Pippa's bum - really down to Pilates?

There's been a lot of hype around Pilates since it came out that Pippa M's bum in that dress was all down to her weekly Pilates sessions. Is there any truth in it? As a Pilates instructor myself I can confirm that it can do wonders for your derriere - particularly if you don't want to bulk up the area but want a peachy pert perfect behind! Try this exercise below every day for a week and see if you notice a difference: The heel squeeze Lying on your front, turn your legs out and bend your legs into a diamond shape with your heels together, toes turned out. Breathe in pulling in your tummy and as you breathe out squeeze your heels together as hard as you can holding for three seconds. Release and then repeat 12-15 times.

Don't sweat the gluten!

Novak Djokovic put his latest masters victory down following a strict gluten-free diet. The 23yr old has coeliac disease which means he's intolerant to any grains containing gluten (wheat, rye, barley and even some oats). However, it's likely that it's actually the weight loss, rather than the gluten-free diet itself which has helped get him a 39th straight victory - gluten is found in many cakes, pastries, sauces, bread, pasta and processed foods. Most people would do well to cut back on these foods, so if you're generally healthy, best to cut back on this stuff rather than stress about the gluten!

He shoots, he goes into downward dog..yoga for footballers?

Ryan Giggs has recently be raving about his love of yoga and the massive effect it's had on his game - and has even said Wayne Rooney's been known to join him in the studio. It's not surprising that Giggsy's still at the top of his game - yoga makes you supple, strengthens your core (cutting your risk of injury) and on top of that keeps you calm (maybe Wayne needs a few more sessions!)

The pill may actually help you lose weight

It's a common belief that taking the pill causes weight gain. But a new study (ok, it was in monkeys, but it's a start) has just found that being on the contraceptive pill may actually help you to lose weight. This is because it may increase your metabolic rate. Having said this, the study was small, and the pill certainly should not be used as a weight-loss technique! Other ways which may be more effective in raising your metabolic rate are to eat small healthy snacks regularly, include some strength training in your workouts and to avoid crash dieting.

How are you getting on?

About now is probably when most people quit their new year resolutions - 'I'm going to give up drinking, give up sugar, give up eating' that kind of thing.

Instead of thinking about what you're going to give up, an easier way to make better habits is to think about what you're going to start. How about 'I'm going to start eating breakfast every day', 'I'm going to start going to a new exercise class once a week' 'I'm going to start walking to the station instead of driving'?

Write down your new goals, stick with it for a month and then buy yourself something to reward yourself (preferably not a bar of chocolate!)

Happy 2011!

Maranoia returns

13 days and counting and the maranoia is kicking in - though it has to be said it's not as extreme as last time round. Symptoms this time include: - Scoffing 1000mg vitamin C daily AND drinking sambucol like water (and not breathing on public transport in case that person behind with the cough actually has TB) - Breakfast 'strategy' panic - 'what if my hot cross buns get confiscated on the flight to NYC?''what if I don't have breakfast before the coach arrives at 6am, then get to Staten Island and they've run out of bagels?' 'what if they don't have the right kind of tea with the right kind of milk at the hotel?' See what running a marathon abroad does to you? Maybe next time I'll stick with London. If you do want to follow my progress http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/broadcast_schedule.htm (you can even get my split times on your iphone!)

Skins - the squeeze factor

Yesterday we did our 3 hour marathon training run (whoop) and I wore my brand new Skins compression tights. It may be in my head, but it was the most comfortable run to date, and legs feel great today - could the tights be the reason? Either way, they're coming with me to the Big Apple for Nov 7th!