Favourite workout accessories…

It’s that time of the year where we’re all getting ready to start working for that summer body. I’m all for the whole ‘you don’t need any equipment ‘ exercise approach, all you really need is motivation. But for those of us who love to have all the latest things to help us along and get us all geared up to sweat, here’s my favourite fitness accessories I’m loving at the moment.

Women’s Health Magazine

This is my first time buying  this magazine and I bloody love it. I haven’t even finished reading it yet, it’s rammed full of tips, workout routines, recipes, advice plus beauty tips and other general magazine goodness. I was apprehensive of the price but it’s worth every penny. It’s like a little book. And the workouts are perfect to keep coming back to. And the recipes. Love.

This is Yoga – Tara Stiles 4 DVD box set

I’m not all for exercise DVDs if I’m honest. I mean, that’s what youTubes for right? But I invested in this when I had no wifi in my accommodation and it was a life saver. Plus this box set has every kind of yoga workout plus a pose guide. Head to Amazon for a cheap buy.

Resistance bands 

I don’t use these as much as I should but they are great for helping stretch those muscles. They also can be used in a workout, look online for some inspiration. Use the band against the muscle you want to work as an effective and less sweaty workout.

Gym gloves

As soon as I started lifting weights my hands when to shreds. Especially us girls who don’t want peeling blistered hands. They don’t need to be expensive, just make sure you protect those hands. They also help your hands stop slipping.

Yoga mat strap 

As well as the obvious, this can also double up as a tool in yoga, helping you practice those poses where you can’t… Quite… Reach.

Phone exercise arm band

Have you ever wanted to listen to some tunes in your workout, shove your iPod down your bra and when it slips down you have that awkward rummage happening. Well yeah. Here you go. Plus you can also use tracking apps such as strava to monitor your workout. 

Seed shot

This may sound a bizarre accessory but seriously, it’s a fab alternative to shoving donuts in your face post sweat. These are low calorie and contain healthy seeds and dried fruit, with a tasty twist. Yum.

That’s it for now! Hope this motivates you to get your sweat on!

Let me know what you think or  any other accessories I can get my hands on.

Like and comment!

Insta – @laurenfairfax

Lauren xx

Valentines day makeup look…

So valentines day is coming up, and if you’re anything like me you plan your makeup before outfits. And while most people try to aim for ‘natural’ looks for these dates, I don’t intend to tone down my makeup, maybe just ‘girly’ it up a bit…

I’m not a professional in makeup, but this is my take on a valentines day look and might hopefully give you some inspiration if you’re going on a date or hanging out with your girlfriends.

Products used:

Nars Sheer glow foundation

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer

Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent powder

Kiko Bronzing powder in 101

Beauty UK brow palette

Rimmel Clear brow gel

Revolution Blush Palette in sugar and spice

Revolution Eye shaddow palette

L’oreal Super Liner

Maybelline Lash sensation mascara

Flamar Lip liner

Stila Lipgloss in starfruit

This is my finished look.

I did a subtle contour and highlight, which isn’t picked up great in this picture. I used the shimmery shades in the blush palette as a highlight. I used a pinky brown matte eye shade as a base for my shimmery shades, and finished with a little eyeliner flick. I also like to add a lipliner before glosses, to give more definition.

Eventually I will do something more exciting with my hair and wear something special.

My only advice… dress to make you happy, not just to impress someone else.

Hope you all have a great valentines!

Lauren x

My Fitness Equipment…

Why get a gym membership when you can have one at home!

Sometimes going to the gym is just too inconvenient. Too expensive. Too much effort.

And besides, you don’t need to pay a fortune and need fancy machines to get a good workout. You just need some space on the floor and some motivation!

The first thing I wanna talk about is my mat. I love it. It’s my happy place. I know its a bit cheesy, but I got it not long after I started yoga last year and was all hyped up about being a new yogi. It’s from TKMaxx, was affordable and does the job perfectly. For yoga you ideally need a thin, sticky mat, but it can be used for all floor exercise.

I have two pineapple products:

Foam dumbbells, which are handy for toning arms and adding into your workout. Look out on YouTube for dumbbell workouts that will show you numerous ways you can incorporate them. This set comes with a handy manual of exercises to try.

My latest addition is the pilates resistance tubing, which I love. This also comes with instructions, but you can use them in any way you want. They come with three strengths, so you can progress as you get stronger. Also similar to this are the resistance bands, which will help with stretches and toning. Both these products are from TKMaxx. You’ll begin to see my obsession with the place…

Then there’s my little yoga block… Seriously there’s no need to spend loads on these. They’re all just a basic block for helping in yoga, mine was a pound out of primark!

Last but not least is my yoga DVD. This one is by Tara Stiles, and includes 4 DVDs, from beginner routines to nailing every pose. Splashing out on DVDs isn’t necessary though, check out YouTube. Honestly, its free and there’s a video for just about everything. Check out my about me section for my favorite channels.

Let  me know if there’s any equipment you think I should add, or any home workout tips.

Lauren x