Lift your right foot off the floor and slowly raise right knee toward your left elbow, lower, and then raise your left knee to your right elbow. That’s one rep.Do as many as you can in 60 seconds, then immediately continue to the next exercise.
      Move 7: Run in Place

      Run in place at a moderate pace for 20 seconds, then rest for 20. More

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      All the Cool Girls on TikTok Are Obsessed with This Workout Clothing Brand, so I Tried It

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      If you’ve spent any time on the Internet over the last few months, you’ve likely heard of Halara, the trendy new activewear brand that all the cool girls are wearing. Everyone swears their pieces are Lululemon quality without the Lululemon price tag, so I obviously had to try them out. I was nervous about buying without trying on since it’s an online-only company and I’m picky about the fit of my workout clothes, but the website had glowing product reviews and the TikTok girlies assured me the clothes lived up to the hype. With that in mind, I placed my order and eagerly awaited the arrival of my package (for about two long weeks). So without further ado, here are the best-selling items I tried from TikTok’s favorite inexpensive athleisurewear brand and my honest thoughts. 

      1. Everyday Dress
      This is one of the pieces I see all the cool girls wearing, and now I understand why. It combines all the things I love about some of their other pieces: It has a similar fit to the cropped tank, the comfortable fabric of the high-waisted shorts, and the form and function of the biker shorts. I don’t know that this would be a go-to gym fit, but it’s a great option for a hot girl walk, casual brunch, or quick game of tennis (or an attempt to play tennis, if you’re like me). It’s also an easy piece to dress up or down. I love that you can easily throw on a jacket or tie a flannel around your waist and swap your tennis shoes for sandals to completely change the look.  

      2. High-Waisted Pocket Shorts
      As someone who carries her weight in her legs and booty (I’m coming for your brand, Kim K), I’ve struggled with the way shorts fit me for as long as I can remember. With that in mind, I didn’t have high hopes for these, but they had plenty of five-star reviews from girls saying the shorts were comfortable and cinched their waists. They also looked great on the model, so I was interested to see if they’d work for me too. 
      While they were super comfortable and probably could have been worn as lounge shorts, they didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I prefer my shorts a bit longer so I feel covered while working out and to help avoid the dreaded inner thigh chaffing. The fabric is so thin and soft which feels amazing, but they do ride up and bunch easily. Also, the leg openings aren’t nearly as roomy as they look on the model. 5/10, would wear again, but not my #1 pick for tough workouts. 

      3. Ruffle Hem Shorts
      Let’s just say my relationship with these shorts is complicated. I actually liked the way these shorts fit better than the High-Waisted Pocket Shorts because they had a looser fit in the legs. But, dare I say… too loose? The baggier fit of these combined with the ruffle hem (which was originally the main selling point for me) made them feel more like sleepwear than workout wear. Halara does refer to these as “casual” shorts, which makes sense considering their fit, but since they weren’t included in their loungewear section, I hoped they could still be worn outside the house. This pair could definitely work for some people, but I’d stay away from them if you want to feel more covered up and put together while jumping around in your workouts. For lounge shorts, however, they are perfection. 

      4. Padded Tank Top
      I’ve never been one for the crop top life—even during my peak party girl days. But I’ve been loving the look of long-line sports bras lately, so I thought I’d finally give the trend a try. Lo and behold, I’ve found my new favorite workout top. It’s a little tight (I followed the size chart), but that just means it works well for more high-impact workouts and is supportive, despite not having adjustable straps. I find that the tighter fit also helps the top stay in place so you don’t have to worry about the hem rolling up while you’re moving around. 
      And the quality? Top-notch. I was fully expecting the removable pads to shift and fold like some of my cheaper workout tops, but they have stayed in place even after a few cycles in the wash. I was also impressed that the white fabric wasn’t see-through at all. Now I’m thinking I need one in every color. 

      5. High-Waisted Biker Shorts
      Call me Princess Diana because these shorts have become part of my everyday wardrobe. They’re as soft as the High-Waisted Pocket Shorts but are a little thicker, so they feel more substantial and can pass the squat test. What they don’t pass, unfortunately, is the roll test. I find that I have to pull them down frequently, but that could be because they’re a little tight and would be resolved if I sized up. For me, they’re tough to wear as workout gear for intense workouts like running or HIIT, but I’ve been loving them for walks, stretching, and on-the-go outfits. 

      6. Side Pocket Biker Shorts
      There’s something about these biker shorts that didn’t do it for me the way the traditional Biker Shorts did (but don’t get me wrong, I still liked them enough that I’ll be pairing all my oversized tees and sweatshirts with them). Even though I ordered both pairs in the same size, this pair fits much tighter, and they roll up more than the regular Biker Shorts. I also may or may not have ripped a seam or two pulling them over my legs and butt. What I do love about them, though, is Halara’s signature pet hair-resistant fabric. I wasn’t sure that it would make much of a difference, but as a cat mom, I’ll take all the help I can get. Since I’ll mostly be wearing these at home and for running errands, it’s nice that I don’t have to reach for a lint roller between cuddling my fur babies and getting groceries. 

      @arianalee99 I can’t take it off 😍 @halara_official #halaragirls #halaradress #halaraeveryday ♬ original sound – Samantha Clement

      The verdict
      I have to give it to the TikTok girls on this one. Halara’s quality, styles, and affordable price point make it a great alternative to Lululemon and Alo. My hope is that as the brand continues to grow, they show more diversity in body shapes and sizes in their models so mid-size and plus-size girls get a sense of how the pieces will fit. After some trial and error though, I was able to find some pieces that I feel good in and look forward to wearing during my next gym session or Target run. 

      Items I’m buying next: 

      20 Workout Sets So Good, You’ll Actually Be Excited to Go to the Gym More

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      Tegan Phillips Is Trying To Break The Guinness World Record For Cycling From Cairo To Cape Town

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      Tegan Phillips is aiming to break the Guinness World Record for cycling from Cairo to Cape Town. She might seem familiar to you for other reasons: you may have seen her cartoons on Instagram, delving into motivation, life, success and cycling. Or you may have known her from our previous article covering her travels through Europe on her bicycle.
      This time, instead of sleeping on the side of the road alone, she’s got a whole team behind her. For Tegan to successfully break the Guinness World Record, she needs a medical team, security, insurance, tents, radios, filmers and photographers.
      Her motivation for cycling such epic distances? No woman has done it before.
      “It looked like an epic ride, and—being a keen cyclist myself—I became interested to see what the women’s record was. When I searched, I discovered that there wasn’t one,” details Tegan on her website. “I couldn’t stop thinking that this record simply had to exist—partly for showcasing women’s sport in Africa, but mostly for a sense of equality in this record story.”
      READ MORE: Is There Gender Parity For Women In Sports?
      We chatted to Tegan to see what goes into prepping for an iconic venture like this.
      Michelle October: I remember chatting to you about your travels through Europe on a bike. Before, you slept wherever you could. Because you’ll have a team tracking you this time, where will you be staying at each leg? 
      Tegan Phillips: We’re hoping to mix it up between sleeping in regular tents and staying in the odd guest house where we can find one. As a cycle tourist, you quickly learn to value “4 wall” sleeping arrangements not just for a chance to sleep in a bed but also to be able to charge devices, wash clothes, have a shower, use a proper loo, make coffee with a kettle, be safe from wild animals and have everything safely locked away for a night. That said, the distances I’m hoping to ride each day are ambitious (many days over 300km planned), so if something goes wrong in a day like a long border crossing or injury, there’s a good chance we’ll have to just pull off on the side of the road somewhere in the night, even if we planned to sleep elsewhere.
      Tegan Philips in Wales
      MO: At your American training leg, are there any major changes to your schedule/packing techniques/sleeping arrangements? 
      TP: The USA training adventure, which was basically riding as many 70km loops per day as I could for two weeks, has had some uniquely fun challenges. I’m staying at the Homestretch Foundation in Arizona and it’s over 40 degrees Celsius many days here (desert life), so I initially planned to do all of my riding at night and sleep during the day. But then I found out that there’s often big lightning storms at night, which is a bit dangerous. So I ended up mixing it up a bit and doing a lot of riding in the heat, some riding in the lightning, and sleeping at the weirdest hours. I was also totally self-supported so in between riding I was popping to the shops and buying ALL THE FOOD (mostly Nutella) and trying to keep all my kit clean to avoid saddle sores. I had one major crash and a few major mechanicals so was also in and out of doctors offices and bike shops. All of those things will hopefully be reduced on the trip, as I’ll have support to help look after my bike and do the cooking and shopping and the weather won’t be as hot (except in Egypt/Sudan) so it will be easier to ride during the day and sleep at night.
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      MO: Your cycling has always been about just travelling via your bike. How do you feel about making a new record? Suddenly there are stakes above and beyond survival. What’s that feeling? Magical? Like there’s a new part of you waiting to be unlocked? Or not so much? 
      TP: I am so excited! But I’m also trying to focus on the process more than the outcome—it sounds cliché but I think when there are so many people invested in a certain outcome it can be overwhelming to take on that pressure of, like, “I have to do this or else.” So I keep framing it as “I am so excited to try” rather than being so excited to set the record. And that is something that I can control—how much I try.
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      MO: Tell us about your bike! Does she have a name? What do you like about her? Is she the only bike, or do you have a “quiver” for the trip? Are you going to use a mountain or road bike for this? 
      TP: I’ll be on a road bike (it’s tar the whole way!) with a few sets of wheels and a lot of spare everything, including a spare bike. I once heard TCR [Transcontinental Race] overall winner Fiona Kolbinger once say in an interview that she always sits in the bike shop when she takes her bike in and watches the mechanics work on it or asks them to tell her what to do and she does it while they watch. So the past few months I’ve been trying to do that as well; trying to learn how to fix and look after every single tiny thing on my bike, so that I don’t feel stuck or helpless in the face of problems that I could solve by just knowing how something works.
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      MO: Which part of the trip are you most afraid of? 
      TP: Ethiopia has always been the biggest stumbling block for people wanting to ride this route, and at the moment things are especially tricky. There’s been an ongoing civil war for the past two years and borders have been closed, cyclists have been arrested—and as of last week [at the time of writing] the borders which had just reopened are closed again. There’s also been some Sudan/Ethiopia conflict, and some unrest in northern Kenya. So getting through the first three countries (Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia) and being able to get out without too many delays or incidents will be a massive relief, and from there just getting home to Cape Town as quickly and smoothly as possible!
      Tegan Phillips in the WC Dash
      MO: And what are you most excited for?
      TP: I am mostly just excited to give this thing a go. I’ve been talking about it since 2015 so it’s been a long time coming, and I am so grateful that my team eventually kind of pushed me to stop delaying and waiting for conditions to ‘be right’ and to just get things organised with a plan to deal with problems as they come up. I can’t say I’m too excited to see all of the countries (compared to if I was touring) because the reality of ultra-racing is that you end up having very little interaction with the environment, especially on supported attempts. It’s ride, eat, sleep, repeat—all the way ‘til the end. But I am excited to be doing it with the COOLEST support team I could ever have dreamed of, including Cally (who used to work with you guys and is currently cycling up to Kenya!), and Henry Cock, who set a big running record last near and next year wants to run Cairo2CT. There’s also pro-runner Robbie Rorich, doctor Traci Sanders and a talented film crew (Paige Fiddes and Chris Joubert). I think we’re going to have the adventure of a lifetime.
      Tegan’s trip starts on the 17th October. Donate here. All proceeds over and above the target amount go to Khaltsha Cycles to buy bicycles for women from Khayelitsha, a township in Cape Town, where many girls and women don’t have other means to get to school or work.

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