Hello!
I'm Harry Bullmore, The Independent's senior fitness writer, and I'm excited to be taking the reins of this newsletter from Victoria. I cover news, reviews and features on all things exercise-related, and as a keen gym-goer, coach and CrossFit Level One trainer, I'm always experimenting with new ways to stay in shape – from home workouts and Pilates to strength training and gymnastics.
I'd like to kick things off with a question: "Who selected the least inspiring month of the year to set ourselves lofty fitness goals?" The turn of the year might seem like the perfect moment to transform your fitness fortunes, but in reality, January's dark, dingy nights do little to motivate self-imposed health revolutions.
The good news is that extreme behaviours aren't necessary – or even optimal – for improving your health. Simplicity is often a better driver of long-term results.
Last week, I spoke with immunology specialist Dr Owen Kavanagh about ways to reduce chronic inflammation – a trending topic and a process that can contribute to everything from niggling injuries and stomach aches to chronic health conditions. His answers were refreshingly affordable, accessible and simple.
Joe Wicks, "the nation's PE teacher", also preaches simplicity in his latest health crusade: getting people cooking again and cutting back on ultra-processed food (UPF): "I'm from the school of thought that I don't think you need to be too obsessed about daily calories or daily protein targets," he tells fitness and wellbeing editor Emilie Lavinia. "I've always been much more about balance and a bit more flexibility."
If you're looking for ways to source fresh ingredients at a fair price, food and drink editor Hannah Twigg's guide on how to high-low your food shop can help. Her collection of gut health–boosting recipes is also packed with inspiration for what to cook with your new purchases.
The cumulative impact of small (but consistent) positive changes to the way you eat, sleep and move can be game-changing for your health. But what about your mood? Senior features writer Helen Coffey explores the effect the January blues might be having on your work life. She talks to experts about why "rage quitting" your job might not be such a good idea, and what a healthy approach to making big decisions looks like.
To make a good decision, it helps to have all the details. I discovered this firsthand when I outsourced my workout plans to ChatGPT this week and then had personal trainers review them. Read their verdicts here.
Hope this helps – and if it doesn't, check out these six unexpected sunshine destinations for a guaranteed shot of vitamin D.
Until next week!
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