The brand new gym on the block, the do-anywhere butt-melting app and the gazpacho in a bottle that’s two of your five a day – Healthista’s BODYOLOGIST blogger Helen Foster has the latest news your body needs right now
1. THE GAZPACHO YOU DRINK
It’s not veggie juice, it’s not a veggie smoothie, instead, Cho is Drinking Gazpacho. Made in Spain by blending veg, fruit, olive oil and garlic, it gives you two of your five a day and contains 120-170 calories a bottle. Now, I admit, it’s an acquired taste but my tastebuds are not your tastebuds (plus I have a mild Gazpacho phobia). If however you like your soup cold, tomatoey and good for you , check it out. At Wholefoods, Planet Organic and Ocado or chogazpacho.com. £2.29 a bottle.
2. THE WEBSITE THAT KNOWS HOW MANY CALORIES YOU REALLY NEED
Ever had that disappointment where you’ve counted calories religiously yet not got the result you expected on the scales. It happens because, that whole ‘if you cut 3500 calories you’ll lose a pound’ thing is wrong. The calculation doesn’t take into account the metabolic slowdown that occurs as we lose weight. Visit bwsimulator.niddk.nih.gov though and you’ll find a personalised simulator (created by scientists) that does take these things into account and shows you exactly how much weight you’ll lose each day sticking to a set number of calories. It might not be as fast as you’d hoped, but at least it’ll put an end to that scale-related sinking feeling.
3. THE WORKOUT THAT DOESN’T ANNOY PASSERS-BY
I first heard about this in Australia where it recently launched as Hush Fitness. Now they’re here c/o fitness company Revival and their once-a-month half day silent bootcamps. The idea is simple. Instead of working out outside with just the trainer’s voice, you wear headphones which allow you to hear both the trainer and a motivating soundtrack. Not only does this pep up your workout with music, because you’re encased in your own little world theory is you become more inwardly focused on your moves and actually work harder and more intensely. Right now sessions only take place in Richmond near London, but expect the trend to grow. Find out more at revivalbootcamp.com.
4. THE FROZEN YOGHURT THAT ACTUALLY TASTES LIKE YOGHURT
Yog frozen yogurt actually tastes like yogurt would taste if you froze it. That might sound like a stupid thing to say but considering most frozen yogurts also blend in ice cream powder to give it that creamy taste it’s not so daft. While it’s a bit of a shock to the tastebuds – it’s quite sour – I’ve discovered there’s a benefit to this; it’s delicious but not moreish in the same way ice cream is. A small serving satisfies and I don’t spend the rest of the evening fixating on the tub like I do with Ben and Jerrys. A 100ml serving contains less than 100 calories. My fave of the new flavours is Vanilla Bean and Honey – but also check out Lemon and Coconut. Find it at Yog stores nationwide or new flavour take home tubs are at Waitrose priced £3.99.
5. THE THIGH-SHRINKING DO-ANYWHERE APP
Barre classes are a growing fitness trend – blending a mix of yoga, pilates and ballet moves they aim to create the long toned look of dancers. The problem is, unless you can get to a specific barre studio (most of which are in Central London and kind of pricey) the benefits are off limit to your butt – until now. US company Barre3 have just launched an app offering 24 barre workouts that you can do at home with simple equipment like dumbbells and a chair (there’s even one you can do in the kitchen using the countertop). I tried it and it’s harder than it looks – especially the tiny isometric moves that see you isolating a muscle and moving an inch at a time. My thighs haven’t quite forgiven me yet. Find the app on itunes (sorry no android yet) priced £2.99
6. THE GYMNUT’S DREAM DRINK
I’m a fan of protein shakes (the Strong Nutrients brand specifically) but I admit, lugging around a shaker bottle (and glugging warm shake) is not appealing – which is why I loved this new idea from Holland & Barrett. Their new Shake-A-Whey stations in their stores in London’s Leadenhall or Gateshead allow to pick, mix and purchase an individual protein shake to go. It costs from £1.99 depending on the protein chosen and if you bring your own receptacle or buy one of theirs. See in store for details.
7. THE NEW PLACE TO WORKOUT
To me LAX means jetlag (as it’s the code from Los Angeles Airport). To London’s fitness fraternity LAX St Botolphs is THE new place to workout. Containing London’s largest functional training floor (250sqm) packed with intriguing equipment like The Octagon Rig (looks like it should be in 50 Shades of Grey actually lets you tone 50 different ways). It also offers a range of high intensity classes and a huge Group Cycling studio that creates 1000 cycling spaces a week for spinning junkies. Inside get motivated by cinema size entertainment screens and inspirational slogans on the wall. The thing I must absolutely try though – their DJ fitness nights. Pumping music, flashing lights – and a treadmill, sounds like my happy place. Check it out at www.lax.co.uk.
Healthista’s Bodyologist Helen Foster blogs daily on all things health, fitness and diet related at healthehelen.wordpress.com. Follow her on Twitter @healthehelen
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