WORK OUT GIRL!

WORK OUT GIRL: with financial experts telling us that the global athleisure market is worth an estimated $300 million, it’s not hard to see why with the seemingly endless range of high end sporty labels that seem to come out almost every month.

But with all this quantity, is there quality to match? And is it worth actually parting with your hard-earned money to meet what may seem like too high a price tag?

BUY CHEAP AND YOU END UP BUYING TWICE

With my daily outfits and looks, I always want a range of options – and so I go for as many as I can afford. But for me, quality has always been a guiding principle, and when buying my gym kit things are no different.

Yes gym wear is all about looking good as you train (and turning a few heads in the process!!), but you also have to remember that this is functional clothing that you wear for a purpose. And the last thing you want is to bust a seam when squatting down for that last rep! So don’t go for that cheap option because it may seem like a bargain, spend a little more on something that feels like it’ll endure all the stresses and strains of a good workout.

ELLESPORT

ELLESPORT has always impressed me, and their new workwear collection certainly does not disappoint. The crop top is super-cute, and it’s the perfect choice for lifting weights, pounding the treadmill, and even a little boxing — while the leggings are ideal for a gym circuit, a yoga class, and, I must admit, a day of running around town! What more do you need? The slightly higher waist also reduces any unsightly belly-related concerns that can pop up when you’re leaning over!

Think of any additional spend on premium gym wear as an investment. There’s an old saying that “you buy cheap, and you end up buying twice.” And the same should apply to your training gear too. Trust me – it may not take the pain out of your workout – but it will make you feel like a million dollars the next time you post a gym selfie! Let’s work out girl.

WORKING OUT THE BUTT

1. PERKY LIFTS

To start, get on all fours with your knees directly under your hips and your hands beneath your shoulders. Lift your right leg until it’s parallel to the floor, toes pointed. Lift the legs a little higher and begin tracing the outline of the letter “P” (for Prevention, of course) starting at the base. Lower back 2 inches to the starting position and repeat.

2. STANDING LEG RAISES

Lean forward slightly and lift your right leg directly behind you, keeping your knee straight but not locked. Squeeze your glutes and make sure to square your hips with the chair; don’t open your hip out to the side when you kick behind. Raise your leg as high as you can and then lower your leg with control and return to the starting position. Repeat this move 10 times and switch legs. Do two sets of these.

2. SQUAT PULSE

Begin standing with your legs wider than shoulder width apart, toes turned out, and your arms straight out in front of you. Squat down and keep your knees in line with your toes, squeeze your abs tight, and keep your back straight. Stay in squat position and pulse up and down, raising and lowering your butt six inches or so each time. Pulse 10 times before relaxing and standing. The trick is to stay in squat position until the end; don’t stand up until you’re finished. Repeat 15 times and do three sets of these.

#FEPSTIPS – SWEET SWEAT

I am in love with this product! Sweet Sweat ‘Workout Enhancer’ greatly accelerates and enhances circulation and sweating during your workout. It takes energy to sweat, more energy than most people might think. And like all energy consuming processes, sweating helps burn calories.