Women's Fitness May 2025

There are many awareness days, weeks and months each year, but the one I like to draw attention to every May is National Walking Month. As I write this from overseas, where the weather is good and walking for fitness is rife, I feel enthused to up my step count as we move into the summer months of warmer weather – and maybe you should, too. My reasoning is this: as keen exercisers, we might clock a 20-minute HIIT session or hour of weight training and think that’s enough activity for the day. Certainly, I’ve had days during which I’ve been entirely desk-bound except for the 30 minutes I spent in the gym. But what about walking? Do we do enough of it? In order to prioritise our scheduled training…

Daily steppers Walk everywhere? My daily footwear choice is Skechers’ Viper Court Classic trainers (£90, skechers.co.uk) for its under-foot comfort and ease-of-styling. Top hiker When it’s nippy but not too cold, P.O.P’s Brumous Sherpa Fleece (£80, polarnopyret.co.uk) reigns supreme as a top-layer for early morning hikes. Trail blazer I'm hooked on the versatility of Berghaus' Explorer Backpack (£110, berghaus.com) which has pockets galore plus an easy-access front zip.…

STAR LETTER ‘I’M FEELING MORE FOCUSED ON MY MARATHON TRAINING’ I’m feeling excited and nervous – I’ve signed up for my first marathon at the beginning of September in Buckingham! With just 25 weeks to prepare, I am in a state of panic – I generally keep fit (gym, home exercise, squash, swimming), but running long distances is completely new to me. So, I was overjoyed to come across your helpful and informative article, ‘Ready to race’ (April issue). Great advice, like getting the right gear, tracking my runs, having a plan, making sure I’m eating and drinking enough, not forgetting recovery and much more. I feel more confident and relaxed about the marathon now and am focused on training. Who knows, I might even ‘catch the running bug’ and…

Peel to reveal With spring in the air and sunnier days ahead, it’s officially the season for ditching those outer layers and revealing what lies beneath. For beautiful and breathable activewear to inspire and support, look no further than BAM’s newest collection of kit available in a mix of earthy shades and pretty prints, including this soft and stretchy Unity Crop Top, £32, with secret support, and the high waisted Enduro Sculpting Leggings, £49. Just add this slouchy Rib Layering Jumper, £79, for a bright pop of colour – or if things turn chilly! Visit bambooclothing.co.uk to view the full range. Get on board Take your core and balance training to the next level with the GoBalance Sport from Particula (£99.99; very.co.uk). Combining a classic design with cutting-edge tech, this…

BENTE SMITH-REWSE Smith-Rewse is a biomechanics specialist and founder of Enertor, which sells shock-absorbing insoles for walking and running. Visit enertor.com Q I love walking and hiking but as I’m getting older, I’m really starting to feel it in my joints – especially my knees and hips, which ache for days after a long walk. How can I support my joints? I don’t want to stop hiking! A Getting older can come with its challenges but stopping what you enjoy doing is not the answer. In fact, sitting for long periods of time can lead to tight or strained hip flexors. This is because excessive sitting causes the muscles to relax and deactivate, which leads to the shortening of the hip flexors, causing tightness and pain. As you age, your…

Ever wonder how some women manage to juggle a hectic career with motherhood while also maintaining a consistent fitness regime? Us too! And who better to ask about bossing busy girl fitness than broadcaster, mum-of-two and fitness fanatic Zoe Hardman? Between the school run and bedtime, you’ll find the 42-year-old presenter working hard to record twice-weekly episodes of her award-winning podcast Made by Mammas – launched five years ago with her co-founder and business partner, Georgia Dayton – or focusing on their new venture, Made by Mammas Careers, a new recruitment agency for parents looking to re-enter the workplace on flexible terms after raising children. If that wasn’t enough, Zoe continues to host her Sunday morning radio show on Heart FM from 9am-12pm, and has recently been making short films…