Lucinda loves to exercise in nature and makes the most of her local “free gym” Richmond park as much as she can. She loves to combine her time in London’s largest outdoor park with weights in the gym, but this year has increasingly turned to home workouts, which can easily be squeezed into a busy schedule. She has added a few key pieces of equipment to her Christmas wish-list. She loves trying out all the amazing and inspiring workout classes across the capital, but boutique fitness classes can be costly and so she’s requested a pass to her favourite class alongside some other great fitness and wellbeing goodies below…
Known as one of the best classes for sculpting and toning your body, Reformer Pilates involves practising Pilates on a sliding reformer machine. I love mat based pilates, but having recently tried out the class at Ten, I was really impressed, however it is a costly hobby. I would love to go regularly so have asked for a class pass for Christmas.
www.ten.co.uk £170 for a 10 class pass
Whatever the weather, or the season, come rain or shine, summer or winter there is never a reason to forget the sunscreen. I’ve tried and tested many formulas, but am now loyal to Chantecaille ultra sun protection sunscreen primer SPF 45. This gives a very high sun protection, that is quickly absorbed and doesn’t run into your eyes whilst you get your sweat on! The fluid feels lovely and leaves a slightly matte appearance, without shine or white tint that is common with high sun protection. It is also an excellent primer that can be used under your make up.
CHANTECAILLE Ultra Sun Protection Sunscreen Primer SPF 45, £76 for 40ml
These are the perfect stocking filler! I have tried so many different brands of electrolytes and the SIS GO Hydro tablets in lemon flavor is my favourite. It’s not too sweet, and yet keeps my body balanced and prevents my muscles from cramping up when I am doing longer endurance workouts like long cycle rides and runs and is also great during a high intensity workout in the gym.
SIS GO Hydro 20 Tablets in Lemon, £3.99 per pack of 20 tablets
I can’t remember a Christmas when I didn’t receive a pair of socks! However this year I am asking for these calf-preserving beauties! Having experienced two calf tears, I am too familiar with the frustrations that any injury to the lower leg can create and so I am now a firm believer in doing everything I can to prevent another injury! These snug-fitting, knee-high socks are meant to increase circulation and reduce lactic acid build-up as well as providing relief for tired, achey legs. Make sure you measure your calves and buy the correct size. Too tight and they’re uncomfortable, and too loose and they don’t provide enough compression and slide down. You also need to make sure the socks fit two finger widths below the crease in your knee, to make sure you don’t constrict the veins.
www.compressionsockshop.co.uk £17.00 per pair
I am addicted to my trigger point foam roller. It has helped me keep injury at bay from regular rolling, especially pre and post workouts. This mini foam roller would be the perfect addition to my home fitness collection as I always miss my rolling when I go away. This mini version, is just as effective as the standard size and neatly packs into your suitcase. Perfect for mini breaks and longer vacations away!
I love a long soak after a stressful day or hard workout, so I am always grateful to receive anything that can enhance my relaxation time in the bath. I absolutely love the healing and restorative benefits of Epsom Salts, and have long found them to be the best cure for tired and aching muscles. Adding two-four cups to your bathwater, detoxifies and alkalizes the body, relaxes the nervous system, soothes back pain and aching limbs, eases muscle strains and reduces inflammation though replenishing the body’s stores of magnesium.
www.epsomsalts.co.uk £5.95 for 1kg
A day of pampering? Yes please! I think a voucher for a spa day is one of my favourite gifts to give and receive. The Chuan Spa on Regent Street has been on my radar for a while, but I’ve yet to experience this urban oasis. The philosophy of the spa is based on traditional Chinese medicine and the whole experience, from the décor and ambience to the treatments, is meant to rebalance and recharge you. Sounds like the perfect antidote to the excesses of the party season to me and the Chuan Tao of Detox is at the top of my treatment wish list.
Chuan Tao of Detox, 2hrs 30mins, Off peak price £260
I absolutely love kettlebells. They are a fun, fast and effective workout solution that you can easily do in your living room. 20 minutes of high intensity training and you will feel fired up for the day. This set would be a perfect addition to my home fitness equipment as they don’t take up too much room and offer a huge variety of exercises that I can easily fit into my day.
www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk £81.50 for set of three kettlebells
Did you know that ten minutes of skipping can produce the same results as a 1.5km run and is one of the most effective cardiovascular training techniques? Skipping is definitely not just for children! I re-discovered the good old jump rope during a cross-fit class, and instantly fell in love with the fast results. I’ve popped this Sonniworks Speed Rope on my wish list this Christmas as it features lightweight handles and can be adjusted to your ideal length. Be warned, your calves will burn!
I have always had a secret wish to complete an Ironman triathlon and that bubbling desire isn’t going away, so I have added this comprehensive how to guide by Joe Friel to my wishlist in the hope that some bed time reading may turn into serious training and fulfilling a lifetime goal! Bring on 2017.
Going Long: Training for Triathlon’s Ultimate Challenge by Joe Friel, £17.99
