Adapt your exercise routine for the winter

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While you might feel like curling up on the sofa in your onesie and watching back to back Corrie, your mind, body and soul will thank you for keeping up with your exercise routine over the winter months.

The cold wind and early evening darkness might not be as inviting as balmy summer evenings for a run, but we have had a look at how to keep fit and strong, however chilly it gets.

Don’t stop moving
In the summer, we tend to exercise before it gets too hot, so in the winter you need to reverse this and try to workout before it gets dark and your motivation is lost. Either go to the gym before work, run during your lunch hour or plan morning bike ride that will get those endorphins pumping around your body for the rest of the day.

Get the kit
By the end of your jog you should be sweating, but before you step out of the door the goose bumps will be there if you are only in a vest and shorts. The key to winter success when it comes to exercise clothing is layering. Thermal running tights, bright trainers, warm t-shirts and soft socks won’t just look cool, they will feel good against your skin and help regulate your body temperature. If you are exercising in the dark, go for a hi-vis top and even a head torch so you can easily be seen.

Go digital
If you really can’t get to grips with exercising outside in December, tap into online options. Whether it is HIIT training, Pilates, interval cycling or Zumba, there’s a wide range of sporting options that you can do at home, but you still need to put in the effort if you want to see the results.

Get a buddy
One way to ensure you get out and get going is to have an accountability buddy. If you know you’ll let someone else down if you don’t hit the gym, it’ll be harder to skip your workout. Whether it’s a friend, sister, partner, work colleague or neighbour, find someone with similar interests and make a pact to do this together.

Have a goal
Just as it can help having someone to work with, it is also motivating to have a goal to aim for. Whether you are going to complete a 5k charity run, train for a marathon or take part in the London to Brighton bike ride, write down your goals, put them somewhere you can see them and go for it.

Drink
Ice cold water is refreshing in July, but it is actually essential all year round. When you exercise it is really important to drink plenty of water otherwise you can end up feel tired, lethargic and dehydrated which will take away your motivation to get moving. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times, sip little and often and aim for at least two litres of H2O a day.

Be safe
Whatever you do, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be home. If you are exercising outside after dark, choose a well-lit route, wear bright clothing and be wise when wearing ear phones in quiet areas.

Enjoy!

What’s hot for spring?

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1990, 80s, agenda, dresses, fashion, flouncy flats, glittery gladiator sandals, great, grounded, Kate Moss, London, New York, nightwear, outfit, pants, Paris, pedi, pop, pretty, pumps, S/S16, skirts, sky-high heels, slouchy, smile, statement, sun-kissed shoulders, t-shirts, Uggs, wide-leg shape

We don’t know where the cold and wet has gone but winter is over and we can breath a sigh of relief now summer is on the way.

As well as being able to shed puffa coats and Ugg boots, spring also signals exciting new fashions and style. From sun-kissed shoulders showing through lingerie-inspired dresses to classic white shirts, there is something for everyone arriving in the shops.

Pleats please
Pleats aren’t just for girlie girls any more. Designers are transforming silhouettes thanks to pretty pleats that add structure and style. Long flowing skirts and super-cute maxi dresses are appearing in modern shapes and bold patterns and the added drapes means they will flatter every body shape and size.

Off the shoulder
There’s a a nod to the ‘80s on the fashion racks this summer. You may have thought that open, off-the-shoulder look has had it’s moment, but top designers decided it was time to bring them back. Boat neck tops, halter neck dresses and a clever take on the polo shirt are all being seen worn off the shoulder and looking just as avant-garde as they did the first time round.

Romantic ruffles
This season ruffles are big business. You can wear them soft and loose, cascading in tiers and falling in fountains in a multitude of colours and designs. Whether you opt for cotton, suede, silk or raffia the fabric will do all the talking as you look sultry and fashion forward.

The white shirt
Forget city boys and school uniform, white shirts are back in town for the girls this spring. Buttoned up, ruffled, twisted, tied at the tummy or slashed, this classic is a cool staple with serious fashion points to be collected when you pass go.

Pants to that
Nightwear is becoming day wear, underwear is more outerwear and there is certainly a feeling that slips over tees, a la Kate Moss in 1990, are back on the agenda. Go all out for a real statement or match pretty lace vests with black tailoring for a more grounded, classy look.

Glow ahead
The brightest fashion statement this summer is orange. These perky citrus tones are the perfect way to add a little passion to your wardrobe. Go for a bright shirt dress, pretty pumps or a pop of colour with your bag and you will transform your look with chic-ease.

Mesh it up
Here we see fashion going retro once again for S/S16. It’s never been easy to go sporty thanks to the sheer mesh trend that was all over the catwalks of London, Paris and New York. Whilst mesh has athletic roots, this trend has been added to t-shirts, skirts and dresses and offers a totally versatile summer look.

Low slung trousers
Trouser waistlines have dropped dramatically for spring and are being worn resting on the hip. These are perfect for balmy days by the pool and at the beach, for doing yoga and chilling out. Whether you go for silk, cashmere or cotton, opt for sleek styles with a slouchy, wide-leg shape and pair with silver gladiators or ballet flats.

Put your best foot forward
With your pedi done you will need shoes that show off those pretty toes. The good news is you will be spoilt for choice as sky-high heels, glittery gladiator sandals, flouncy flats and stylish trainers are already out on display.

Whatever you do, be confident with your look, wear what makes you feel great and top every outfit with a smile.