Experience New Heights With HotPod Yoga’s New Rooftop Pod!

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Hotpod yoga. Being a self-confessed yoga convert who has recently jumped on the Bikram band-wagon, I certainly appreciate the transformative benefits of yoga and the health benefits of yoga in high temperatures. But yoga in a hot roofpod? Excited as I was to enjoy a class in the new rooftop pod in London Fields, Hackney, I was full of ardent questions: was this a new, futuristic, Bikram-esque yoga craze? Why the roof? Would I be at risk of being blown away, pod and all, mid yoga class? Would a combination of heat, height and Hackney really help restore my inner tranquillity? There was only one way to find out, and that was to experience it first-hand.

I entered the unassuming Netil House and ascended the stairs to the very top. Walking out onto the roof, I found a little oasis of heaven. With 360 degree views of London, a panorama stretching from Canary Wharf to the Shard, from Westminster to Hampstead Heath, the vista was liberating. The roof, decked with cool seating areas and a funky rooftop bar, exuded coolness, calmness and composure. If it wasn’t for the unavoidable glass pod erected in the centre of the roof, I would have mistaken my location for a trendy, post-work drinks refuge.

I entered the pod, which, to my surprise, was not inflatable by design. Unlike the portable, pop-up pods that have made hotpod yoga so distinguished, this roofpod had floor to ceiling glass windows to ensure the glorious views were not obscured. Unlike the darkness created by an inflatable pod, the glass design ensured that the pod was filled with sunshine. I was instantly engulfed by the warm, yet not unbearable temperature (37 degrees) and empowering, meditative music. Joined by ten others, we all sat in silence and serenity as we waited for our instructor to initiate the class through child’s pose.

To my delight, the class was not as intense as Bikram yoga. Instead the class focussed on the benefits of Vinyasa Flow, as movement and breath were synchronised to create a continuous flow of meditation. As we concentrated on inhalation and exhalation, stretching and warrior poses, I felt a sense of oneness, acceptance and gratitude as the sun descended below our horizon. Surprisingly, however, I did not feel that my exercise had been compromised by the ease of discipline. The warm temperature ensured that my heart rate was active, with perspiration ridding my every pore of toxins and unnecessary worry. This gentle, yet transformative, strengthening yet limbering exercise was certainly working me hard, as after the 60 minute experience I was left breathless and revitalised.

So I survived the class. Yet, I was curious to get a fuller understanding behind the science of the practice. Nick Higgins and Max Henderson, the directors and founders of hotpod yoga came to my aid.

Nick explained that he and Max wished to make the benefits of hot yoga accessible in as many ways (and places) as possible, therefore teamed up with award winning designers Inflate and Nick Elias to create an inspiring yoga environment in the form of a portable pod. Taking the country by storm and expanding from London to places such as Swansea, South Birmingham and Cheshire to name a few, Nick and Max thought it was time to take the physical and mental benefits of yoga to a whole new level (quite literally) by creating the only roofpod in the world. By relaxing the strictness of Bikram, but not compromising the physical and transformative benefits, Nick and Max formulated their own take on yoga – allowing thousands of years if yoga tradition to become highly accessible for all abilities. Nick explained that the perspiration stimulated by the heat is purifying for the body, and simultaneously aids flexibility for a high impact yoga exercise. With the heart working harder, maximum benefit from your exercise is guaranteed.

This philosophy certainly delivers. Aside from a challenging workout, mind and inner self was left balanced and contemplative. I felt empowered, motivated and at peace – I was physically and mentally on top of the world. Although I had my preconceptions, I can certainly verify that the combination of heat, height and Hackney successfully restored me to a greater sense of wellbeing.

Book your HotPod Yoga Rooftop experience here!

words by Olivia Murphy

“Get The Glow” Cookery Class With Madeleine Shaw!

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It’s time to whip out your aprons and tempt your taste buds… The wonderful Madeleine Shaw is hosting a “Get The Glow” cooking class to help you discover the world of clean eating in a fun and enjoyable environment!

Maddy is a firm believer in clean, unprocessed cooking, using only the most natural ingredients to nourish and energise your body. Her passion is to show just how simple and easy it is to eat healthily whilst also busting the myths that cooking from scratch is boring and time consuming!

On Wednesday 17th September, Maddy will be setting up her cookery class at the super stylish La Cucina Caldesi Cookery School in Marylebone in London, where she’ll be sharing her tips and tricks to a glowing, happy body. She’ll teach you how to use food as your best beauty tool and how important it is to feed your body with pure, nutritious ingredients.

If you love the sound of Healthy Gluten Free Pizzas and delicious Raw Chocolate Pudding then book your space here!

For more info on Madeleine and her blog click here.

If you only do one thing this week…Glow With These Summer Supplements!

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This week give your body a little summer glow boost with our top health supplements! With chillier august days setting in, we think it’s super important to give ourselves a helping hand to starve off those inevitable colds and coughs as well as keeping us feeling on tip top form as we approach autumn!

The Workout Wonder – Bodyism Berry Burn, £49.95
Packed with acai berries, this powder will take your workouts one step further by boosting the body’s ability to burn fat and turn it into energy! Plus, it is also crammed full of antioxidants like blueberries and the lesser-known brindle berry, which will help your body to fight free radicals and keep your immune system in tip-top condition. We like to add ours to a pre-gym smoothie.

The Tummy Toner – Symprove Probiotic Drink, £21.95
Want to beat the bloat this summer? Tried, tested and loved by H&H, Symprove is a great way to get your digestion working as it should, keeping bloating at bay by regulating bacterial imbalances in the stomach. Best to take it first thing in the morning 5-10 mins before you eat. The reason being is that when you eat something your digestive enzymes become active and more acidic…taking your Symprove before eating will give the probiotics a better chance of working their magic rather than getting broken down immediately upon entering your body.

The Hair Hero – Perfectil Plus Hair, £17.95 
Summer can be a killer on your lustrous locks; all that sea air, sunshine and chlorine can result in untamable tresses. Perfectil Plus hair contains the all important trio of hair vitamins and minerals: biotin, selenium and zinc, so the hair can repair itself from within.

The Immune Booster – Bee Prepared Max Strength Immune Support, £11.99
Summer colds are the worse… and there is a nasty one going around right now. Give your immune system a fighting chance with the help bees! Studies have shown that bee propolis (which is a sticky brown mixture that honey bees make from their saliva) is not only immune boosting but also anti-bacterial and anti-viral too. Plus this particular supplement contains reishi mushroom which is a powerful antioxidant.

The Skin Saviour – Viridian Organic Clear Skin Omega Oil, £16.06
Suffering from a Summer breakout? This is the product for you. We all know that getting enough good oils into our diet will help improve the condition of our skin but who wants to eat fish by the bucket load just to ensure you are hitting your daily recommended amount. Enter the Omega Oil. Dominant in anti-inflammatory omega 3, and including 6 and 9 fatty acids too, this oil will ensure that your skin is glowing from the inside out. Either eat by the spoonful, add to your porridge or even pop in your morning green juice!

words by Sadie Macleod

The Best Summer Snack Foods

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So, you’re sitting at your desk and the dreaded four-pm slump strikes, but before you grab a KitKat from the corner shop near your office to give you that much needed boost, why not get prepared and pack a healthy snack in your handbag to keep your blood-sugar levels and energy consistent. Not always the easiest things to get – healthy snacks are a great way to feed your body and mind. This summer we have not been able to keep our hands (or should we say our mouths), off the below… Get ready to snack yourself happy!

Organic, Dairy-Free Booja Booja Ice Cream
One of the best alternatives to dairy, sugar-filled ice cream, Booja Booja is made with just four ingredients of which cashew nuts is the main one. Plus it comes in tiny, bite-size tubs that are just perfect for afternoon office snacking. Available at Waitrose, Wholefoods or Planet Organic.

Mango Chia Pods by The Chia Co.
Feel like something fruity but need an energy kick, The Chia Co.’s delicious Mango Chia Pods should do the trick. Packed full of omega-rich chia seeds and coconut milk these are sure to give you the kick you need. Available at Wholefoods or Planet Organic.

Lusciously Lovely Lime Chocolate bar from IQ Chocolate
Totally organic and vegan, these chocolate bars will get your taste buds tangling. We love the added lime for extra zing. They’re gluten-, dairy-, soya-, wheat- and nut-free so you can have all the goodness with none of the guilt. Available at Harvey Nichols, Wholefoods and Planet Organic.

Plenish Cleanse Cashew Milk
Need a protein boost? Then Plenish’s Cashew Milk has the plant power you need to keep going till the end of the day. As a drink it is also easy to take into meetings – just try not to slurp too loudly as you suck up every last bit of yumminess. Available online on ocado.com

Clearspring Tamari Roasted Almonds
Fancy something savoury? These nuts should do the trick. Salty, crunchy and totally moorish, they are also organic and full of good protein. Available at Waitrose, Wholefoods or Planet Organic.

Nairns Gluten-Free Oatcakes with Raw Almond Butter
When you are hungry, it can be tempting to reach for something biscuity (especially when that’s what is offered in the office). But take a second at home to make something truly scrumptious and your body and mind will thank you for it. Nairns’ Gluten-Free oatcakes have all the buiscuity texture without the gluten and added sugar. We like to spread some raw almond butter (easier to find than you think.. thank you Waitrose) on ours for that perfect 4pm treat. Available pretty much everywhere: Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsburys, Budgens…

Cocoface Coconut Water (don’t forget to scoop out the flesh!)
This really is one of the best tasting coconut waters we have ever tried (and trust us – we’ve tried them all). Seriously nutty yet hydrating you’ll down this sweet nectar in one. And the best bit? Once you’re done drinking the coconut’s juice you can then cut off the top and start making your way through all the nutritious flesh… it’s the snack that keeps on giving!

Cherry Coyo
Another one for our fruity friends… Cherries are known for their fat burning abilities. Team them with coyo’s ah-mazing coconut yoghurt (still the best on the market by far) and you have a match made in heaven. Available in Waitrose, Wholefoods and Planet Organic.

Image from Pinterest

Get Your Grove On With London’s latest Spin Studio, Groove Cycle!

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The penchant for rave-spinning is continuing to spread across the capital with dedicated studios like Psycle achieving cult-like status. As a seasoned Psycler I therefore couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try a similar class that focuses on dance movements whilst spinning in a full-body workout that promises to burn between 700 and 1000 calories per hour.

GrooveCycle is currently based at the magnificently sleek and impressive Reebok Sports Club in Canary Wharf and is the brainchild of Sarah-Jane Aboboto. Sarah-Jane has spent 12 years as a dancer and choreographer, appearing alongside Kylie Minogue and Gwen Stefani, meaning that she has enough experience of being whipped and whipping others, into shape.

She greeted me warmly and encouragingly led me to a bike right in front of her, in full view of the other class members and the full-length studio mirrors – no pressure to perform well here then. However, she assured me that I could take the class at my own pace by adjusting the resistance of the bike to suit my ability. Being the fitness freak that I am and motivated to burn I knew I wanted to ramp up the resistance and make the workout as challenging as possible. Thankfully, as the class started the lights switched off and on went dim colourful lights to give the illusion that we were working out on our own (and therefore without pressure), and in a nightclub.

What followed was an hour-long workout where I was pushed to my absolute maximum. I was put through my paces with muscle shredding push-ups on the handlebars, weighted shoulder and arm dance movements (think ballet, hip-hop and R&B style dance here), interval pedalling and the dreaded ‘rave’ section. Rather than shaking ma thang to the beat of the music, I was encouraged to pedal moderately during the verses of a dance song before the beats kicked in and the ‘rave’ was on. To ‘rave’ for Sarah-Jane, is pedalling as fast as possible for the whole chorus, which lasted for about 30 dreadful seconds. However, as my legs switched up a gear (or 20) I felt like I was flying, almost knocking myself out with my knees as my upper body collapsed towards my legs with the effort. I couldn’t quite believe how fast I had managed to go, and felt like I could give Laura Trott a run for her money.

By the end of the class I was swimming in my own sweat, safe in the knowledge that I had worked the hardest I could whilst having a brilliant time. GrooveCycle aims to motivate people of all levels without the pressure to compete with fellow riders. The darkness of the room helps to achieve this, as does Sarah-Jane’s infectious personality. She sings, she dances, she encourages you to “get your groove on” and she hollers motivational mantras throughout the ride. She even had the city-slick workers, the bankers, the managers, the CEOs of Canary Wharf “woo-ah, wooing” to some brilliant and cheesy tracks.

For that, Sarah-Jane, I commend you.

words by Lucy Marshall

Available to non-members of the Reebok Sports Club for £10

To find out more visit: Groove Cycle

If You Only Do One Thing This Week… Live Like A Yogi!

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When the stresses of late night summer parties and a little to many glasses of pimms takes its toll, its time to turn to a more nourishing and energizing way of living. This week, we’re all about embracing the healthy habits of yogis and allowing our mind and body to regenerate itself. Below are some great products to help you kick start your journey to discovering your inner yogi!

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YogiQ Raw Chocolate – £2.49
IQ Superfood Chocolate have introduced their latest (and pretty delicious) venture, YogiQ, an organic, raw chocolate bar for those who love to lead active lifestyles! With hints of ginseng (promotes relaxation) and ginger (increases circulation and metabolism) this superhero bar aims to give yogis and fitness fans a little, healthy, post-workout boost! Love it!

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Track & Field Hype Leggings – £80
What better way to embrace the yogi lifestyle than a pair of truly beautiful leggings? Track & Field know that leggings should be fashionable as well as functional and they certainly don’t hold back with their prints and patterns! Their Hype leggings are one of our faves!

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Rise And Flow Outdoor Yoga At Pavilion With Equinox
For one month only, high performance fitness and lifestyle gym, Equinox is taking it’s Rise And Flow Yoga Class outside on the sunny terrace of exclusive members club, Pavilion. Pay tribute to the summer and start your day with a morning yoga session followed by breakfast prepared by Pavilion’s award winning Head Chef, Adam Simmonds! See you there!

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Pure Lochside Soothe Discovery Set – £45
Regenerate your skin after a sweaty yoga session with Pure Lochside’s Soothe Discovery Skin Care Set. Featuring mini-size versions of their Organic Orange Cleansing Oil, Orange & Echinacea Toner and Soothe Daily Face Oil, it’s the perfect set to bung in your gym bag or when your travelling and need a hotel pamper session!

wellicious divine yoga mat

Wellicious Divine Yoga Mat – £89.95
Yes, this is a little indulgent but we felt the need to include it for all those yogis who like to treat themselves once in a while! Wellicious’s Divine Yoga Mat features 300 Swarovski stones that form a stunning Mandala pattern! This highly durable, slip resistant, non-latex mat is a must-have for the style conscious yogistas! (We want it!)

innerme energise supplements

Inner Me “Energise Me” Supplements – £15
There’s nothing worse than missing a yoga session due to lack of energy or feeling run down. Inner Me reccognise that every once in a while, our bodies need a little extra helping hand, so they created a range of supplements to support our active bodies on a day to day basis. The Engerise Me range provide a special blend of vitamins like B6 & B12 (great at converting food to energy) and minerals such as Magnesium (combats tiredness and fatigue) and Chromium (helps regulate blood sugar levels) to help maintain optimum health and a happy and energised you!

words by Molly Jennings

image: Equinox

 

 

 

 

 

Fitspiration – Commonwealth Cyclist, Gemma Neill!

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What was your favourite sport at school?
I did a lot of cross country running in primary school and early on in high school. I then moved to basketball where I played for Scotland at the age of 15.

When did you make the move to competitive cycling?

I only started compettitive cycling at the age of 25 after playing other sports.

Have you always been interested in exercise and keeping fit?
Yes it has always meant a lot to me to be active, eat well and look after my body. I am also a strong believer of the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle and the effect this has on your overall mindset and wellbeing.

What has been your greatest achievement/success so far?
Being selected to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this year.

If you could give our readers one piece of advice about how best to stay in shape for competitive sport or life generally, what would it be?
Whatever sport/activity you choose you must enjoy it. Whether its Zumba classes, yoga, running or competitive sport if you’re having fun you’re more likely to maintain motivation and dedication towards a keeping in best condition.

What is your favourite pre work out breakfast?
Porridge, apple and honey.

Other than cycling, how else do you like to work out?
I still enjoy a run, and I do quite a bit of running during the winter months. I also go to the gym which I really enjoy, and is great for core and strength work.

Do you have any gym bag essentials that you never leave home without?
My iPod, I love listening to music when I ‘m training.

What is your absolute favourite meal?
Steak, sweet potato and salad. My favourite.

What three foods could you not live without?
Porridge, chicken, apples.

Do you have a mantra that you try and live by?
I have a really strong work ethic, whatever I do I work hard and put 100% into it. I believe you get out of life what you put in and opportunities don’t find you, you have to find them.

Can you tell us your dream holiday destination?
Barbados. The beaches look amazing and id love to surf and swim with turtles.

How do you best relax or unwind?
I like reading a good book or watching telly, as long as my feet are up I’m happy.

And finally, what’s your favourite item from our online store?
I love the Lole Kerry Bra!

Al Fresco Yoga And An Abundance Of Juice!

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With a few more weeks of warmth and sunshine, it is time to make the most of exercising outdoors. And there is no better way than joining London’s latest craze and taking your yoga practice to the roof tops. With so much buzz around roof top yoga this summer, Hip and Healthy decided to see what all the fuss is about and we joined Tri Yoga’s al fresco class on the roof of the iconic Selfridges department store.

On arrival, the mats and props were neatly laid out on the green “grass” together with a small goodie bag (no need to lug your mat across town!). We would recommend getting there a little early so that you have a chance to take in the gorgeous view over London’s rooftops, be still and breathe. Christina Singleton and her beautiful smile led our gentle flow class which was accessible to all levels from beginner to super-yogi, and there was always an option to take things down/up a notch. At the end of the class, the savasana in the sunshine with a light breeze blowing felt truly amazing.

After the class, The Juicery served up some of their delicious and fresh cold pressed juices. We got to choose from the Hollywood (carrot, orange, turmeric, mint), the bright pink Greenwich (beetroot, carrot, apple, pomegranate, mint) and the Orchard (lots of greens!) all of which provide perfect post-yoga nourishment and hydration.

Having experienced roof top yoga, we totally get this trend. There is something quite magical about practicing yoga high in the sky with the sun shining on your face and the breeze blowing through your hair. We think it is quite possibly the most perfect way to spend a summer morning in London!

Tri Yoga runs roof top classes at Selfridges every Tuesday morning from 10am-11am until 2nd September 2014. Classes are £20 and include yoga, a fresh juice, small goodie bag and a voucher for the Face Gym located in Selfridges.

words by Kathleen Fleming

image: Selfridges 

Rave Your Way Into The Day – London’s Latest Fitness Craze!

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It’s 6.30am on a Wednesday morning and the sun is beaming through the windows of east London’s Oval Space, a warehouse-style venue in Bethnal Green.

While most people are still tucked up in bed snoozing, house beats are reverberating across a packed room. People dance wildly and with abandon in every last corner. They’re wearing tutus and sequins. Trusty Nikes and sports leggings. Flippy sundresses and harem pants. And everything in between.

Next to me, a young woman bobs in time to the music. Strapped to her front and wearing noise-protector headphones, is her 10-month-old baby, looking serene. Behind me, a bare chested (rather sweaty) pony-tailed man is striking out some peculiar moves, much to the bemusement of those around him.

This is Morning Gloryville: an early morning dance experience for those seeking their highs minus the lows that a rave often entails.

The event organisers say, “Nothing wakes you up more than a soul-shaking dance, electrifying music, body workers and yogi’s to tune you into your bodies and for those who need it, a mind blowing double espresso!”

There’s no getting around it: during the first ten minutes you will feel awkward. Like Mark in that episode of Peep Show when he goes to Rainbow Rhythms. You know? But stick with it – by 10 minutes in you’ll be nodding and tapping your foot in that self-conscious ‘I’m at a gig and too cool to dance’ way. Half an hour in and you’ll have shed your shyness and can expect to be getting your boom ting on to some hypnotic dance tracks. There’s something completely liberating about tearing up the dance floor sober. Two hours later and I’m a sweaty, happy mess.

If you tire of dancing, there are stands offering smoothies and coffee (cash only) plus outdoor yoga classes and a balcony for the smokers (I’m not kidding – there were people lighting up). There’s a cheeky £2 charge for the cloakroom and it’s worth noting there are no showers.

Morning Gloryville East London is a monthly event held at Oval Space every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Tickets cost £10. The event has also expanded to west London and Brighton.

words: Eva Caiden

image: Carys Lavin

If you only do one thing this week… Get The Glow With Madeleine Shaw!

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Nutritionist and yoga teacher, Madeleine Shaw, is our go to girl for when our bodies need a little extra glow! Summer after all, is a time when we most want to flaunt our happy, radiant selves! So with thoughts of gentle ocean waves and the flipity-flopity sounds of our sandals, we quiz her on her “Get-The-Glow” mindset and how we too can achieve a glowing and positive body (inside and out!) this summer!

GETTING THE GLOW
Maddy’s approach has three important steps that when combined together, will make such a huge difference to both your complexion as well as your mind. She explains, “It’s all about what you eat, drink and think”.

EAT
Just like Hip & Healthy, Maddy advocates to eat whole, natural foods, that haven’t been processed, refined or had sugar added to it. Below are some of her favourite foods that she loves to incorporate in to her lifestyle…

Chia seeds – Chia seeds make great additions to any meal! Soak them in almond milk for tasty breakfast treat or add them to salads for lunch or dinner! They contain loads of omega 3 fatty acids and they make awesome egg substitutes if you’re vegan!

Avocados – What’s not to love about the avocado! They’re full of fatty acids, great at stabilizing blood sugar levels and make the perfect 4pm snack to avoid the “slump”! We’re with her on this!

Bone broth – A slightly unusual “glow enhancing” food but maddy swears by bone brith as it’s full of minerals and collagen which help keep the skin firm!

Sauerkraut – For anyone suffering from bloating or gas, you’ve got to try fermented cabbage! It’s full of enzymes that help beat the bloat and help with reducing sugar cravings!

Cold water fish – Finally, maddy recommends oily, cold water fish for dewy skin….She loves salmon, mackerel and sardines!

DRINK

A vital “get-the-glow” step is staying hydrated. Water is so important for your skin especially in the summer when we sweat a lot more. She also advises to add a pinch of sea salt or lemon to help the fluids absorb more efficiently into your body.

THINK

The last step on your “get-the-glow” journey is your mindset. It’s all about learning to love yourself and accepting your individuality. No body is built or looks the same so embrace the positives. Let go of the guilt and remember that meal times are an opportunity to nourish and reward your body!

image: Seafolly

Mio Skincare – A Hip & Healthy Gift With Purchase!

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We are so excited to announce our partnership with Mio Skincare (www.mioskincare.co.uk) – the ultimate beauty products for fitness fans.

For August and September we are giving away three of their must-have products with every Hip & Healthy Activewear purchase (no matter how great or small)!

What you’ll get:

Double Buff Dual Enzyme Exfoliator (50ml) Instantly transform rough, dull skin into skin that’s superbly soft, smooth, radiant and dewy. Exfoliation is key to fit skin and this scrub will help you feel great in the buff! Also a super product to use post-sun as it helps even out skin tone!

Boob Tube+ multi-action bust firmer (30ml) This is one of our fave products from the Mio range! It keeps delicate skin toned, bright and crinkle-free, plus gives super sag protection. Team with a great sports bra for best results!

Mio Fit Band These rubbery bands are super useful for toning arms and legs where-ever you are in the world. Instructions on how to use it are printed on the band itself making life just that little bit easier. Be sure to pop it in your suitcase for instant hotel room exercise equipment!

Enjoy!

 

The Glow Factor – Hip & Healthy’s Favourite Body Oils!

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There are three things we love about a good body oil. Firstly, they are really nourishing on the skin. Secondly, they are excellent to use after exercise for soothing tired muscles (and some are anti-inflammatory too). But the best thing about them is that they leave a lovely, sheeny glow on a bare leg or arm. That’s exactly what we need at this time of year isn’t it? Our favourites are:

Aromatherapy Associates De Stress Massage and Body Oil, 100ml, £41

This is the perfect one to use post exercise and is great for helping ease muscular aches and pains. It delivers anti-inflammatory benefits to tired muscles and the blend of arnica, lavender and rosemary works to improve circulation. The perfect post exercise pick up – or if you’re just feeling achy and stressed.

Neom Great Day Wild Mint and Mandarin Body Oil, £100 ml, £32

This brand new oil smells truly wonderful and is seriously rehydrating. Legs and arms are left silky but not greasy. Great to use in the morning as the spearmint, mandarin and lemon is an excellent energy booster after the shower or bath.

The Organic Pharmacy Rose and Jasmine Body Oil, 100 ml, £34.96

Has a beautiful, elegant fragrance which is seriously uplifting and also works brilliantly as a massage oil especially if you need a mood boost or a de-stressing session. Addictive.

This Works Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil, 120 ml, £39.50

Genuinely transforms dry, dull skin into glossy radiance (and can be used all over not just on legs). It’s also brilliant on dry elbows and knees to leave everything looking a bit more glowing.

Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Oil, 100ml, £32

Celebrating ten years, this lighter than light oil blend is a great multi-tasker for body, hair and nails. It also works well as a weekly hair treatment (massage a small amount into the hair, cover with a warm towel and shampoo after fifteen minutes). We also love it just applied to damp skin straight out of the bath.

Diptyque Satin Oil for Body and Hair, 100ml, £36

So obviously this one gets the award for the most coveted glass bottle. Not surprisingly, the fragrance is gorgeous (a little bit of jasmine with a little bit of ylang ylang) and is the perfect lightweight blend of oils. It’s lovely to apply on bare arms and legs before an evening out.

Nars Monoi Body Glow II, 100 ml, £44

Gives a lovely luminous glow to skin whether you massage it straight on or add to your bath. Great to use on tanned skin to prolong your tan too.

words by Lucia Ferrari

image: Zimmerman Swimwear 

IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING THIS WEEK…GET YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN WITH THESE ANTI-AGING  SUPERFOODS!