Health and Fitness

Food fashions come and go but one that’s definitely here to stay is the Mediterranean diet.

The latest research published by the British Medical Journal found that people who eat less red meat and dairy, and more fish, poultry, fruit, vegetables and olive oil tend to live longer, have fewer heart attacks and are less likely to get certain types of cancer. Try the Taste of the Mediterranean website for information, shopping lists and recipes. 
• tasteofthemed.com

BLUE BUTEY

The beautiful Isle of Bute has been designated as Britain’s first ‘blue space’, thanks to its 200-year heritage as a popular destination for a wellness break, according to a new study by the Royal Geographical Society. The island’s many spas, sanatoriums, hydros, swimming pools and fresh air camps have been drawing visitors for years, while more recently it’s also become a haven for wild swimmers wanting to rejuvenate themselves ‘doon the watter.’

TAKE THE STING OUT OF PAIN

Bee venom has been a – sorry – buzzword in celebrity beauty circles for months, with high-profile fans including Kylie Minogue and The Duchess of Cornwall. But it’s not just for radiant skin – it also benefits from anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can now try it for yourself with the Manuka Doctor range at Holland and Barrett, which includes a pain-relieving muscle rub as well as skincare products, priced from £16.99. hollandand

• barrett.com

LAUGH LIES

A good giggle always makes us feel better, but did you know that it doesn’t actually matter whether it’s genuine or not? The brain can’t tell the difference between real and fake laughter – both reduce stress and tension, boost the immune system, release endorphins, and improve circulation, as well as providing many other psychological and physical health benefits. Head to the Healthy Life Centre’s Laughter Workshop to try out the theory for yourself on Sunday, 2 September. £20. 
• thehealthylifecentre.com

ESSENCE OF EDINBURGH

Auld Reekie has a whole new meaning thanks to a new, Edinburgh-inspired massage oil. Created by therapeutic massage clinic Wee Sally’s, to celebrate its move into new premises on Mayfield Road, the oil is a blend of ginger, neroli, frankincense and geranium. The overall dark and light notes apparently reflect the city’s ‘dual spirit’. Book your first 60-minute massage and receive a free bottle. £25 for 30 minutes. 
• weesally.com

FUSION FITNESS

The latest exercise fad has emerged, along with the usual Hollywood celebrity endorsements. Piloxing, a cross between Pilates, boxing and dance, was created by a Swedish dancer and former body builder to “physically and mentally empower women through fitness”. It promises to shape you up and make you look and feel stronger while, of course, being fun. Try it at the Edinburgh Studios, for £40 for 8 weeks. 
07763 288622

PARK LIFE

Weekend mornings are for lazy lie-ins and big brunches, right? Not if you’re one of the 200-odd folk that take part in the weekly Edinburgh Parkrun. This non-competitive timed run for all ages and abilities starts at 9.30am every Saturday and follows a 5km route along the promenade at Cramond/Silverknowes. Once you’ve staggered across the finish line, you can join your fellow runners for a well-deserved coffee at the Cramond Bistro. The run’s free but you must register. 
• parkrun.org.uk

LOOKING FIT

Sweaty Betty, the award-winning fitness fashion brand for women, has opened a new boutique on George Street. The design-led store carries clothes for all kinds of sporting activities, including workouts, running, tennis, yoga, swimming and even skiing, as well as more general leisurewear. It’s philosophy is to create activewear that will make you feel beautiful and perform better, so get yourself kitted out. 
• sweatybetty.com

PEDAL PUSHERS

Cycling has had a major fashion upgrade in the form of “cycle chic”, a movement that aims to put style back into the saddle. The Copenhagen Cycle Chic blog, which coined the term, commands cycle chic-ers to “refrain from wearing and owning any form of ‘cycle wear’.” So, Lycra is out, everyday clothes are in – with suitable safety accessories of course. Try the funky patterned helmets from Sawako Furuno or reflective legwarmers from Dashing Tweeds. 
• cyclechic.co.uk

HIT IT HARD

High-intensity training hit the headlines recently after an experiment for the BBC’s Horizon concluded that three minutes of intensive exercise a week could be as beneficial as several hours of gym-going. CrossFit, based on this principle, claims to increase cardio-respiratory endurance, strength and flexibility, among other things – although the classes (£4 per session at Inverleith Park) last for an hour rather than a minute, unfortunately. 
• crossfiteastlothian.co.uk