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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
"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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…