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      in fitness and body

      This Powerful Bodyweight Workout Tones It All – Fast

      by

      No gym? That’s no barrier to getting your sweat on. Get stronger with this fun bodyweight workout that you can perform in the comfort of your own home. The only piece of equipment that you’ll need is your coffee table or a bench.

      This all-over bodyweight workout was created by personal trainer and founder of Fit Best Training, Renché Seyffert.

      To complete this workout, work in intervals. For intermediate to advanced athletes (yes, you!) work with the 50/10 principle. This means you’ll work for 50 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds.

      If you’re a beginner athlete, use the 40/20 principle. Work for 40 seconds, then rest for 20. Rest for one minute after each round and aim to complete three to four rounds in total. We’ll warn you: it’s a doozy!

      Watch PT Renché Seyffert demo the moves, then read on for the technique notes.

      The Living Room Bodyweight Workout

      [embedded content]

      1/ Single Leg Skater Sit Squats

      Stand in front of the edge of the coffee table on your right leg.

      Jump sideways to your left and land on your left leg in front of the left edge of the coffee table.

      Still only on your left leg, lower yourself down into a sitting squat, placing your bum firmly onto the table.

      Get back up by pushing from your left heel upwards, using your calf muscles, hamstrings and glutes.

      Jump to your right side and land on your right leg before lowering down into your sit squat. That’s one – keep going!

      READ MORE: Transform Your Legs With This 20-Minute Home Workout

      2/ Incline Push Up with Clap

      Get into a plank position with your hands on top of the table, shoulder-width apart.

      Keep your feet hip-width apart and bend your elbows as you lower your chest towards the table.

      With an explosive movement, push yourself away from the table, forcing your arms and upper body into the air and clapping your hands. Return to the starting position and repeat.

      3/ Plank Cross Tap to Bear Jumps

      Start in a plank position with feet hip-width apart, elevated on top of the table.

      With your hands on the floor, shoulder-width apart, jump onto all fours, then jump back into a plank.

      Tap the left foot to the right side underneath the body.

      Move back to the plank position and tap the right foot to the left side underneath the body.

      READ MORE: Can Wearing Wrist Weights On A Walk Really Tone Your Arms? We Asked A Fitness Expert

      4/ Tricep Dip – Alternating Toe Tap

      Get into a tabletop position facing the ceiling with your hands on the table, keeping your feet on the floor.

      Bend your elbows as you lower yourself towards the floor.

      Straighten your arms to move back up to the starting position. Ensure that you use your arms to perform the movement and not your hips or legs.

      Once back to the starting position, tap your left hand with your right foot. Repeat on the other side.

      5/ Side Plank Hip Dips on Right

      Stand in a side plank on your right elbow.

      Raise your left leg on the table and ensure the right leg is suspended in the air, under the table surface.

      Dip your hips towards the floor and back up. Repeat on the other side.

      READ MORE: This Beginner Callisthenics Workout Builds Serious Strength & Mobility

      6/ Step Up Reverse Lunges

      Start by standing with both feet on top of the table.

      Slowly step back with one of your legs into a reverse lunge.

      Make sure both knees are bent and your back is straight. Ensure that your knee (of the foot in front) does not go over your toes.

      Bring back your leg to the starting position and repeat on the other leg.

      Once you have found your rhythm and balance, you can speed it up a little and add a hop on top of the table when changing your legs.

      7/ Elevated Sit-Ups

      Start by lying flat on your back on the floor and place your feet and calves on table.

      Extend your arms over your head using your abdominals, as you lift your upper body and crunch down so that your hands can touch your feet.

      Slowly lower yourself back down to the floor to the starting position and repeat. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Can Your VO2 Max Really Reduce Your Death Risk?

      by

      New research released by Discovery Vitality emphasises the need to view cardiorespiratory fitness (measured as VO2 max) as an important health risk metric. Insights were drawn from Discovery’s unique data, including lifestyle information, clinical screening results and insurance claims data. The findings show the tangible benefits of prioritising CRF which dramatically reduced risk of developing – and dying from – cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers and diabetes, among other conditions.

      [embedded content]

      Vitality Fitness: A one-tap, first-of-its-kind fitness platform

      Linked to these insights, Discovery Vitality announced the launch of two exciting updates to the programme aimed at enhancing the health outcomes of its members. They are a new rewards points metric based on cardiorespiratory fitness level, and a first-of-its-kind exercise platform called Vitality Fitness. The new platform brings a new level of convenience and access to Vitality members, enabling them to view and book an extensive range of workouts provided by a network of gyms and fitness studios around the country. Members access the booking platform through the Discovery app and can book classes in a few taps.

      “My vision is that the insights from this research on cardiorespiratory fitness help inform the global effort to combat the growing epidemic of physical inactivity and its associated health risks. We’re continually exploring ways to incentivise and promote healthier lifestyles among our members, and it’s important that these are backed by research and enabled through the smart use of technology to fit easily into people’s lives,” says Vitality CEO, Dinesh Govender

      READ MORE: Ready To Get Fit? Tap Into The New Vitality Fitness Platform

      VO2 Max: A Key Metric For Overall Health

      Cardiorespiratory fitness refers to how well your respiratory and circulatory systems supply your body with enough oxygen to keep exercising. VO2 max is a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen that your body can use when you’re exercising. As your VO2 max increases, so does your aerobic endurance and ultimately your cardiorespiratory fitness. It is a powerful indicator of one’s potential for a long and healthy life, as even a moderate improvement in VO2 max can reduce risk of death by 21-30%. By understanding and improving VO2 max, individuals can reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and diabetes.

      Vitality’s newly published white paper on navigating cardio fitness for optimal health outcomes highlights the critical role of cardio fitness in health management: Vitality members with higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels experience 30% lower hospital claims, and exhibit 95% lower prevalence of obesity, 84% lower prevalence of high-risk blood glucose levels, and 70% lower prevalence of high blood pressure.

      Good Habits Can Influence Your CRF

      While many may think that their genes largely determine their cardiorespiratory fitness level, this research revealed the importance of forming good habits: Vitality’s fittest members tend to exercise more frequently, for longer, and at higher intensities. Vitality members with higher cardio fitness levels also tend to have earlier bedtimes, earlier wake-up times, and longer sleep durations. All in all, members with higher Vitality statuses exhibited higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels

      “Through advancements in wearable technology and the Vitality Fitness Assessment, our members can easily estimate their VO2 max. This cardio fitness measurement serves as a valuable benchmark for overall health. Our new white paper provides comprehensive research insights, practical guidelines, and tailored pathways to help members understand and improve their VO2 max,” says Dr. Mosima Mabunda, Vitality’s Head of Wellness.

      Prof Jon Patricios, Professor of Sports and Exercise Medicine at Wits University, adds, “In a country with stretched health resources and large disparities in access to care, there is an accessible and affordable solution: optimal cardiorespiratory fitness. The prescription of aerobic-based exercise provides some of the most effective disease prevention strategies and should be our core lifestyle intervention.”

      From July 2024 onwards, Vitality members can earn up to 10,000 Vitality points by improving their VO2 max.

      VO2 max readings will be categorised into five Vitality Cardio Fitness Levels: low, fair, good, excellent and superior. While there is no single ideal VO2 max, everyone should strive to improve to the next level due to the health benefits. The greatest health benefits are seen in individuals who move from a low to a fair level, with additional benefits realised as one improves to a good or higher level. For most people, reaching a good Vitality Cardio FitnessLevel for their age and gender is a great milestone and will provide the health protection needed to live a long, healthy life.

      “By rewarding Vitality members for knowing and improving their cardio fitness, we are not only encouraging varied exercise intensities and durations but also helping them protect their health and extend their lifespans,” says Govender.

      Download the research paper here: Navigating Cardiorespiratory Fitness for Optimal Health. More

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      in fitness and body

      This Beginner Callisthenics Workout Builds Serious Strength & Mobility

      by

      If you’ve ever watched gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz perform gravity-defying feats, you’ve probably wistfully imagined yourself being *that* strong and flexible. The truth? Those fabulous moves are built on callisthenics: the body-weight workout style that prioritises using your own body as the weight. Practising body-weight moves is an effective way to build functional strength and sculpt sexy, lean muscle tone. And, in case the title didn’t clue you in, you can start as a total beginner and still feel like Simone Biles. Ahead, reasons to tap into callisthenics workouts and the moves to start with.

      Why callisthenics workouts are so good

      You can do it anywhere, anytime

      The great thing about body-weight training (or a callisthenics workout, as it’s technically called) is that you can do it pretty much anywhere with minimal equipment. That’s because you’re using your own body weight as the load and gravity to create resistance. Also, most of the time, you don’t need to move very far, so it can be done in relatively small spaces, depending on what you’re doing.

      It builds killer abs

      There’s a lot of balance and stabilising required in body-weight moves, so your core will work overtime (yay, abs!) Plus, having this improved stability means less falling around in the long run, making you sturdy and strong.

      Callisthenics sculpts your upper bod

      All the pulling and pushing you do with your upper body will sculpt your back, arms and shoulders. If you’re aiming to try a pull-up or handstand, these moves will help you reach those goals.

      How to do this beginner callisthenics workout

      These moves, from Tim and Jacko of the training community School of Calisthenics,  are ideal as callisthenics for beginners starting body-weight training. And all they require are a floor with a cushioned surface (like an exercise mat, carpet or grass), a wall and something to hang from. We’ve used gymnastic rings, but a straight bar at your local park will also work fine.

      Tim and Jacko from School of Calisthenics, with trainer Hayley Ryan, show us how to master these moves…

      [embedded content]

      1 Frog Stand

      This foundational move helps you build the upper-body strength and balance that you’ll need for more advanced body-weight moves like freestanding handstands. If you find your feet can’t lift off the ground, that’s totally fine. Over time, you’ll build enough strength to lift them!

      2 Wall Walk

      As adults, we don’t spend much time upside down, so this is a fun challenge. Keep your core braced and only go as far as you feel comfortable, but aim to walk a bit closer to the wall every time.

      3 Dead Bug

      This body-weight move from Pilates works different core muscles simultaneously, strengthening your stabilisers, lowering your injury risk and improving your coordination. Be sure to keep your lower back glued to the floor at all times.

      4 Hollow-Body Hold

      Kind of the upside-down cousin of a plank, this isometric body-weight move (holding a single position; not moving) targets your whole core from multiple directions. It’s brilliant for building core strength, as well as body position patterning to protect your lower back in other exercises. The goal is to create a bowl shape with your body. Again, keep your lower back glued to the ground at all times. See how long you can hold it for.

      5 Hollow-Body Rock

      This is a classic example of how a body-weight move can turn into a fun game. Once you can do the hold for 10 seconds without breaking form, the goal is to rock back and forth like a rocking horse, while in that hollow-hold position. Way easier said than done.

      6 Skin The Cat

      You might need a few practice rounds to really nail this, and that’s ok. It’s a good idea to warm up the shoulders before attempting this one (check out this warm-up you can do with a broom). Then, see how many reps you can knock out. Even if you can’t skin the entire cat, you’ll still get a top callisthenics workout.

      Try these workouts next: More

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      in fitness and body

      Can Wearing Wrist Weights On A Walk Really Tone Your Arms? We Asked A Fitness Expert

      by

      The hot girl walk is about to get hotter—and maybe a little retro. When Kate Davidson posted a simple Sunday morning vlog, filled with skincare, her furry friends and the farmer’s market, to TikTok, her super-toned arms ended up stealing the spotlight. In a subsequent video that racked up five million views, she dropped her secret and it’s simple: wrist weights.

      Kate Davidson – Toned Arm Trend

      Davidson credited wearing the 500g wrist weights on her daily walks for her sculpted upper-body physique, and naturally, the rest of the internet was influenced to give them a try, myself included.

      While many shared their excitement about this “lazy girl hack” for toned arms, others in the comment section had concerns that wrist weights are bad for joint health. But, as long as the weight isn’t *too* heavy, your joints should be okay. “A very heavy weight on a weak wrist can be harmful in that it can put undue strain on your joints, but that’s about it,” says Claudette Sariya. So, you’ll just want to make sure you’re not overloading your wrists with too much weight.

      But, how much of a difference will wrist weights make? Here’s what you need to know about incorporating wrist weights into your hot girl walks and beyond.

      Meet the expert: Claudette Sariya, CPT, is the founding instructor at SOLE Fitness and a coach at F45 Training.

      Benefits Of Wrist Weights

      The cult-fave Bala Bangles are a modern take, but wrist weights have been popular since the 1970s and 80s. They’re versatile and can be used at any time, whether you want to strap them on while you’re doing household chores, at a barre class, or on a walk or run, says Sariya. They add resistance and therefore up the intensity of any activity and help build muscular endurance.

      Wrist weights can help your arms look more toned, but not for the reason you might think. “Using weights while walking won’t help you build muscle,” Sariya says. Instead, by adding weights to your walking routine, you’re making the activity a little bit harder and increasing your caloric burn, even if just by a little bit.

      While you may see the benefits of wearing wrist weights on your arms, it’s not because wrist weights can spot reduce fat (this isn’t possible, Sariya says). Since your arms don’t store most of the body’s fat to begin with, that’s one of the first places you’ll notice a difference, Sariya explains.

      Nordik Beauty Fitness Wrist & Ankle Weights

      OTG Weighted Bangles

      How To Use Wrist Weights While Walking

      The beauty of wrist weights is that they’re easy to use. After you’ve strapped them to your wrists, you’re ready to take them out for a spin. Before you get started, you can also do some wrist rolls to warm up your joints. In order to maximise their benefits, keep your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle, similar to how you hold your arms while running, advises Sariya. And, “if you feel comfortable and coordinated, you can add in bicep curls to get an extra boost,” she says. Overall, the more you move with intention, the more of a difference you’ll see, says Sariya. You can also slowly increase your weights for an additional burn, as long as they’re not too heavy.

      As for how often you should use your wearable weights, incorporating them into your preferred form of cardio (so, in Davidson’s case, her walks) twice a week for about 40 minutes is a great place to start, says Sariya. Since wrist weights are not an effective way to build muscle, you should also do strength training if you’re looking to really take your arms to the next level.

      READ MORE: Step Into Your Best Shape With The WH Walking Challenge

      When should you see results?

      There’s not one timeframe for when you can expect to see results from walking with wrist weights because it varies based on things like starting fitness level and the intensity of your walks. (If you’re a fitness newbie, the good news is results might appear quicker than for someone who is already hitting the gym multiple times a week.)

      While the added weight on a walk gives you a little boost by driving your heart rate up and working more muscles, the timeframe for results is actually still pretty similar to walking without them. But, if adding this accessory is the inspiration and excitement you need, wrist weights can be a great way to spice up a stale walking routine—I know they spiced up mine.

      READ MORE: 5 Ways To Burn More Fat During Your Walking Workouts

      This article written by Olivia Luppino first appeared on Women’s Health UK. Additional product recommendations by the Women’s Health SA team. More

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      in fitness and body

      PUMA Just Dropped The New Deviate NITRO™ 3 And It’s Pure Speed

      by

      PUMA just launched their latest innovation, and trust us, this will be the GOAT of running shoes. The Deviate NITRO™ 3 is here to challenge you to the most successful training experience ever. It’s your everyday source of speed, reliable week after week, mile after mile. And can we just take a moment to appreciate that stunning colour fade? Because who doesn’t love a beautiful running shoe? Said no one ever.

      READ MORE: Tried & Tested: New Running Shoes From Asics, PUMA, Salomon & Under Armour

      Engineered For Speed

      The Deviate NITRO™ 3 is packed with even more of PUMA’s cutting-edge NITROFOAM™ technology to deliver supreme cushion and responsiveness. It’s the next evolution of its award-winning predecessor, designed to push you beyond your limits.

      The carbon fibre PWR Plate ensures a smoother, more consistent speed, delivering an explosive toe-off that propels you forward. And with PUMA’s exceptional PUMAGRIP, you’ll get unmatched traction on any surface, even in the testing conditions.

      The lightweight engineered mesh upper comes with strategically placed PWR Tape for added support where you need it most, while a padded collar provides extra comfort and a snug fit. The Deviate NITRO™ 3 will enhance training experiences for people worldwide and continues to grow closer to its race day counterpart.

      READ MORE: Get Cushiness *And* Stability With The New PUMA Velocity Nitro 3

      The Deviate NITRO™ 3 Fireglow colourway is now available on PUMA.com, in PUMA Retail stores, Totalsports and Sportsmans Warehouse. For more information, please visit www.puma.com More

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      in fitness and body

      The July/August 2024 Issue Stories That Are Inspiring Our Editors Right Now

      by

      We really created something special with this issue – yes, we said it! While tackling all things ‘positive body image’, ‘sports’ and celebrating the inspiring girlies who are off to the 2024 Paris Olympics, so much careful consideration went into each topic covered.

      The July/August 2024, themed The Body Issue, couldn’t have come at a better time, reckons our editor Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini. She reminds us of this very crucial factor: “What’s important is to know that our current body is all we have and any future version of ourselves will be reached with this present-day body. So it doesn’t need criticism, it needs encouragement.” The WH Sport section (flip the mag to access it) covers a cycling taboo that’ll give you literal goosies. We certainly had many ‘WTF’ and ‘women go through so much’ moments while editing it.

      Read on to find out what stories our editors are excited for you to lay your eyes on. These, are some life-altering reads we tell ya!

      These Stories Are Inspiring Our Editors Right Now

      Strength Is Universal, July/August 2024

      Chamain van Zyl, Online Editor

      “I hate to sound clichéd, but I’m completely hooked on the entire WH Sport bumper edition! I’m such a die-hard sports fan. You know the type – I get choked up at the finish line and spend Sundays rewatching the highlights. Yep, that’s me, #TeamSA’s biggest supporter. So, this issue is pure gold in my books! From the captivating cover featuring Jo-Ané van Dyk to the Hall of Fame story on Penny Heyns – and all 10 global editions of Women’s Health uniting to celebrate women in sport, this issue is an absolute must-buy. If you’re as passionate about sports like I am, I urge you to grab your copy a.s.a.p!”

      Liquid Gold, July/August 2024

      Kemong Mopedi, Deputy Editor

      If there ever was a place called soup heaven, pages 90 to 95 in the latest issue of Women’s Health SA is it. Cooking, once a favourite pastime of mine, is now a chore that I dread with every fibre of my being (adulting, not me!) Enter soups…Easy and convenient to make, one pot usually ensures that I get all the necessary nutrients needed to sustain my body. I love discovering new recipes and sprucing up old ones. I also scored another soup jackpot in the form of our digital soup guide – pages upon pages of soup recipes for all seasons! Prepare to seriously ladle up…

      READ MORE: The Secrets Of Successful Athletes

      Self-Esteem Under The Microscope, July/August 2024

      Michelle October, Features Editor

      2024 has turned out to be my year of deep self-work in order to uncover this elusive ‘self-love’ concept buried under years of trauma. Self Esteem Under The Microscope (page 48) couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s not so much a step-by-step guide to loving yourself (spoiler: it’s always a work in progress); rather, this article looks at the science of self-esteem and the many layers that create how you view yourself. By unearthing these layers, you can address them one by one until you’ve got a more positive way to look at yourself! An absolutely fascinating read. 

      Why Women Are Choosing To Be Child-Free, July/August 2024

      I’ve always known that being a mother wasn’t my journey. But I’ve always been told that it should, and will, be. Why Women Are Choosing To Be Child-Free (page 84) interrogates this concept and shares the views of many women who decided to forgo motherhood. It also serves as a helpful guide to child-free by choice women who need a bit of guidance for navigating conversations around the topic with others. Because there’s no reason to live a narrative that isn’t yours. 

      Hot & Bothered, July/August 2024

      Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini, Editor

      Everywhere I turn, I come across headlines that read something along the lines of: ‘Hidden Signs Your Body Is Inflamed’ or ‘How To Reduce Inflammation’. Inflammation is a common buzzword in the health and nutrition sphere lately. It’s deemed a major player in all sorts of health issues you don’t want to deal with. *Cue scary music*. But not all inflammation is necessarily bad. In fact, it can be quite a healthy, normal process for our bodies. Like, if you have a sprain, your body is stopping you from moving your foot. So how can you tell “good” inflammation from the kind of inflammation that you need to address pronto? Hot & Bothered (page 57) lays down the facts and gives science-backed advice about inflammation.*Cue chilled beats*

      The Stories We Tell Ourselves About Our Bodies, July/August 2024

      Hands up if you’ve never been self-critical in front of a mirror. There are very few women without body issues. Now, I’m not saying they don’t exist, but they are extremely rare. It’s much easier to find that women are generally dissatisfied with their appearance, which honestly is very very sad. If you’re having a hard time making peace with your body, The Stories We Tell Ourselves About Our Bodies (page 72), helps explore how to change your inner monologue, according to experts and women who’ve done it. Definitely worth a read.

      READ MORE: Get A Full-Body Workout In Just 15 Minutes With Only 2 Household Items

      Build A Strong Base July/August 2024

      Kelleigh Korevaar, Managing Editor

      If you’ve been sleeping on training your pelvic floor, it’s time to wake up. And you definitely shouldn’t be waiting for a specific stage of your life to start strengthening your core. Build A Strong Base (page 24) gives you a test to see where your pelvic floor is at, different goals and action plans and some causes of pelvic floor dysfunction (think: birth, impact sports, allergies, stress and poor posture or prolonged sitting – we’re all guilty of at least one). Plus, you’ll get an express full-body equipment free workout you can do at home .

      Cycling’s Silent Epidemic, July/August 2024

      We’ve all been there – a casual Sunday cycle, an intense spinning class or a cardio session on the gym bikes that leaves you sore and uncomfortable the next day (and sometimes a few days after too). Cycling’s Silent Epidemic (page 22 of WHSPORT) tells of the harrowing reality of many women who are forced off their bike seats due to labial swelling pain and swelling. With accounts of women who have experienced it first hand, insights into why it happens as well as information on what you can do about it and prevent it in the first place, this is a real page-turner. 

      How To Be Decisive, July/August 2024

      Pia Hammond, Creative Director

      I struggle with decisiveness. Doubt creeps into my mind on a daily basis – is what I’m making for dinner healthy enough for me to should I buy a house right now? When is the right time for anything in life? I’m learning that sometimes we need to trust the process and know that everything falls into place at the right time. I cope with these choices by talking it through, having a clear mind and being realistic with myself. Impulsivity can be damaging, rather lean into being vulnerable and trust yourself and the advice given by those around you. To anyone as indecisive as me, there are plenty of guidelines on page 60.

      Remember…It’s never too late to start living well. Find the July/August 2024 issue of Women’s Health on shelves now, or buy yourself a digital copy. Happy reading! More

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      in fitness and body

      Transform Your Legs With This 20-Minute Home Workout

      by

      It’s safe to say that we’ve all found different ways to make home workouts work for us. You could be using a tin of beans as weights or your broom has magically turned it into a barbell.  Either way, we’re working on our fitness! If you have equipment at home but haven’t used any of it, I’d like to introduce you to your new best friend — the resistance band.

      At first glance, this piece of exercise band looks like nothing but a band, but this baby can make your body stronger and firmer without lifting weights. Health Coach, Online Trainer, and Bikini Pro Athlete, Andene Thomson shows us how we can transform our legs with a resistance band in just 20 minutes.

      20-Minute Resistance Band Workout

      Time: 20 Minutes | Equipment: Resistance Band | Good For: Quads, glutes, hamstring, and calves

      [embedded content]

      Warm-Up

      50 reps x Knee-Banded Squats with Abduction

      Place the resistance band above your knees, with your feet hip-width apart (A). Lower yourself down (as if sitting into a chair) keeping the weight in your heels and sink down into your squat (B). While in your squat position, open the legs as you feel the tension from the band (C). Return to standing by pushing your heels into the ground (D). Remember to engage those glutes!

      Exercise 1

      1/  Knee-Banded Kickbacks (4 x 15 each leg)

      Place the resistance band around your thighs with your feet hip-width apart, keeping your core engaged (A). Shift weight into your left leg, so there is tension in the band (B). Squeeze your core as you kick your right leg back (C).

      2/ Knee-Banded Side Abduction (4 x 15 each leg)

      Place the resistance band around your thighs, while keeping your core engaged (A). Lift your outer leg up and straight out to side as far as possible, before bringing your leg to the starting position (B). That’s one rep!

      READ MORE: Get A Full-Body Workout In Just 15 Minutes With Only 2 Household Items

      Exercise 2

      1/ Knee-Banded Dumbbell Split Squats (4 x 15 each leg)

      Grab a dumbbell and hold it at your sides (A). Lower your hips until your front thigh is at least parallel to the floor. Push through your front heel, and extend the hips and knees to return to the starting position (B). That’s 1 rep. Don’t forget to change legs!

       2/ Knee-Banded Forward and Back Jump Squats (4 x 12 each way)

      Start with your feet hip-width apart, keep your knees soft as you tuck into a low squat position (A). Jump over a small step, rope or a towel to intensify, before jumping back again (B).

      Exercise 3

      4 x 20 reps Dumbbell Lying Leg Curls

      Start by lying flat on your stomach (A).  Place the dumbells between your feet and extend legs all the way back (B). Be careful not to arch your spine as you extend your legs back, then repeat the move (C).

      Exercise 4

      1/ Sumo Deadlifts (4 x 15 reps)

      Position your feet shoulder-width apart as your toes point out at an angle (A). It’s important not to round your lower back for this one. Grab hold of your weights with both hands as you lower your body down, keeping your core engaged, before returning back to starting position (B).

      2/ Knee-Banded Sumo Squat Pulses (4 x 20 reps)

      Get the resistance band on and start with your legs opened wide to the sides (A). Keep the shoulders directly over your hips and your knees are in line with your feet (B). Go for small pulses up and down (C).

      READ MORE: Use These 5 Resistance Band Moves To Ease Knee Pain

      Finisher

      Knee-Banded Double Pulse Sumo Squats

      Start with your legs opened to the sides and your toes turned slightly outward (A). As low as you can, take on a squat position as you make small pulses up and down (B). More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      The best fitness hacks to stay on track this summer

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 hour ago

      Fitness Instructor Courtney Black on how to hack your summer fitness routine.
      Talk us through your fitness routine?
      My routine involves lots of steps that I know I can sustain year round that make me feel good and energised. Sticking to my five workouts from my app per week 45 minutes each, trying to get as much fresh air as possible and always prepping and planning healthy meals that are going to nourish my body – cookingyour own food and actually knowing what you are putting into your body.
      What your pre-summer fitness tips?
      Myself like most people, tend to try get a bit leaner for summer and this year, I want to tone up a bit more for my birthday trip to Italy. My biggest tip is to keep on track the rest of the year and avoid any crash diets that will make you feel under pressure or unenergised. The best way to stay in shape year round is to finda workout routine that you love and actually enjoy doing. Then for your diet, I would advise to stick to a slight deficit (maybe a few hundred calories under your maintenance) to keep that lean look year round while still being able to maintain this.
      What are your summer hacks to maintaining fitness?
      Travelling taker-up a big part of my summer so I need to find a routine that I can do from anywhere which is why I love my dumbbell only and bodyweight workouts. Keeping them short and effective so I am always sticking to 45 minutes of movement each day. Choosing foods that are going to keep me energised and sticking to the 80-20 rule where I keep 80 per cent of my diet as whole foods and 20 per cent as soul foods.
      How do you stay consistent during your travel?
      I use my app (Courtney Black app) as all our workouts are either bodyweight or dumbbell and you can follow along live. These workouts make fitness so much more accessible and enjoyable.
      What are some easy exercises for long-haul flights?
      Sitting down for long periods of time is no good for our bodies so it’s really important we get them moving but also stay in tune with our bodies while doing so. I would opt for a long walk the morning after or the evening you land if you can and then the next day grab some medium dumbbells and get a 45-minute full body sweat on and really focus on warming up and mobilising your body beforehand to get into that lower back, hips and anywhere that may feel stiff post flight.
      What advice would you give to anyone who is struggling to find time to work out?
      Workout at home. My app makes this so much fun and it takes away the traffic to the gym or your classand also just makes everything so much more accessible and quicker. You can be done in 20-30 or 45 minutes, and everyone can make time for that. Stop scrolling on your phone when you wake up or skip 30 minutes of TV of an evening and just try find a time where you can put your body first.

      What is your take on cheat meals?
      Cheat meals is a bit of a toxic phrase in my opinion because it brings guilt or some kind of bad negative feeling around food. A meal is just a meal, some more nutritious than others. I always tell my clients, friends and family the best way to incorporate balance into your life if to have what you fancy in moderation. If you fancy some chocolate, have some rather than waiting until your chest day and bingeing on way more than just that small piece of chocolate you were craving.
      It can be hard to find the drive to work out – what keeps you motivated?
      Motivation doesn’t come easy and there is nothing worse than feeling demotivated but motivation comes from results and unfortunately they aren’t going to happen if you do not make a change and take the first step. A workout is always easier five minutes in when you have actually started. The hardest part is getting going, remember why you want to workout and how it makes you feel after.
      This is The Summer Escape Issue – where do you plan on travelling to this Summer?
      I am back in London for a week to see my family and then heading to Paris for the weekend. From there, I am staying in Spain for a few weeks before heading on my birthday trip to Italy with my partner. We are then heading to Greece with his family and finally south of France for me and my mum’s annual summer trip. Lots of travelling so lots of hotel workouts and outside workouts too! I cannot wait to relax, workout hard and enjoy some beautiful food.
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