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Sara Ali Khan's commitment to fitness has impressed and inspired many. The actor, whose latest film, a mystery thriller titled Murder Mubarak which will be released on Netflix on March 15, posted a workout video that's hard to miss. With a focus on core strength and intense circuit training, her routine sets a high bar. If you follow her workout videos, and want to add Pilates to your exercise routine,here are some key considerations to ensure you stay safe and healthy.

Embarking on a Pilates journey can be both exhilarating and daunting, particularly for newcomers. However, with the right approach and mindset, your initial Pilates class can be rewarding and injury-free. Here are essential tips and pitfalls to steer clear of, maximizing the benefits of your Pilates experience.

Mistake 1: Going too fast

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Pilates is a practice that emphasises controlled, precise movements. It's not about speed but rather about executing each movement with intention and proper form. Rushing through exercises can lead to improper alignment and potential injury. Instead, focus on moving slowly and mindfully, paying attention to how each part of your body is engaged during the exercises.

Mistake 2: Breathing incorrectly

Breathing is a fundamental aspect of Pilates. It's essential to coordinate your breath with your movements for optimal results. Instead of shallow breathing, focus on lateral breathing. This means breathing into the sides and back of your ribcage to engage your deep core muscles effectively. Place your hands on your ribs to feel them expand as you inhale, and then exhale fully, drawing the ribs gently inward. This type of breathing not only supports your core but also helps you maintain control throughout the exercises.

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Mistake 3: Moving your head too much

During exercises where you're lifting your chest off the mat, such as in Mat Pilates, it's crucial to maintain proper neck alignment. Avoid straining your neck by keeping your gaze slightly upward and forward, as if you're holding a small orange between your chin and chest. This positioning helps to lengthen the back of your neck and keeps your cervical spine in a more neutral position.

Mistake 4: Tightening your shoulders

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Tension in the shoulders is a common issue, especially when exerting effort during Pilates movements. To counteract this, visualize your shoulder blades sliding down your back as you engage your back muscles. This action helps to relax the shoulders and keeps your upper body open and aligned. Remember, Pilates is about finding balance and ease in movement, so aim to keep your shoulders relaxed even when working on challenging exercises.

Mistake 5: Confusing strong abs with stable abs

While having strong abdominal muscles is beneficial, Pilates focuses more on creating stability in the core. Your core acts as a stabilising force, supporting your body's movement and alignment. Instead of solely aiming for a six-pack, concentrate on engaging your deep core muscles, such as the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor. These muscles act like a corset, providing stability and strength from the center of your body. Pilates exercises are designed to target these deep muscles, promoting core stability and overall strength.

Pilates is a practice rooted in precision and control. Each movement is intentional, with a focus on proper alignment and muscle engagement. By avoiding these common mistakes and understanding these basic Pilates principles, you can enhance the effectiveness of your practice and experience the full benefits of this transformative exercise method.

Nivedita is a Delhi-based journalist who writes on health, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. Views expressed are personal.

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Exercise and fitness: If you're starting off on Pilates, avoid these 5 common mistakes - Moneycontrol

I'm bad at sleeping. Plagued with endless nighttime wakings (up to 10 a night) or suddenly jolting awake at 3 am and being unable to drift back off, its sadly been years since I've slept through the night. This has led to an obsession with monitoring my sleep profile using my fitness tracker and even more early awakenings as good quality sleep continues to evade me.

A new study by Hotpod Yoga found the average person gets less than six hours of sleep during the working week, while 69% agree that they would like more sleep and 76% want better quality sleep. Many people struggle to switch off at night or wake up in the early hours with a racing mind. Chronic stress and poor sleep can push us into a chronic state of hyperarousal; we get stuck in fight or flight mode," says Sleep Scientist, DrSophieBostock. The benefits of gentle exercise like yoga are not to be underestimated, however. Dr. Sophie explains: "Yoga combines physical movement, breathwork and meditation techniques which develop the skill of deep relaxation."

In aid of World Sleep Day, I put Hotpod Yoga's brand new Sleep Sessions class to the test before it's rolled out nationwide on March 31. But would it finally make me able to sleep through the night?

Us Brits are a nation of bad sleepers with 69 admitting we need more sleep

The first port of call should be checking your circadian rhythm isn't out of whack the body's internal 24-hour clock that regulates cycles of alertness and sleepiness by responding to light changes.

Routine is key, as Dr. Sophie says: "A lack of routine disrupts your body's ability to predict when you're going to sleep. If you go to bed at a similar time each night, like clockwork an hour and a half before your normal bedtime, the brain will start to produce melatonin, signalling to the rest of the body and the brain that it's time to prepare for sleep."

The second main culprit is not getting enough natural light during the day. Easy enough to say, but with our busy modern lifestyles and many of us working from home post-pandemic, even stretching your legs for 20 minutes at lunchtime can feel impossible.

Dr. Sophie says: "A lot of us don't spend enough time outside and we need clear, quite bright lights to reset our rhythms. If you're not actually moving to the office, for example, you're not sending that morning message to the brain, and you can be in a state where melatonin lags in the morning and you feel a bit sluggish, a bit sleepy. Hours later, the brain's not ready to sleep because it didn't know when daytime was in the first place."

I used to enjoy a pre-work morning power walk and reaped the benefits sleep-wise, but the winter months have seen me turning my alarm off and pulling the covers back over my head. I'll be heeding Dr. Sophie's advice in the future.

Yoga has amazing benfits for sleep as part of a wider sleep health routine

Diet should be your third port of call for improving sleep. After cutting back on drinking, I can safely say that alcohol isn't a factor in my poor sleep (in fact, the only time I sleep deeply is at the weekend after a couple of glasses of wine). Branding it a "hot topic" for future research, Dr. Sophie explained that diet can affect sleep, particularly if you're consuming high sugar, high-fat and low-fibre foods late at night.

RELATED: Is this bedtime habit ruining your sleep?

"Generally speaking, a Mediterranean-style diet of fruits, vegetables, pulses, nuts and things which are going to feed that microbiome, seems to be better for sleep. Whereas ultra-processed foods are more likely to disrupt sleep," she advises.

You should rule out hormonal and blood sugar changes too; menopause and diabetes can be major factors if you're tossing and turning late at night, not to mention stress. "Cortisol and melatonin are like enemies for each other, so high levels of cortisol reduce or delay the impact of melatonin," she says.

I tried Hotpod Yoga's brand new Sleep Session class, which will be rolled out nationwide on March 31

Exercise is the final piece of the puzzle. As someone who enjoys spin classes, hot yoga and barre/Pilates workouts as well as gentle strength training from home, I would say that I'm well within the weekly recommended quota of movement. But could a gentler form of yoga really aid sleep?

DISCOVER: Orthosomnia is on the rise what are the symptoms and how do you cure it?

The benefits of yoga are well known for your mental health and physical health, but its effect on your snooziness shouldn't be underestimated. Dr. Sophie says: "Research shows that yoga helps people to gain awareness and a sense of control over their minds and bodies, and there is evidence that regular yoga practice can help to improve not just strength and flexibility, but also immune function, mental health, sleep quality and overall wellbeing."

Set to a balmier temperature than Hotpod's usual sweltering 37 degrees, the purple pod's calming, warm space helps you drift into a deep state of relaxation.

As a big Hotpod fan, I was intrigued to see how the class varied from my usual weekly sweat session, which always leaves me feeling relaxed and in a positive frame of mind. We began with some gentle stretching, before lying on our backs in a gentle backbend, focusing on calming the mind. The class finished with Yoga Nidra, during which our lovely teacher guided us through a visual meditation.

I've rarely been able to achieve such a level of zen in a room full of strangers

My mind began to wander, but with the addition of a lavender-scented eye mask blocking out the light and aiding deep relaxation and calming words, I actually found myself drifting off to sleep in the class. I've rarely been able to achieve such a level of total comfort in a room full of strangers.

It's all in the breathwork, apparently. "Learning to control your breath and the stress response [is important] as there have been studies looking at immune function because if you're not in a perpetual state of stress, then you start to switch all those restorative processes that have been downregulated by the stress response," she adds.

Confessing how surprised I was by how sleepy the gentle session made me, Dr. Sophie said the relaxing environment of the purple pod, dim lighting, and restorative music are key.

Sleep Session additions like using a towel as a pillow and a bolster cushion to support your back and knees add to the experience, not to mention the eye mask, helping ease you into a soporific state.

I'll be incorporating more Sleep Session classes into my routine going forward

"Your brain has to believe that you are safe and secure, and then therefore it's OK to relax," Dr. Sophie explains. "But if your brain has a history of other nights where you've sat there feeling tense, then it can be quite difficult to do that. By taking yourself to another space where you really feel safe, it will be easier to re-enter that state - it's reawakening that parasympathetic response saying it's perfect for sleep.

That night, I slept better than I had all week. While I sadly woke up at 5 am, wide awake and alert, I experienced fewer nighttime awakenings than usual and drifted off to sleep very quickly. My body felt safe enough to relax after my earlier class - and the benefits will only be greater the closer you practice to your bedtime. I can already see myself booking Sunday evening sessions as a pre-emptive stress buster ahead of a busy working week.

While the science can't yet prove that hot yoga can cure sleep problems, I'll be incorporating more Sleep Session classes into my routine and have left the experience buzzing with the idea of exploring more meditation practices in a bid to finally achieve the elusive ideal eight hours of slumber.

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Can hot yoga really help you sleep? - HELLO!

I was just living moment-to-moment and dealing with each phase, slowly and determinedly getting myself back to fitness. But once I was off crutches and starting to swim, I realised I was quite traumatised. The accident, surgery and rehabilitation had left me drained and depressed. As it became clear how much my life had changed, I seriously lost my mojo.

I had always been a very active person, riding motorbikes and hiking in mountains.

Once I could walk, I went running to build strength, but a half-marathon proved too much I started getting problems with the foot again. The consultant said no more marathons and my confidence took another knock.

Thats when I started doing yoga intensively, four or five classes a week, with my old teacher. It felt good to be back on the yoga mat a familiar place, where I felt calm, doing moves that I knew and trusted. Over time I saw a change in what my foot could do. Yoga gave me back much of the strength, flexibility and movement that Id lost. Gradually my confidence returned, and I felt like Id come back to myself.

Your perspective shifts when something so life-changing happens. Lying in bed for all those weeks after the accident, wondering whether Id be able to hike mountains like before, whether Id even walk OK, facing all those worries about how my post-injury life might be different, left me determined that the accident wasnt going to define who I was in the future.

I wasnt going to be somebody who couldnt live my life how I wanted. So, when I eventually trained to be a yoga teacher, I didnt let my life-long fear of exams stand in my way and now fully qualified, I love sharing the power of yoga in my classes and on my retreats.

My foot will never be normal again. It needs regular exercise, otherwise I get pain, especially if I sit still too much. Theres a constant throb and the bones and nerves sit differently than before, so Im always moving my toes and flexing my foot. But thanks to daily yoga my foot is so much stronger than it could have been. I know its now as good as its going to be, and I cant ever see myself stopping doing yoga if I did it would just stiffen up, as would I!

Sadly, Ive had to give up certain things. I dont ride my motorbike anymore and I cant run. Ive just had to accept I cant do everything I could do, but I can still live a lovely life. Yoga has really added to that, giving me opportunities I never thought I would have. Its given me the stability and strength to tackle whatever I may face in the future.

As told to Marina Gask

Benefits: The small muscles of the feet and ankles are worked to maintain balance and stability in the standing leg.

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My life changed forever after an accident but this exercise got me walking again - The Telegraph

Oprah Winfreyhas finally explained why she quit her position on the WeightWatchers board last month after almost a decade.

The 70-year-old's sudden departure was announced in a statement by the company, but no specific reason was given for her exit.

However, during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday, Oprah revealed that she decided to step down because of her upcoming special about prescription weight loss medications.

Oprah filmed an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

"An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution" which airs on ABC March 18 "delves into the prevailing questions and concerns surrounding the impact on our health care, economy, lifestyle and culture".

Speaking to Jimmy, Oprah said she was worried about a "conflict of interest", so she believed she had no choice but to quit the WeightWatchers board.

She explained: "I decided that because this special was really important to me and I wanted to be able to talk about whatever I wanted to talk about, and WeightWatchers is now in the business of being a weight health company that also administers drug medications for weight.

"I did not want to have the appearance of any conflict of interest."

Oprah stepped down from the WeightWatchers board in February 2024

At the time of her resignation, it was reported that Oprah would donate her sizeable 10% stake in the company to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which she confirmed to Jimmy.

She added: "I resigned from the board and donated all of my shares to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. So, nobody can say, 'Oh, she's doing that special, she's making money, promoting.' No, you cannot say that."

Oprah joined the board in 2015 and has long been an advocate for WW's (formerly WeightWatchers) points-based weight loss program.

Oprah turned to medication to help her lose weight

At her heaviest, she weighed 237lbs and credited WW for helping her to lose 40lbs. But recently, she sparked controversy when she revealed that she had turned to an unnamed weight-loss drug to help her maintain her slimmed-down physique after previously calling drugs like Ozempic an "easy way out".

Despite the backlash her revelation caused, Oprah stood by her decision and told Jimmy that she turned to weight loss medication after her doctor told her she would most likely always "yo-yo" because "obesity is a disease".

Oprah was 237lbs at her heaviest

She explained: "I've been in the storm of losing the weight, gaining it back. Losing the weight, gaining it back.

"What I realized when I listened to what the doctor said that you are always going to put it back on, and it's like holding your breath underwater and trying not to rise."

She added: "You're always going to rise."

Oprah has lost a dramatic amount of weight

During a previous interview with People, Oprah admitted that being able to turn to weight loss medication felt like "a gift".

"The fact that there's a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for," she said.

"I now use it as I feel I need it, as a tool to manage not yo-yoing," she added. "I'm absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself."

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Oprah Winfrey reveals real reason behind sudden departure from WeightWatchers board - HELLO!

Pilates was developed by the German trainer Joseph Pilates, who was held in an internment camp on the Isle of Man during the First World War. While there, he was inspired to develop a system of exercises using apparatus. The idea was to strengthen both body and mind via alignment, core work, and overall conditioning. He took his method to New York, and it gained in popularity. For many years, pilates was mentioned in the same breath as yoga on account of both disciplines being low impact and said to affect the mind and body in equal measure, but we are now realising that they are entirely different exercises, each with their own devotees.

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Reformer pilates: health and fitness benefits of the Hollywood-approved workout - Evening Standard

THREE-quarters of adults say exercising feels like a chore rather than enjoyable, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 63 per cent admit the main reason they exercise is for physical gain, and 25 per cent say they take part because they feel like it is something they should do.

With just 28 per cent finding the activity fun.

However, the research, which also polled 1,000 children aged six to 11 found, in comparison, 92 per cent kids love exercise.

And for 77 per cent of youngsters, having fun is cited as the main reason they workout.

It also emerged that, when reflecting on their younger mindset, 82 per cent of adults admitted they didnt hate exercise during their childhood with 43 per cent even saying they "loved" moving.

The research was commissioned by ASICS, which has launched the worlds youngest exercise influencer team, the "Little Reminders", to get adults to exercise for how it makes them feel, rather than how it makes them look.

Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos added: As we grow older, societal influences such as social media and cultural norms emphasise the aesthetic outcomes of exercise, shaping our perception and relationship with not only exercise but with our bodies and body image.

Though it is well documented that exercise can support our mental health, there still remains the misconception that for it to be effective, activity needs to be difficult, intense and sometimes painful.

When in reality, you dont need to do a full-body workout to reap the rewards.

"The idea of returning to the mindset of our younger selves is a great way to conceptualise exercise, unlocking the full mental benefits of movement.

Embracing this mindset as adults could be the key to positively restructuring our relationship with exercise and allow us to reignite our childhood love of moving for how it makes us feel.

The study also highlighted how exercise as a child is instinctive with 55 per cent of adults recalling they werent aware that they were exercising, as it was just how they played at that age.

But now 27 per cent agree changing how they look is the most important thing to them when engaging in physical activity.

Sadly, as we get older, the focus of exercise is all too often on physical gain and performance

More than one in three (36 per cent) often struggle to find the time to exercise with others avoiding it due to not having the energy (45 per cent) or just not wanting to (29 per cent).

In fact, for 54 per cent of those polled viaOnePoll.com, if they could choose one reason to exercise, they would do it for their body, compared to 31 per cent who would prioritise the mental benefits.

Gary Raucher, executive vice president from the sports company, said: Children aged five to seven are at their peak activity levels, and their primary motivation to exercise is to feel good.

Sadly, as we get older, the focus of exercise is all too often on physical gain and performance.

So instead of exercise being a way to release pressure and help people feel better, the exercise world often adds to the pressure. We want to change that.

We hope that our newest recruits can help remind us of the real power of exercise and encourage us to move for our minds, not just our bodies.

1. Walking

Sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise, walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier.

You do not have to walk for hours; the NHS says that just 10 minutes daily is enough.

Alternatively, try walking around the room at pace when you're on the phone.

2. Squats

Squatsare a functional exercise that can boostcalorie burn, help prevent injuries, strengthen your core, and improve your balance and posture.

You can get a few squats in while sitting on the sofa watchingTV, experts say.

To do this, lead with your buttocks, keeping your back straight as you sit back down on the sofa, and stand back up.

Keep the movement slow and controlled.

3. Lunges

Lungesare a strength training exercise that may help you strengthen, sculpt, and tone your body.

They can also improve overall fitness and athletic performance, according to Healthline.

Try standing in a split stance with your right foot roughly two to three feet in front of the left foot.

Bend your knees and lower your body until the back knee is a few inches from the floor.

The front thigh should parallel the floor, and the back thigh and the back knee should point toward the floor.

Push back up to the starting position, keeping your weight on the front foot's heel, and repeat with the other leg.

4. Dancing

Who doesn't love a weekend boogie?

If you cut out the booze and try dancing during the day, it most certainly counts as a workout - you'll get a lovelymood boostout of it, too.

Turning on some music at home and have a little spin - you can even get the rest of the family involved and have a mini dance off.

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Exercise doesnt have to be hard to boost health, says psychologist sharing tip to make it easier... - The Sun

Are you tired of the same old workout routine and see no significant change in your body and health? Well, you should stop looking for something fresh, exciting, and effective. Here's some news that might catch your interest! A recent study suggests that there's a Chinese workout that could potentially outrank your typical moderate aerobic exercises. Yes, you read that right! Tai Chi, the graceful martial art known for its slow, deliberate movements, has emerged as a surprising contender in the world of fitness and cardiovascular health. Here are some details to uncover why this ancient practice might just be the key to better heart health. What does the study says?

Image: Canva

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This Chinese workout is better than most exercises, says study - The Times of India

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We are, after all, talking about the star of Netflixs Fool Me Once, the who dunnit? series adapted from Harlan Cobens book of the same name that gripped audiences around the world as soon as it dropped on the streaming service at the start of the year, securing the number one show spot in more than 60 countries. More on that later

So, I shouldnt have been surprised to see that exact mental image greeting me IRL as soon as I joined a Zoom call with the 36-year-old Mancunian actress. Well, all except for her outfit, with Michelle actually dressed in a fluffy camel coordinating zip-neck sweatshirt and joggers. I look like Im wearing pyjamas! Michelle quickly says, as soon as weve said hello. I'm not wearing pyjamas, its actually a cosy tracksuit. I went out before and I was in a rush and I got absolutely soaking wet through. I thought, "Right, I want a warm shower and to put my comfiest clothes on," she continues.

Shes sat on a plush white sofa in her bedroom, plumped cushions lined up behind her, and loungewear or not, she still looks incredibly glamorous. Given the reason this interview is happening is to talk about Michelle and her husband Marks fitness brand, Ayetee Seven, launching a collection in collaboration with Very, its perhaps no secret just how she looks this good. But Michelle insists shes not one of those actresses.

I'm not one of those people who sets their alarm at six to get up to get to the gym, Michelle tells WH. If Ive got work in the morning, I won't force myself, it's not something that I punish myself with, you know? I was so busy last week, I think I did a Pilates class once that whole week and I was fine about it.

Instead, her morning regime is centred around her cup of coffee that immediately follows drinking a glass of water (because, wellness), allowing herself half an hour at the start of each day to go through emails while she gets her caffeine hit before getting ready. Be it for the gym, with the morning her preferred time to work out, or whatever she has planned.

I don't enjoy cardio. Its horrendous. Ugh, no, cardio has never been for me I was always the girl that came last in sports day. I don't mind doing weights, I normally do half an hour of weights if I can and then half an hour of Pilates after that. Or walking, I love walking when the weather is nice. Ill put a podcast on and take my dogs for a walk.

Her beauty routine is equally laid back. I am obsessed with Weleda Skin Food. Im gonna get it for you, its right there, she exclaims, jumping up and running out of shot of the camera to grab the tube from her bedside table. I always put it next to my bed and if I'm having a few days where my skin feels really tight and dry, Ill put that on at night. You can get it in all supermarkets. It's so easy and its so good. I save it for my dry days and I feel like when I wake up in the morning, my face is replenished and moisturised.

Her only slightly boujie beauty fix is an LED Light Therapy face mask. Normally you have to go to a spa or a facialist but Ive got one and to be fair, I have actually seen a difference in my skin. My redness has gone down, the texture of my skin has changed and gotten better and my makeup goes on a lot better when I apply it. Prioritising caffeine, hating cardio and sharing beauty secrets? Forget Hollywood A-Lister, shes more girl next door! If the girl next door owned her own gym wear brand, that is.

Michelle and her husband Mark Wright launched their athleisure label, Aytee7, in April 2022 offering both men's and women's ranges of fitness-first clothing designed to promote an active lifestyle. After first getting together in 2012, they were married in May 2015 and have always shared a love of fitness. More than just a celebrity endorsement, the couple have been involved in a hands-on capacity since day one, though Michelle is the first to admit the new partnership with Very and the launch of the latest collection has taken the brand to the next level.

It has definitely been elevated from the original collection that we did, its definitely levelled up. I love all of it, obviously, but I think my favourite look would be the olive green outfit, the former WH cover star says, referencing a two-piece set consisting of leggings and a matching one-shoulder double-spaghetti strap top. It's something different when you go to the gym, it's not a vest or anything. It's quite cool, she adds.

But again, this isnt just a celebrity slapping their name on a product and peddling it to the masses. Michelle insists a lot of thought and consideration has gone into the design process, with the pieces working as well for a quick workout as they do for lunch with friends. I have to be comfortable, especially when I'm going to the gym, but you want to feel confident in what youre wearing as well. That's a massive key for me [the gym] is quite an exposing place sometimes if you go to a class or when you're doing squats and lunges.

As for what shes wearing outside the gym, There's so much pressure on people to follow trends and wear clothes they don't feel particularly comfortable in just to either fit in or feel cool. Just wear clothes that make you feel confident!

Confidence really is a big part of it for Michelle, and shes clearly dedicated time to fostering a healthy relationship with both her body and her mind through fitness. When I've done some sort of workout or a walk, something active, is when I feel most confident. Not body-wise or anything like that, more for my state of mind and my mental health, she explains. If I work out in the morning, it sort of sets me up for the rest of the day and I feel like I've got more of a spring in my step. I think you have to have a healthy relationship with [fitness] and not put pressure on yourself. If you put too much pressure on yourself to stick to a routine or a regime, I think that's when people fail.

This latest venture with Very further allows Michelle to invest in her love of fitness and follows a six-year working relationship with the online retailer thats seen her release a staggering 39 collections to date. I'm very proud, and I feel like it's a perfect time to collaborate with [Very] on mine and Marks brand Aytee 7 as well. It just fell into place at the perfect right time, she says.

This is the first time Michelle has worked with the brand on exclusively athleisurewear, with her previous collections consisting of ready-to-wear pieces reflecting her own personal style. Think classic silhouettes and simple designs that transcend seasons, with an overtly feminine feel. I always wear and buy things that I know I'd wear again, whether it's next year or the year after. I don't really follow trends, Michelle explains.

What does that look like in her own wardrobe if she were to limit her must-have pieces down to five items? A good pair of jeans that you can wear day to night and with trainers or heels. Once I get a good pair of jeans, I'll probably have them for years, I can't throw them away. A really nice tracksuit that you can throw on in the day. And of course a pair of gym leggings, she says, counting each item off on her fingers. You know when you have a favourite pair of leggings and you go Oh my God, where have my leggings gone? and theyre in the wash. Maybe better make it two pairs of those then. And you have to have a good coat or two. I'd say invest in a nice winter coat and a spring bomber jacket ready to go into those warmer months.

Funny she should mention coats Youre on about Maya! she says, referencing her Fool Me Once character Maya Stern. I didn't realise how many coats Maya had until I watched it back and then I saw people doing TikToks of all Mayas coats. I was like Oh my God, she actually did have an array of coats! Michelle laughs.

From the Burberry trench to the AllSaints shearling biker jacket and not forgetting that Dolce & Gabanna Herringbone wool design with leopard print lining a fan favourite Mayas wardrobe generated as much, if not more, conversation across social media as the plots many twists and turns. It was really surprising because Maya as a character is quite stripped back, she's quite traditional in what she wears so I wouldn't have said when I was trying the clothes on it'd be a thing that people spoke about.

When you're doing a show, you have no idea how the audience is going to react. I had a massive build-up of anxiety around Christmas time thinking, Oh my God, it's actually going to come out in the next few weeks. Id watched Stay Close and Stay and The Stranger [other Harlan Coben Netflix adaptations] and knew they had done really well and obviously when I read the book I thought it was an amazing book. I'm a huge fan of Harlan. So yeah, [the reaction to the series as a whole] was a lovely surprise. I've got younger cousins who watched it and my granddad who's 90 watched it and theyve all loved the show. Thats a credit to Harlan and Danny [Brocklehurst, the screenwriter].

Its also a coat that is the answer to my next question. Having secured her role on Coronation Street aged 21, Michelle has spent the past 15 years in the media spotlight. A regular on the red carpet in her early years of fame, shes bound to have some fashion regrets. Years ago when I was first in Corrie I had this big furry orange coat that for some reason, I wore all the time. I have no idea why, but I genuinely really loved it. I look back on those pictures and I think God, that was hideous, she laughs. But at the time, I loved it so I wouldnt say it was a fashion faux pas because I felt great in that coat at the time.

But back to 2024, and looking ahead to the rest of the year. Michelle will soon be heading to Australia to start filming series two of Ten Pound Poms, the BBC drama that tells the story of a group of Brits who emigrate to Australia in the 1950s, with season six of Brassic, a comedy set in the North of England, set to drop on Sky Max later this year. But can anything compare to Netflix success? Fool Me Once with Netflix was just a pinch-me moment. Its made my whole year, and it was only in January! It's probably going to be hard to top because one, it was my first ever job on Netflix, and two, it was number one in so many countries.

All in all shes booked and busy, juggling her hotter-than-ever acting career (rumours of a Hollywood breakthrough have been rife since Fool Me Once was released) with her multiple fashion collections. But what is she looking forward to most in 2024? Summer, she answers immediately. I'm such as summer girl, I'm obsessed with the sun and warmer days so I can't wait for summer.

That makes two of us and is further proof Michelle is still the same down-to-earth Northern girl we first fell in love with all those years ago.

Aytee7 is available to shop now at Very.co.uk.

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Michelle Keegan interview: fitness, fashion and feeling confident - Women's Health UK

If it isnt on Strava, it didnt happen goes the popular saying, and what better way to make sure that your activities are logged accurately on Strava than by connecting your smartwatch?

The best smartwatches encompass a huge variety of options, but they all serve a similar purpose when it comes to fitness; to record activities in detail, and show health and recovery insights to get you on your next workout sensibly and safely.

Strava is one of the best fitness apps out there, especially for runners and cyclists. You can record GPS-based activities with the Strava app on iOS and Android smartphones, but with Strava on your smartwatch, you'll be able to start and stop activities from your wrist and get heaps more health data than just using your smartphone alone.

Strava supports pretty much all of the best fitness trackers and running watches. Many devices, including those from Garmin, sync activities to Strava through their own software. However, if you have an Apple Watch, Samsung Watch, or Android Wear device like the Google Pixel Watch 2, you can download the Strava app to your watch and use it to smash fitness goals on the go.

Ive worn pretty much every smartwatch brand out there either through review testing or indecision so I know how easy it can be to add the Strava app and track workouts. Heres how to connect your smartwatch to Strava for the best experience.

1. Start by downloading the Strava app from the App Store and getting logged in on your phone if you haven't already.

2. Then open the Apple Watch app, go to the My Watch section, find Strava, and tap Install.

1. When you first open Strava on your Watch, you should see a prompt appear on your phone asking you to authorize Strava for Apple Watch.

2. Once that's done, you're nearly ready to start recording, but you'll want to make sure that Strava can use your Watch's built-in heart rate monitor.

3. Launching the Strava app on the watch should trigger another prompt on your phone and the watch screen, asking you to grant Strava permission to access and update your Health data.

4. Scroll down within the Health app to find Allow Strava to Read and activate heart rate (and all your Health data unless you have a good reason not to). You can always find this data in the Sharing section of the Health App.

1. The Strava Watch app is much more streamlined than the iPhone version, and only gives you the option to start, stop and pause activities, plus show your progress during those activities.

2. To start recording an activity, tap the Strava icon on your Apple Watch, scroll and tap to pick the activity, then press the start button to begin.

3. Once the activity has started, there are two screens to swipe between. The main screen displays elapsed time, distance and heart rate in real-time, while a swipe to the left brings up the Pause and Finish buttons, Settings and a Screen Lock perfect for when you're running in the rain.

4. When you're done running, cycling, skiing or activity-ing, hit the Finish flag to end your session and sync the data with the full smartphone Strava app. Any miles logged will count towards your weekly progress automatically.

While using Strava on your Apple Watch is convenient, it does come with limitations. The app doesn't support Strava Live Segments (so no real time updates as you go) and you can't see maps or Strava Routes on the display.

There's a standalone Strava app for Samsung Gear and Galaxy smartwatches, but the installation method depends on how new your device is. Devices after and including the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic use Wear OS, which I've covered below.

If you've got an older Samsung smartwatch (pre-2021), you can still install the Strava app on your Samsung Gear device from the Galaxy Store. You'll need to visit this Strava page from a desktop to connect your Strava account and receive a four-digit code to link up your device.

Just like with Strava for Apple Watch, the interface is simplified. Once you've opened up the Strava app on your Samsung device, select an activity and you'll see the time, pace, or speed, plus distance and heart rate. A swiping motion lets you change settings, Pause, Finish, or cancel the activity.

Strava supports the best Wear OS Watch from Wear OS 3.0 and above, and that includes the likes of the Google Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, plus our current favorite Wear OS device, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review.

1. Open the Google Play Store from the watch, search for Strava, and tap to install it. Once you've done that, the button will show as Open instead of Install.

2. You'll be asked to sign in to Strava on your paired phone, too (you can't use a Samsung or Pixel watch with iPhones, but you probably know that already). When you open Strava on your smartwatch, it should automatically be signed in, but there's a quick authorization step to add your credentials if not.

1. Using Strava on a Wear OS Watch is super simple. The first time you open it up from your app drawer you'll be asked to permit it to access your location and health data. Accept the terms to get started.

2. To record a workout from the app, select your activity type, and hit Start. You might have to wait a few moments for the GPS to lock onto your location, but then you're ready to get moving.

Most people buy a Garmin Watch for serious fitness tracking. Garmin devices are definitely more fitness trackers than smartwatches, and there aren't any products in the Garmin range with a dedicated Strava app.

But, by syncing your Garmin watch with Strava via the Garmin Connect Mobile app and Bluetooth on your smartphone, any new activities be they runs, cycles, or swims will sync toStrava automatically. Head to the settings section of the Connect app, Go to Connected Apps, select Strava, and set up your connection and preferences.

As with Garmin wearables, not everyone counts Fitbit devices as smartwatches. And while there's not a dedicated app for Strava on Fitbit devices, you can sync up your activities in just a few taps, so that your Fitbit workouts get sent straight to Strava.

The easiest way to connect your Fitbit device is at this Strava link. If you're on an iPhone, then you'll also find the option nestled with settings. Once synced up, Garmin sends activity data from the last 90 days, while Fitbit only sends new ones after you've synced up your devices (unless you export and add them manually).

Using a smartwatch with Strava can give a real boost to your fitness journey, integrating powerful tracking technology with your active lifestyle and letting you go hands-free without your smartphone. I've loved the freedom of going running without my iPhone, while still being able to track my miles and listen to music.

Whether you're using an Apple Watch or the latest Wear OS device, the smartwatch-Strava combination gives you instant insights into your performance, so that you can push boundaries and smash your PBs. Try using Strava with your own smartwatch and get more motivation on every stride or pedal.

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How to use Strava with your smartwatch - TechRadar

Xiaomi could be gearing up to announce the next generation of its best fitness trackers, after a telecoms certification was spotted online.

First reported by ITHome via Wareable, Xiaomi filed information referring to two different devices, numbered M2345B1 and M2346B1, to the State Radio Regulation of China. This is standard procedure when preparing to release a new device with any kind of communications technology, and weve caught wind of many new devices before launch via lists of this kind on government databases.

The filing hinted at two different versions of the fitness tracker, assumed to be the Mi Smart Band 9 and perhaps the Mi Smart Band 9 Pro. Just like the Mi Smart Band 8, which is currently being tested by a TechRadar writer, and the Mi Smart Band 8 Pro, Xiaomi could announce a new standard version of the Mi Smart Band 9 as well as an NFC-enabled Pro version, allowing the user to make contactless payments from their wrist. However, nothing official has been announced just yet.

Xiaomi recently revealed its Watch 2 Pro at MWC 2024, which is shaping up to be a true Pixel Watch rival at a very low price. Xiaomi is unlikely to be prepping a fully-fledged smartwatch so soon after its last launch, so its logical to suspect this is more likely to be a slimmer, cheaper fitness tracker.

It will launch in China first, but with the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 not available for purchase in many regions including the US and UK Xiaomi could be seeing a gap in the market in those regions for a new high-quality, low-price fitness tracker. Its just got to get past Fitbit.

As we sit and wait for further announcements, lets look at last years model: the Mi Smart Band 8 is Xiaomis latest model in the series equipped with a 1.62 AMOLED screen and detachable straps. It stood out from the Mi Band 7 due to its unique (for the series) pebble mode feature, where you can remove the wrist straps and fix the tracker to your shoes for a more advanced running experience.

While we dont know a lot about the Mi Smart Band 9 models, both are speculated to receive upgrades to the previous Mi Smart Band 8. From the recent rumors, its likely that the smart band will be set for a spring release in China before being rolled out globally later this year - similarly to its predecessor, which was launched in China in April 2023 ahead of a world-wide release in October 2023.

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Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 9 spotted online, and it could be a Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 rival - TechRadar