More stories

  • in

    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

  • in

    Why (And How) You Should Plan Your Workouts Around Your Cycle

    Do you crush intense HIIT sessions one week only to slog through burpees the next? If so, cycle syncing your workouts can help you create a routine that honors your energy levels and improves your exercise results. Understanding how your hormones impact your training empowers you to choose the best form of movement for your body no matter where you’re at in your menstrual cycle. 
    Medical professionals and wellness experts have recently begun highlighting the importance of altering your exercise routine throughout the month to match your hormone levels. Functional nutritionist Alisa Vitti first introduced women to this concept in her book WomenCode. She’s since trademarked her hormone balancing protocol called the Cycle Syncing® Method. The Cycle Syncing® Method helps menstruating people move, eat, and work in a way that respects their hormones through each phase of their cycle. People who practice cycle syncing workouts often experience mental and physical benefits, including better sleep, reduced PMS, and increased energy. 

    Meet the expert
    Alisa Vitti, HHC, AADP
    HORMONE EXPERT AND FOUNDER OF FLO LIVING
    Alisa Vitti is a functional nutritionist and womens hormone expert, the founder of modern hormone health care company FLO Living, bestselling author of WomanCode, and creator of MyFLO, the #1 paid period app on iTunes. She has made expert appearances on The Dr. Oz Show, Women’s Health, MindBodyGreen, and The Huffington Post.

    What are the benefits of cycle syncing your workouts? 
    According to Vitti, planning your workouts around your cycle can help you bio-hack your metabolism, increasing your workout’s effectiveness. “Your metabolism changes speed and your resting cortisol levels change in a cyclical pattern,” she said. “Since they are not the same every day, it makes no sense to eat the same amount of calories or do the same workout types or intensity each day. You want to match your caloric intake, workout type, and intensity with each phase of your cycle so you can optimize the use of stored fat as fuel and build lean muscle more efficiently.”
    Not only does cycle syncing help you burn more fat and build more muscle, but it also encourages you to reconnect with your body. Once I removed the pressure to exercise at peak intensity all month, I could listen to what my body needed. Some days I had the energy for an outdoor run, on other days I just wanted to stretch on my yoga mat. No matter the day, I knew I was moving in a way that aligned with my hormones and my energy level. 

    What to keep in mind before you start cycle syncing your workouts:
    If you’re a type-A gal like myself, you’ve likely already pulled out your calendar and begun meticulously scheduling next month’s workouts. While the Cycle Syncing® Method is a great tool to help guide your exercise plan, Vitti recommends letting go of perfectionism.  “Drop the perfectionism and instead embrace becoming dynamic and responsive. Listen to your body, track your cycle, track your symptoms, notice how you feel in each phase, notice how doing certain activities makes you feel in each phase, and reclaim the healthy relationship with yourself and your body you are supposed to have.”

    How to exercise during each phase: 
    Menstrual phase
    During your menstrual phase (AKA when you’re bleeding), your estrogen and progesterone tank. This causes you to have low energy and feel generally less social. If you’re feeling a little sluggish, don’t push it. Swap your high-intensity workouts for something more restorative, like walking or gentle yoga. Research shows that an hour of strenuous activity during your period can increase your chances of exercise-induced inflammation. You don’t want to add aching muscles on top of an aching uterus, so skip your intense workout class during this time.

    Follicular phase
    Your follicular phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends at ovulation. During the middle of your follicular phase, your estrogen and progesterone begin to rise. You’ll likely notice increased energy and begin to feel more social. Now is a great time to check out a fast-paced group fitness class or see if a buddy wants to join you for a run. 

    Ovulatory phase
    During ovulation, your estrogen and testosterone peak, and your body is at its most fertile. You’ll likely feel full of energy, so this is a great time to hit fitness PRs (AKA personal records), like your max squat or fastest 5k. Thanks to your high hormones, you’re also your most aroused and confident. So go ahead and talk to that cutie you’ve been eyeing in spin class. Your spike in confidence might just lead to a hot date. 

    Luteal phase
    After ovulation, you enter the luteal phase of your cycle. Elevated progesterone levels will cause your energy to decline and you may feel more withdrawn. When you notice your energy taking a dip, scale your workouts down a notch. Replace high-intensity workouts with lightweight circuit training, walks, and yoga. It’s also a good idea to take your workouts indoors if you live in a warmer climate. Since your basal body temperature is higher in the luteal phase of your cycle, you may notice a decrease in your athletic performance when working out in the heat. 

    On Your Period? Here’s a Self-Care Guide for That Time of the Month More

  • in

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

    Whether you work out at home, in a gym, or head to classes to get your sweat in, you want to look and feel good going it—and don’t want to get caught realizing your leggings are see-through two minutes into your workout. (Or have them slipping and making you uncomfortable the whole time—been there, done that too many times to count). Feeling confident in your gym clothes is essential, and in 2022, matching workout sets officially reign supreme in the activewear department.
    Take it from us: Heading out in a workout set really does make you feel like that girl (like you have your life together even if you don’t in the slightest). It’s cliché, but it’s true: Your gym clothes can give you the workout motivation you’re lacking.
    Ready to sweat it out in style? We’ve rounded up 20 of the cutest workout sets you can get your hands on right now. 

    Feeling Bored With Your Workouts? How to Create (and Maintain) a Fitness Routine You’ll Love More

  • in

    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

  • in

    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

  • in

    5 Realistic Hacks to Keep Up Your Fitness Routine on Vacation

    We’ve all been there: working out regularly to prepare for a vacation and then having a tough time getting back on track once we’re back home. If you’ve found yourself getting back from your trip feeling worse than when you left, you’re not alone. Luckily, there’s a simple solution to the vacation conundrum: Don’t break the habit, even during an all-inclusive getaway or busy schedule. Vacation workouts don’t need to be long, intense, or even consistent with your regular training plan, but they can help to keep your mood boosted, your body feeling its best, and maintain the healthy habits you’ve worked so hard to build. Also, by following the simple tips below on how to work out on vacation, you’ll make it much easier to get back to your workout routine when you return home. 

    1. Wake up (a little) earlier 
    This might seem obvious, but waking up early to move your body while on vacation is a great way to make sure you get your body moving without missing out on any of the day’s fun. Additionally, waking up at an earlier time (instead of sleeping until noon just because you don’t have an alarm clock to answer to) makes it a lot easier for your body to get back in to your normal routine once you get home. Whether you decide to hit the hotel gym or go for a walk around the resort, giving yourself time for some movement before you start your day will help you keep a healthy sleep schedule and put you in a better frame of mind. You can try waking up a whole hour earlier for a full gym session, or you can get up 10 minutes before you you need to be up for breakfast plans to take a quick walk or get in some movement in your hotel room.

    2. Go sightseeing
    Whether you’re in a new city, on a beautiful remote island, at a resort, or visiting family back home, take the opportunity to see new things by going for a run or a “hot girl walk”. Movement is a great way to explore a new place, especially if you tend to prioritize relaxation on your trips and forgo excursions in favor of a beach chair and a good read. Prioritize your safety by going in a group, sharing your location, only traveling in daylight, staying in safe areas, and, if need be, staying on the resort. Whether you choose to hike, run, walk, bike, or roller skate, explore what your vacation spot has to offer.

    3. Do a 10-minute circuit 
    Time is of the essence while on vacation, so instead of getting overwhelmed by the idea of a long and grueling workout, simply dedicate 10 minutes to raising your heart rate. Looking for a quick hotel room-friendly circuit? Try alternating between burpees and sit-ups to work the whole body, do a few rounds of your favorite moves that don’t require equipment (planks, jumping jacks, push-ups, squats, etc.), or put on music and dance around your hotel room. Just 10 minutes will leave you feeling good, help you prioritize your fitness, and boost your endorphins so you can focus on enjoying what’s in store the rest of your day.

    4. Find a fun, local class
    When it comes to exploring new places, what could be more fun than living like a local and taking a workout class? Whether it’s a beachside yoga class offered at your resort or a  cycling sesh at a boutique studio in town, try a workout you haven’t done before or don’t have at home. By making the class an opportunity to explore what your vacation spot has to offer instead of a task on your to-do list, you’ll be much more likely to enjoy it. Bonus points for hitting up the must-try brunch spot post-class!

    5. Go easy on yourself
    Most importantly, remember that your vacation is exactly that: yours. If you don’t feel like moving, you don’t have to. The best way to honor your body is to listen to it, so if you’re feeling like you need a dose of relaxation more than sweat and movement, chill out (totally guilt-free!). The point of vacation is to come back feeling recharged and rejuvenated, so if rest and recovery is how you achieve that, by all means. Real life—and the gym—will be waiting for you when you get back.

    A Dietitian’s Tips to Preventing Vacation Bloat More

  • in

    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

  • in

    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