We reveal how to get the enviable physiques of the stars.
This week: Jools oliver’s legs
With four young children, Jools rarely wears glamorous attire. But at a dinner for husband Jamie’s charitable foundation, she showed off her slim legs. How does she do it?
The 36-year-old sees a personal trainer twice a week. However, she says “never getting the chance to sit down” is how she stays in such good shape.
Try this
Standing lunges are a great way to tone the legs and bottom. Stand with one foot in front of the other and hold a dumbbell or bottle of water in each hand.
Bend legs so the weights go straight down towards the floor. Allow the back knee to drop, keeping your back straight. Push back up to the starting position. Do 10 times, then change sides.
Boost your immune system
People who are active are much less likely to get coughs and sniffles, US researchers have found.
It seems exercise sparks a temporary rise in immune system cells circulating around the body.
But don’t exercise in the morning. Researchers have found the immune system isn’t ready to cope with intense exercise first thing. A pre-breakfast work-out puts you at greater risk of infection than the same work-out after work.
Evening is the best time, because a stress hormone that damages the immune system is at its lowest level.
The inside track – feet
While high heels aren’t good for us, there are ways to help the body cope. Heels push the pelvis backwards, raising the risk of lower back pain. People who wear them often will also lack strength in their core muscles, which can lead to back pain.
If you love sky-high shoes, try Pilates to strengthen your core muscles. Go barefoot around the house to let your feet recover.
High heels can push the big toe into the others. Flip- flops or toning shoes will separate out the big toe.
oany women wear heels to make their legs look toned. Exercising is safer and more comfortable. Try skipping – a great toner and one of the easiest ways to burn calories.
Try it, ditch it, switch it
- **Try it
**
Feed your toddler fish. Swedish researchers who monitored 4000 children over five years found those who ate fish (mostly white) before nine months were half as likely to suffer wheezing by the time they’re four-and-a-half.
- Ditch it
Dieting – if you are about to have surgery. A US study of 200,000 patients found those who are underweight or slightly below normal weight have a higher risk of death in the 30 days following surgery than those slightly heavier than normal.
- Switch it
Don’t put your bag on the floor of a public loo. University of Colorado scientists have found the floor of public lavatories was the most contaminated with bacteria. Loo handles had bugs commonly seen in soil, suggesting people flushed them with their feet.
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