New Body-Sculpting Studio That Deliver Results

image: Another Space

Need to inject a bit of excitement back into your workouts? Bored of the same old gym scenery? We’ve rounded up a number of new studios in London that are sure to tickle your body-burning, body-sculpting taste buds!

 

Another Space London
What: Offering a unique combination of workouts including cycle, HITT and yoga, all synced to music to allow you to take your mind and body somewhere new!

Why: It is known as the ‘most focused cardio workout in town!’ These classes allow you to strengthen your core and tone your whole body while taking fat-burning and muscle sculpting to the max!

Where: 4-10 Tower Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9NP. (Nearest tube stations: Leicester Square 4 mins, Covent Garden 6 mins, Tottenham Court Road 7 mins).

Price: £20 per credit (the more you buy the lower the price!)

 

Digme Fitness
What: An indoor cycling and HITT studio, which opened on the 18th of June 2016 in our hometown of Richmond! Offering the latest technology and expert guidance, their classes are fun, vibrant and effective’.

Why: Say goodbye to restrictive health club membership, Digme fitness has no contracts; your commitment is simply down to you. Plus, Cowshed products in the showers! Who can resist?

Where: 2 studios are available to you either in Richmond (23 Sheen Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1BN) or Oxford (Cantay House, Park End Street, Oxfordshire, OX1 1JD).

Price: A huge number of offers and deals are available to make the price as low as possible for you. Buy your credits here

 

Evolve Fitness Studio
What: Just last week Evolve fitness studio in London opened catering for exercise junkies who are living within and around southeast London. As well as holding numerous indoor cycling classes each day, the studio also offers a range of other high impact exercise classes.

Why: The studio boosts state of the art indoor cycling facilities and combines a tough work out with having fun at the same time, with classes being taken by qualified and experienced instructors.

Where: 282 Lee High Road, London, SE13 5PJ

Price: Call To Find out

 

“Ride 2 Rebel”
What: A bunch of new exercise buses known as ‘Ride 2 Rebel’ produced by 1Rebel are going to be launching in London later this year.

Why: However tempting it might be to go back to sleep when that alarm goes off, now you could be forced to work out by doing a spin class on your commute to work, killing two birds with one stone.

Where: The buses will travel from four pick-up points all over London including; High street Kensington, Stratford, Clapham Common and Angel (Islington).

Price: TBC

 

Xtend Barre
What: Xtend Barre London is opening up a new studio! Hooray! Offering an amplified version of Pilates and dance, these sweat-inducing classes aim to strengthen and lengthen the body.

Why: Classes combine graceful but energetic moves to ensure the best results for you! You will see jaw-dropping improvements to your core, balance and flexibility.

Where: 49 Marylebone High Street, London, W1U 5HH.

Price: £25 for a class (the more you buy the more you get!)

 

words by Olivia Fantoni


The Truth About Coffee – Saint Or Sin?

Now, we’re sure you have all heard both horror stories and songs of praise when it comes to coffee, so much so, that sometimes it’s difficult to know which article or piece of advice to listen to. Here at Hip and Healthy we are all about balance and everything in moderation, and yes, that sometimes means the occasional cup of coffee! By no means are we telling you to rush to starbucks to load up on an extra hot, skinny, double-shot macchiato with syrup, but a cup of good quality home-brewed coffee is known to have several benefits which we have listed below.

 

Caffeine can drastically improve physical performance and promote fat-loss
Caffeine has been proven to stimulate the nervous system, whilst increasing Epinephrine (Adrenaline). Epinephrine is responsible for kickstarting our ‘fight or flight’ hormones which help prepare our bodies for intense physical exertion. Caffeine also helps our bodies break down fat, releasing them into the blood as free fatty acids, making them available as fuel and increasing physical performance by 11-12%, on average. Coffee has also been said to help boost your metabolism and aid fat-loss by as much as 10% in obese individuals and 29% in healthy individuals. So, if your going to have a cup of coffee a day, then we highly recommend you have one around half an hour before hitting the gym hard!

 

There are essential nutrients in coffee
Now, there is a reason why we advise you to only buy organic, good quality coffee, and it’s not to shrink your wallet! In over processed, freeze-dried coffee, the majority of coffee’s antioxidants and nutrients get lost. However, a single cup of organic coffee such as BulletProof Coffee (more on that later!) contains:

  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 11% of the RDA.
  • Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5): 6% of the RDA.
  • Manganese and Potassium: 3% of the RDA.
  • Magnesium and Niacin (B3): 2% of the RDA.

 

 

Coffee may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a massive health problem, currently effecting around 300 million people worldwide. It is characterised by elevated blood sugars in the context of insulin resistance or an inability to secrete insulin. Preliminary research has discovered coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The studies show that people who drink coffee in moderation, have a 23-50% lower risk of getting this disease, one study showing a reduction as high as 67%

According to a review that looked at data from 18 studies with a total of 457,922 individuals, each daily cup of coffee was associated with a 7% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Pretty amazing!

 

Coffee may protect you from alzheimer’s, parkinson’s and dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia worldwide, usually affecting people over 65 years of age. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s.

However, there are several preventative measures you can take. Obviously, remaining active and adopting a healthy lifestyle and eating habits will go a long way to ensure your health, however, several studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 65% lower risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, right after Alzheimer’s. It is caused by the loss of dopamine-generating neurons in the brain. Similar to Alzheimer’s, there is no known cure, and prevention is the only form of safeguarding ourselves. In studies, coffee drinkers have a much lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, with a reduction in risk ranging from 32-60%. In this case, it appears to be the caffeine itself that is causing the effect. People who drink decaf don’t have a lower risk of Parkinson’s.

 

Coffee can have protective effects on the liver
The liver is an amazing organ that carries out hundreds of important functions in the body, including helping to detoxify your body. Several common diseases primarily affect the liver, including hepatitis, fatty liver disease and others. Many of these diseases can lead to a condition called cirrhosis, in which the liver has been largely replaced by scar tissue. It turns out that coffee may protect against cirrhosis. People who regularly drink coffee, may have up to an 80% lower risk.

 

Coffee may help fight depression and make you happier
Depression is a serious mental disorder that causes a significantly reduced quality of life, around 70 million days of work are lost each year due to mental health problems and astonishingly 1 in 4 people are affected.

In a Harvard study published in 2011, women who had a higher intake of coffee per day had a 20% lower risk of becoming depressed. Another study with 208,424 individuals found that those who drank a higher intake of coffee per day were 53% less likely to commit suicide .

Despite all the benefits, it is of course essential to ensure that you control your coffee intake and ensure that you drink good quality coffee. As with most thing’s in life; take everything moderation.

A new type of coffee which has landed on the block is BulletProof Coffee, which promises to help energise, aid fat loss, increase mental clarity, whilst minimising the negative jitters and side effects from coffee. Hey, if it’s good enough for David Beckham, then it’s good enough for us!

Bulletproof coffee

Bulletproof Coach Training
This Summer, BulletProof Coffee will be launching their UK Bulletproof Coach Training Programme which kicks off in London.

The innovative program is perfect for those passionate about changing their lives and changing the lives of others. The programme will provide all students with the necessary skills needed to upgrade their career potential. The course incorporates cutting-edge discoveries from the worlds of neuroscience, performance coaching, nutrition science, biohacking, positive psychology, brain fitness and resilience training, with the extensive personal and professional experience of both Dave Asprey, founder of Bulletproof and the course leader, Bulletproof Medical Director and internationally renowned human potential development expert, Dr Mark Atkinson MBBS. It’s a course coffee lovers and health bunnies won’t want to miss! Sign up here!


BulletProof Coffee 101 – Q&A With Founder, Dave Asprey

What kick started your life changing journey of self-development?

I started bio-hacking in my late 20’s after I grew tired of being obese and sick all the time. I used to diet and exercise excessively but I was still overweight and experienced a lot of brain fog. As a tech entrepreneur, I became dedicated to using hacking techniques and trying out everything on myself, in a bid to become ‘better’, be that a better entrepreneur and later, a better husband and father.

I became focused on discovering the answers to this one persistent question: “What are the simplest things you can do to be better at everything? What emerged is the idea of being “Bulletproof”, the state of high performance where you take control of and improve your biochemistry, your body, and your mind so they work in unison, helping you execute at levels far beyond what you’d expect, without burning out, getting sick, or allowing stress to control your decisions.

 

What is Bulletproof Coffee and what makes it different from regular coffee?

Bulletproof Coffee is a blended drink of BulletproofUpgraded Coffee, Upgraded Octane Oil and grass-fed, unsalted butter. This unique blend is scientifically proven to provide more energy, greater mental focus/clarity and support fewer food cravings.

Unlike regular coffee, Bulletproof Coffee allows users to get the benefits of coffee without the typical crash and jitters associated with caffeine. A few of the benefits of Bulletproof Coffee, which you won’t experience from just a regular coffee include: Intense focus and clarity, long lasting, all day energy and feeling satisfied until lunchtime.

In addition, Bulletproof Coffee can speed up metabolism, kick-start your fat-burning engine, reduce inflammation and LDL cholesterol by providing necessary omega-3 fatty acids.

By replacing milk with butter, a Bulletproof Coffee allows you to absorb up to 340% more of the antioxidants naturally found in coffee, as milk in coffee inactivates the polyphenol antioxidants commonly found in coffee.

 

How can it benefit us fitness junkies?

Bulletproof Coffee allows users to get the benefits of coffee without the typical crash and jitters associated with caffeine.  Some additional benefits include: intense focus and clarity, long lasting, all day energy, a speed up of your metabolism and te kick-start of your fat-burning engine.

In addition to the energizing benefit of the caffeine from the coffee, because Bulletproof Coffee uses proprietary low-toxin Upgraded coffee beans, you don’t experience the brain fog that you might with lesser quality beans. On top of that, the caffeine helps release the fat from the Upgraded Octane Oil and the butter into one’s bloodstream so it can immediately be used as an energy source. Your body also naturally uses MCTs for energy instead of storing them, which is part of why Upgraded Octane Oil (an MCT) is so good for you. The last critical ingredient, unsalted grass-fed butter, is also great for your energy because the butyric acid in it helps promote brain function.

 

How do you drink your Bulletproof Coffee? 

This is the recipe I follow – I personally go pretty hard on the Upgraded Octane Oil and butter but newcomers should be advised to start low and work up over several days…

Brew 1 cup (8-12 oz.) of coffee using filtered water, just off the boil, with 2 1/2 heaping tablespoons freshly ground Upgraded Coffee (A Cafetiere is easiest.)

Add in 1-2 tablespoons of Upgraded Octane™ to the hot coffee (It’s STRONG – start with 1 tsp. and work up over several days).

Add 1-2 tablespoons grass-fed, unsalted butter or ghee

Mix it all in a blender for 20-30 seconds until it is frothy like a foamy latte

Drink and feel incredible!

 

Is there an optimal time during the day to drink it?

In the morning is a great time, especially for those who are following Bulletproof’s Intermittent Fasting Protocol/looking to aid weight loss.

When your body has nothing to burn for fuel but fat, it can more easily move into a fat burning metabolic mode called ketosis. For this to happen, you must also follow the Bulletproof diet roadmap which is free on the website (uk.Bulletproof.com) or published in my book.

When you have Bulletproof coffee for breakfast, it does not cause the insulin spike that fruit smoothies or bread will cause, which is helpful, but perhaps the biggest benefit is that it suppresses hunger so you know longer experience cravings and give into them, eating a bunch of pastries at 10am.

What are you waiting for? Go check it out here?

 


Best Places To Watch Wimbledon On The Big Screen!

Without a doubt, Wimbledon is the perfect showcase of Britain’s traditional sporting culture… the champagne will be flowing, strawberries and cream will be in abundance and friends, family and love ones all come together to enjoy what is a wonderfully exciting sport! If you just missed out on your Wimbledon tickets then do not fear! We’ve rounded up some of the best places to catch the games this summer at a much more reasonable price!

 

Bluebird 
Bluebird’s giant outdoor screen will be showing all the action during the Wimbledon fortnight live on the Courtyard from Monday 27th June. There’s nothing better than watching tennis in the heart of Chelsea whilst enjoying a glass of Moet, jugs of Pimms and delicious grub, particularly their BBQ! The fortnight will reach match point on Sunday 10th July for the Men’s Finals where you can enjoy a special 3 course menu created by their Cafe Head Chef, Liam Smith-Lang.

 

Duke of York Square- Strawberries and Screen
If you can’t nab yourself a table at Bluebird, head down the road to Duke of York Square where they are setting up their “Strawberries & Screen” for Wimbledon 2016! The semi finals will be viewed on Friday the 8th and the finals on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th July. So, soak up the tennis with friends, enjoy the excitable atmosphere and bring your picnic blanket with some strawberries and champagne!

 

The Refinery
The deck chairs will be standing to attention, with a converted caravan as a screen, The Refinery in London Bridge will be packed with eager spectators! So get your jugs of pimm’s at the ready and soak up the bustling, party atmosphere whilst watching the exciting matches!

 

The Garden Bar -Notting Hill
With a beautiful outdoor garden, the Garden Bar is the perfect place to watch the Wimbledon matches and to celebrate the victories. The popular Garden Bar is sure to be packed with laughter, life and cocktails! So get there early and secure your spot!

 

Wimbledon at British Summer Time: Hyde Park
British Summer Time Hyde Park is back for a fourth year in 2016 but this is the first time they’ve shown Wimbledon on the big screen. Mid-week, between two weekends of big gigs, Hyde Park becomes Open House – four days of free open-air movie nights and Wimbledon screenings, street food stalls, daytime DJs, live music and entertainment. There are free badminton sessions, ping pong and after school multi-sports for kids and you can join the Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School if you fancy a thrill! If all that high-flying gives you a taste for heights, climb to the top of the viewing platform and see London’s skyline from 100ft above the ground – all for absolutely free!

words by Olivia Fantoni

image: Bluebird


Tiffany Watson – Fitspiration

image: Glen Burrows

Do you have any rules that you live by when it comes to your health and fitness?
Everything in moderation; never over-work yourself that you become exhausted and fitness turns into a punishment and don’t feel guilty for enjoying yourself every now and then!

 

What was your hardest bad habit to kick?
My hardest bad habit to kick was eating dairy. I had a slight addiction to cheese (now replaced with cashew cheese!). However, I not only found out I was lactose-intolerant but I also discovered more about the impacts that the dairy industry has on animals through my sister’s work with the amazing animal rights charity, PETA, and I decided to cut it out completely. It’s been a challenge but I feel so much better for it.

 

Take us through your day on a plate…
Every day is different due to my ever-changing busy schedule, however normally its porridge in the morning with almond milk, banana cinnamon and honey. Then for lunch I tend to go for either brown rice sushi, or if I am out and about I love the Goodness Bowl at The Good Life Eatery in Chelsea and for dinner I tend to have some sort of vegan burger made of chickpeas or tofu with tons of veg.

 

What inspired you to want to become a personal trainer?
I became really interested in personal training after using a personal trainer myself. I loved the idea of being able to help other people achieve results like I have with my trainer. The course has been a lot harder then I thought it would be, especially with fitting in filming as well, but I’m so glad I have managed to complete it!

 

What do you want clients to get out of your Bootcamp in Fulham, Tonan?
I want our clients to have an enjoyable yet hard session! I want them to walk away feeling like they’ve worked hard and can feel proud of themselves. Having a bootcamp is great as it’s a brilliant way to motivate one-another, as well as socializing all whilst working out and getting fitter!

 

How do you balance your social life with your health goals? Do you ever find that they conflict?
Oh definitely! The normality of my social life has always been ‘drinking, eating out and going out’ so for me it has been conflicting. However, I try to suggest other ways of socialising with my friends like doing a workout and getting a juice afterwards or checking out a new healthy restaurant. My sister and I both don’t eat meat or dairy so we like to check out new vegan restaurants all the time. When it is an occasion where I do want to have a drink I’ll try to just have a gin and slim line tonic. And, of course, I do love a night out once in a while, and its something I look forward to because I no longer do it all that much. But I way prefer my new way to socialize – you just can’t beat waking up feeling great!

 

What’s your preferred way to stay fit?
Personally, I like to mix it up. I get bored very easily with the same workouts and I like to challenge my body. There is no way I could do the same thing four times a week. Every week I like to fit in a Pilates session, a HIIT workout, a session with my trainer and a spin class.

 

What or who inspired you to live the healthy life?
I feel like a lot of it came down to learning about the impacts of bad food on your body, and starting to work out, helped me with my stress levels and energy levels. I can’t imagine not working out now. I would also say Instagram really inspired me as there are so many inspiring health and fitness accounts and bloggers out there who inspire me every day with new training ideas or healthy recipes.

 

What three things would we find in your gym bag?
A water bottle with lots of lemon in, face-towel and headphones!

 

What goal would you have liked to achieve in five years time?
I’d love to have my own personal training studio in the Chelsea or Fulham plus I’d also love to do my own fitness line at some point as I have a slight addiction to buying stylish activewear.

Shop Tiffany Watson’s Activewear Edit here!

TIFFANY


Fashion “Court-Walk”: Get A Wimbledon Workout Wardrobe!

Wimbledon is coming up and with a little bit of luck the sun will be shining, so dust of your tennis rackets and hop on the court! We all know that when it comes to tennis it is as much about looking the part as it is about playing so we’ve rounded up some of our favourite looks for the court, and hey, if you don’t dazzle your opposition with your playing, you certainly will with your outfit!

Monreal Dress

Monreal London – Signature Dress
This hot little number is certain to add a spring to your step and strength in your swing! The soft-touch dress is made from performance jersey with stripe-printed, mesh-covered panels bordered by satin stretch taping. A sheer triangle detail at the neck and black neckline add a chic and stylish edge to your tennis look! So, get your game face on and prepare to strike gold with this fierce dress.

monreal skirt

Monreal London – Squad Skirt
Racquets at the ready? This Monreal London Squad skirt perfectly combines quality and high performance. The flattering contrast panels, the inbuilt shorts and the satin elastic waistband, give you optimum support and style for any tough and tense matches! The polka dot panels and the neon-yellow heat sealed seams add a timeless style to your look, all you need to do is swagger on to that court and you will definitely be turning heads.

monreal camisole

Monreal London- Performance Camisole
The Performance Camisole is a brand new style from the Curacao Collection. With an inside sports bra and removable cups you are guaranteed optimum support and comfort! Essential for any competitive tennis match! The Performance Camisole, also, goes perfectly with the Squad skirt. Just imagine the envy your friends will feel when your rock up looking like a pro!

Screen Shot 2016-06-24 at 16.31.12

Varley- Pacific Leggings and Alta Sports Bra in Snow Lion
This chic and elegant combo is perfect from going from the tennis court to a ladies brunch! Not only will all your friends be jealous of your effortless style and elegance, you will feel as if your walking on air with this comfortable and supportive combo. The beauty of this little outfit is enough to kick start your determination and win that all important tennis match.

 

HappyFeetSocks_Blue_12_www.everysecondcounts.co.uk

Every Second Counts- Happy Feet Ankle socks
Now, no tennis look would be complete with out socks, let’s face it, they’re pretty crucial! So, don’t just go for any old socks, Every Seconds Count’s Happy Feet Ankle Socks are perfect for the court. With their Coolplus technology, they will keep your feel cool and dry, and their soft and comfortable material will also give you a spring in your step!

s'well bottle uk

S’well Bottle
Staying hydrated on the court is a definite must, especially when the sun is beating down on the court! So, stay hydrated in style with our striking S’well Bottles. These bad boys will keep anything hot for 12 hours and cold for 24 hours. Perfect for keeping your cool during a hot and sunny tennis match, as well as being made with 100% toxin-free materials! Winning!

varley brentwood tank uk

Varley- Brentwood Tank- White
Varley’s Brentwood technical tank is simple, comfortable and endlessly versatile. Cut from performance stretch fabric, the Brentwood is designed with a relaxed fit and back cutout. The lightweight tank is perfect for keeping you cool and refreshed on the tennis court!

Blue life fit tank

Blue Life Fit- Open Back Tank- White Snake
This perfect draped top with slit down the back allows you to show off your favourite sports bra while staying cool. The snake print detail adds chic edge your tennis look, ideal for anyone looking to stand out on the court and who wants to cover their upper body but show a little skin.

 


Healthy Happenings To Add To You Calendar This Summer!

This time of year, the race is on to get into shape for our travels! There is no better time to get your skin glowing and your body sculpted! England may not always be sunny and warm, but what you can definitely count on this season, are all the healthy happenings this summer. So clear your schedule to make room in your calendar for these hot, new and healthy happenings coming up! We’ve rounded up some of the hottest events, from yoga and pilates to HIIT classes… we’ve got you covered!

 

Trioyga on the Roof
Head over to the spendy-central Selfridges and up to their restaurant, Forest, on the rooftop for an hour of calming and re-energising yoga. Stretch out and calm your mind with these rejuvenating classes followed by a delicious and nutritious breakfast of avo on toast (our fave) with plenty of fresh fruit and juices.

Dates: every Tuesday from 28th June – 30th August 2016

Time: 10.00 – 11.00am

Price: £20 pre-booked online or £25 on the door

 

 

Equinox #POWEREDBYPRIDE
Equinox, the high-performance lifestyle leader, continues its Global #POWEREDBYPRIDE 2016 “Partners in Pride” Series in London. The event will fuse two Equinox classes, Pilates and HIIT, into one, demonstrating how opposing movements, sounds and personalities can come together as one. So get your trainers on and head down to Equinox, Kensington.

 

Equinox – Summer Residency at Mondrian London
Equinox is also partnering with luxury hotel, Mondrian London for Exclusive Summer Rooftop Fitness Series. We’re so there!

Mondrian, London, has teamed up with Equinox for a summerlong partnership. They will be offering a series of innovative classes in their Rumpus Room, Mondrian London’s exclusive rooftop lounge. The panoramic views of London, will serve as an ideal backdrop for Equinox’s unparalleled fitness program offerings. Available to Equinox members and non-members alike, the challenging, yet inspiring classes are not to be missed!

We’re heading to the Bootcamp class on the 16th July! The high-performance bootcamp class comprises an hour of intense cardio sports drills fused with strength training and exercises designed to help you achieve flawless functional fitness. One hour, one workout, one way to change your body – this class, coached by Anthony Fletcher, will certainly pack a punch.

 

 

Lottie Murphy – Pilates & Relaxation at Daylesford’s Haybarn Spa
Pop over to Bamford’s Haybarn Spa in the beautiful Cotswolds for nourishing and re-energising day, hosted by Daylesford. The day will consist of rejuvenating treatments, pilates and delicious and nutritions organic food lead by Lottie Murphy, a successful fitness and lifestyle blogger with a passion for transforming peoples lives with the power of Pilates! It’s sure to be a very relaxing and rejuvenating day!

The programme will consist of;

10.30 – 11.00 Welcome juice and introduction from Lottie

11.00 – 12.00 Pilates or Bamford Signature Facial treatment

12.15 – 13.00 Lunch and Q&A with Lottie

13.00 – 14.00 Free time to shop and walk around the farm

14.15 – 15.15 Pilates or Bamford Signature Facial treatment

(reverse of the morning)

15.30 – 16.00 Tea and relaxation in the Lavender room

16.00 – 16.30 VIP shopping in Bamford Barn

 

 

Sanderson Spa – Wellbeing Package
Running throughout June, till the end of August, Sanderson’s multi-element wellbeing package will take you a step further to achieving your body and mind goals. The package includes a Wellbeing Menu, curated by nutrition coach, Karen Cummings-Palmer, which will be packed with light and nutritious ingredients. Alongside the menu, Karen will also be offering her ‘Check in, Check up’, 60 minute health consultations with a follow-up Skype sessions.

Sanderson Agua Spa, also welcomes a new resident, Anne de Mamiel. Anne, an acupuncturist, aromatherapist and healing holistic facialist, will also give guests the opportunity to experience her brand new pollution proof Atmospherics collection. Designed over five years, guests will be treated to the ‘de Mamiel Elixir Experience’ – a 60 minute treatment which as been specifically designed to combat the damaging effects of environmental stress and rejuvenate skin – perfect for those living or visiting London over the coming months! Guests who sign up to Sanderson Wellbeing can enjoy:

An overnight stay for two people with a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)

A healthy breakfast for two including sugar-free granola, fresh fruit smoothies and cold press coffee

Two course lunch OR dinner from the Wellbeing Menu for two people, served in-room or in agua Spa‘Check In, Check Up’ package with certified health and nutirition coach Karen Cummings-Palmer

60-minute ‘de Mamiel Elixir Experience’ from Annee de Mamiel’s new Atmosphériques collection

The package is priced from £745 and is available until 31st August 2016, based on two people sharing a room and one person partaking in the nutritionist sessions and Elixir Experience.

Additional treatments, including personal training sessions with Jamie Baird, are also available upon request.

 

Focus on your wellbeing at Bodyism in Turkey
If you only book one thing this summer it has to be this! Bodyism’s permanent residence at D-Hotel Maris in Turkey, is a luxury get-away certain to whip you up into shape, whilst you relax, unwind and renergerise in the sun!  Bodyism has been transforming bodies all around the world, with incredible success over the last ten years. With clients that include Lara Stone, Rosie-Huntington-Whiteley and Hugh Grant, it is safe to say, they are at the top of their game!

 

Set on a high cliff overlooking turquoise water, with breathtaking views, there is no better place to get into shape and watch your troubles float away. The gym is surrounded by the resort’s five beaches, seven restaurants, a spa, diving centre and tennis academy. You can see Greece across the beautiful body of water from the bodyism gym while being coached by one of the elite bodyism specialists. The Clean and Lean ethos is echoed throughout the resort, enabling guests to access cutting edge wellness solutions in the most luxurious surroundings imaginable! Need we say more!

 

words by Olivia Fantoni


Quinoa & Courgette Herb Cake

These little Quinoa & Courgette Herb Cakes are free of gluten and dairy if you’re sensitive to either. The quinoa gives them a firm, nutty texture, which is delicious with the fresh herbs and courgette/zucchini. Dipped in a little garlic mayonnaise, chilli jam or tomato chutney, they’re wonderful!

 

Serves 4

Ingredients 

140g/5oz/1 cup quinoa

300g/101⁄2oz courgette/zucchini, grated

3 spring onions/scallions, sliced

1 garlic clove, crushed

handful of mint leaves, shredded

handful of parsley leaves, chopped

10 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

juice of 1⁄2 lemon

55g/2oz/1⁄2 cup cornflour/cornstarch

1 egg

rapeseed/canola oil, for frying

sea salt and freshly ground

black pepper

garlic mayonnaise, chilli jam or tomato chutney, to serve

green salad, to serve

 

Method

Tip the quinoa into a small saucepan and cover with 300ml/101⁄2fl oz/11⁄4 cups of cold water. Bring to the boil, cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes until all the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is cooked. Turn out into a bowl and leave to one side to cool.

Meanwhile, place the grated courgette/zucchini in the bowl of a food processor with the spring onions/scallions, garlic, mint, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice and cornflour/cornstarch. Crack the egg straight into the mixture, add the quinoa, and season with salt and pepper. Blend for about 30 seconds to mix the ingredients thoroughly and to form a thick paste. Tip the mixture out into a bowl and taste to check the seasoning.

Heat about 5mm/1⁄4in rapeseed/canola oil in a large frying pan until the oil is hot enough to sizzle loudly when you drop in a tiny bit of the courgette/ zucchini mixture.

Drop a heaped tablespoon of the mixture into the hot oil, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon to form round patties. Repeat until you have 3–4 cakes in the pan at the same time, or as many as your pan will fit comfortably, with room to turn.

After 3–4 minutes the underside of the cakes should be nicely golden and holding their shape. Gently flip them over and cook until the second side is golden. Lift the cakes out of the oil onto some paper towels and keep warm. Repeat until all of the mixture has been used; you should end up with 12–14 cakes. Serve the cakes warm with green salad and your choice of dip.

 

NOTE: To make a very quick garlic mayonnaise or aioli, add

2 crushed garlic cloves to 4 tbsp good-quality mayonnaise along with a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with freshly ground black pepper and, if needed, a little sea salt.

Recipe taken from Healthy Speedy Suppers, written by Katriona Macgregor


Happy Plugs Launch – Why You NEED This Stylish Fit Accessory!

Happy Plugs is a hot new brand, creating chic, comfortable and stylish essential tech accessories. These must-have earphones, (which we are excitedly now stocking!), are the perfect workout accessory and handbag essential to compliment your every day look. Happy Plugs are more than just a tech brand, they are a way to express yourself and capture your world of fashion and music.

 

The idea behind Happy Plugs is simple; tech accessories should not only fit your device, but also your outfit. Similar to any fashion brand, Happy Plugs add fresh and on trend colours and collection every season. Ensuring that every season you can look your best from head to toe!

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Born in Sweden and known for their stylish eclectic style, this inspiring company are renowned for their innovative and elegant products. Both their packaging and style has won prestigious awards, in particular, the Guldknappen Award, which is presented to Swedish fashion designers to encourage Swedish fashion design.

 

So what colour are you? We’re stocking Pink, Mint, Rose Gold, Marble, Leopard, Silver, Gold and 3 colours in the Sport MFI earphones; Black, Turquoise and Cerise! Head over to our store here and grab yourself a pair!


The Best Natural Deodorants – Stay Fresh H&H Style!

The hunt for functional yet natural beauty products is a hunt that can appear to never end! With shiny new lotions and potions hitting the shelves everyday we often forget the importance of one little product that we use on a daily basis; deodorant. We are always concerned about ensuring that our face creams and cleansers aren’t laden with nasty, harsh chemicals, yet we often forget that the typical spray deodorant we grab every morning is filled to the brim with chemicals that are not only bad for your delicate skin, but contaminate the air that you breathe in.

A common ingredient in a lot of deodorants is Aluminium. It’s what most brands rely on to keep our underarms from sweating as it’s very effective at blocking the sweat ducks in our armpits so moisture can’t escape. Scarily, aluminium is a neurotoxin that has been found to have links to breast cancer with some research suggesting that it may cause changes in the oestrogen receptors of breast cells. Another shocking discovery – Researchers have also found high levels of this neurotoxin in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Now we know the thought of switching deodorant may be a hassle, especially if you have found a tried and trusted one that does the job, but after doing our own research, we are converts to going the natural route! But before you go getting lost in the web looking for alternatives, we have done the hard work for you and have shortlisted the best natural deodorants below!

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Schmidt’s Lavender & Sage Natural Deodorant
The delicate and herbaceous combination of lavender and sage, not only works to calm and soothe, the antiseptic and antioxidant properties also help shield you from eau-de-BO throughout the day!

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Dr Hauschka Sage Mint Deodorant
The deodorising blend of refreshing mint with a natural herbal bouquet of sage promises long lasting coverage and protection. This deodorant is more suitable for daily use.

weleda deo

Weleda’s Wild Rose Natural Deodorant
The pure essential oils of damask rose and ylang-ylang create a delicate, floral scent and the bacteria, which causes odor, are inhibited from building up. A win win if you’re breaking a sweat!

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Sukin’s natural deodorant
Sukin’s natural deodorant is a relaxing blend tangerine, mandarin, lavender and a hint of vanilla. The calming scent is a lovely alternative to the often overpowering, chemical-laden deodorants on the market. We love and swear by Sukin as a brand in general so this was an exciting discovery for us!

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Botanical Cream Deodorant

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare – Botanical Cream Deodorant
This unique, botanical cream deodorant is a natural and fragrant mix of antimicrobial arrowroot and pure Kaolin, sitting invisibly on your skin, retaining dryness, inhibiting bacteria and providing long lasting freshness. Not only does Aurelia’s deodorant provide protection, the beautiful mixture of shea and mango gently hydrates your delicate underarms.

 

The choice to switch to natural deodorant is one which many of us debate all the time, the thing to remember is that are armpits are an incredibly delicate area of the body. Lymph nodes situated in are armpits are responsible for removing toxins from your breasts, neck and arms, vital for the prevention of cancer. Natural deodorant may not be as effective as our typical sprays, but if we are constantly applying chemicals and toxins onto our lymph nodes, we will simply pollute our beautiful bodies further. So take a leap of faith and give one of our suggestions ago!


New Members Club In Chelsea With A “Beauty-ful” Twist

Where: Located in South Kensington’s Walton Street, Gazelli House provides the ultimate respite from the bustling city, offering relaxation and escapism in the most luxurious surroundings. Parquet flooring, plush sofas, marble sinks and striking ornaments add warmth to the carefully designed three-floor space, while magazines and wellbeing books, such as Tom Rath’s Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements, are neatly arranged on circular coffee tables, making you feel instantly at home. There is also an impressive selection of loose tea infusions on offer – we particularly loved the fragrant rosebud tea. The house feels like your best friend’s sitting room, filled with lots of friendly faces. We could live here in an instant!

 

What: Descend the spiralling golden staircase to one of three treatments rooms, where Gazelli’s Facial and Body Experts can be found hand-blending products and administering your personal diagnostic, treating its members to serene body massages and facials. Or climb the stairs to the Sky Parlour for a spell of meditation, acupuncture and life-coaching. There is also a pretty whitewashed terrace decorated with handmade Spanish tiles, perfect for those balmy summer days or for an impromptu movie screening.

 

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Verdict: It has fast become our favourite new wellbeing destination in London – We love that Gazelli House is more than just another treatment haunt or flashy members clubs– there’s a sense of community here, a place where members can swing by for informal supper clubs, book swaps, poetry readings, hear inspiring speakers at evening events, or just play a game of Scrabble.

 

We also particularly enjoyed filling in a detailed questionnaire titled “Diagnostics” prior to our treatment. This doesn’t just assess your medical history. Rather, confidence, self-belief and self-acceptance are put to the test here, which will allow your therapist to develop your own unique treatment plan to achieve optimal results. After a 60-minute Prescriptive Body Massage in one of their beautifully designed rooms that’s covered in hand-painted jet-black tiles and rose-coloured flowers, our muscles felt looser and more at ease.

 

Following the treatment, we were then emailed our own personal Treatment Programme with a summary of the treatment and some suggestions on how we can improve our body and mind. For instance, you receive diet recommendations tailored specifically for your body and tips on how to improve flexibility and posture. This gives you a clear idea on how you can enhance your body’s wellbeing in the long-term. Gazelli also has a host of facial skincare products available for purchase, making it easier to maintain results at home. Its latest addition is a Bi-Phase makeup remover, which leaves skin beautifully soft, hydrated and most importantly – clean.

 

What to book: We’d advise to book in Gazelli’s 3-stage Diagnostics (45 minutes, £50). The collaborative work of psychologists, skincare experts and lifestyle specialists, this is designed to assess and evaluate skin, body and mind by helping to establish each individual’s core values, character traits, self-esteem, and overall health. A 7-phase facial or body analysis then follows, examining the fundamental characteristics of the skin and informing a Prescriptive Treatment Plan. Then choose one of two treatments available: The Prescriptive Facial, from £160-250 for 60 minutes; or The Prescriptive Body Massage, from £130-250 for 60 minutes. Register for a Gazelli House Membership here.

 

Words by Jessica-Christin Hametner

Instagram: @jessica_christinh


Transform Your Life With Kayla Itsines!

In 2008 Kayla Itsines (pronounced it-seen-es) embarked on a Personal Training course in sunny Australia. After qualifying she quickly came to the conclusion that traditional training methods were falling short with regards to what the clients were requesting and so started researching and trying out methods of her own… And so the BBG (Bikini Body Guide) was born. Now the most downloaded app in the Fitness Section of Apple’s App Store, and with over 5 million followers on instagram (her feed bursting with amazing transformation pictures of real women who’ve completed her 12 week guide – it has to be seen to be belived), Kayla has become one of most influential (and inspiring) women the fitness world has ever seen. Now, on her 2016 Sweat Tour, which stops off in London, New York and LA, we were lucky enough to catch up with the international fitness phenomenon that shows no sign of slowing down.

 

What’s the most rewarding thing about doing your Sweat Tour?
Without doubt it is meeting the girls who come to the tour. Having them come up and tell their stories is pretty amazing. They tell me that I have changed their life, but I haven’t – they have done it all by themselves.

 

Tell me more about your app, Sweat with Kayla – how does it help make you fitter?
It’s a personal trainer in your pocket for the price of a cup of coffee. The app has shopping lists, order tracking, progress tracking, workouts, and challenges. The training sessions are a short but intense 28 minutes each where you need to work as hard as you can. Plus recovery and cardio is also included in the program. You also get a daily menu and weekly shopping list and it remembers things like what you’ve bought before so it’s minimal effort to use. It is now the top grossing app in the app store’s fitness sector.

 

What’s your favourite thing about your apple watch? How do you use it in your day?When I wake up I check my calendar on it as I have personal training clients when I am at home in Adelaide. It’s been vital for the Sweat Tour as well, as I use it for it’s timer as all the exercises are done in 30 second blocks, so it is really handy to have it right there on my wrist. It has genuinely become one of my most used items now – I can’t leave the house without it.

 

Sunday Mail Fashion, Activware with Kayla Itsines. Photo: Nick Clayton

 

What made you want to develop the BBG program to begin with?
It was actually my boyfriend, Toby’s, idea. I had a lot of Personal Training clients and was tracking their progress using photos, which I just stored on Instagram. It then started gaining a following and I’d get messages from people from all over the world asking me to train them and then Toby suggested I make an e-book that I could send them instead. At first I thought it was a terrible idea – but Toby persuaded me that it would be better to send them something they could use that might help them than to just keep saying no all the time. The name came about because a lot of my clients were mums and I would always ask them what they wanted to get out of our sessions and they all answered that they just wanted to feel confident in a bikini, hence the Bikini Body Guide which was released in 2014 when my following was no more than 100,000. The last 18 months have been phenomenal.

 

What do you do to workout yourself?
I train in the exact same way as the app. I have been training that way for six years before we created BBG. I don’t run or do anything else. My cardio consists of fast walking and maybe I’ll go to a HIIT training session, but I generally just stick to what I know, which are the 28 minute workouts.

 

What is a typical day for you?
I start my day off with a good breakfast, at the moment I’m loving eggs on toast with chili kale. Then I train my clients before having lunch myself. I don’t follow any particular diet or cut out anything. Because I was brought up in Australia I think that naturally I eat really well. Things like fast food restaurants just don’t really exist here like they do in other parts of the world. Lunch, if with friends and family, is often at my Grandmas where we’ll eat something delicious like fresh pasta. In the evening I’ll relax by getting a sports massage (which is actually not that relaxing) and then I’ll chill with Toby and watch something like Netflix or go for a slow walk.

 

Why do you think you have such a strong social media following?
Because it’s not about me – it’s about the girls and their journeys and what they have been through. Which is why I always include the girls social handle in the caption so that followers who are inspired by that particular image can leave my page and follow them instead. People always think that I am the one who inspires everyone but it’s not true. It’s the people who have managed to work out even though they have two kids and it’s raining outside for example. If you see that and can relate to it than it’s really inspiring for you. It is the community that makes it so popular – not me.

 

What would be you biggest piece of advice for women out there following your program?
Don’t compare yourself to anyone else and focus on how you feel rather than how you look.

 

Have you seen Kayla’s new ad with Apple? Check it out here!