| 3 moves + 10 minutes + dumbbells = a full-body workout that will simplify your life | Navigating life in lockdown can be tricky – whether it’s the rules around bubbling, trying to date via FaceTime or deciding if that viral Tik Tok feta pasta recipe is as easy as it looks, just to name a few. So it makes sense to simplify where you can: like your workouts.
“You don’t need fancy kit or fussy exercises to do resistance training,” says Emma Obayuvana, our Strong Women Training Club fitness trainer. “In fact, the best workouts are ones that use tried-and-tested exercises, executed with great form to put your muscles under tension and enable them to grow even stronger.”
In this three-move workout, all you need is 10 minutes and a couple of dumbbells. You’ll smash through bicep curls, deadlifts, rows and overhead presses for an intensive full-body workout (arms, back, legs and shoulders included). So grab some weights, you can worry about that Tik Tok recipe later.
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| Reach for these energy-boosting, fibre-filled or protein-packed snacks next time hunger hits |
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MISFITS / £18 Who needs a shake when you can get your muscle-building protein in the shape of a bar that tastes like banoffee? | |
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NOSHY / £12 These petal-covered balls may look fancy, but are made from the simplest ingredients for energy that will last through Zoom calls | |
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THE GUT STUFF / £15 These gooey fruit and nut bars contain so much fibre, you’ll get one-third of your daily recommended intake – that's one happy gut | |
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LIZI'S GRANOLA / £3 A bowl full of nuts, seeds, grains, treacle and coconut is the perfect concoction for supporting muscle growth and digestion | |
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MY VEGAN / £16 This box is packed with mouth-watering snacks like cookies and brownies, but the best bit? Each contains protein for muscle recovery | |
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CREATIVE NATURE / £28 Nourish your muscles while satisfying your chocolate cravings with these protein-packed, sweet and crunchy bite-sized balls | |
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| When your body needs a helping hand, lean on this immunity-boosting, iron-rich stew | Strength isn’t just about how much you can deadlift, it’s about ensuring that no body part gets left behind – from mental resilience to joints that can take on a high-impact run. When you’re struggling for more energy or need to recover quickly, let this trusty stew do some of the heavy lifting.
Fibre and iron-filled butterbeans support your ‘second brain’ (aka the gut) while also providing a source of protein to allow your muscles to become stronger. Plus, anti-inflammatory ginger and immunity-supporting honey will keep you away from your sick bed and on the path to your next session. How’s that for a full-body boost?
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| Stylist’s beauty director Shannon Peter tests a pair of running trainers with some serious eco credentials | What? Veja Condor 2 Alveomesh trainers, £130
What is it? A ‘post-petroleum running shoe’ made from 57% bio-based and recycled materials.
The verdict: I know aesthetics shouldn’t matter, but they do for me when I’m choosing activewear to invest in. Which is what made me consider testing Veja’s running trainers – I like that they look super-sleek and streamlined, without compromising on function.
Admittedly, I was worried that the alternative eco-friendly materials might mean that the trainers miss the mark in terms of durability, malleability and comfort – but they really don’t. They’re comfortable and the soft mesh outer fabric is firm enough to really hug and support the foot, even when pounding unforgiving pavements (no rubbing or blisters either).
I took these trainers for a spin on a few gentle runs around my neighbourhood to ease myself back into the habit and they really suit my running style: providing enough spongy cushioning to propel my tired legs while gripping the winding paths of the local park – even on the icier bits. This pair was a trial sample, but I’m already looking into buying my own because I’m obsessed with the Natural Parme colourway.
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| FYI, we may make revenue on affiliate links contained in this email. | Image credits: Stylist; Getty ; Strong Women; Gemma Ogston © The Stylist Group Ltd |
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