Fitbitch Reviews: Kamleika Women’s Race Jacket
May 1, 2012 at 5:26
Posted by Rachael Woolston
The race jacket
With one of the wettest months in years, many of you have experienced a soaking while exercising outdoors or running recently. And even with a brief burst of sunshine now, in Spring it is always tricky knowing what to wear on a long run.
Wear too much and you get hot and have to carry your jacket around your waist. Not enough and you run the risk of getting cold, or more likely at the moment, bone-shiveringly soaking wet.
And then there is the whole issue of wearing something waterproof only to find yourself soaking because your jacket doesn’t wick away sweat. Even when it says it does.
Which is why this jacket, by the organisers of Snowdonia’s Original Mountain Marathon, is worth every penny.
Any rain, from a drizzle to a downright deluge, runs off this jacket like water off a duck’s back. But more importantly, you can run and even sprint wearing this and the inside of the jacket remains bone dry.
And that is a very, very rare property in a running jacket. And believe me, I’ve tried loads in my years during which I’ve skied, run, mountain biked and just plain hiked in them.
As you might expect of a company that puts on a race in the variable conditions of Snowdonia, where the elements can suddenly change in seconds, every little detail of this jacket has been brilliantly thought out.
With velcro fastenings at the cuffs to keep out the cold on the arms, a drawstring at the bottom, as well as a two way zip which means you can udo the jacket from the bottom for air circulation. And then there is the hood.
Anyone who exercises or runs regularly will get what I’m saying here. There is nothing more irritating than putting your jacket hood up, only to turn your head and find yourself looking at the inside of your hood.
This hood moves with you, and it doesn’t even flop over your face as you run staying perfectly in place.
At £150, this jacket is more expensive, and then some, than your average running jacket. But then it is so superior in terms of quality and performance, it is not your average jacket.
I don’t think I’ll be trying any other running jacket brand for quite some time.
www.theomm.com
Labels: Original Mountain Marathon, the best running jacket, waterproof jackets, women's running jackets,
Categories: Blog, Gear Reviews
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The Power of P: Protein
April 26, 2012 at 4:00
Posted by Rachael Woolston
Eggs, the original superfood
Want to know most women’s biggest mistake when it comes to diet? A lack of protein sources, such as eggs, meat, fish, and nuts.
Here’s three reasons why protein should be a vital part of a healthy, balanced diet.
1. Fill yourself up
Protein is harder to break down and therefore it keeps you feeling fuller for longer, so you are less likely to overeat.
2. Breakfast boost your focus
Eating a protein source such as eggs, chicken or fish for breakfast increases your attention and focus. Yet what do most of us do? We eat cereal, a carbohydrate source which boosts serotonin in the brain induing relaxation. Doh!
3. Repair and regeneration
As the essential building block of the body, protein is vital for rebuiling muscle fibres. In other words, there is no point working out if you don’t give your body the fuel to create the change you worked so hard for.
Labels: diet tips, eggs, get in shape, hnow to lose weight, protein sources,
Categories: Blog, Diet
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Post marathon blues?
April 24, 2012 at 3:39
Posted by Rachael Woolston
Got the runner's blues?
You’ve spent months training for the marathon, and the last eight weeks of that dreaming of a time when you don’t have to spend every weekend running, thinking about running or eating so that you can run.
But now it’s all over and you have sworn you would never run another marathon, how many of you are feeling just a tiny bit blue?
You are not alone as once the novelty of drinking wine and not having to get up and run on a Sunday morning has worn off, many runners report feeling lost without their marathon training.
So, what can you do to prevent the runner’s blues? And more importantly ensure all that hard work and training doesn’t go to waste?
1. Go short
Enter a series of shorter races, such as 5 or 10ks or even an obstacle race. This will allow you to work on your speed, keep you training without the risk of injury that can occur when you have a long list of marathons to race.
2. Switch your sport
Do something entirely different such as volleyball, or biking. It will help you to see fitness as fun again, particularly if you have the runners’ blues but dread the thought of looking at a training plan for a while.
3. Enter a ‘life’s dream’ marathon
If you already know that you would like to run another marathon, don’t must think of repeating the one that you have already done. The temptation to stick to what you know, in an effort to beat your time can see many runners do the same marathon year after year.
Why not use running as a way of exploring the world and choose a race in a country that you have always longed to go to? That way, you can run the marathon and get a holiday.
(The FitBitch running club head to Lake Garda 2012 marathon if you wish to join us – there’s a 15k race for those who would prefer a shorter race.)
Labels: Lake Garda marathon 2012, post marathon blues, three ways to beat the runners blues, what do do after a marathon,
Categories: Blog, Running Tips
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Hollywood’s FitBitches: Scarlett Johannson
April 23, 2012 at 4:00
Posted by Rachael Woolston
Shaping up fast takes work
Make no mistake about it, when a Hollywood star needs to get in shape for a movie part, it requires a serious amount of work.
How much are we talking about here? Olympic athlete style-training, but in a short amount of time with the leanest, protein specific eating plan.
And Scarlett Johannson, makes no bones about the fact that it took a lot of hard, dedicated work to get in shape for her role as the Black Widow in Avengers Assemble.
‘It was many, many hours, days, and months of stunt training and strength training, but it’s fun because I had a goal,’ she explained. ‘That goal was the Lycra catsuit.’
So, how did the 31-year old actress do it? With the help of her personal trainer, Bobby Strom, a former New York police officer who has also worked with Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Biel.
We tracked him down to get some exclusive tips on how he helped get Scarlett in shape.
‘No workout was ever exactly the same because I didn’t want her to get bored,’ he explains. ‘I was having her do a lot of balance, coordination, and core work, but she really loved the strength work, like pull ups and the idea of feeling and looking strong.’
Just as important for preventing boredom, varying workouts also shocks the body into adapting to a new stress, working the musucles in different ways to create fast, more visible change.
Although exercising alone is not enough to create figure shaping change alone. Whilst confessing to a ‘liking for grilled cheese sandwich as much as the next person,’ Scarlett admits that she stuck to a balanced, healthy diet of lean protein and slow energy releasing carbohydrates.
‘There is no magic wand to wave over oneself to look good in a latex catsuit,’ she explains. ‘Eating healthy and getting fit is about commitment, determination, consistency and the dedication to self-preservation.’
Sounds like a FitBitch way of thinking.
If you want to find out some of the exercises that Bobby did with Scarlett to get her into shape, then don’t miss our Hollywood Bikini Bodies Weekend Camp, 28th-29th April, 12-13th May, or 30th May-1st June, £150.
Want to WIN a camp on the April weekend? All you have to do is become a fan of FitBitch Boot Camp on Facebook by following this link and we will enter you into a free prize draw.
Labels: Avengers Assemble, celebrity fitness, celebrity shape up, Get in shape fast, how Scarlett Johansson got in shape, how the hollywood stars get in shape, win a weekend boot camp,
Categories: Blog, Competition, What's on
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Healthy lunch, Spiced Almond Salad
April 21, 2012 at 4:00
Posted by Rachael Woolston
Keeps you full and great for your joints
Nuts are a fantastic source of protein, which helps keep you fuller for longer. But having a bag at your desk is seriously dangerous.
They are hugely calorific if not eaten in moderation, and before you know it a 250g bag is gone. So stick to using nuts in recipes, buying only the small taster packs from the supermarket so you are not tempted to overindulge. This is a perfect lunch and you can add chicken or even fish to help turn it into an evening meal.
Ingredients
olive oil spray
50g whole natural almonds
1 cloves fresh garlic, crushed
1/2 finely chopped red chilli
1 tsp sea salt
4 finely chopped tomatoes
1 tbs chopped coriander stem
1/4 cantaloupe melon
1 tbs blueberries
1 tbs fresh mint
Method:
1. Toss the almonds in oil and cook over gentle heat for 4 mins, tossing them around regularly. Add the chilli, salt and garlic and cook for a further 2- 4 minutes or until the garlic turns into a golden colour.
2. Remove from the heat and stir in the coriander and tomatoes
3. Toss the melon, fruit and fresh mint together and serve with salad leaves. Delicious with a spoonful of natural yoghurt.
Almondboard.co.uk
Labels: almond salad, gluten free, healthy lunch, how to eat well, protein lunch,
Categories: Blog, Diet, Food / Recipes
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Three of the best performance running shoes
April 20, 2012 at 3:49
Posted by Rachael Woolston
Fancy stepping up a gear in your running? Step into some minimalist running shoes.
Although don’t go near them until you’ve first read ourreport on whether you’re ready for them.
Best for the entry level racer
Nike LunarRacer+, £87, www.nikestore.co.uk
Weight: 6.7ounces
Weigh these in one hand with an IPhone in the other and the trainers feel lighter which is pretty incredible. Bright pink is not necessarily a colour I would associate with a serious racing shoe but this small quibble aside (they come in yellow too) these are perfect for someone making the transition to a racing shoe as they have more support than most without sacrificing weight gain. They make for an incredibly comfortable, cushioned ride and this last part is crucial. If you are trying lighter shoes for the first time then great, but if you are used to race shoes these could feel a little too cushioned.We loved them though – a Fitbitch favourite.
Best for the conditioned race runner
Brooks T7 Racer, £65, Www.brooksrunning.co.uk
Weight: 6.4ounces
These were the lightest shoe we trialled and worn by the likes of Chrissie Wellington, we were expecting these to be super fast and they are. It feels like you are wearing nothing on your feet although they have just enough protection to make the difference between allowing you to feel the texture of the road without it being painful.
In addition to feeling lighter than pair of blister resistance running socks, these shoes are designed with an asymmetrical upper which means they lace up on a diagonal to work with the natural anatomy of the foot. Shame that for all that, the laces came undone a few times which is not great if you are going for a personal best. Other than this minor flaw, easily fixed by switching laces these are fantastic and look pretty snazzy too. This is a shoe that will help you get your personal best.
Best for the racing trail runner
Salamon Speedcross 3, £90, www.salamonrunning.com, 01276 404800
Weight: 9.9ounces
Prefer trail to roads? Well don’t worry because there are performance shoes for you too.
These are super light weight (around 3 ounces lighter than usual trail shoes) and feel like a second skin. They have quick release/tie laces, just requiring you to pull a toggle although tuck them between your laces otherwise they flap about. Their only design flaw, is partly a plus point too and that is their grip.
I tried these on very muddy, steep terrain and they were 100% secure in traction but picked up a lot of mud, which stuck resolutely making them rather less than lightweight. But can you get a shoe with good traction that also ‘releases’ the mud from the soles as you run? That aside I will be racing in these shoes, particularly now they’re not so gleaming-ly neon lime.
Labels: best women's running shoes, race performance shoes, running, running shoes, three of the best, three of the best running shoes, what to buy to run in, what to wear, women,
Categories: Blog, Gear Reviews
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How to get a Hollywood body
Posted by Rachael Woolston
Kettlebells, boxing and celebrity fitness secrets
Want to learn the secret core exercises that Heidi Klum did to get her pre-pregnancy body back? Or how Jennifer Lopez manages to look both curvy and toned?
This and more will be revealed at the Hollywood Bikini Bodies Weekend Camps, in Brighton on April 28th-29th, May 12-13th, or June 30th-1st July.
Designed by founder of FitBitch and lifestyle journalist, Rachael Woolston, who has interviewed the top celebrity personal trainers in the world.
‘Who cares what the celebrities do?’ you might think. Well, it’s their job to be in shape and no one knows how to do it, and more quickly, than the stars and their trainers whose job it is to make their clients look good in front of millions.
This fun, outdoor camp with a week’s eating plan to follow before camp is perfect for those who want a fitness blast, or who are wanting to get in shape quick be it for a wedding, holiday or just to get into your summer dress.
Booking now on our Prices and Booking page, £150 for the weekend. Hurry though, there are limited spaces.
Labels: Bridal boot camp, get fit for weddings, get fit like the stars, Hollywood get fit secrets, lose weight fast, Secrets to celebrity weight loss, weekend fat blast, Weekend fat loss,
Categories: Blog, What's on
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Show us your lunch
April 18, 2012 at 3:40
Posted by Rachael Woolston
Mmmm...Mackerel
Fancy winning a luxury break for two at The Hamburgh Hotel, the only Michelin starred hotel and restaurant on the Isle of Wight?
All you have to do is take a snap of your fabulous, FitBitchin’ style lunch and upload it to www.stylist.co.uk/showusyourlunch before 5pm Monday 30th.
Even more of an incentive to get cooking and experimenting with our FitBitch recipes!
Labels: healthy recipes, show us your lunch, Stylist magazine, win a hotel break for two, win a mini-break,
Categories: Blog, Competition, Diet
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Curried scrambled eggs with smoked fish
March 26, 2012 at 2:53
Posted by Rachael Woolston
Quick simple supper
Eating protein is vital if you are hoping to lose weight, and if you’re exericising. Not only does protein take longer to digest so it keeps you feeling fuller for longer, it also helps repair and rebuild muscles. No excuse that you don’t have time as this takes just 15mins. No time to cook the haddock? Buy it ready cooked.
Cooking time: 15 minutes Serves: 2
Ingredients
- 6 British Lion eggs
- 200g baby spinach, washed
- 200g smoked haddock
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tsp medium curry powder
- Fresh coriander
- 1 red chilli, finely sliced
- 2 lime wedges
Method
- Half fill a shallow sauce pan with water and place onto a medium heat. Add the smoked haddock and bay leaves and bring to a simmer before turning off the heat. Leave for 4 minutes or until the fish has turned opaque. Remove the fish from the water using a slotted spoon, flake the flesh from the skin and break into large pieces. Leave to one side.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the mustard seeds, allow them to toast and cook until they start to pop – this will release the flavour from the seeds. Turn down the heat, add in the garlic and ginger and cook for 2-3 minutes. Don’t allow the garlic to burn as this will make the final dish bitter. Add the curry powder and a pinch of salt. Cook for another minute before adding the spinach. Stir well and allow the spinach to wilt. Season generously with black pepper.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs well. Once the spinach has completely wilted, turn up the heat and pour in the beaten eggs. Stir with a plastic spatula until the eggs are well scrambled.
- Just before serving, fold in the cooked smoked haddock. Don’t allow the flakes to break up too much.
- When ready to serve, tip the curried eggs onto a big serving platter. Scatter with the fresh red chilli, lots of coriander leaves and a wedge of lime each.
For more recipe ideas visit http://www.eggrecipes.co.uk
Labels: eat for exercise, food for weight loss, healthy supper, quick easy supper,
Categories: Blog, Diet, Food / Recipes, Uncategorized
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Are you ready for race shoes?
March 25, 2012 at 7:49
Posted by Rachael Woolston
The Brooks T7 Racer, £65, as worn by Chrissie Wellington
Want to improve your personal best? Then race shoes could be the answer. But before you even consider taking your very next, very light stride into foot performance shoes read our guide …
Once the sole (ahem) preserve of club or elite athletes so called race flats have begun increasingly begun to crop up in running stores aimed at recreational runners. So, how do they differ from ordinary running shoes, and should you be making the switch?
The main difference is that racing shoes have little or no heel, and very little cushioning which makes them super light weight. And with less weight on your feet, they spend less time on the ground resulting in a quicker leg turnover and a faster time.
Which all sounds wonderful if you are chasing that elusive fast finish but it is not as straightforward as this.
Call them what you will, performance shoes or racing flats, these shoes are essentially minimalist shoes with all the controversy that surrounds this issue.
Essentially, it means that you need to be highly conditioned to wear shoes like this, which means having great foot strength, elasticity and good biomechanics.
So, if you’re a beginner, or what we like to call a rock n’ roll runner, someone who moves a lot from side to side, these are not for you and are more likely to result in injury. But what about the rest of us?
If you are conditioned, experienced runner then racing flats may well offer you the the chance to shave off a few pesky seconds to get that longed for personal best. If you are not sure whether you are conditioned enough, incorporate them into your training gradually.
Try them out on a short tempo run first and if your feet, ankles and knees feel OK a few days later, continue to build up your running in them gradually. If you want to race in them, start off with a 5k not a marathon.
One more thing…if they work for you expect to spend some money. With so little cushioning or structure they wear out after around 125-250miles.
Labels: Chrissie Wellington, how to get a personal best, minamilist foot wear, performance shoes, running shoes, should you wear race shoes, should you wear them?,
Categories: Blog, Running Shoes, Uncategorized
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