Women's Fitness Guide

Back in our teens, we’d do anything to appear more mature. Then, in a rapid about-turn, we reach adulthood and hanker after the supple skin and litheness of our formative years. The good news is, you don’t have to resort to cosmetic surgery to stay l

Managing Editor: Katherine Watt Art Editor: Mark Hyde Words: Mary Comber; Antonia Kanczula; Sheila Reid; Emma Lewis; Margaret Bartlett; Eve Boggenpoel Models: Tess Montgomery & Laura @MOT Recipes: Lyndon Gee. Print Production: Georgina Harris. Kelly

Women’s Fitness Guides is a series to help you improve your fitness and nutrition, using expertly curated advice from exercise specialists, nutritionists, and fitness editors. Each issue focuses on a single topic. Visit our online shop to buy other g

Stress can age your body in various ways, so ensure you take time to relax and reset your mind with our tips from page 56. Your skin is constantly renewing, and cleansing gives it a helping hand by removing dead cells. Find out more on page 12. Nothi

Accounting for about 16 per cent of your body weight, you have around two square metres of skin. And it’s more than a barrier against the environment. As well as protecting you from harmful UV rays, infection and chemicals, it also regulates your tem

○ Green tea is said to reduce risk of cancer, and it could also boost your complexion due to its high levels of antioxidants called catechins. ○ Pomegranate extract has been shown to aid regeneration of the skin’s top layers. ○ Calendula is packed wi

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or fruit acids, such as citric and glycolic acids, and less harsh beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid, are exfoliating, brightening and help iron out pigmentation and roughness. Vitamin A is a vital skin nutri

Here’s how to keep every part of your body looking youthful. Cleaning, washing-up, gardening, typing… our hands have to cope with a lot. Because they’re exposed to the elements and the skin’s relatively thin, you may develop wrinkles on your hands by

Tweezing your brows into shape is an easy way to add definition to your face. If you’re not confident about plucking, get them done professionally – it’s simpler to keep the shape once you’ve been shown how. Invest in slanted tweezers and pluck in de

No one is immune to the dimply clutches of cellulite. Although a healthy lifestyle improves it, even svelte sporty types can have areas of orange peel skin. Commonly found on the hips, bum and thighs, cellulite is caused by fat deposits under the ski

Sagging skin and body shape changes are only the superficial signs of ageing. Hidden inside are serious ageing factors that can affect your long-term health and wellbeing. But just because you can’t see them, it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to

Nutritional supplements are in no way a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, so if you suspect your diet is remiss, address this first. If you decide you need a boost, remember you need to take supplements daily and be patient for results. They should

◌ Vitamin C is an important antioxidant shown to reduce the free radical damage to your skin caused by sunlight and pollution. Free radicals damage the fibres, such as collagen, that support your skin structure, causing wrinkles and signs of ageing.

You’ve heard the phrase ‘beauty comes from within’? Well, it’s more than a well-worn adage. You do have the ability to nourish your skin from within; your diet is as key as your skin cream. A skin-kind diet that hydrates your cells, fights free-radic

Packed with skin-saving protein, this easy dish is perfect for lunch or supper. ○ Add a quarter red pepper and a quarter yellow pepper to a small non-stick pan with a dash of sunflower oil. Cook for two to three minutes to soften, add three chopped s

All exercise is anti-ageing, but choose carefully and you can target the areas of your body and health you’re most concerned about. From your bones and heart, to your pelvic floor, every workout has different benefits. Accessible, thrifty and super-e

CIRCUIT START 1 OVERHEAD TRICEPS EXTENSIONS REPS: 20 PAGE: 41 2 LUNGES WITH REAR THIGHRAISE AND CHEST PRESS REPS: 10 each side PAGE: 42 3 LYING DOWN OUTER THIGH EXERCISE REPS: 10 each side PAGE: 43 4 INNER THIGH RAISES REPS: 10 each side PAGE: 44 5 l

MAT: A must-have – ideally non-slip and lightweight. BRICKS AND BLOCKS: These can help you feel more comfortable in seated and standing postures. BELT: A good idea if you can’t reach your toes or stretch far in certain poses. BOLSTER: This sausage-sh