Women

The tips you need to improve your sleep

We all know the golden rule of getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night but how many of us are actually hitting that? And if we’re not, why not? Lauren Drinkwater dives under the covers to find out how to get more zzz’s…
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Can you exercise safely while pregnant?

There’s a lot of misinformation about the risks of exercising during pregnancy, but, as Lauren Drinkwater explains, done right it can have myriad benefits for mother and baby. Here's what to focus on in each trimester…
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How does the menstrual cycle impact training and racing?

When your period arrives, the last thing you might feel like doing is training. But the right kind of exercise at the right time in your cycle could be extremely beneficial. Lauren Drinkwater explains…
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How to biohack your period for triathlon performance

Is it possible to biohack our periods to optimise triathlon training and recovery? Yes, and here's how…
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How to adapt your training around menstruation

Is it possible to align your workouts and diet with your monthly cycle? Yes, is the short answer, and the performance benefits are myriad. Dr Ajai Seth explains…
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The best strength and Pilates exercises for the menopause

Whether you're peri, post or slap bang in the middle of the menopause, strength training and Pilates have a whole host of benefits to help improve many of its associated symptoms…
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Best Pilates exercises to do postpartum

The best way to restart exercise and training postpartum is gently, which is why Pilates is ideal. Lauren Drinkwater explains more…
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How to improve pelvic floor strength

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a very common complaint among women, but it’s too often ignored, leading to further problems. Here, Lauren Drinkwater examines the causes, symptoms and must-do exercises…
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How to improve bone health during the menopause

Menopause affects women in myriad ways, but reduced bone density is particularly problematic for athletes. Luckily, exercise can help. Here’s how…
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"Racing Kona and pumping made me really proud"

Jacqui Giuliano raced Kona just three months postpartum, stopping to express in T1 and T2. Here she tells us her motivation for racing as a new mum…
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Is it better to train for strength or endurance?

Short, sharp sessions or longer, more endurance-based workouts? Here we consider the pros and cons of both and how best to make them work for you…
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How to build fitness back postpartum

Returning to exercise post-childbirth can be daunting after what your body’s been through. But you could end up stronger and fitter than before, as Lauren Drinkwater explains…
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Why you should mix your training up

Our bodies and minds need a little variety from time to time to get the best results. So here’s why and how you should mix your training up…
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The best health checks for women

The NHS might not be in the best shape right now, but that shouldn’t mean avoiding regular check-ups. Here are the key ones you should be booking in to keep on top of good health and wellbeing…
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How the 10IronWomen are reducing the gender divide in long-distance triathlon

What better way to celebrate International Women's Day than by watching a new film about the 10IronWomen as they take on the Castle to Coast Triathlon in a bid to break down gender barriers to endurance sport…
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How exercise can improve our mental wellbeing

We all know the positive impact exercise can have on our physical wellbeing but how does it benefit us mentally? Lauren Drinkwater explains, and helps you get started if you’re new to the fitness game…
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How to have a healthy relationship with diet and exercise

Crash-dieting is on the rise, but it’s also only a short-term weight-loss solution. Rather, what we need to do, says Lauren Drinkwater, is reframe how we approach exercise and dieting…
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The benefits of working out at home

The pandemic revolutionised the home-gym market, but what are the benefits and drawbacks of working out in the comfort of your own abode? Lauren Drinkwater investigates…
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Does exercise help or hinder fertility?

Does exercise actually improve or decrease your chances of falling pregnant? Here, Lauren Drinkwater sheds some much-needed light on this little-discussed subject…
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How to prevent, treat and manage yeast infections when exercising

'Sports vagina' and thrush, not sexy topics by any stretch of the imagination but conditions that can have a massive impact on active women. Here’s how to prevent, treat and manage them…
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How to breastfeed around training and exercising

As if having a baby isn’t disruptive enough to our usual exercise regime, but add in breastfeeding and it’s easier just to put it on the back-burner, right? Not so. It just requires some planning…
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Do you burn more calories on your period?

Menstruating can take a lot out of the body, so surely that must mean more calorie burning, right? 220 staff writer Kate Milsom investigates…
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Women's weight training for beginners

Weight training for women has a bad rep, but it’s misplaced. Done right, it will make you a stronger, less injury- and illness-prone triathlete. Our women's training expert Lauren Drinkwater explains further…
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What is period flu? Causes, symptoms and how to prevent it

Feeling bogged down during that time of the month and can’t figure out why? Here’s what’s really going on…
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