Beat the Winter Blues With Exercise

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Just because you’re confined to being indoors because  the roads are too dangerous for running or cycling in the dark, doesn’t mean you should halt your fitness regime.

 

 

 

At ICON, we know that working out over the winter months can be a challenge but it really doesn’t need to be. Here they share their top five, ultimate workout tips, which are sure to get you motivated.

 

Follow their simple steps to get the best from your workouts and maintain your fitness routines.

 

Tip 1: Winter Weight gain

The winter often leads to winter weight gain. The cold can make us develop extra excuses when it comes to our motivation to exercise.  Plus, many people suffer from mood changes during the winter months and turn to food for comfort.  The bitter truth is that you will only be wearing a big woolly jumper for a few months and soon you will have to face summer clothes again.  Try to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine during the colder months and getting into shape in the summer will be much easier.

 

Tip 2: Feeling fit and using an indoor training kit

We suggest investing in functional training equipment that you can use in the comfort of your own home. Then you’ll have no excuse to avoid exercise – you won’t have to go to the gym or step outside into minus temperatures.  Plus, the introduction of an exciting new fitness gadget into your life will actually make you want to exercise. We recommend our ICON Health and Fitness range which includes a wide variety of home fitness equipment that will help you through every workout. We especially love their iFit Live™ programme, which is compatible with models from the ProForm and NordicTrack range.  This state of the art software allows you to run anywhere in the world all from the comfort of your own home, thanks to Google Maps™ technology.

 

Tip 3: maintain motivation

If you can imagine attaining your fitness goals, you will soon start to feel more positive, motivated and feel-good endorphins will be released.  As you start to see and feel the results then your motivation will be improved.

 

We suggest setting yourself small realistic goals.  By breaking your goals into smaller, more easily achieved steps, you can work towards your larger long-term goals. Start by walking a mile, then try jogging – build up the distance until you can tackle a marathon!

 

Tip 4: Train like an athlete.

You may not be an athletic hopeful, but adopting the physical and mental approach of an athlete will give you a positive approach to workouts and achieving your goals.

  • Athletes see direct results from their training and you can too. Try treating training as a task at work i.e. something on your to do list that must be completed by the end of the day.
  • Be smart with your exercise choices and get the most out of every workout. Mix your training up and keep your weekly programme varied.
  • Try short sprints, intervals and distance workouts on different days. When you begin to feel the benefits of all your effort then you will become more energised and motivated to continue. Prevent boredom…plan your week with sets, reps, distance and routes to keep your training interesting, challenging and fun.

 

Tip 5: Don’t freeze to feel fit!

As the days become shorter and the nights draw in, remember you can adapt your workout routine so you don’t have to freeze to get fit. Try circuit training in the comfort of your own home, or invest in a static bike or treadmill so you can maintain your cycling or running routine.  We are so impressed by the new ProForm Tour De France Bike. Boasting a 20% motorised incline and decline, Real Road™ resistance technology and iFit Live™ Technology, which is powered by Google Maps™. It has to be the ultimate in cycling workout kit.

 

You can also try booking a ski holiday, and embrace the fact you burn more calories in the cold.  When training outdoors however, make sure you adequately insulate your body and avoid sweat-absorbing material close to the skin and don’t forget a hat!

Rihanna: Shining Bright Like a Diamond

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Barbados goddess Rihanna is shining brighter than ever, designing for River Island and touring her new album all over the world. On the collaboration with River Island, Rihanna says:

“Launching at London Fashion Week is a dream come true for me. I have wanted to design my own collection for a long time and to present my collection for River Island alongside all of the other great design talent at LFW is a real privilege. I can’t wait to see the reaction from my fans and the fashion press!”

Rihanna has also started rehearsals for her new ‘Diamonds’ world tour. Rihanna will be touring her new album, Unapologetic and says that she is ‘hyped’ about it. The world tour starts in March. Click here to buy Rihanna tickets.

Rihanna has been sharing photos of herself on Instagram and also tweeting her excitement. Rihanna tweeted yesterday (23rd January)

“Diamonds World Tour. It’s approaching so quickly and I’m hype az s**t!. DIAMONDS WORLD TOUR #rehearsal.”

FUCK HUMBLE is a collaboration between DOPE and KING CHIP

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FUCK HUMBLE is a collaboration between DOPE and KING CHIP and is now available online. Limited to 100 tee shirts, 75 hoodies, and 100 hats. Everything was produced in the USA.

“Being too humble can be a setback at times. The ones who are taken advantage of the most are the most humble. Our world around us always reminds us to stay humble even though we all know nice guys finish last. The message behind this art is to let others know that you know your worth. Focus on being the best there ever was & spend less time revolving your world around the practice of humble. #FUCKHUMBLE”
– KING CHIP

Bon Jovi Announced as First Headliner for Brand New Festival

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AEG Live & The Royal Parks reveal exciting new Summer event for Hyde Park, London:

Barclaycard British Summer Time

28th June – 7th July 2013

Bon Jovi Announced as First Headliner: Friday 5th July*

Frost Magazine will be the first in line for the new music event from AEG Live and The Royal Parks, the Barclaycard British Summer Time, a ground-breaking new event for 2013, to be held at the greatest outdoor venue in the world – Hyde Park.

Barclaycard British Summer Time, a totally unique and world class event for London, will give music fans throughout the capital the chance to see many of their favourite headlining and supporting music artists play over back to back weekends in ticketed events.

Bon Jovi are today named as the first headline music act for Barclaycard British Summer Time. More high profile acts will be announced in the coming weeks.

In what heralds a totally unique event offer for London, each live music-packed weekend will be linked by a midweek programme of diverse entertainment, accessible for all to enjoy. From Monday to Thursday, the entire Barclaycard British Summer Time site, saved for the main stage, will give visitors the chance to get involved with smaller, more intimate events offering film, music, literature, sport and a specific family day that will expand the Barclaycard British Summer Time experience to genuinely appeal to the whole family.

Jim King of AEG Live and Event Director said:

“After a great deal of planning and hard work, we are so proud to announce what will no doubt be an incredible event for London. Barclaycard British Summer Time takes everything we have learned indoors at our other venues – in creating the amazing experiences at The O2 – and shares it within the world’s greatest outdoor venue, Hyde Park. We literally started with a blank canvas and in Barclaycard British Summer Time, we have created what we believe to be the ultimate in Summer events – fantastic music, great food, drinks, farmers markets, theatre, film – and much more incredible entertainment across a full 10 days. The list is endless!”

Across Hyde Park, there will be four themed zones within the Barclaycard British Summer Time site, each with its own specially designed installations and entertainment, high quality restaurants, bespoke salons, pubs, cocktail bars, cafes, bistros and independent food stalls. AEG Live has made a multi-million pound investment and a five year commitment to ensure this is a truly unforgettable experience and the attention to detail in the design of these areas stops at nothing short of excellence. AEG is also committed to working with the natural surroundings of Hyde Park to ensure an environmentally-friendly footprint and has commissioned an internationally respected team of ecologists to advise on the planning and construction of Barclaycard British Summer Time.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust Host Girls’ Night Out For Cervical Cancer Prevention Week

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Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, the UK’s only dedicated cervical cancer charity, supported Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (20-26 January) in style with the ultimate girl’s night out last night. I went along with Frost writer and fellow actress Paola Berta. I had a great chat with sexpert Tracey Cox and uber glamourous showbiz journalist Zoe Griffin. TOWIE’s Lauren Goodger looked amazing in a studded leather jacket and black leggings.

I had an abnormal smear in 2010 so it is a cause that is very close to my heart. Girls’ Night Out host Zoe Griffin and author, Tracey Cox, shared their experiences of cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities with a celebrity audience to raise awareness of this preventable disease and urge more women to attend their cervical screenings.

Over 60 guests, including Embarrassing Bodies’ Dr Dawn Harper, Made in Chelsea’s Lucy Watson and TOWIE’s Lauren Goodger, joined the party. All guests were treated to goody bags with thanks to Lucky Voice, Vita Coco, Butlers in the Buff, Beverly Hills Formula, Walkers Sunbites, Blue Nun, Lauren’s Way and Ferrero Rocher.

Frost’s editor Catherine Balavage is in the pink, third from left.

Every day nine women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and three lives are lost to the disease. Cervical screening can help reduce these numbers and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust urges more women to attend as statistics show a worrying downward trend in cervical screening uptake. The cervical screening programme saves 5,000 lives each year in the UK yet 20% of women are not attending their test, and for girls aged between 25 and 29 this figure drops significantly to 1 in 3 – a worrying statistic as cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35.

Robert Music, Director of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “The focus of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2013 is to raise public awareness by providing information about the causes of the disease and ways to prevent it. With the exception of a dramatic rise in 2009 following Jade Goody’s battle with cervical cancer, since 2002 figures[1] have declined year on year culminating in a 3% drop in screening uptake to 78.6% over the past 10 years. The more we can do to stress the importance of this life saving test the better.

“This year we have also focused on symptoms awareness and early detection as a study[2] we have commissioned shows that women are more likely to seek medical attention with common ailments such as a cough and cold, rather than with symptoms like abnormal bleeding which include bleeding in between periods or after sex.

“Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is thrilled to raise awareness of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week with the help of some friends and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners for their support.”

Paola Berta and Catherine Balavage

Author Tracey Cox added: “I was diagnosed with cervical cancer when I was 30 and had two cone biopsies as a result. It was picked up early, so I was lucky. But if I hadn’t been screened, I wouldn’t have made it to 32. It was an incredibly frightening experience and one most women can avoid if they get regular screenings. I’m delighted to be supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust important work in raising awareness and I’m constantly nagging friends to be vigilant about getting screened on a regular basis. It saved my life and it can save yours too.”

Author and celebrity blogger Zoe Griffin of livelikeavip.com said: “I was diagnosed with cervical abnormalities, but early detection meant I could treat the problem. When I opened the envelope giving me the all clear I felt a huge relief. It is essential that people attend their cervical screening test so that, like me, abnormalities can be treated before they turn into cancer.”

Dr Dawn Harper said: “Cervical cancer is a preventable disease thanks to cervical screenings so it’s absolutely vital that women keep up to date with their invitations. There may be nicer ways to spend your time but the test is painless and should only take around five minutes. I would encourage anyone who is overdue their screening to make an appointment now. Don’t put your health at the bottom of your agenda.”

For more information on Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust visit www.jostrust.co.uk

Sort Your Finances Out In 2013

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January is the month that people make resolutions and try to sort their lives out. So, in the true spirit of January why not take the time out to sort your finances? Here are three top tips if you are needing some financial help.

1. Sell Your stuff: Sell unwanted stuff that is cluttering your home on Ebay, Ebid, the Amazon Marketplace or the ASOS marketplace. People generally have a lot of clothes they never wear and books that they have read. You will feel immediately better. I have regular clear outs.

2. Try lower brands at the supermarket. In the past supermarket own brand goods were not very good but the quality has really improved in recent years. Pound stores are also incredibly popular now and their is no stigma attached in shopping in them. The cost of living does not have to be expensive.

3. If you really need to borrow money take out a safe and secure affordable loan from a legitimate regulated lender. Many people are currently borrowing money from pay day lender sites which have annual interest rates in the thousands of percent. You could be wasting a fortune. The same is true of credit cards which often charge very high levels of interest. This interest can compound as the debt increases turn into a nightmare. As long as you are smart, taking out a loan to pay for a new home, car or a big purchase is fine.

Disclaimer: Consult a qualified financial advisor first before you take any action. Everyone’s situation is different and taking out a loan may not be the right decision for you depending on your personal circumstances.

Clydesdale Bank’s instant decision loan offers an APR representative of 5.1% on all loans between £7,500 and £15,000 (subject to conditions). http://www.cbonline.co.uk/personal/loans/personal-loan

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“Les Miserables” sends French town bookings soaring

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The French town which provides the backdrop for the tragic and powerful musical, “Les Miserables” has seen a huge 366% increase year on year in hotel bookings since the release of the film this week. Hotel booking specialist LateRooms.com reports the rise for its hotels in and around Montreuil Sur Mer, the setting for much of the early part of Victor Hugo’s novel. The small French town in northern France is where protagonist, Jean Valjean, played by Hugh Jackman, serves as mayor of the city and is also hometown to the tragic heroine, Fantine, played by Anne Hathaway in the cinematic adaptation.

“It is fantastic to see our hotels in and around Montreuil Sur Mer receiving such a staggering increase in bookings from the success of “Les Miserables.” commented Lynda Matthews, Offline Marketing Director for LateRooms.com. “The film is one of the best loved musicals of all time, and we are pleased people are taking the opportunity to go and see where the famous story started!”

Ensuring Your Child’s Safety On The Road

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For any parent, the moment that your child passes their driving test is an undoubtedly daunting experience. Whilst you may have had months to prepare for it, you’ve not even contemplated that moment when they’re legally allowed to drive out on the big wide road world on their own.

Now, I know it’s only a natural parental instinct to want to wrap them up in cotton wool and drive them around everywhere yourself, but there comes a time when you have let them go to enjoy their own independence and freedom.

However, there are things you can do to both increase their safety and ease your own parental worries, whilst they’re out on the road.

Enroll Them In a Pass Plus Course

Although your child has already invested a lot of time and money into initially learning to drive, once they’ve passed their test, you can arrange for them to take ‘Pass Plus’ – a 6-hour driving scheme that allows new drivers to gain more confidence in other driving conditions that they may not have experienced in their normal lessons, such as town driving, all-weather driving, driving out of town, night driving, driving on dual carriageways and driving on motorways.

The ‘Pass Plus’ scheme can usually be done with their current driving instructor and in the car they’ve recently been learning in, however, many driving instructors will be happy to do it your child’s own car – should they have one waiting for them after they’ve passed! Once the 6 hours have been completed, it requires no test, and your child will receive a certificate stating they’ve completed it. Undertaking the scheme may also reduce the cost of their insurance if you notify their car insurance provider once it’s been completed.

Enforce Mobile Phone Rules

One of the biggest and most common problems amongst new, young drivers is the distraction of a mobile phone whilst on the road. We all know how much they’re already glued to them when they’re using them in the home, but quickly checking a test message or replying to a BBM whilst behind the wheel can have devastating impacts.

Once your youngster has passed their driving test, it’s important to sit down with them and discuss a personal set of rules that they must adhere as soon as they get behind the wheel to drive. Encourage them to switch their mobile phones once they get in their car, in order to make sure there’s no possibility of distraction whilst they’re on the road. As well as removing the distraction, doing so will also have the added benefit of saving their battery life, should they break down or run into a situation where they may need to call you.

Fit a GPS Tracking System

Now, I know you’ve probably read the heading of this and thought “surely having a tracking system fitted is going a little too far when it comes to parental worrying?’ but, hear me out, because having a GPS tracking system fitted in your child’s car will not only put your worries to rest, but it’ll also make sure they do actually drive safely.

I’m sure that you’ve probably already sat down and discussed with your child the importance of driving safely, but we know how exciting passing your driving test is, and all you do is want to get out on the road, show your car off to your friends and offer to drive them around everywhere. But, unfortunately, sometimes the excitement can often lead to lack of concentration and even sensible awareness, which can lead to accidents.

Are you sat at home late at night worrying where your child is if they haven’t got home at the time they said they would? Well, with a GPS system, such as those available from Track What Matters, you can easily track their location, track what route they’ve taken, and even track what speed they’ve been travelling at – so you’ll easily be able to tell both if they’re safe and if they’ve been also been driving safely.