Latest news with #Pilates-inspired
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
This £23 buy promises to fake a BBL & Tummy Tuck – but here's what happened when I actually tried it
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Scroll down to see if it really made a difference BUM NOTE This £23 buy promises to fake a BBL & Tummy Tuck – but here's what happened when I actually tried it FOR many, the summer months are a great excuse to get your kit off and show the world your body. But like many women, I often struggle with feeling good in a bikini or mini skirt in the hot weather. 5 Here's what Fabulous reporter Leanne Hallt hought of the viral leggings Credit: Leanne Hall 5 Joanne was left gobsmacked by how well the leggings worked Credit: Tiktok/@jomacx 5 Taylor Swift wore a Halara skort to Coachella in 2024 Credit: Getty It's clear I'm not the only person who struggles with body image in the warmer weather as recently I've noticed one item keeping popping up on my TikTok page, Halara leggings. The Singapore-based brand offers athletic clothes with a fashion twist and specialises in shapewear leggings. Even Taylor Swift is a fan — the A-lister was spotted wearing Halara's High-Waisted Pleated Skort at Coachella last year. Thousands of TikTok videos have been made by women showing the transformation these leggings give their figures. READ MORE FASHION STORIES TULLE ORDER The top Shein wedding dresses for budget brides - including £23 satin-look gown From many saying it gives them an 'instant BBL' to others claiming it takes inches off their waists, the leggings appear to do no wrong. Joanne, from Scotland, shared how the shapewear transformed her bum. She said: "They lift and sculpt everything and just keep it where it should be. It's like a scaffold for your bum." So I decided to give them a go myself to see what the hype was all about. I managed to get my hands on the Halara UltraSculpt SoCinched High Waisted Tummy Control Leggings, currently priced at £23.95. The leggings come in a huge range of colours, 23 to be exact, as well as different lengths to suit your needs. The 5 best Pilates-inspired exercises for slimmer thighs this summer The sizes range from a tiny size 2 up to a size 20, and I landed on the medium size, which is suitable for those a size 10/12. I also picked them up in a chic black colour as I generally avoid colourful leggings. PROS After patiently waiting for the leggings to come, I ripped into the package as soon as they landed in my hands. The first thing I noticed as I pulled them onto my legs was just how buttery soft they were. The leggings had a thick material that also meant that they weren't see-through so I could confidently wear them out and about running errands as well as at the gym. As for the 'tummy control', I did see a noticeable difference when I put them on and my stomach definitely appeared flatter than before. Why does my face go so red when I workout? MANY of us will experience a red face during exercise, and there's a few reasons why... Increased Blood Flow: When you exercise, your body needs more oxygen, so your heart pumps faster, and your blood vessels dilate to supply more oxygen to your muscles. This increased blood flow can cause your skin, especially your face, to appear red. Temperature Regulation: As you work out, your body generates heat. To cool down, your body increases blood flow to the skin, allowing heat to escape through the surface. This process, known as vasodilation, can cause your face to turn red, especially if you're working out in a warm environment or doing intense activity. Heightened Heart Rate: The more intense the exercise, the higher your heart rate becomes. A higher heart rate increases blood circulation, which can also make your skin redder than usual. Blood Pressure Changes: During exercise, your blood pressure temporarily rises to support increased activity. This change can make the blood vessels in your face dilate, leading to a flushed or red appearance. Individual Differences: Some people are more prone to facial redness during exercise due to their genetic makeup. Those with fair skin, for instance, tend to show redness more readily. Certain conditions like Rosacea, which causes visible blood vessels to appear on the skin, can also make redness more pronounced during exercise. While redness is usually harmless and a normal response, if you experience excessive redness, dizziness, or discomfort, it's worth checking in with a healthcare professional, as it could point to an underlying issue. CONS With all that being said, these leggings were no replacement for a surgical butt lift. While I do think the smooth, thick fabric helped hide any wobbly bits in the area, it didn't give me the lift that I wanted. I also found that while they did suck my stomach in, they obviously weren't the most comfortable to wear. If anything, I felt like sausage meat being stuffed inside a casing and the extra-tight fit is not something I would feel comfortable working out in. 5 Leanne before putting the shapewear leggings on Credit: Leanne Hall 5 With the leggings on, you can clearly see a flatter stomach and slightly more lifted bum Credit: Leanne Hall Final Thoughts While I won't be rushing to get these leggings on for a gym sesh, I do think these are nice enough to go out in for a walk in the park or running errands. The shapewear element did make me feel more confident than regular leggings and the soft material made them comfortable to wear all day. However, if you're looking for an instant 'bum lift' you might want to give them a miss.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
This £23 buy promises to fake a BBL & Tummy Tuck – but here's what happened when I actually tried it
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Scroll down to see if it really made a difference BUM NOTE This £23 buy promises to fake a BBL & Tummy Tuck – but here's what happened when I actually tried it Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FOR many, the summer months are a great excuse to get your kit off and show the world your body. But like many women, I often struggle with feeling good in a bikini or mini skirt in the hot weather. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Here's what Fabulous reporter Leanne Hallt hought of the viral leggings Credit: Leanne Hall 5 Joanne was left gobsmacked by how well the leggings worked Credit: Tiktok/@jomacx 5 Taylor Swift wore a Halara skort to Coachella in 2024 Credit: Getty It's clear I'm not the only person who struggles with body image in the warmer weather as recently I've noticed one item keeping popping up on my TikTok page, Halara leggings. The Singapore-based brand offers athletic clothes with a fashion twist and specialises in shapewear leggings. Even Taylor Swift is a fan — the A-lister was spotted wearing Halara's High-Waisted Pleated Skort at Coachella last year. Thousands of TikTok videos have been made by women showing the transformation these leggings give their figures. READ MORE FASHION STORIES TULLE ORDER The top Shein wedding dresses for budget brides - including £23 satin-look gown From many saying it gives them an 'instant BBL' to others claiming it takes inches off their waists, the leggings appear to do no wrong. Joanne, from Scotland, shared how the shapewear transformed her bum. She said: "They lift and sculpt everything and just keep it where it should be. It's like a scaffold for your bum." So I decided to give them a go myself to see what the hype was all about. I managed to get my hands on the Halara UltraSculpt SoCinched High Waisted Tummy Control Leggings, currently priced at £23.95. The leggings come in a huge range of colours, 23 to be exact, as well as different lengths to suit your needs. The 5 best Pilates-inspired exercises for slimmer thighs this summer The sizes range from a tiny size 2 up to a size 20, and I landed on the medium size, which is suitable for those a size 10/12. I also picked them up in a chic black colour as I generally avoid colourful leggings. PROS After patiently waiting for the leggings to come, I ripped into the package as soon as they landed in my hands. The first thing I noticed as I pulled them onto my legs was just how buttery soft they were. The leggings had a thick material that also meant that they weren't see-through so I could confidently wear them out and about running errands as well as at the gym. As for the 'tummy control', I did see a noticeable difference when I put them on and my stomach definitely appeared flatter than before. Why does my face go so red when I workout? MANY of us will experience a red face during exercise, and there's a few reasons why... Increased Blood Flow: When you exercise, your body needs more oxygen, so your heart pumps faster, and your blood vessels dilate to supply more oxygen to your muscles. This increased blood flow can cause your skin, especially your face, to appear red. Temperature Regulation: As you work out, your body generates heat. To cool down, your body increases blood flow to the skin, allowing heat to escape through the surface. This process, known as vasodilation, can cause your face to turn red, especially if you're working out in a warm environment or doing intense activity. Heightened Heart Rate: The more intense the exercise, the higher your heart rate becomes. A higher heart rate increases blood circulation, which can also make your skin redder than usual. Blood Pressure Changes: During exercise, your blood pressure temporarily rises to support increased activity. This change can make the blood vessels in your face dilate, leading to a flushed or red appearance. Individual Differences: Some people are more prone to facial redness during exercise due to their genetic makeup. Those with fair skin, for instance, tend to show redness more readily. Certain conditions like Rosacea, which causes visible blood vessels to appear on the skin, can also make redness more pronounced during exercise. While redness is usually harmless and a normal response, if you experience excessive redness, dizziness, or discomfort, it's worth checking in with a healthcare professional, as it could point to an underlying issue. CONS With all that being said, these leggings were no replacement for a surgical butt lift. While I do think the smooth, thick fabric helped hide any wobbly bits in the area, it didn't give me the lift that I wanted. I also found that while they did suck my stomach in, they obviously weren't the most comfortable to wear. If anything, I felt like sausage meat being stuffed inside a casing and the extra-tight fit is not something I would feel comfortable working out in. 5 Leanne before putting the shapewear leggings on Credit: Leanne Hall 5 With the leggings on, you can clearly see a flatter stomach and slightly more lifted bum Credit: Leanne Hall Final Thoughts While I won't be rushing to get these leggings on for a gym sesh, I do think these are nice enough to go out in for a walk in the park or running errands. The shapewear element did make me feel more confident than regular leggings and the soft material made them comfortable to wear all day. However, if you're looking for an instant 'bum lift' you might want to give them a miss.
Tom's Guide
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
No jumping — this joint-friendly, low-impact workout uses a pair of light dumbbells to build full-body strength in 6 moves
If you're looking for a low-impact, joint-friendly workout that builds full-body strength, challenges your core and gets your heart rate up to help burn fat, I think I've found the perfect routine for you. All you need is some comfortable, sweat-wicking activewear and a light pair of dumbbells. The Pilates-inspired strength and cardio session is led by instructors Steph Newman and Lily Hunter, who demonstrate each move together. Their control and coordination throughout the routine were what really inspired me to give it a try. If you've got a workout buddy, it's a fun challenge to try to match their flow and stay in step together. You'll work through just six exercises, spending 30 seconds on each. For any single-sided moves like the curtsy lunge with bicep curl, make sure to complete the exercise on both sides. Some exercises will feel tougher than others, and as your muscles begin to fatigue, try to maintain good form rather than rushing through the reps. A post shared by STEPH NEWMAN (@pilatesbysteph_) A photo posted by on Newman and Hunter's Pilates-inspired routine is joint-friendly not only because it's all performed standing, but also because it avoids high-impact moves like jumping or quick directional changes that can strain your joints. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Each exercise asks you to pay close attention. It's not your standard dumbbell press or squat where your body can move on autopilot while your mind wanders. This workout requires a real mind-muscle connection, which helps improve control, coordination and overall muscle engagement. While there is a great degree of control executed for each exercise, you will notice in the demonstrations that both trainers move with consistent momentum. As you work through these flowing, repetitive movements, your heart rate should begin to rise, helping you build cardiovascular endurance while strengthening your muscles. Yes, you can build real strength with Pilates, and not just the kind that helps you stand a little taller. Pilates might not involve heavy weights or barbells, but don't let that fool you. The slow, controlled movements fire up muscles you didn't even know you had, especially around your core, glutes and back. What makes Pilates feel different is how much it focuses on form, control and full-body engagement. You're not just powering through reps; you're staying present, moving with intention and working under tension. Honestly, some of the toughest exercises I've done have come from holding a Pilates move for just a few seconds longer. So while you might not be maxing out your deadlift, you're building a kind of strength that supports everyday movement and leaves you feeling strong from the inside out.
Axios
23-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout is coming to Charlotte
Pvolve, a women's fitness brand backed by Jennifer Aniston, is opening a studio in Dilworth this fall. Why it matters: The Charlotte location, which will be locally owned and operated, marks the brand's expansion into North Carolina. How it works: Pvolve is built around functional fitness and women's wellness, explains franchise owner Mariana Lim. Classes are designed to build strength, mobility and longevity for women in all stages of life, from postpartum to menopause. Functional fitness generally refers to exercise that advances physiological function and involves daily movements like squatting, bending, pushing and lunging. The Pvolve method blends elements of yoga, Pilates and strength training into a 50-minute, low-impact workout. A few of the most popular classes include: Strength & Sculpt: Pvolve's signature class to sculpt and tone the full body through low-impact exercises. Progressive Weight Training: A mix of weight training with dynamic functional movements. Ideal for women over 40 or those looking to build strength. Mat Definition: A Pilates-inspired mat class with a focus on the core. There are also more specialized offerings, like a pelvic floor class and a series for people taking GLP-1 medications, aimed at preserving muscle mass while losing weight. What to expect: The Charlotte studio will join the retail lineup at The Seventeen Hundred, a new multi-family development under construction along East Boulevard in Dilworth. Lim is targeting an early November opening, she tells Axios. Limited founding memberships will launch in August. A standard unlimited membership will be $259/month. HSA funds can be put towards classes, according to Lim. The Charlotte studio will have 23 mats, a locker room, beauty bar, secure lockers and a private room for personal training sessions, says Lim. The intrigue: A major component of Pvolve's business model is its hybrid membership, offering classes both in-studio and through an online streaming platform. Pvolve sells equipment bundles for at-home workouts, like its $664 "Total Transformation Bundle," a 13-piece set of "toning tools," like weights, bands and the "P. Ball" (a mix of a Pilates ball and resistance band). Context: The company began in New York City's Chinatown in 2017 by entrepreneur Rachel Katzman, who was seeking a low-impact alternative to traditional functional fitness. Jennifer Aniston discovered the brand in 2021 through its streaming platform. A fan of the results, she joined the board in 2023, and according to a blog post, now helps shape product development, programming, and marketing to build Pvolve's brand awareness. Pvolve is actively franchising with over 50 studios across the country. The closest operating studio is in Columbia, South Carolina. What they're saying: Pvolve's approach to fitness will bring something new to Charlotte, especially for women, says Lim. Originally from Brazil, Lim has lived in Charlotte for 15 years and says she's taken nearly every class in town. What's next: Lim says she's planning to host several pop-up classes later this summer. Stop by: Pvolve Charlotte will open at 1701 East Blvd.
Tom's Guide
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Pamela Reif calls this her 'pretty abs and arms' workout — my muscles would like a word
Back during the time of Covid lockdown, when kitchens doubled as gyms and 'snatched waists' were the internet's fitness obsession, workout videos promising washboard abs and toned arms were everywhere. Fitness influencers like Pamela Reif and Chloe Ting went viral with quick, equipment-free routines that racked up millions of views. At Tom's Guide, we've tested plenty of them (more on that below), so when I spotted Reif's recent 'pretty abs and arms' workout doing the rounds, I was curious. These days, I tend to stick to workouts from certified trainers over fitness influencers. I care far less about what a routine claims it will make me look like and more about how it supports my strength, mobility and energy in daily life. But maybe it was nostalgia, or the intrigue of a workout with a title bold enough to promise 'pretty' abs and arms. Either way, I wanted to know more. So I pulled on my best gym leggings and gave it a go. I usually prefer not to know the workout structure beforehand because if I do, I tend to talk myself out of it. So I dove into Reif's "pretty arms and abs" routine blind, only knowing it was just 12 minutes long. The little time commitment required from this workout was one of the factors that drew me in. Each exercise lasts 30 seconds, with repeats only when switching sides. Personally, I find workouts with no repeats, especially for abs, feel quicker. But the lack of breaks between moves made this one feel intense, especially during the two extra 30-second pulsing sections she added early in the workout. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. That said, pausing during a core workout can sometimes make it feel harder to restart, so I can't blame Reif for the relentless no-rest structure. I made it to the end with my core still intact, though feeling the burn. Lululemon Align leggings are perfect for workouts like this Pilates-inspired routine, thanks to their stretchy, lightweight fabric that moves with you without restricting any of the slow, controlled movements. Plus, you can save $29! If you're not into traditional ab workouts packed with sit-ups, Russian twists and planks, you'll probably enjoy this core routine from Reif. It leans on Pilates-inspired moves for a slower, more controlled challenge. Pilates keeps your core working the whole time, helping to build strength, improve posture and boost stability. I also think that's why Reif calls this her 'pretty arms and abs' workout. It's a very elegant sequence. Or at least, it looks that way when she does it. I'm not sure my cross-legged pike plank into cobra looked quite as smooth, but I enjoyed getting into the flow. It felt much gentler than a crunch-heavy core session and easier to stay consistent with, thanks to the slow and controlled movement. Have you ever heard of an "elegant push-up"? I hadn't either until five minutes into the routine, when Reif demonstrated one. She started in a kneeling push-up position, lifted one leg behind her, kept the other bent with the foot pointing upward, then performed 30 seconds of push-ups in that pose. Elegant might be the word for it, but only if you stay completely focused. A quick glance in the mirror reminded me that this move only looks graceful if your core is switched on and your legs stay steady in the correct position. Later in the workout, she added "lizard push-ups". I knew the stretch version of this move from a challenge my colleague Sam did, where she held the lizard pose every day for a week. It's a brilliant hip opener, but adding a push-up takes it to another level. This version challenged my mobility, core strength and upper body all at once. It was tricky to nail these moves in 30 seconds, but I really enjoyed learning new moves that I could use to switch up my core workouts. I'll admit I was a little sceptical going in. I don't usually trust workouts that suggest you can change how your body looks after just 12 minutes, especially ones with titles like 'pretty abs and arms.' But I ended up enjoying it far more than I expected. The Pilates-inspired moves flowed together in a way that felt controlled and satisfying when I got the exercises right. While I'm not sure I emerged with visibly different arms or abs, I did feel stronger and enjoyed the challenge. If you want to try Ting and Reif's workouts, this lower ab workout with 18 million views is Pamela Reif's creation, and this Chloe Ting ab workout has over 420 million views.
