I met Sophie through mutual friends in fitness, and immediately I knew she brought something special to the fitness industry. She has a warm energy, a calming disposition and an unflappable commitment to her clients and the practice of yoga. I’m really excited to partner with her for a special Bootcamp & Bend event on Saturday 17 September. After 45min of high-intensity bootcamp with me, Sophie will be taking the crew through a series of flowing vinyasa style stretches and yoga sequences to lengthen the body, open the mind and leave you feeling strong and balanced as you take on the weekend. It’s the ideal opportunity for keen bootcampers to try their hand at yoga, and for dedicated yogis to enjoy the intensity and teamwork of bootcamp.

Here Sophie shares a little more about herself so you can get to know her before joining us next Saturday!

When & why did health and wellness start to become a top priority for you?

I have always enjoyed exercise, especially at school. However until just over a year ago I was living a pretty unhealthy lifestyle. Working all hours as an Assistant Director in TV meant that I never had time to exercise. I was so exhausted that I didn’t put much thought into what I ate and wellness just wasn’t a priority. After 8 years in the industry my body began to give up on me, and after a bad period of insomnia I came to the realisation that things really needed to change. So I quit my job – a tough decision at the time – and once I started on the road to getting fit and healthy again I haven’t looked back.

How often do you personally practise yoga, and what benefits does a regular practice offer you?

I try to practise 4 times a week and I would love to practise more but sometimes I find it difficult to fit my own practice into a busy week! A regular practice helps me stay grounded, it helps me switch off from the business of life, it helps me feel more open in my body and mind, and most of all it helps me feel balanced.

Describe your unique yoga teaching style in one sentence…

Dynamic and energetic with fun and creative sequences that will make you feel revitalised and glowing!

What’s your most exciting fitness career highlight to date?

Having 56 people turn up to my Lululemon class this summer was pretty special!

Who do you look to for inspiration in the fitness industry or in the business of fitness?

I look to both the teachers that I assist for – Julie Montagu and Rachel Okimo. I love their different styles of teaching and both of them have inspired me to be the teacher I am.

Which yoga pose makes you feel strongest?

Crow pose – I really used to struggle with this pose as I had such weak shoulders and arms (I found it hard to do a press up for a long time!) so it reminds me how far I have come and how with practice and determination you can achieve anything.

What fitness discipline pushes you most out of your comfort zone?

Probably bootcamp! I find high intensity training very tough and I have to remember that the mind gives up way before the body does.

How would you describe the London fitness scene compared to other countries and cities around the world?

I can only really compare it to Australia – where I received my yoga qualifications – and I would say that we have a bit of catching up to do here in London. In Sydney and Melbourne fitness and wellness seems much more accessible and affordable. Of course the good weather encourages people to be outside and be more active. But there also seems to be a real consciousness around healthy eating and an acceptance of different dietary requirements.

What excites you most about the upcoming Bootcamp & Bend event?

I am looking forward to uniting bootcamp with yoga! It will be fun and interesting motivating a whole group of people after they have had an extremely energetic workout…. I also hope that the people who may not have tried yoga before but are more of the ‘team bootcamp’ will be pleasantly surprised at how dynamic and energetic yoga can be.  I am really looking forward to being part of a new type of workout, creating something exciting and fresh…and hopefully Bootcamp and Bend will have many more interesting events to come!

Find out more about Bootcamp & Bend and secure your spot (spaces are going quick!) before they’re gone. We look forward to meeting and training with you!

Happy Bank Holiday Monday! Today is a big day! Not just because it’s an extra day off work, or because it follows pay day, or because it feels like the first long weekend of summer. Today is a big day because The Lean Body Jumpstart VIP Challenge is officially underway! This is the holistic 30 day fitness, nutrition and lifestyle jumpstart to establish healthy habits for life and start feeling seriously awesome in time for summer. Don’t worry, there’s still time to get involved if you don’t have yours yet. Everything you need is contained within one easy-to-follow ebook, so the challenge starts when you do. And there’s a private Facebook community for group and 1-2-1 support if you want a little extra motivation along the way.

Of course, I couldn’t do all of this all on my own. For this exciting new project, I proudly partnered with Cantara Armah from award-winning fitness and lifestyle blog Gymbags & Gladrags. Cantara’s blog has gone from strength to strength as she has shared her personal fitness journey over the last few years, tracking weight loss, fine-tuning her diet and sharing effective and healthy ways to get stronger, become leaner and feel more confident from the inside out. I wanted to learn a little more about what gets her out of bed and into her trainers, so she kindly agreed to answer my most pressing questions and open up to the Fit Brit Collective community. Read on to learn more about Cantara, then click here to find out more about our ebook and how to jumpstart your fitness (now available from only £9 as a limited time introductory offer).

You started Gymbags and Gladrags anonymously. What was your motivation for blogging, and why did you keep your blog a secret to begin with?

Gosh, that feels like so long ago now! I started Gymbags and Gladrags because I wanted to improve my health and fitness but struggled with sustaining my motivation long enough to see a real difference. I hoped starting a blog would help me connect to other girls on a similar journey and help to boost my motivation (it did!) but I didn’t want all my friends and family to know that I was ‘on a diet’ or blogging about salads and the like. I was never anonymous as my name was on my blog and social media, I just kept it all a secret from people I knew in real life.

People love the real you behind your blog! No gimmicks, no over filtering/photoshopping, nothing but your genuine pursuit of health and balance. Are there any hard and fast ‘rules’ you live/blog by?

To always be myself and to be useful to my readers. When I started out, my blog was all about me; what I was eating, what workouts I wanted to do… My blog is still about me to some degree but now I focus more on helping my readers. I will never write a post like ‘How to lose 20lbs in 10 days’ because that is just not healthy. Instead, I focus on long-term health and I ignore the quick fixes and faddy diets.

What’s the ultimate mission behind Gymbags and Gladrags?

To become even more useful for my readers. There is a lot of faddy information out there on how to lose weight and improve your health, from weight loss pills to starvation diets to detox teas. I want Gymbags and Gladrags to be a resource people can trust. A place full of tips and advice that won’t require you to spend hours in the gym, have no social life, be scared of a certain food or go bankrupt over your food shop. Instead, I want Gymbags and Gladrags to become a supportive and positive community that will improve your long-term health.

You’ve done Psycle challenges, barre challenges and tried loads of London’s most iconic workouts. What’s your favourite exercise and why?

It’s still Psycle! I just don’t enjoy running (I’ve tried, I really have), but I’ve fallen in love with spin and Psycle is just addictive. It feels more like a night out than a workout – minus the hangover!

Before we released The Lean Body Jumpstart, you were the first to test run the workouts. What has your personal experience with the training?

I really enjoy the workouts – they were tougher than I thought! I’ve done several HIIT workouts in my time, lifted weights heavier than my bodyweight and sweated it out in some of London’s top studios, so I was a bit surprised at how sweaty I was from The Lean Body Jumpstart workouts. I love that you can do them anywhere! It really gives me no excuses on those days when I just don’t feel like going to the gym.

The recipes in The Lean Body Jumpstart are personal favourites of yours. How important is cooking as part of your weight loss and fitness journey?

Cooking is how I really learned to eat healthily. Lots of convenience foods have added sugars, salts and additives; by cooking your own meals you can avoid all of that and really get creative in the kitchen. For The Lean Body Jumpstart, I really wanted the recipes to be as faff-free as possible. We don’t always have the time to spend hours in the kitchen, so a lot of the recipes can be made in under 30 minutes.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your pursuit of your optimal fitness and ideal body shape?

To enjoy the journey. I used to be so hung up on the end result. I tried endless quick fixes that only made me further from my goal in the end. Now I try to enjoy every workout; celebrating each time I can lift a bit heavier or do an additional rep and each time I make a healthy choice. Some days I’ll eat chips and some days I’ll eat kale. It’s all about getting the right balance that you can maintain for life.

Who do you look to in the blogging and/or fitness industry for inspiration?

Brit, I honestly look up to you. I love your drive and enthusiasm. You make every workout so much fun and it’s clear you really care about your clients. That’s why I couldn’t think of a better person to partner with for The Lean Body Jumpstart! I also look up to Massy Arias because she is just so super fit and incredible, and also Nicole Mejia because I love her figure. I have a similar shape to her so it is great to have found a fitspiration with thick thighs and a petite torso. The goal is to be as toned as her!

Now it’s your turn! Start your fitness journey today and join our growing community of The Lean Body Jumpstart challengers! Post your experiences and workouts using #LeanBodyJumpstart so you can connect with others following the programme. Good luck!

Brit xx 

If you’re on Instagram and you follow me and my awesome friend in fitness Chiara Pellegrino, you already know that we’re joining forces to run a winter fitness retreat in the beautiful Italian Alps. If this is news to you, check the following dates in your diary: Wednesday 9 March to Sunday 13 March. All clear? Good, now add ‘Get fit with Chiara & Brit’ at La Scuola de Chiappera near Turin, Northern Italy. Take a look at the information page on 4fitnessake.co.uk for all the essential details, including where you’ll be staying, how to get there and how much it will cost. Then have a scan through these additional 5 reasons to join us. Best read quickly – we only have a few spots left!

1. A weekend with the friendliest faces in fitness

Chiara is best known for kicking butts at Psycle in Mayfair and Canary Wharf (and previously across all locations of barrecore). For the next four weeks (starting today), you’ll also find her teaching Sweaty Betty’s boxing-inspired Rumble workout in the Marylebone store. Whether you know her from the barre, the bike or the boutique, you’ll recognise her by the giant smile she wears during every workout. While I naturally find it harder to sing my own praises, I don’t go by ‘London’s fiercest & friendliest trainer’ without reason. The most common reaction when Heartcore clients try their first TRX workout with me? “You seem so sweet and bubby, and then the class starts…” Yep, I’ll kick your butt. But I promise to do it with love!

2. Three serious butt-busting workouts daily

Speaking of butt-kicking, just how do we intend to whip you into shape? Why, with no less than 3 workouts per day. Kickstarting every morning with fasted cardio, we will supercharge your metabolism and give you an endorphin boost to energise you the whole day through. You’ll need it, because following afternoon activities in the beautiful snowy surrounds, you’ll be back at it with strength focused evening workouts and stretchy yoga-inspired mat sessions.

3. Mellow meditation in the mountains

Chiara and I agree on a lot of things, but the one thing we connect most passionately about is how important it is to unite wellbeing of the body and wellbeing of the mind. Immersed in the Italian Alps, your mental self will receive just as much attention as your physical self. At least once a day there will be dedicated time for meditation and reflection. Whether it’s solo time in the mountains, or an extra long savasana to end the day, we will encourage you to dig deep and discover more about yourself, your goals and your true potential.

4. Interactive workshops to explore your full potential

Speaking about your true potential, you already know you’re awesome and capable of awesome things, right? Just in case you’ve forgotten, or have underestimated yourself in any capacity, we’ll be there to remind you that you really do rock. Every night, we’ll come together over a workshop to explore the ways that you can use food, exercise and mindfulness to unleash just a little more awesomeness. You’re already joining us because you’re a go-getter, so these workshops are designed to expand the knowledge and confidence you need to meet and exceed your health goals.

5. Mindful nutrition to make your mouth melt

Although Chiara and I love to eat and cook healthily, we’re entrusting the menu design to an inspiring team of wellness entrepreneurs inspiring Londoners to explore more wholesome and adventurous cooking. We’ve very excited that Mindful Chef has agreed to create a bespoke retreat menu, taking into account the availability of organic fruit, veg and meat grown or reared on-site at La Scuola de Chiappera. Stomach rumbling yet? It should be. Nowhere else will you get UK nutrition experts helping you fuel your body, and local Italian chefs committed to feeding your soul.

I hope you’re convinced. I’m personally counting down the sleeps until I board the flight to Turin and prepare to meet 8 fun, beautiful and inspiring clients on the other side. Oh, did I mention there are just 8 spots? And over half are already gone! Book your space at 4fitnessake.co.uk now. I’ll see you there!

Let’s get, let’s get, let’s get ready to rumble… said 90s duo PJ and Duncan. But I suspect the modern day Ant and Dec never predicted their catchy pop song would share a name with a fitness revolution by one of London’s most luxurious and forward-thinking gyms. The new 1Rebel in Broadgate Circle does away with the dingy concrete and transforms the underground boxing gym into a premium space for jabbing, hooking and uppercutting your way to a stronger, fitter version of yourself.

Think theatre grade lighting, copper plated lockers, heated benches, Hollywood inspired mirrors and a complete skincare and haircare regiment so you needn’t think about packing anything more than your trainers and fiercest gym kit.

Multi-faceted motivation

I can assure you the class playlists are just as modern too. Sadly, there was not a single track from Ant and Dec’s illustrious music career, but there was plenty of suitably base-heavy inspiration courtesy Wiz Khalifa, Kanye West and R3hab. Instructor Esme also injected plenty of energy and motivation into the class, spurring us on through speed rounds and power rounds to keep heart rates high. Those endurance-centric slow twitch muscle fibres were in constant interchange alongside fast twitch muscle fibres through some bold heavy hitting tracks.

But there’s more to Rumble than old school bag work. Just as the arms begin to ache from the high-rep punching sequences, we’re on the floor for a set of mountain climbers. Quick spells of conditioning also make clever use of the 1Rebel-branded boxing bags, such as the sit-up cross-body punch combo that lights up the obliques with every powerful blow. My personal penchant for a balanced workout meant the addition of squats ticked all the boxes.

1Rebel is on good form 

A steadfast focus on form further gave me the satisfaction of both working out and learning a skill in the process. Esme twice corrected my footwork during a series of roundhouse kicks – and the extra power I could generate with a marginal change in my footwork proved there’s an art to boxing inspired fitness. And it’s not all physical. Every time I made contact with the bag, I felt more tension chip off my shoulders. The class culminated in a particularly cathartic freestyle finale that bordered on spiritual – as far as I was concerned, there was nothing but me and the bag and the rhythm of my own heart to push the tempo.

Beyond the bag 

Aside from a lasting rumble in my hands (they didn’t stop shaking for a solid day), that post-workout zen was a pleasing contrast to the high-energy vibes of the class. At 1Rebel, the calm comes after the Rumble, and that’s what makes this new East London class a smash hit. Check it out at 1rebel.co.uk.

Wearing Jive Dance Capris and Upbeat Padded Bra by Sweaty Betty 

Need to know: To combat stinky glove syndrome, 1Rebel requires you to purchase a pair of personal hand wraps before your first class. Bring an extra £5 to cover the price of the hand wraps plus the fee to hire protective gloves (also available for purchase).

As a trainer and someone who loves to train, I never underestimate the importance of quality nutrition. Exercise is only part of the picture when it comes to establishing a healthy lifestyle, and finding healthy places to dine out means you can complement that lifestyle while sharing it with your friends. In London we’re spoiled for choice and eating out doesn’t have to mean compromising your nutrition.When you want something more wholesome than burgers and pizza, these are my five go-to hangouts for healthy grub…

East London

Grounded

With a horticultural interior theme and a homegrown menu selection, grounded is precisely how I feel every time I step foot in this new East London cafe. It’s recently become a weekend non-negotiable for my husband and I. Even if I don’t have time to enjoy their freshly baked sourdough and perfectly soft poached eggs, I’ll compromise by picking up an organic coffee and carrot and apple muffin. It’s pretty much my favourite thing in the world right now – so yum and nutritious, and keeps me going through all my Saturday afternoon classes! The Grounded team really won me over when they opened early so I could pop in for a green smoothie before hopping on the tube for my morning commute. When I move to Southwest London in two weeks, I may just to ask them to come with!

O Food

Ever envied the glowing skin and glossy hair of the Danes? Steal a trick from their (recipe) book and check out this Copenhagen-inspired sandwich cafe in Spitalfields. Lots of organic bread variations, protein-packed fillings and innovative dressings transform this little known gem from a typical sandwich bar to a feel-good food destination that won’t offset your healthy eating habits. For a balanced weekend treat, I went for the Prawn Star on Rye (Don’t think cauliflower goes in a sandwich? You have to try it to believe it!), and split half with my husband’s Hook on Sourdough (traditional fish frikadelle with dill tartar; one of the more indulgent options on the menu). All washed down with complimentary cucumber water – a nice touch that doesn’t go amiss!

Central London

Caravan Kings Cross

I have to admit, my recent experience at this much-talked-about Australian restaurant almost exclusively inspired me to book a holiday to the land down under this autumn. Its good reputation is very well-deserved, with innovative small plates served up in a beautiful warehouse setting that’s just oh-so-London. I practically melted with love for the Chickpea Chips with Chipotle Ketchup. They also served a special Miso-Roasted Aubergine that was so good I tried to replicate at home (with some success, too – give it a try here). It’s easy to be virtuous here and pick from the many yummy lean fish and salad plates, but I do recommend treating yourself with a couple naughty plates – it would be a crime to miss the Smoked San Simon Cheese and Jamon Croquettes. And do polish off your meal with a coffee. Be warned: it’s both delicious and very strong. Great before a tough HIIT workout (just give the croquettes some time to go down first).

Muriel’s Kitchen

Fancy lunch on a porch swing, with homestyle cooking and a side of home interiors inspiration? Then head to Muriel’s Kitchen in Soho and sample the ever-changing daily salads with a protein selection of your choice – the Salmon Steak is my favourite and the portion is always very generous. The nutty mushroom salad pictured here was the perfect accompaniment, and fully convinced me to give mushrooms more credit beyond their cameo appearance in my weekly stirfry.

West London

Good Life Eatery

The brainchild of two LA-inspired entrepreneurs, The Good Life Eatery opened two years ago and quickly became a Chelsea institution and Instagram sensation. Superfood salads, healthy Bowls, energising Smoothies and guilt-free Desserts like raw peanut butter brownies attract health-conscious Londoners from far and wide. Substantial portions and inspiring ingredients keep them coming back for more. Insider tip: If you’d like to work with me, you can invariably lure me into a meeting with an invitation to the Good Life Eatery. See you there!

Where’s your favourite place to tuck in to health-enhancing chow? If you think I’ve missed an unmissable eatery, help me expand my horizons and leave a comment below ;). Thanks for reading!

Brit x

Spinning has long been one of my favourite forms of exercise. I love the big thigh-burning tracks, the high-energy instructors and the sweaty post-workout feeling that you’ve done some real good. And as UK fitness enthusiasts catch onto the king of all cardio workouts, spinning continues to evolve. New spin studios Psycle and Edge Cycle have now added weights to the workout, fusing traditional cardio-based classes with conditioning moves done on or off the bike. This week, I had the opportunity to try both. Here I weigh up the pros of each and decide which full-body bike workout comes out on top. Let battle of the bicycle bootcamps commence…

Psycle

Soho vibes

In the heart of Fitzrovia, Psycle is undoubtedly the “cool kid” of cycling – appealing to artists, writers and creatives from nearby agencies and publishing houses. Pristine white walls and inspirational wall graphics – plus, of course, motivational messages as you ascend the stairs – tick all the boxes for a premium London fitness studio.

Good technique meets big energy

At reception you are given a pair of cleats for the class, free of charge. These clip-in shoes remove the need for fiddly foot straps and promote full muscle engagement from your quads and hamstrings as you pull and push the peddles around (read: lean, balanced legs rather than bulging thighs).

Downstairs in the studio, the concrete walls and floor with disco lights overhead set the tone for an energetic workout. You start the class like any other spin class, with a slow warm-up building up into sprints and climbs. Then come the press-ups. Psycle demands a bit of coordination as you perform narrow, wide and single-arm press ups – all to the exacting beat of the music. Get the groove just right and the resulting adrenaline buzz is better than a night on the tiles.

Multi-task conditioning

The penultimate track of the session typically entails upper body conditioning. Here you grab a set of light dumbbells and punch, curl, extend, rotate and pulse them for a comprehensive upper body workout that is 100% on the bike. Again, you’ll need to switch your brain on because the music sets the rhythm for both your feet and your hands, and you don’t want to look out of step. For me, this was a huge pro rather than a con. I loved how immersive the Psycle experience was, and the fact that my mind never once wandered during the 45 minute session.

A bathroom better than your own

Finally, the changing rooms at Psycle are among the best of any London studio. They’re clean, there are several showers – stocked with luxurious Ila shampoo, conditioner and body wash – and plenty of space to spread out as you blow dry your hair and do your make-up. To me, the post-workout experience is almost as important as the workout itself, and I felt right at home getting ready for the day ahead after an energising early morning spin order viagra online usa.

Edge Cycle

City sensibility

Edge Cycle in Farringdon rises to the needs of its surrounding city workers, squeezing a full-body workout into it’s time-effective on-the-bike, off-the-bike bootcamp. There are traditional spin classes and mixed conditioning classes on the schedule, so you can vary your workouts throughout the week. While cleats are available at reception, I did the bootcamp class in trainers for smoother transitions between the cycle legs and conditioning legs.

Off beat bike work

As a converted office, the studio is surprisingly edgy and lives up to its namesake. Riders look onto solid black backdrop with built-in disco lights, which alternate with overhead spotlights. The music is high-energy to match the dynamic lighting system, but the ride itself is not performed in sync to the beat. While this means less coordination is required of you, it can also mean the high-intensity intervals feel like more of a slog. During my class, we went right into some pretty heart rate boosting segments from the word go, so I’d recommend arriving a few minutes early to spin out your legs and warm up your body beforehand.

Dumbbell sandwich

I enjoyed the off-bike segment. There were combination exercises combining squats with upper body movements to keep the intensity levels high. Plus, there was great balance throughout the conditioning – without the constraints of the bike, it was much easier to work opposing muscle groups. Press-ups were followed by plank rows and reverse lunges were paired with squat clean and presses. Then, to burn through the last of your energy stores, the conditioning is sandwiched by a final Tabata-style spin track at the end. Expect short but sharp intervals across two or three minutes, so you’re short of breath again by cool down.

Ren or run

Although you definitely shouldn’t skip the stretch, you’ll want to be quick to the changing rooms. There are five open-cubicle showers so prepare for a little less privacy than you might be used to – and bring your own shampoo and conditioner as the only cleanser provided is Ren bodywash. There is also only one small mirror with two hairdryers, so if you’re in a rush to get ready for work or an evening out, you should have a personal mirror to hand. Or save your workout for the end of the day and shower at home.

The verdict

To summarise, there are pros to working out at both Psycle and Edge Cycle.

Psycle

• Big music, with high-energy choreographies to match
• First class provisions, including free cleats and beautiful showers
• Fluid sessions with body-sculpting exercises that don’t compromise on cardio

Edge Cycle

• Strong on conditioning, best for those wary of excess cardio
• Heavier weights for strength-boosting superiority
• Simpler cycle sequences for the rider who lacks rythym

The winner

While it would be a lie to draw parallels with Shakira, I love escaping into the Psycle dance fantasy and imagining I look every bit as good. And for me, its sensational showers give it the edge.

On any given day, you can take a peek inside my gym or handbag and expect to find a few staples, among which is a pack of Simple’s Sensitive Facewipes. That’s because I never work out wearing make-up, not wanting to feel self-conscious of sweating or restricted in my training. So when Oxygenetix approached me about their foundation – a post-surgical cream developed to conceal scars while allowing enough oxygen through to facilitate the healing process, as well as being water- and sweat-resistant to suit humid environments – I said the very same thing. I was happy to trial it as an everyday foundation, but not as “makeup you can work out in”. With the terms of the review set, I waited for my sample to arrive…

The first thing I noticed about Oxygenetix was its small size – the bottle is no bigger than Benefit’s High Beam (another staple in my bag). But you need only one small pump to cover your whole face. As someone who much prefers tinted moisturisers to traditional foundations, I instantly liked how lightweight and smooth the texture of Oxygenetix is. It’s easiest to apply using only your fingers, and it spreads a thin, even veil across the skin’s surface. I requested the Honey shade, which is just a touch darker than my natural skin tone but gives a natural glow for winter.

On the first day of my review, I broke my cardinal rule for the purposes of research. I wore make-up during exercise. It was rather convenient, actually. Working for a fit fashion brand, I often do sweaty studio classes at lunchtime and it makes little sense to apply a full face of make-up only to remove it a few hours later. But on this occasion I was making an appearance in one of the boutiques, so thought I’d make more of an effort for the sake of customers. I also wanted to try the barre class they run in the store’s basement studio, so I planned to squeeze in a gentle workout between meeting with store managers and talking to customers.

My make-up routine on the day was as follows: Veil primer by Hourglass, Oxygenetix foundation, a sweep of Benefit bronzer, a sweep of Bobbi Brown blusher and a couple swipes of Benefit mascara. Four hours after application it still looked fresh as I went into my barre class feeling like a right ballerina. Only it turns out I underestimated the class – high repetitions of tiny muscular movements was sweatier work than expected and I didn’t want to end up a streaky mess, so I pulled back more than I usually would. Still, to my surprise, the foundation held up to moderate perspiration and the only post-workout touch-up I needed was a bit of powder for the shine.

I carried on straight to 10pm wearing the make-up, and even after running around all day and fitting in an hour’s workout, I looked matte-fresh and loved the lightweight feel of Oxygenetix. Cleaning my face before bed, I paused to inspect my pores and make sure I hadn’t caused any unwanted congestion. No damage done!

This experience didn’t change my view on wearing makeup during exercise as a regular habit. I still believe a bare face is important for the feeling of being free to sweat as well as for the long-term health of my skin. But for fitting lower-intensity workouts like Pilates or yoga into a busy day, I feel confident wearing Oxygenetix straight through. It’s new to the UK this year and stocked in a number spas and boutiques – all of which you can find on oxygenetix.com – if you’d like to try it for yourself.

*I would like to remind readers and businesses that I never feature anything on my blog that I don’t personally love or think would be beneficial to readers.*

Two and a half. That’s the average number of times I hit snooze on a weekday morning. At least, it has been for the last decade. But when my first wedding anniversary recently came ’round and I learned that the modern gift is a clock, I took the opportunity to buy my husband a gift I secretly desired for myself: a Lumie clock. I’ve been oggling this technology for the last couple years, umming and ahhing about whether it could really make a difference. Alas I always faltered at the point of purchase, put off in the end by the premium price tag.

As a word of introduction for readers who are unfamiliar with this invention, Lumie is an illuminating alarm clock designed to mirror the gradual brightening of dawn and reduce symptoms of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) in the process. It’s among a number of new products on the market that promise to increase your energy levels and enhance your mood. It also works in the opposite way, gradually darkening to simulate dusk when you’re winding down for the night. There is plenty of scientific evidence to suggest this can improve sleep quality, with over-exposure to artificial light and computer screens reducing our melatonin levels – our bodies’ natural trigger for rest. In the morning, alertness-boosting hormones like cortisol take over from melatonin, and these too can be stimulated by gradual exposure to light.

Prepared for the clocks going back

After finally giving into my curiosity, my only regret is not making the investment earlier. I went for the entry-level Lumie Bodyclock Starter 30 (£59.95), and believe it more than justifies the price. Firstly, it’s versatile enough to be both a reliable alarm clock and chic bedside lamp. And, most importantly, it’s brought my snooze average down to nought. I really struggle with dark mornings, feeling the ill effects of vitamin D deficiency within weeks of the summer’s end. I’ll go months without a cold and suddenly I’m struck down by countless infections as the temperature drops. But for once I feel prepared for the clocks going back – I hope you’ve scheduled an extra hour in bed this Sunday – and for adjusting to that official mark of winter.

With my Lumie on side, I wake feeling much sprightlier, and it seems to prevent that groggy wintry feeling from settling in throughout the day, too. I usually wake naturally just a few minutes before the alarm sounds, ready to pounce out of bed without a moment’s hesitation – no need to wait for my eyes to adjust to any harsh artificial light. I especially love how the Lumie lamp casts a soft glow on the wall, like the sun slipping through the blinds. And although I’ve admittedly felt the first bite of a winter cold, the blow has been much gentler this season because I haven’t experienced the exhaustion-induced fuzzy head and heavy limbs that typically accompany a sore throat or touch of congestion.

Rethinking my bedtime routine

I am yet to try the Lumie’s dusk setting, as I’m a nighttime reader and tend to devour the latest novel until my eyes close on their own accord. Until recently, I was guilty of reading on my iPad, but I’ve now resurrected my Kindle to give my eyes a rest from backlit screens and reduce any sleep interruptions caused by a lack of melatonin. I imagine the dusk setting would be an incredible tool for a bedtime yoga or meditation routine – something I’m keen to incorporate soon. Armed for my next sleepless night, I also intend to try the dusk setting alongside breathing and muscle relaxing exercises to reset my body and override any excess cortisol.

If you’d like to know more about improving your sleep habits, please leave me feedback and I’ll plan a dedicated post soon! With that, I wish everyone a winter of restful nights and energetic mornings!

Other illuminating innovations I’d like to try:

• Noisli – Free creativity-boosting background screen for writing without distractions. Bespoke background sounds also help tune out disruptive noises.
• Lucas Hugh Octane Leggings – OK, these don’t generate light per se, but they are eye-catchingly reflective when artificial light shines on the logo and panels. That means I’d feel safe and confident running at night, and would get the full benefit of that post-workout, mood- and energy-enhancing endorphin high.
• Kindle Paperwhite – I like that the new Kindle gives you the choice to read with a gentle built-in front light, but is also satisfyingly paper-like so you can reminisce over the beauty of the book. I’m ready to upgrade!

“Get a treadmill before they go,” whispers a regular. I’ve bumped into an old university acquaintance and she’s kindly given me some insider knowledge into the Barry’s Bootcamp training system: always get the sprints over with first. Three minutes later, I understand why.

“12!”

Wide-eyed reluctance. These are American treadmills we’re talking about. 12mph is uncomfortably fast.

“12!”

Further reservations.

“Hit that f$!@ing button. You can run 12!”

Unsure, ruby-faced obedience.

This is my first exchange with Anya – the petite, stunning and toned-to-the-tee instructor with a booming voice that could be described as intimidating, but I’m going to call it encouraging. That’s because I knew exactly what I was getting into. You don’t come to Barry’s for a comfortable workout and gentle reassurance. You come to push your physical limits to the extreme and lose a kilo in sweat click this link here now.

Meet Anya: Your inspiration for today’s workout

The class is divided in two: the ‘treaders’ and the weights team. I consider myself a pretty capable sprinter, never shying away from a tough interval workout, but Anya’s intervals are longer and more extreme than anything I’ve ever done. If you even consider slipping into your comfort zone, she’s quickly on your ass to pump up the tempo until your lungs hit a fearsome burning point. By the time the 10-second countdown to the ‘rest period’ comes ’round my legs have no more control than last night’s chocolate mousse. No 60 second jog is going to fix that, so the four three-minute sprints to follow feel progressively worse.

Finally us treaders get to move to the floor – a treat I naively anticipate will be a welcome a break. Think big weights (the smallest dumbbells available are 4kg, and I intuit that Anya will shower me in expletives if I so much as look at those), tough compound moves and quick successive exercises to dig deeper into already-exhausted muscle groups.

Though it’s no break, I’d take another set of floor work before getting back onto the treadmill. Unfortunately there’s a second split so my wish isn’t granted. This time the sprinting sessions are four minutes long, but separated by longer runs to give your lungs if not your legs a chance to catch up. It still hurts, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and in my anaerobic delusion I’m beginning to believe I’m some kind of superwoman.

Floor work round two mostly leaves the legs alone. There are even some lying exercises. OK so I have to skullcrush a 10kg dumbbell, but at least I’ve got some solid contact with the floor should I feel the desire to pass out. I manage to stay conscious to the end, and am in fact extra alert as Anya announces it’s time to cool down. I think I’m responsible for at least half the condensation on the surrounding mirrors, as my now fully soaked top is certainly failing to absorb any more sweat. Despite my heavy limbs my mind feels sharp, my cheeks are flushed and one icy shower later I’m left only with pride for my morning’s accomplishment.

The treaders: So fast you can hardly see them

A saying I’ve recently encountered springs to mind: ‘You have to sweat like a pig to look like a fox.’ I shake Anya’s hand on the way out the door and see the evidence in flesh. Barry’s workout is beautiful on multiple levels. On the surface, his instructors and ambassadors are the embodiment of healthy modern-day role models. On a deeper and more significant level, the gratification with which you leave serves to reinforce the beauty of exceeding even your own expectations. And what could be more beautiful than confidence?

To learn more about Barry’s Bootcamp or book in for your first class, visit barrysbootcamp.com.

This week marks the beginning of October. It’s now officially autumn and the word Christmas is once again on everyone’s lips as hushed whispers set out holiday plans and ruminate over wish lists. In the spirit of our most desire-driven season, I’ve decided to start a new monthly series called ‘Most wanted’.

Each new month I’ll give you a look into the most materialistic corners of my mind. What compression leggings am I prepared to work overtime for? Which leather gym bag has caught my eye in the recent onslaught of sporty accessories? What powders, supplements and kitchen tools do I hope will keep my health on track over the winter months? Well, one shouldn’t be too greedy. Let’s start there…

No Jiggle

Former InStyle Fashion Editor Sarah Statman has recently launched her new sportswear range with the aim of delivering quality performance wear that transitions through various looks to last the day – all while enhancing your natural curves. The piece I’m most keen to get my hands on is the glute-sculpting Fifi leggings. I predict that heart shaped detailing on the bottom will inspire a #BelfieBritain Instagram craze.

GymTote

It’s pretty enough to secure some prime real estate in Vogue and it also conceals several hidden compartments perfect for stowing your gym kit, trainers and water bottle. I’d carry the Eva bag by GymTote to meetings, dinners and gym dates with equal pride.

PhD Woman

I’m fresh out of protein powder and keen to stock up on one that has a whey with women. PhD’s Support and Recovery range is specifically designed to meet women’s nutritional needs during a tough training regime. It’s at the top of my list because the ingredients list is simple, it’s light enough to drink after a workout and contains no added caffeine to keep me awake at night. Plus, you’re still encouraged to consume all your meals as usual – liquid food substitutes have never appealed to me!

Nutribullet

Before I go and contradict myself, I should clarify that the only time I enjoy a drinkable meal is in the morning when I’m too busy for a sit-down breakfast. I currently have my eye on the much talked about Nutribullet. But my wish is not entirely selfish…

If I can pinpoint my one major bugbear with the fitness industry, it’s the mixed messaging surrounding juicing. Are liquidised fruit and veg a healthy vitamin blast or a surefire way to increase your risk of diabetes through repeated blood sugar spikes? The right recipes can deliver superb vitamins, proteins and fibre – but throw in too much sugar-laden fruit and the benefits dwindle. I’d use a Nutribullet to help set the par for healthy smoothie practice.

What hot health and fitness products have recently stood out to you? Leave a comment to share. Who knows? Santa could be reading…