All posts tagged: Health and Fitness

‘I’ve been in a swimming pool zero times since retiring’

‘I’ve been in a swimming pool zero times since retiring’

Published by Sam Flores

Alistair Brownlee was the first athlete ever to defend the Olympic triathlete title. Over an 18-year career, he claimed gold at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games, as well as 22 World Series events, two World Championships, a Commonwealth title and four European Championships, to name only a few. Two years into retirement, Brownlee shows little sign of slowing down. When he’s not working with his brother Jonny on the Brownlee Foundation – their charity encouraging young people into sport – he’s focused on his own business, Truefuels, which sells energy gels and electrolytes. It’s hard to reconcile all this with the unassuming man who strolls into our office alone on a Thursday in March. It’s not the first time the point has been made. In 2021, he told The Telegraph that he was once told that he’s “an inspiration because he looks so normal it makes everyone think that if he can do it, they could too”. I caught up with him for our Readers Ask series, where industry specialists answer questions …

Six tested for maximum comfort and support

Six tested for maximum comfort and support

Published by Sam Flores

Both Emily and I have experience testing mattresses, having contributed numerous reviews across our different mattress guides. It’s a difficult job for one obvious reason – they’re huge. So, for this guide, you’ll find a mixture of products that Emily tested at home and ones I (Rebecca) tested after a week visiting dozens of showrooms across London. I tested sofa beds at the same time, if you’re in the market. It’s important to note that the best mattress for each individual varies enormously, based on weight, height, pressure points, sleeping position and whether or not you share a bed. Memory foam mattresses tested at home were slept on for at least a month, to get a true feel for how each one adjusted to the person sleeping on it and whether it helped regulate their temperature, and how durable it was. Edge support (being able to sleep at the edge of the mattress without rolling off) was also considered. In the showroom, I judged the mattresses on more objective criteria: foam density and thickness, number …

The best water flossers, tried and tested for healthier teeth

The best water flossers, tried and tested for healthier teeth

Published by Sam Flores

How many of us can look our dentist in the eye and promise we’ve flossed daily? It’s always the first thing to drop from my morning routine, and the last thing on my mind before bed. Luckily, my tune has changed since testing some of the best water flossers. Also known as oral irrigators, water flossers are completely different from the painful, harsh and environmentally unfriendly ways of traditional flossing tape, and they can get into spaces that a toothbrush might miss. “These devices use a steady high-pressure, or pulsating stream of water to target the areas between the teeth near the gum line,” Dr Khurrum Hussain, a dentist and clinical periodontist at Bupa Dental Care explains. They are more effective than tape for hard-to-reach areas, so they are particularly useful for anyone with braces or dental work like bridges. Meanwhile, using a water flosser to dislodge plaque from the gum line and any food particles can also help to whiten your teeth. The best water flossers: At a glance How to use a water …

The 9 best swimsuits and bikinis for wild swimming and active holidays

The 9 best swimsuits and bikinis for wild swimming and active holidays

Published by Sam Flores

How to choose the best swimsuit First up, decide how much coverage you’d like and what kind of swimming or water sports you want to use your new swimwear for. For wild or cold water swimming, look for something that fits well, is flexible and offers some warmth. It should also be easy to get off post-swim when you’re changing outdoors with chilly hands. If you’re planning on surfing, paddleboarding or diving, a high-neck swimming costume or bikini top will stay put as you move, and high-cut legs will give you room to kick through the water. Pick a suit with decent coverage for a bit more sun protection, and avoid suits with random cutouts if you don’t want a diamond-shaped sunburn. If you’re looking for eco-friendly materials, consider Finisterre and Zone3, which both use Yulex, a plant-based rubber material which is a more environmentally friendly alternative to neoprene. I also rate M&S’s affordable Good Move range and Hunza G, whose one-size-fits-all crinkle suits will fit most body shapes and are good for pregnancy. How …

Sleep expert Dr Sophie Bostock answers questions

Sleep expert Dr Sophie Bostock answers questions

Published by Sam Flores

You might recognise Dr Sophie Bostock from her regular slot on This Morning, giving advice on sleep problems, but her experience and expertise extends beyond daytime television. She’s worked with diverse clients from the Royal Marines to Google to help their staff get better shut-eye. After all, sleep is central to our sense of well-being and most of us don’t get enough. Before you drop thousands of pounds on a brand-new mattress or experiment with every supplement under the sun, it’s worth heeding some expert advice. And Dr Bostock knows her stuff. Her medical journey started in Nottingham, followed by a PhD in health psychology from UCL. Since then, she’s published research in partnership with the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute in Oxford and worked on Sleepio, a clinically proven sleep improvement programme, available free on the NHS. Now, she’s an independent sleep consultant with her own blog, The Sleep Scientist. We approached Dr Bostock for our Readers Ask series, where industry experts answer questions from our Telegraph Recommended reader panel. From our top tips …

The best white noise machines, tried and tested with advice from a neuroscientist

The best white noise machines, tried and tested with advice from a neuroscientist

Published by Sam Flores

There are some things in life that money can’t buy – but a good night’s sleep isn’t necessarily one of them. When sirens, traffic and loud neighbours disrupt your bedtime peace, the best white noise machines can block out the racket with a steady sound of their own. From the fuzz of a de-tuned radio to the replicated drone of an industrial fan, these little gadgets emit white noise sounds to help you drift off to dreamland. “White noise contains all frequencies of sound at the same volume, like static,” explains Dr Lindsay Browning, a chartered psychologist and neuroscientist at Trouble Sleeping and author of Navigating Sleeplessness with a doctorate in insomnia from the University of Oxford. “It can be quite unpleasant to listen to, so there are other options including green, brown and pink noise that have quieter high frequencies.” You can read more about the different types of white noise, along with expert advice from Dr Browning, in the FAQ section below. First though, here’s a quick look at my top five: The …

Best home gym equipment for effective workouts

Best home gym equipment for effective workouts

Published by Sam Flores

45kg weight 4kg flywheel weight 30 resistance levels No screen, but a tablet holder Reviewed by Abigail Buchanan The Apex Smart Bike is excellent value for a web-connected exercise bike. We actually preferred it to Peloton in our review of the best exercise bikes. The cheaper price is thanks to a lack of HD touchscreen. Instead, there’s a tablet holder for you to insert your own, or your phone, where you can stream classes via an app. The classes are of excellent quality, ranging from 15 minutes to an hour, and there are strength, mobility and beginner-friendly exercises, by British instructors from Boom Cycle studio in London. The Apex is perhaps better suited to spin and indoor cycling fans, rather than anyone looking for performance training, as there are no options for simulated outdoor rides. Design-wise, the Apex bike is good-looking enough to (almost) blend into a living room, with a compact 4ft by 2ft footprint, and four colour options. It has a wireless phone charger, tablet holder for streaming classes, plus a water bottle …

The best gym leggings for comfort, support and style

The best gym leggings for comfort, support and style

Published by Sam Flores

The first and arguably most important aspect to consider when shopping for gym leggings, is fit. Your leggings should feel supportive without digging in and they should stay in place when squatting, running, stretching or simply walking. Each pair has features made specifically for various activities, so make sure you aren’t buying a pair of yoga leggings to wear for your treadmill runs. Yoga leggings, for example, tend to be made from softer fabric while running leggings are made from stretchier, sweatproof fabric. Look for four-way stretch materials for flexibility that moves with you. If you’re someone who sweats easily, go for moisture-wicking or quick-drying fabrics that help you to stay feeling fresh. The fabric should also stay opaque even when pulled or stretched, particularly for lower-body exercises, such as squats. A high waistband offers more support and may be more flattering than a lower waistband. And don’t forget to check the seams; they can be irritating, which can impact comfort. Although price doesn’t always dictate quality, it’s worth testing out a range of gym …

The best water bottles including insulated, gym and sustainable options

The best water bottles including insulated, gym and sustainable options

Published by Sam Flores

UK consumers go through an estimated 14 billion plastic drinks bottles per year, according to Defra, but single-use plastic is falling out of favour, thanks to efforts from David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg. More people are turning to reusable water bottles and in return, bottles are getting smarter. The best water bottles these days are insulated, leak-proof, filtered and BPA free. BPA stands for Bisphenol A, an industrial chemical compound used in the manufacturing of strong plastics. Some research suggests BPA can leak into food and drink and cause health problems. “When looking for a bottle, look for non-toxic materials. Stainless steel is one of the most eco-friendly materials for a water bottle. Not only is it safe, but it is very durable and infinitely recyclable,” says Natalie Byrne, marketing manager at Go Outdoors. For this guide I’ve tested a number of the best water bottles on the market – including gym water bottles, water bottles with straws and even the Air Up water bottle which uses scented pods to trick your brain into thinking …

The 11 best women’s running shoes for all budgets, tested by a runner

The 11 best women’s running shoes for all budgets, tested by a runner

Published by Sam Flores

A pair of the best women’s running trainers can make all the difference to protect your joints, hit personal bests and feel comfortable on every run. As a personal trainer, runner and fitness journalist, I’ve tested countless pairs and I can confidently say that the right shoes can transform your performance, helping you to reach your fitness goals. Whether you’re after responsive cushioning for long-distance comfort, lightweight speed for sprints, or even extra stability that will support feet and joints, there’s something in this list for every runner, with brands including Hoka, Brooks and New Balance. With running shoes now costing more than ever, I’ve been sure to include some more affordable options that offer good value for money too. This guide is regularly checked and updated so you know you’re being recommended the best. The best running shoes for women: At a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS How to choose the best running shoes for women The right pair of running shoes can enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury. When selecting shoes, comfort …