Get Faster And Fitter

Remember when you upgraded from 3G to 4G and that little extra speed turned out to be a life-altering experience? Well, take that theme and apply it to your legs. Picking up your run pace comes with huge benefits. One: it helps develop your fast-twitch muscle fibres, which increase your power and makes the mileage feel notably easier. Two: research shows speed training has a special knack for melting fat offmid-sections and these fat-burning effects last all day. And if you’re thinking “My knees! My knees!”, then consider point three: a quicker run can cut the stress on your joints by as much as 80 percent. Why? “You automatically take shorter steps, so there’s less impact,” explains Andy Curtis, a specialist sports injury physiotherapist. Adding just one speed-focused session to your weekly workout schedule is all it takes. So what’s stopping you, Caster?

Why Run?

We spoke to scores of women about why they lace up and how you – even if you’re new – can reap more benefits from every kay. Read their stories, make a plan and chart your own course...

How Are We Doing?

We are in a global crisis that is getting worse by the year. By 2030 almost half of the world’s population will be overweight or obese if present trends continue. But what is the state of obesity in SA? And more importantly how did we get here?

Slay Your Inner Quitter

She’s the reason you hit snooze, flake from fitness plans and give up on that diet three days in. She’s your inner quitter – and she’s lazy AF. Especially as winter draws nearer. Here’s how to keep yours quiet

The Mom Divide

Can your relationship with your bestie survive one of you having a baby? Yes... But it’s complicated, say two lifelong pals. Their story reveals how parenthood changed their friendship in ways they never expected 

The Gift of Gab

Her odd-girl-out past. Her ambivalent relationship with exercise. Her unrelenting quest for roles that mean something, dammit! Gabrielle Union, the star of Being Mary Jane and the new thriller Sleepless, is letting her hair down and letting loose

Your Body

Running builds endurance, challenges the muscles – and has some pretty bizarre effects on your mind and body. Here, local and international athletes tell all. Their knowledge = your power

How My Body Changed...And How It Changed Me

What if the only way to save your life was to alter your body drastically? Would you still feel like yourself? And what would it be like to see yourself naked again for the first time? Three women who have undergone major physical transformations opened up to WH about their new realities, in all their unvarnished glory. And now they’re triumphantly showing their bodies in the hopes of empowering other women.

Food For Thought

Researchers have made a mind-boggling discovery: the same junk-food diet that bulges your waistline and rots your teeth may be damaging your mind too. Women’s Health investigates an emerging theory: diabetes of the brain

WH's Modern Guide To Spa Etiquette

It’s all lavender-scented massages and rose-petalled foot baths... Until you rip a fart or get accosted by product pushers. Turn down the Enya, tune in to this insider intel and (actually) relax

Your Body On... Attending A Wedding

Here comes the bride… And a slew of mind-body changes. What to expect after you RSVP – for better or worse

The Kite Runner

Pro kitesurfer Michelle Hayward threw caution to the wind, quit her job and pursued an athletic career. Read on for a course in burning the rule book

WTF... Is The Nuvaring

These days rings are so much more than just pretty adornments and as much as we love a good gift, this is like no band we’ve ever come across

Tell Us Anything

Find your strong, I’ve been battling with infertility for several years and have tried everything – from complementary therapies to in-vitro fertilisation.

Rock 'n' Roll

Lace up for a crash course in the most hard-core women’s sport you’ve probably never heard of

Your Body On ...Being Dumped

It’s not you, it’s me... This is the one time people are actually willing to take the blame, but unfortunately your heart takes the strain – literally!

Zing!

The days are getting shorter... But your energy levels needn’t ebb along with them. Here, eight ways to recharge your mojo.

All My Orgasms

As you live through new loves, breakups, long-term coupledom and parenthood, your O undergoes its own evolution. Follow our guide to maximising your pleasure at key points in your life.

Work-Life Balance Is A Sham

It’s time to blow this outdated idea to smithereens! Attaining perfect harmony just isn’t possible. And knowing that is the first step to more bliss, better health and greater success.

In conversation with... Jessica Marais

SA-born, Aussieraised Jessica Marais is making waves across the seas with her hot new drama TV series and living life successfully as a single mom...

Gwynergy!

Yep, Gwyneth Paltrow knows how to get everyone’s attention, calling beauty and wellness trends years before the world catches on. And now the actress-turned-health-sage is letting us in on the next big things. We’re listening…

Feed Your Face

You spend a lot of time thinking about how to feed your body, now it’s time to think about how to use food to nourish your face.

3 Ways To Burn More Fat

Don’t curse a sluggish system – crank up your metabolism and boost your kilojoule-burning potential with these three body-revving workouts

Sneak Attack

Hitting the tarmac, heading to the gym or planning to trail up the mountain? We’ve got the shoes to suit every occasion.

Branch Out

For decades, the Japanese have used “forest bathing” – mindful time spent among trees – to recharge their bodies and still their minds. Take a leaf out of their book and nature-walk your stress away

Why Bailing Is Actually Bad For You

When your diary is so full it makes you nauseous, cancelling last minute feels like sweet relief. But what impact is your increasingly unreliable lifestyle actually having on your happiness?

Pack Like A Pro

Everything you need, half the luggage. Welcome to the magical world of artful packing – and your most hassle-free holiday ever

Is Sitting On Santa's Lap

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been naughty or nice, spice up your sex life with this hot position that will jingle both your bells

Your Body On…HOLIDAY CLICHÉS

It’s time to give these traditions a new name: health boosters. What exactly happens when you...

Does Your Hair Need Sunblock?

Yep, it does. Time to up your SPF (Strand Protection Factor)