All posts tagged: Health and Fitness

The best sports bras for running and gym workouts, tried and tested

The best sports bras for running and gym workouts, tried and tested

Published by Sam Flores

If you’re anything like me, sports bras aren’t just a part of your gym wardrobe. As someone who largely works from home, I rarely reach for a normal bra these days, instead, living in comfy sports bras. So this Lululemon Like A Cloud bra is now my regular go-to bra, which is easy to slip on – I almost forget I’m wearing. Made from four-way stretch, supple fabric, with marshmallow soft cups, it’s comfortable, yet supportive and worthy of the brand’s ‘cloud-like’ description. Although supportive while sat at my desk, it’s not one for active gym sessions. The support is minimal, particularly if you have a bigger bust and need more support, but it sits well for less impact based classes. I’ve worn it to a couple of yoga and Pilates classes and there’s been no risk of anything falling out. In fact, for low-impact movement, it does the job very well and the bra shouldn’t move out of place. Available in six colours, including my favourite pink, the bra’s double-straps are very flattering, as …

The best exercise bikes, tried and tested

The best exercise bikes, tried and tested

Published by Sam Flores

Weight: 45kg Flywheel weight: 4kg Resistance levels: 30 Screen: No, but a tablet holder It’s been dubbed as the UK’s answer to Peloton, but the Apex Smart Bike is in a category of its own. It’s a (slightly) less expensive connected exercise bike, but the build quality is similar to that of Peloton. The cost is kept down by the lack of a touchscreen – instead, you use your own tablet (or phone, at a push) to stream classes via an app. The classes are of excellent quality, with experienced instructors and high-spec production. I particularly enjoyed the themed music rides, but there are plenty of others to choose from ranging from 15 minutes to an hour. There are also strength, mobility and beginner-friendly classes available. You don’t quite get the range of Peloton, which has a bank of thousands to choose from, but as Apex is new to the market, this will improve with time. It’s also worth noting that the trainers are British spin instructors, which may be more palatable to those who …

Best air purifiers 2026, tested for UK homes

Best air purifiers 2026, tested for UK homes

Published by Sam Flores

From smoke particles and mould spores, to dust, pollen and pet dander, there’s so much in our air that we can’t see. And the more you open your windows, the more these particles get inside. If you live in a city, there’s often pollution to contend with, too. But the best air purifiers help clean and freshen the air by filtering out particles that can aggravate our respiratory systems. Dr José Costa, director of The Children’s Allergy Clinic, recommends using one at home, especially if you have a condition like hay fever, asthma or allergic rhinitis, which is an allergy to airborne particles such as pollen, mould, house dust mites or pets. Air purifiers start at around £100 for cheaper brands, such as Midea, or compact models like those from Shark and Philips. For premium brands including Dyson, Briiv and Molekule, expect to pay between £400 and £800. Some of these even double as a dehumidifier, fan or humidifier. So, which air purifiers can you trust to clean the air in your home? Below, you …

The best rowing machines to keep fit in 2025

The best rowing machines to keep fit in 2025

Published by Sam Flores

FAQ’s   What to look for in a rowing machine The size is the most important thing, according to British Rowing’s Matt Gleed. You need to be realistic about what will fit into your exercise area and you may find a foldable option like the NordicTrack best. Cardiff University rowing coach Morgan Moriarty, meanwhile, advises looking out for smart connectivity. “A more modern one will have better software on the screen so you can connect a heart rate monitor,” he says. “It will tell you how many calories you’re burning, your speed, and how that changes over time.” Both Matt and Morgan recommend looking for a machine with a decent warranty. What is a rowing machine good for? Toning, weight loss and increasing fitness levels, says fitness instructor and founder of outdoor fitness initiative Our Parks Born Barikor. “With every stroke, you’re using nine muscle groups” Born says. “That’s good whether you’re trying to burn calories or increase your fitness level. A rowing machine is also a good way to tone up with no impact …

The best treadmills for walking, running and cardio workouts in 2025, recommended by experts

The best treadmills for walking, running and cardio workouts in 2025, recommended by experts

Published by Sam Flores

At-home fitness has shot up in popularity over the past couple of years and the best treadmills have evolved at a similar rate. The global treadmill market is worth $3.59 billion, according to Research and Markets – that’s equivalent to around £2.94 billion. That makes them the most lucrative product in the fitness industry, with famous names like Peloton, Nordictrack and Proform taking the lion’s share. The home fitness industry was on the cusp of a breakthrough even before the pandemic, thanks to advances in technology and a desire for exercise to fit into our lifestyles, rather than the other way round. Whether it’s yoga-ing with Yoga with Adriene or investing in a rowing machine or exercise bike, so many people are choosing to work out at home rather than the gym. None of these come cheap – and treadmills are one of the most expensive investments you can make. It’s important to choose the best. We asked experts from the world of sport and physiotherapy to recommend the best treadmills currently available. Their full …

The best fitness trampolines of 2025 for home exercise, tried and tested on the bounce

The best fitness trampolines of 2025 for home exercise, tried and tested on the bounce

Published by Sam Flores

Fitness trampolines (or rebounders, as they’re also known) are designed for at-home workouts that burn calories and put a smile on your face. The indoor exercise trampolines have grown in popularity over the last few years, because, just like the best exercise bikes you can work out in the comfort of your own home, normally without a subscription. The benefits of fitness trampolines range from improved heart health to better balance, according to Diana Van Heerden, head of fitness at London’s Frame workout studios, which hosts regular Rebounding classes. “The best fitness trampolines provide really effective cardiovascular exercise and strengthen your lower body muscles at the same time,” she says. “A trampoline also forces you to engage your core, helping improve your balance and coordination, while strengthening your pelvic floor muscles as an added bonus.” We’ve put the best fitness trampoline for adults to the test, but if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at the top five: The best fitness trampolines: At a glance How to choose the best fitness trampoline There …