Confession. Last night I had my first proper pregnancy meltdown. I’d been up since 5am, worked til close to midnight with next to no breaks in the middle, fuelled by my impending holiday, and completely forgot that 31 August marked the halfway point in my pregnancy. Not only did I realise I missed the occasion to celebrate my wee baby growing to the size of a mango, I was also distraught because I’d spent no time with my dog Murray and he was on the first ride out to his doggy daycare/holiday boarders in the morning. I cried. Somewhat hysterically. If I couldn’t be a good companion to Murray, how on earth was I going to mother my mango?!

I made it 20 weeks in without letting the hormones get to my head, but as it transpires exhaustion can derail even the sanest, healthiest fit pregnancy. Which is why I want to take this opportunity to share my pre-natal feelings and experiences so far. There are a multitude of physical, physiological and psychological changes to contend with during pregnancy, so it’s completely natural to feel a little overwhelmed.

I’m still learning as I go, and I’m fortunate to have some incredible clients and friends who are superhuman mums willing to share their own experiences with me. Hopefully (by simultaneously reminding myself that I’ve got this), I can equip you (assuming you, reader, are pregnant, or can mentally transplant yourself into the position of outstretching even your stretchiest leggings) with some useful tips and soundbites that stick with you when you need them most.

1. Pregnancy is an opportunity, not a disability

Straight away, there are a few no-gos when it comes to pre-natal training. Lying on your stomach is out, for a start. Getting too hot is not advisable either, so scaling back the intensity and avoiding exercise in heated studios or during the hottest part of a summer’s day is wise. There are mixed views about inversions, but unless you’re solid as a rock on your head/hands, those are probably out too. That means a time-out in my gymnastics training for a year or so, but aside from that I’ve made relatively few adaptations to my training in the early months. In fact, I have loved working with new parameters in my training and approaching pre-natal workouts as a new challenge rather than an impediment to my wellbeing. In many ways, I may be even healthier for it.

Many of my usual fitness priorities have received extra attention as a means of counteracting some of the potential strains of pregnancy. I’ve always tried to age-proof my spine and counteract years of sitting on my ass typing away to deadline with ample butt-boosting workouts. The glutes play a key role in preventing Lordosis (an exaggerated curve in your lower back) during pregnancy, so squats, deadlifts, bridges, step-ups and lunges remained centerstage on leg day. Catch up on my recent glute training guide if you haven’t already seen it.

Strong upper back muscles also help to keep your chest open and maintain excellent posture when you start slinging baby around like a kangaroo. Including lots of pulling movements like rows, pulldowns, pull-ups and flys means Baby Joey won’t be busting your back when you’re on his or her beck and call.

Here’s a round-up of simple pregnancy modifications to help you rule out the few pre-natal training no-nos while still maintaining an active lifestyle.

2. Strong abs make for killer cramps (and quiet signals)

I’m yet to experience any serious kicking from my future athlete (no pressure, piglet), but one consequence of beginning pregnancy with a six pack (now long gone) is a serious case of second trimester cramps. The softening of ligaments around the stomach causes painful cramps, and the tighter your muscles the bigger the impact. I certainly don’t regret the hard work I put in developing a strong core over recent years, but I’m trying to listen to my body when it subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) tells me that piking and planking are best done in moderation as my abs morph into a mango-sized human.

3. There’s no relaxing about relaxin

Speaking of softening ligaments, the hormone behind this response is called relaxin, and we get it in droves from early on in pregnancy. As well as ligaments, it softens the tendons connecting muscle to bone. As a consequence, it can be far more challenging to maintain the same tension in the body during weightlifting. I can feel my back and hips soften beneath the bar when I take to the squat rack, increasing my risk of injury if I push it too hard. Squatting throughout pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for your lean muscle mass, metabolism and pelvic floor, but this is the time to begin dropping weight and focusing on high reps with excellent form.

4. Your two perky new assets can be rather pesky

Always between two rather modest cup sizes, I can safely say I’ve never experienced breast pain during impact sports. Until now. I’m still between two sizes, but they’re certainly not letters with which I’m familiar, and the bounce factor when I don’t properly support my assets is astonishing. I’ve sized up in my Sweaty Betty sports bras and am opting for more supportive models paired with more moderate exercise so I can continue to enjoy the burn, without the bounce.

5. Find stillness wherever possible

Six months ago, stretch or yin based yoga classes would make my mind wander in every which direction except the one chosen for the focus of the meditation. Now when I’m feeling overwhelmed (which is often), I cue a slow flow YouTube sequence from Yoga With Adriene and let the world beyond my body, my brain and my bump melt away. The future has a way of getting pretty big and crazy when you’re about to be responsible for another human, so a bit of internal focus is sometimes the best antidote to the anxieties of pregnancy. As many yoga shapes become uncomfortable (like twisting and inverting), I am happily opting for balance and stillness.

As a side note, the stress hormone cortisol has the power to swing your pregnancy from a perfectly pleasant experience to a fraught year of fear, second guessing and sleep exhaustion. Taking the time to train your parasympathetic nervous system (in layman’s terms, the part of your body that chills you the f*$! out and offers clarity of mind) by slowing it all down is just as important as keeping up with the most active components of your wellbeing.

6. Movement is the best medicine

I’ve had a lot of people ask me how I can keep up with my busy schedule and rigorous exercise, but honestly I can’t imagine my first trimester would have been as plain sailing as it was without my early starts and constant movement. I didn’t get away nausea-free, but having client commitments distracted me from morning sickness and exercising during and outside of my classes ensured I had a constant supply of endorphins to get me through. At times I’ve overstepped (cue last night’s hysterics), and this is no time for sleep deprivation, but mindfully managing your timetable to include a bit of movement every day will give you the illusion of being in control. In reality, we’re never really in control. But what dream didn’t start with some form of illusion?

7. Athleisure is a maternity godsend

Aside from a couple pairs of maternity jeans, my wardrobe remains much the same as it was before pregnancy. Mind you, some of my more snug leggings are out and I’m favouring loose or open-backed tops over fitted vests and crop tops, but Sweaty Betty remains my go-to for day and weekend wear. In particular, the Power and Contour leggings are super soft and stretchy on bump, so I can feel as comfortable writing this blog as I do practising pull-ups in the gym. My Hey Jo’s with an adjustable waistband and high-waisted Figure Fit leggings have been generously forgiving, too.

8. Protein is paramount

While I can’t say I’ve been craving Marmite (sorry to the many enthusiasts among you, but yuck!) or sardines, one thing for which I do have a constant hunger is meat. As a growing baby uses up ample iron and magnesium stores, these recovery-boosting minerals need regular topping up. I’ve felt the consequences when I have too little protein; pregnancy DOMS is unlike any post-workout feeling I’ve ever experienced. I can’t advise on supplements as everyone is different and you should always check with your doctor before taking anything above and beyond your pre-natal vitamins, but getting a protein source into every meal will keep you moving less like a penguin and more like your pre-pregnancy self.

9. Vanity won’t cut it

I admire a set of well-sculpted abs as much as the next person, but my #fitspiration comes from a place far deeper than the Instagram selfie. I’m still not feeling particularly maternal, but I already know I want to show baby everything the world has to offer. That means having the strength to carry him/her to wonderful places, the energy to remain active without fatiguing and the endless supply of enthusiasm to laugh my way those long tiring days and nights when sleep is rationed and naps are shoe-horned between my duties as a new mum.

10. You’re on your own (and that’s OK)

Some people may be over-cautious… eg, my GP saying NO abs exercises or cardio for 9 months, with zero medical context or consideration for the fact that I’m strong, active and indeed qualified in pre and post-natal fitness. Some may be over liberal… I recently read a pre-natal training guide written by a CrossFit enthusiast that recommends burpees over a loaded barbell at 8 months pregnant. Because attempting to clear elevated metal objects at such a precious stage of pregnancy clearly sounds sensible, right?!

Accept advice with gratitude and take the morsels of wisdom that prove most useful, but also allow yourself time to tune out of the white noise (and there will be a lot of it) and tune into the best barometer there is: yourself. The process isn’t always joyful, your workouts (not to mention your body) won’t always look or feel the way you want them to, and the answers aren’t always immediately available. This is one journey that’s unique to you, and it must be accepted as such. I suspect the same will go for the next 20 odd years, but surely the best moments of life involve a little bit of winging it?

If you’d like to enjoy a fit pregnancy alongside me, there will still be a few weeks of Fit Brit Collective classes throughout September. My Oxfordshire fitness retreat in October is also open to pre-natal guests. I’ll be nearly six and a half months pregnant at the time, so I welcome the company from mums to be and their beautiful bumps, and will do my best to ensure this active and relaxing weekend gives you a little of the inspiration, energy and time you need to feel like the superhuman you are! 

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I have some really exciting news to share. As of this week, I was officially named a Sweaty Betty Ambassador, representing the Wimbledon Village boutique. 6 months ago, I was actually working for Sweaty Betty as their in-house copywriter, so this is a brand I’ve grown to love from the inside out.

I laboured over the precise tone of key marketing campaigns, slogans to display in-store, and even the brand poem that would come to promote the Sweaty Betty lifestyle (see below).

I studied every stitch of the products in order to capture their essence and summarise all their amazing benefits for in-store and online shoppers. And I made the painstaking decision to leave Sweaty Betty headquarters only because my passion for teaching took me increasingly away from my desk. Fortunately, the separation was only temporary. As Sweaty Betty Ambassador, I now get to continue my love affair with the iconic British brand’s incredible twice-annual collections.

The next season – AW16 – is called Fire and Ice and is inspired by the dramatic landscapes of Iceland. As always, it is totally different from what has come before and I cannot wait to incorporate some of my favourite pieces in my ever-expanding workout wardrobe. Until then, I just want to share a few of the reasons the role of Sweaty Betty Ambassador means so much for me.

Brit style for a Brit brand

Many people think the ‘Fit Brit’ in my brand refers to me. It actually refers to YOU – my fitness family. It refers to all the people who live in Britain or look up to the UK’s inspiring and burgeoning fitness scene. As a Collective, FBC is a brand that is defined by the people who join me for personal training, bootcamps, classes and events. That means your energy, your humour, your style and your goals are at the heart of the brand. I’ll give you the workouts, the ebooks and the advice to support your fitness journey, but only you can own that journey and create outcomes that make you proud.

Similarly, Sweaty Betty’s collections are so customisable, with tops that you can layer just as you like, leggings you can reverse according to your mood and the coolest Sports Luxe pieces that lend themselves to infinite styling. Sweaty Betty provides the pieces, but its customers create the look and bring it to life by the way they wear them and what they achieve while they’re all geared up. We’re both ever-evolving brands, created for and defined by the community. I can think of no activewear brand that makes a better fit for FBC!

Brand evolution based on innovation

Creativity is at the heart of my personal and group training services. I literally spend every commute and spare minute thinking about new exercises and new ways to put classic exercises together for bigger, better results. Likewise, Sweaty Betty has some trademark features – like their exceptional fabrics and show-stopping prints – but every season they add new twists and updates so each collection feels like a dramatic evolution of what came before. While I love to keep the body guessing, Sweaty Betty innovates by giving us year-round fashion inspiration and adding serious impact to our workout wardrobes.

Celebration of movement

I used to work closely with Sweaty Betty founder Tamara Hill-Norton when working in her head offices, and she continues to be someone I respect and idolise a great deal. Her initial inspiration for launching Sweaty Betty was to create a retail haven that embraced, enabled and celebrated women who participate in every kind of activity. You can shop for ski wear alongside yoga wear; find the perfect outfit for marathon training or a kickass bikini for playing beach volleyball on holiday. Although there is a slight tendency in the industry to lean towards aesthetics-based training, I love how Sweaty Betty holds true to its celebration of all movement and finds joy in movement itself. It’s not all about how you look or the results a particular style of exercise can deliver – it’s also about loving the exercise in the moment and the way it makes us feel.

One of many proud moments (after a Fit Brit Collective bootcamp) wearing Sweaty Betty

Professionals growing stronger together

As well as on-point customer messaging, Sweaty Betty’s immediate team of designers, marketing professionals, retail staff – plus of course their now global team of ambassadors – are collectively some of the most inspiring people with whom I’ve had the good fortune to work. In a highly competitive world, Sweaty Betty manages to lift up every individual in the pursuit of collective success. I’m already looking forward to some incredible Sweaty Betty and Fit Brit Collective collaborations, and to working together with my fellow ambassadors on Sweaty Betty’s famous Get Fit 4 Free campaigns. With mutual love and support, the world of women in sport and fitness can only become more positive, welcoming and progressive. That’s a chain reaction I can happily get behind!

Collective spirit of adventure

Insane shoot locations naturally elevate Sweaty Betty from a lot of other activewear brands, but the brand’s spirit of adventure is both internal and external. Models in the past have been dared to hold headstands on paddleboards – sometimes successfully, sometimes not. (The hair and makeup teams work exceptionally hard!). The teams organising Sweaty Betty events and campaigns are continually pushing themselves out of their comfort zones and leading by example by taking chances. There is a collective sense of ‘Why not?’ inherent to the brand and the community drawn to Sweaty Betty. And as I begin this new adventure as Sweaty Betty Ambassador, I look forward the many other thrills and discoveries around the corner. After all, we’re all in it together.

Brit xx 

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The tan lines may be fading, but my recent holiday in Thailand has left me forever more calm in the mind, adventurous in fitness and creative in the kitchen. Like the millions embracing the rising trend of ‘productive’ or ‘learning’ holidays, I look to every getaway as an opportunity to reflect on life back home and how I can further enrich it with clearer values and renewed passion. And if the place I’m staying happens to have a badass pool, all the the better for it…

Pool play

Looking out to the sea and horizon beyond, regular dips in Six Senses Samui’s serene infinity pool were a necessary compromise when temperatures hit 35 degrees and above. Tough going, I know!

An average swimmer at best (one of the only barriers delaying me from entering my first traditional triathlon – although I think it’s time for that to change), I was thrilled when I managed 25 50m lengths in a half hour. Including a few stops to admire the view, naturally. I started with 15 and added a length or two daily. I’m all for sunbathing, but pair a powerful hit of vitamin D with some post-swim endorphins and colour me ecstatic. And having realistic, incremental goals is a great way to enjoy fitness on holiday and set healthy routines for your return home.

Stay til sunset

One thing I wish I discovered sooner in the holiday (though better late than never): sunsets are better enjoyed twice. Once in the sky. Once in the pool’s reflection. Come 630pm, Six Senses’ poolfront becomes the visual equivalent of surround sound immersion. Think the final ‘Om’ in yoga class. The euphoria of crossing the finish line of a race having surpassed your PB goals. The butterflies that flood your stomach when you take on a challenge that seriously scares you. These sunsets were all the best things in life rolled up into one incredible all-natural nirvana.

Unwind in the spa

Let the bliss continue at the hands of Koh Samui’s most skilled spa therapists. The Six Senses resort offers guests a complimentary 30min foot massage, and the management team are no fools. We were back for more. Twice. I was hitting it extra hard during gym sessions just for an excuse to book another massage in the sea view treatment villas. Muscle release, more energy-lifting lemongrass scents and the restorative gong of the ‘singing bowl’ meant every treatment transported me to a subconscious state I arose from with reluctance. In fact, I found the Thai singing bowl sound so therapeutic I’m now on the hunt for one to serve as a centrepiece in the house and become part of new yoga and bedtime unwind rituals. Know where I can get one? Please drop me a line or leave a comment below this post! I will be forever grateful!

Sun, sweat, sculpt

It wasn’t all pampering. I spent an hour at least every other day in the air conditioned gym, mopping up sweat with refridgerated lemongrass scented towels – the perfect motivation to squeeze in another rep or round! I posted an example of my favourite holiday workouts last year – check out my sun lounger circuit if you missed it.

I typically combine HIIT wiith full-body conditioning because I don’t know when I’ll next have access to a gym while travelling, but this time we stayed in the same resort for 10 days so I went back to training splits. Legs day. Upper body and core day. Sprints and abs day. Complemented with lots of resort activities like cycling tours around the island, Muay Thai lessons, yoga classes, stand-up paddleboarding and monkeying around the outdoor gym. Dumbbells carved out of tree trunks? If it was 10 degrees cooler and there weren’t so many unknown insects circling, my husband wouldn’t have been able to pull me away.

Pause for meditation

While I train to maintain physical fitness on holiday, I always try to increase the time I dedicate to ‘checking in’ with my state of mind. When I stumbled on this ‘Silent Zone’ – an untouched beach shaded by palm trees and furnished with hanging swings – I made a commitment to spend at least 5 minutes every day meditating on the year so far.

Having made the big decision to leave a full-time career in journalism and copywriting this January, there has been a lot of change and upheaval in my life. Not to mention a pretty steady flow of nervous energy. But giving myself time to reflect on how much I’ve achieved in 4 months reminded me to trust my path and follow my heart. I won’t pretend I make time for daily meditation at home, but I do notice how making space for weekly reflection reinforces those positive thoughts and helps to hit any doubts on the head. I felt lighter every time I came away from this serene little spot and have a renewed appreciation for creating a personal ‘silent zone’.

Thai night every night

Tucking in to the local cuisine was hardly a chore. My go-to guilty pleasure at home is a Thai takeaway, and on top of eating my bodyweight in Pad Thai I couldn’t miss the opportunity to take a cooking lesson with one of the local chefs. I learned to make a spicy cabbage salad (after which I had to convince our chef that 5 chillies really is far too much for a single starter!), Massaman curry and prawn & raw veg spring rolls. I’ve already made the curry twice since returning home – it didn’t come out the same enticing creamy red but it tasted like the real deal!

Bean on the beach

If you visit Koh Samui, don’t miss a trip to the Fisherman’s Village. The pedestrianised shopping, ambling and dining street gives a taste of authentic Thai culture, albeit a little diluted from the sleepless streets of Bangkok. There is one particular stop-off I can’t recommend enough. The only thing I love more than a swing on a tree is a beanbag on a beach. Add some super cool throwback tunes, the smell of shisha in the air (I don’t smoke it, but I love the fruity fumes!), cocktails in quirky containers, surf and sand mantras and an eclectic mix of locals and tourists. Yep, this backpacker-beloved recipe makes Coco Tams undoubtedly the coolest bar in Koh Samui. Barefoot dancing til midnight? Don’t mind if I do!

Want a do-anywhere exercise programme for healthier travelling? Taking training more seriously ahead of your summer holidays? I love helping people towards time-specific goals and breaking down the skills to make effective exercise a part of every lifestyle. Email brit@fitbritcollective.com if you’d like to train with me, or subscribe to my mailing list to receive a free 2016 rep workout programme that makes a great starting point for every fitness journey.

Last year, just a few months after launching the Fit Brit Collective blog, I posted five New Year’s Resolutions to help maintain my focus in 2015. A whole year later, I feel pretty happy looking back at my goals and the progress I’ve made.

Through regular yoga practice I’ve pinned down my favourite practice styles to Ashtanga, Rocket and Power Yoga. And since teaching at Heartcore, I now incorporate at least one Reformer Pilates session into my weekly workouts. Within the year I also decided to qualify as a PT and leave my office job as a copywriter to give Fit Brit Collective my full-time attention – I definitely feel more self-certain in my career. Between teaching classes, working with clients and managing a full-on workload, inventive packed lunches have become a must. And none of this would have been possible without a lot of positive thinking and checking in with my family and friends.

With 2015 proving such a strong and exciting year, I’m raising the bar in 2016 with five new resolutions to keep me learning, growing and giving.

Qualify as a post-natal fitness specialist

Starting this month, I’m advancing my fitness qualifications with a YMCA course in ante and post-natal training. I believe we’re all in transition, and that one of life’s greatest transitions for women is becoming a mother. Through smart and effective training, I’m looking forward to helping more new mums tackle their new responsibilities, new priorities and new challenges with unbridled energy and confidence.

Go on a fitness retreat

No more lusting after Instagram photos and videos of sunny getaways dedicated to twice daily workouts and whole, healthy nutrition. This year I’m putting a fitness retreat on my travel calendar – and looking out for opportunities to join or run one for myself!

The year of the headstand

My commitment to yoga is going nowhere, and in 2016 I’m turning my focus upside down with an emphasis on inversions. This January, I’m entrusting in The Power Yoga Company to help me connect with my intentions and lock into headstand with more strength and confidence. See you on the mat!

Give back to my #sweatsquad  

I get so much happiness and motivation from working with my incredible #sweatsquad – the fellow trainers, inspiring clients and unstoppable training partners who continue to settle for nothing but the best. This year, I’m doing more to give back to my #sweatsquad (if you’re reading this, that includes you) with more online workouts, training tips and special fitness events to show my thanks! Pop back to the blog next weekend for a special 2016 workout designed to give you a firm full-body fitness foundation with exactly 2016 reps.

Launch Fit Brit Collective bootcamps

I find nothing more rewarding than helping a client connect with their goals. Through Fit Brit Collective outdoor bootcamps, coming soon to Wimbledon Common, I’ll be further delivering on my mission statement to make meaningful connections through exercise. Think partner exercises, invigorating group training drills and the satisfaction of completing every workout as a team. You may even meet your next training partner in the process. Contact me at brit@fitbritcollective.com to find out more.

I’m ready to take on the new year. Are you? I’d love to hear about your goals and resolutions. If you’re considering personal training to set you on the right track, contact me to arrange a free consultation. Wishing you health, happiness and success in 2016!

If ever there’s a time when community feels important, it’s Christmas time. When a year comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the highs and lows of the past 12 months, and the highs almost always involve my friends, clients and all those moments that contributed to a sense of community. In 2015, the fitness community particularly impressed me. So much so that, as of yesterday, I left the security of a rewarding full-time job to give more of my time and attention to the inspiring trainers, journalists, clients and friends who I am proud to count among my fitness family.

I’ve been part of a lot of communities during my life so far. There have been office communities, residential neighbourhoods, branches of extended family and my husband’s family, school and university networks, interest-related clubs and societies, online communities… so why did the fitness community make such a big impression on me?

I recently came across an Instagram quote that read: “I’m not interested in competing with anyone. I hope we all make it.” I saved this quote because I think it’s a perfect summary of the fitness industry. Like sport, fitness can certainly give rise to competition, but beneath that sense of friendly rivalry rests an inherent respect for others within our fitness family and a wealth of goodwill to see others do well. Because in fitness, it’s precisely the success of others that inspires us to break down boundaries and be the best we can be.

When I was first thinking about training for my PT qualifications, I was astounded by how much encouragement I received from others in the fitness industry. There was no sense of unwanted competition, or fear of others’ success. There was only a desire to join together and spread the benefits of wellbeing, safe in the knowledge that each of us brings something unique to the table. Eager for the opportunity to reach more people and help them find that unsurpassable sense of empowerment that comes from surmounting the physical and mental challenges of exercise.

Fitness professionals and enthusiasts make up one of the biggest communities in social media for this very reason. We love to see others succeed, whether it’s through new PBs, trying new workouts, creating something delicious in the kitchen or making a complete physical and lifestyle transformation. On more practical terms, social media also plays a huge role in introducing us to new exercises or classes, meeting people who share similar goals or workout preferences, and keeping engaged through the advice and motivation always just one scroll away.

While I love social media, one of my favourite benefits of the fitness community is the way it fosters offline connections. Last week, after teaching TRX in Heartcore Fulham, I sat down on the tube beside a girl with an adorable dog nestled in her handbag. Her canine companion rightly sensed the dog-lover in me (and the golden retriever hairs on my coat after cuddling one of Heartcore’s many studio dogs) and jumped onto my lap. After mentioning I teach at Heartcore, the girl told me she is a regular at the nearby Power Yoga Company and we immediately bonded over our favourite yoga instructors and classes. Making conversation on the London Tube is a rarity, so I put this new addition to my growing fit fam down to the welcoming, supportive and inspiring community of people who strive for the best in wellbeing.

As we say goodbye to 2015 and usher in 2016 with more love, energy and determination than ever, I just want to say thank you to everyone who continues to teach, inspire and motivate me. And that includes YOU. Even more than fellow trainers, I am constantly learning from my clients. YOU are the reason I happily set my alarm for 5am and feel continually inspired to be the best version of myself. Your success is my success, and there’s no motivation bigger than that. Happy Christmas team! Let’s make 2016 epic!

Love Brit x

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my new fitness services, available from January!

With an Instagram feed full of Christmas trees and five consecutive days of flu (that means no exercise for me; cue crazy house fever and endless lusting over exercise class timetables), my latest holiday feels like decades ago. However, my winter escape to Australia made a lasting impression on me and a little extra downtime seems the perfect excuse to relive my adventures. A la pied, wheels or fins, these are the unforgettable ways to explore one of the world’s most captivating countries.

Hike

To me, exercising on holiday means maximising my time outdoors and using nature as a fitness playground. I was lucky enough to do two of Australia’s most iconic walks: the coastal hike from Bondi to Coogee and the steep ascent up to Passage Peak on Hamilton Island. The unspoiled beaches of Queensland also proved a stunning place to explore, and my husband and I walked hand in hand for miles without meeting a single person (or giant unsightly spider, much to my relief).

Run

You all know I can’t resist picking up the pace every one in a while, so Sydney’s Botanical Gardens proved the perfect place for an early morning workout. With jet lag on our side, and the company of numerous super fit locals, my husband Ben and I almost justified our ample holiday indulgences. Which brings me onto the next means of discovery…

Eat

Undisputedly the culinary capital of Australia, Sydney has a mouth-watering selection of restaurants to choose from. As experts in Asian fusion cuisine, I was charmed by both the service and the delicious tasting menu at Billy Kwong in Potts Point (which also happens to be excellent value for money). Pictured below is the fresh and immaculately prepared sushi at Toko in Surry Hills. I also joined the Manly surf crowd in my adoration over local favourite Pure Wholefoods, which has the most extensive menu of raw, organic and wholefood meals I’ve seen in all my travels. For healthy cooking inspiration, this is one place you simply can’t miss.

Buggy

When it’s time to give your feet a rest, Hamilton Island presents my favourite alternative: high-power golf buggies. Cars are strictly banned from this Whitsundays Island. Instead, tourists can hire buggies to explore the island, while locals personalise their buggies to stand out in the busy parking lanes. As you can see, I was quick to peg my favourite of the lot.

Boat

A trip to Australia isn’t complete without some time on the water. We took the fast boat from Sydney’s ferry terminal to Manly, and I loved pretending to be a local and joining in on what must be the coolest commute around the globe. With glorious beach, beautiful boutiques and enticing cafes at every turn, I can see why Manly is a popular place to live. It’s said to be the home of Australian surfing, and sharks or not (ideally not) I’d happily convert to a surf chick if it meant I could hang in Manly just a little longer.

Another necessary boat trip is to Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays – the iconic beach with the world’s whitest, softest sand. It was stingray season, but I couldn’t resist a little dip in the water. Check out my Instagram feed for some more snaps of the beach itself.

From either the Whitsundays or further north in Port Douglas, you can get a boat trip out to the Great Barrier Reef. We went on a dedicated snorkeling trip with Wavelength Tours and I can’t recommend them enough – small groups, incredible snorkeling sites and super informative marine biologists on board. I’ve snorkeled and dived in a lot of destinations, but nothing will beat a face full of colourful fish and a (friendly) 15 minute encounter with a reef shark.

Swim

As swimming in the sea presents a few difficulties in Australia (you wear stingray suits snorkeling, but this isn’t the most comfortable if you’re after just a quick dip), there is a rather innovative alternative that beats a chlorinated swimming pool any day. All across the Australia coast, and famously around Sydney, there are natural pools that contain real ocean water without any of the ocean threats. Bondi Icebergs is the most famous (note you can also practice yoga there with Yoga By The Sea), but I also fell in love with some beautiful spots for swimming lanes along the walk from Bondi to Coogee.

Does this post remind you of your own adventures in Australia? Or has it inspired you to plan your next trip? Share your stories with me below (because more temptation to return is EXACTLY what I need :P).

Brit x

If you’ve got an eye for detail, you may have spotted a change on my Meet Brit page. But then again, I like to think you all spend more time working out, cooking healthy meals and generally enjoying life more than you do studying my pages for minor editorial changes. So this will be news to most of you – I have now moved on from studying and am officially an all-singing all-dancing all-jumping personal trainer!

Since I first dipped my toe in the water and guided my friend Basma through her flat stomach transformation, and taught my first class at Sweaty Betty, I’ve relished every minute spent helping people get better results and more enjoyment from their workouts. These 1-2-1 and group sessions are genuinely my favourite part of the week – the high I get from seeing clients’ proud faces after a hard workout is second to none. And I couldn’t be more excited to have achieved a massive bucket list goal and become qualified to take my passion for fitness to a professional level.

Better yet, I’ll be starting off my career as an instructor in one of London’s top boutique fitness studios. I can’t reveal much yet, but look out for more news and a timetable of my classes coming soon. Suffice to say, I’ve been going to this studio for the best part of a year and have never once left feeling I could have worked harder. I hope I can set the bar just as high, and I’ll be nervously inviting you all to come down, try out my classes and give me your feedback in a few short weeks!

For now, I will be focusing on group fitness and taking on just a small handful of private clients. I’m spinning around lots of exciting ideas to grow the Fit Brit Collective, and I can’t wait to take you all along for the journey. In the meantime, keep an eye out or follow me on Twitter and Instagram for more updates about how and where you can join me for one of the best workouts in London!

I first encountered Pilates during a babysitting shift as a young teenager. The family’s two kids had gone to bed and I was rifling through their DVDs to fill the last couple hours of the night. Right between Ghost and Clueless was a somewhat retro-looking Mari Windsor workout DVD that promised lean legs and a sculpted tum. I popped in Clueless but made a mental note to check out Pilates videos during my next trip to the video store.

In those days, Pilates was thought by many to be the preserve of middle-aged housewives. But in the noughties, the rest of the world woke up to the benefits of strengthening and lengthening muscles via small, controlled bodyweight movements. For my 13th birthday I received an MTV Pilates mash-up, featuring 20-somethings with taut bodies and cheesy all-American grins. I could choose to isolate my arms, abs, bum or legs – or to build my own workout using any of the above sequences. And I could select a soundtrack of pop, rock or R&B songs. Had Pilates got cool? It was well on its way…

Fast forward 15 years and classic floor Pilates has evolved to include many more branches of Pilates-inspired workouts using a greater variety of apparatus than a medieval torture chamber. But victims of the specialist Pilates studios in London enter by their own volition, and walk away with the glowing faces of someone who’s just completed one of the world’s most effective workouts.

Here are the must-try disciplines to tick off in your search for the school of Pilates best suited to you…

Classic Mat Pilates

This is Pilates as it was conceived by Joseph Pilates. Using nothing more than your bodyweight for resistance and your core for support, you take on a sequence of moves designed to target both major and minor muscles in your body. The foundation for all other Pilates disciplines, this is the best place to master your ‘neutral spine’ and ‘corset abs’.

Where to try it? @TriYogaUK – Not just a yoga destination, TriYoga’s team are experts in functional movement and its four citywide locations are a great place to learn Pilates, whether you’re just starting out or progressing your Teaser.

Reformer Pilates

Invented to advance the art and skill of Pilates, the reformer bed adds another dimension to your workout. Complete with a sliding platform, cables to pull or push your bodyweight in a variety of different ways, and weight selections to increase or decrease the resistance, Reformer Pilates is a full-scale gym in a single unit.

Where to try it? @Heartcorelife – With seven locations in London, Heartcore reigns strong in its dominance over the Reformer Pilates market. Expect best-in-class beds and beautiful venues.

Chair Pilates

The Pilates chair is another development since the reformer bed. You complete the workouts whilst upright and engage every muscle using bars and steps designed to increase or decrease the weight of your body for resistance. My favourite move on the chair is the pike, using mostly your core and a bit of your arms for stability to shoot your bum up to the ceiling. In my head I’m a gymnast. Even if the mirror doesn’t necessarily agree…

Where to try it? @TransitionZone – Run by the always glamorous Claire Finlay, this trendy Fulham studio combines the best fitness innovations with tried and tested exercise principles. You can even pair Chair Pilates with cardio on the Powerplate for a super-efficient session you can squeeze into the work day. And the on-site Recovery Cafe provides a comfortable place to hang out post-workout and treat yourself to homemade healthy treats.

Tower Pilates

If a Transformer and reformer bed had a baby, the result would be the Pilates Tower. As well as the varied weight selections and pulleys to engage even the muscles you didn’t know you had, the tower has extra structural components you can unlock to add new angles to your workout. Some experience in Pilates is recommended, as there’s less support for advanced moves compared with the reformer bed.

Where to try it? @BePilates – Easily London’s most pristine Pilates location, this Marylebone studio is so well-equipped it’s evolved into a training centre for Pilates teachers-to-be.

METcore Pilates

Little more than a foam roller with cables at one end, the minimalist METcore reformer is far more challenging than it appears. Your balance will be tested as you perform the exercises barefoot and move through multiple planes while staying in complete control of your body plus lightly weighted cables. Core stabilisation is key. And a welcome side effect is the myofascial massage you get from the foam roller as your rest your feet or back against the METcore base.

Where to try it? @FormStudiosLdn – Launched this year by an original Heartcore instructor, form combines the minimalist METcore machine with HIIT intervals on the TRX and Ski Erg. The result is a full-body, all-purpose workout that ticks all your boxes for strength, toning and cardio conditioning.

Cardio Pilates

If, like me, you don’t feel that you’ve worked out unless you’ve worked up a sweat, Cardio Pilates is the thing for you. As well as all the best tum toning moves from mat or Reformer Pilates, these sessions introduce heart-pumping cardio intervals on the floor or using other equipment like weights, kettlebells and TRX to maximise fat burn and multiply the benefits of your workout.

Where to try it? @PilatesPT – Founder of the well-known conditioning-meets-HIIT Model Method training technique, Hollie Grant’s private Pilates studio in Fulham is without doubt the most premier place to experience Cardio Pilates with a pro.

Bootcamp Pilates

When I think about bootcamp I think about camouflage and mud. Or of the peanut butter milkshakes at Barry’s Bootcamp in Euston. But Bootcamp Pilates is somewhat different. There are no cruel drill sergeants – only well-trained Reformer Pilates instructors who fit a ‘jumping board’ onto your bed so you can push off it during explosive exercises like horizontal jumping squats. It’s similar to Cardio Pilates, but you don’t even have to get off the bed. Mind you, getting out of bed is a prerequisite.

Where to try it: @MoveYourFrame – The ‘it’ studio of the East End, FRAME Shoreditch and FRAME Queenspark have dedicated space for Reformer Pilates and Reformer Bootcamp classes. I love that they keep numbers to a handful so the teaching remains highly personalised.

Piloxing

Another fusion Pilates workout you may have heard of in recent months is ‘Piloxing’. As you’ve probably guessed, it combines the principles of Pilates with those of boxing. Which makes perfect sense, because when have you ever seen a boxer with anything less than a six-pack? Piloxing is still limited to a few of gyms in London and I have yet to try it for myself, but it’s top of my to-do list!

Where to try it? @PushStudios – A Southeast London multi-discipline gym that has received plenty of press since introducing Piloxing to its timetable. (Here one Daily Mail journalist gives her first-hand report.)

Ready to take your Pilates to the next level? Have I missed your favourite studio off the list? Leave a comment below to share your own experience! 

This weekend, London health and fitness festival Be:FIT is back for the second year, and this time in the big beautiful venue of the Business Design Centre in Islington. From Friday to Sunday, there’s a jam-packed schedule of classes by top studios, plus nutrition and lifestyle talks by fitness industry icons. And once you’re feeling fit and inspired, you can pick up some healthy treats from over 125 stalls manned by some of my favourite UK brands – not least Pip & Nut, Purition and Teapigs!

Not sure where to start? Here’s my edit of the best classes and talks to attend on each day of the event…

Friday

House of Voga Workshop – 11am

Juliet Murrell’s unique fusion of rhythmic yoga breathing and retro aerobics dance packs in plenty of weekend-friendly flamboyance. As well as working up a virtuous sweat, you’ll pick up a few moves to put into practice the next time you wind up beneath a disco ball.

Madeleine Shaw – 1230pm

The name on everyone’s lips this week is Madeleine Shaw. She’s just released her recipe book Get the Glow and recently held a press launch that attracted a healthy turnout from the cast of Made in Chelsea. Behind the media craze, Madeleine’s experience stems from years of eating to correct IBS and enhance energy levels and makes her a well-informed advisor for your top nutrition queries.

Saturday

Victoria Pendleton & Farrah Storr – 130pm

I may be biased as I do the odd bit of work for Women’s Health, but the magazine’s editor Farrah Storr is full of fascinating insights into the fitness industry. And Victoria Pendleton’s gold medal background and natural charm makes this one of the most exciting talks of the entire festival. Join the conversation as the two old friends talk serious training.

Equinox Elimin8tor – 2pm

In case you haven’t guessed, I’m a big champion of the benefits of HIIT. And this short but sweet 30 minute session is the perfect introduction for newcomers to the concept of interval training. Like all HIIT workouts, it is equally challenging for the most experienced exercisers – maximise your effort and you’re guaranteed to sweat.

Sunday

Leah Kim Workshop – 11am

You’ll find me here on Sunday. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to start the day with 90 minutes of dynamic yoga taught by one of the coolest yogis around. You’ll recognise Leah from the Nike Training Club app, where she brings a laidback Santa Monica vibe to your home workouts.

Denise Lewis – 130pm

Olympic gold-medal winning heptathlete turned sports presenter Denise Lewis is a role model for every career-driven woman who schedules workouts like she does business meetings. As well as health and training tips, Denise will be discussing the non-negotiable rules that help her maintain a happy work/life balance.

There are of course plenty of other classes on offer – and if you’re yet to experience Barry’s Bootcamp, FRAME or Boom Cycle, this is place to try them for free.

If you’re planning to attend Be:FIT this weekend, use my exclusive code BRIT at checkout to get your tickets for just £15 each (normally £18). Or follow me on Instagram to find out how you can win one of five pairs of tickets going completely FREE!

I’ve been home a week now but when I close my eyes I can still hear the strong waves crashing against the untouched beaches and see the healthy green aura Sri Lanka’s lush vegetation casts over everything. Sri Lanka is a country that stays with you, and in those particularly frenetic moments at my desk, part of me wishes I could have stayed with it, too. But now I get to relive a few of the highlights by sharing them with you. Perhaps you’ll feel inclined to book the next flight to Colombo, and hopefully you’ll also pick up a few tips for staying active on holiday – whatever the destination on the departure board.

The scenery

Green is the first word that comes to mind when describing Sri Lanka. Everything from the tropical trees to the low-lying plantation to the grass on the ground is so vibrant it seems to radiate a halo of light. And nowhere is this more true than in the tea plantations around Kandy.

We stayed in the luxurious ‘tents’ of the Madulkelle Eco Lodge; more than a worthwhile resting place after a rather hair-raising four-hour ascent. The one-lane mountain road is bordered by steep cliffside vistas over a valley so lush I thought heaven must be near (though I wasn’t ready for early entry and, in any case, can’t be sure I’ve made the cut). It’s no coincidence that the nearby hiking hotspot called Adam’s Peak is a pilgrimage site with visitors believing Adam stopped here to take a final look over the land of Eden.

The final hour of the drive is lined by miles of tea fields. Beds of tea leaves looked so dense you’d think they would hold your weight if you were so inclined to jump in. On arrival, it was captivating to see the clouds roll in below and the base of the valley disappear.

After spending a few days with our heads above the clouds, it was time to get a little closer to sea level. The ocean on the south coast of Sri Lanka likes to make a statement – waves erupting from the rocks like lava. Yet the rhythmic lapping against the shore is the ultimate soundtrack for relaxation. Stick around for dusk and it’s impossible not to feel at peace – the big red sun sinking beneath the horizon in minutes as it leaves its trace in the evening’s rose-coloured clouds.

Staying active

Staying in shape (and getting even fitter) was easy in Sri Lanka. As the temperatures rose to 30 degrees and above by 8am, we established a healthy habit of going to bed and waking up early. Often the first up in the Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel in Galle, I’d have the gym to myself. Most of the equipment was a little out of date (head over to my Instagram account to see a step machine straight out of the 70’s), but it was fun to get a little old school and even run on a self-powered treadmill.

Daily swims in the beautiful Infinity pool were also the perfect way to stay cool. To avoid burning in the midday heat, I’d break my swims into two 15-minute sessions.

Making the most of the outdoors is especially important for me on holiday, as on working days in the UK I’ll easily spend all but one or two hours inside. I booked two private yoga classes on the balcony for my husband and I. Our instructor Upali specialises in Hatha yoga and had some unique approaches for getting into familiar moves, which I’ve since found useful for practising inversions like crow and headstand. Here he demonstrates a pretty impressive Scorpion handstand.

Upali definitely pushed me into some more progressive poses, so I was glad I’d spent a morning in the tea plantations warming up with a gentle stretch and flow session.

I also used the beautiful backdrop of the tea plantations to film this short sunbed circuit – proving that a sun lounger is good for more than just R&R. This sequence of step-ups, single-leg lunges, glute bridges (using the balcony railings for a little extra elevation), decline press-ups, tricep dips, plank-ups and teasers was an ideal full-body circuit to boost my metabolism and prevent any muscle loss while I took a break from my full-time routine.

Natural nourishment

Although I confess to the odd indulgence in Indian food, I prefer the creamy western varieties like Korma and Pasanda to the chilli-heavy variations loved by Sri Lanka’s locals. These fire dancers even swallowed the flames from their batons to prove just how resilient they are to the heat.

However, a daily soup course was a nice surprise, with ginger-infused broths having a warming quality without making your eyes water.

During a trip into the walled city of Galle Fort, we also stumbled across this independent spice boutique called Chilli Dragon, where I stocked up on some of my favourite ingredients like cinnamon for porridge and protein balls.

A cooler treat for the taste buds was a local drink called the Mint Frappe. Here Ben poses with the bright green beverage, which tastes as refreshing as it looks. I asked for the recipe so I could make it at home this summer, and it couldn’t be simpler.

Just blend the following: One large handful fresh mint leaves, juice of one lime, shot of sugar syrup and two handfuls ice.

I also loved the King Coconuts, served straight up with a straw, but those are a little harder to source at home…

My final favourite culinary discovery took place at the breakfast buffet: passionfruit crepes. Light and super sweet, passionfruit works so well as a pancake filling because it doesn’t need any further sweetener and packs in plenty of the antioxidants vitamin A and C, plus high amounts of dietary fibre to set up your digestive system for the day.

Serenity found

This was definitely the healthy getaway I needed to reflect on the remainder of the busy year ahead and restore some balance to my life. As I watched the sun set on our incredible holiday, I felt inspired to test some of my newfound balance in the Sri Lankan waves. Struggling to so much as to reach my foot in this pose only a few months ago, it says a lot that within a week I was able to advance my yoga practice and feel stronger and taller inside and out. In part, that’s because Sri Lanka is a land of letting go. There on the island’s southern shores, I let go of a lot of things – stress, uncertainties and ego among them. And so far I’ve managed to leave them at sea…