What’s In Jenn’s Wellness Toolkit

I have a love-hate relationship with ‘wellness’ – mainly because consistency isn’t my strong suit and I really like to prioritise fun, which often involves indulging in things that aren’t necessarily good for me. But I do take care of myself, inside and out, and certainly pay more attention since turning 40 earlier this year.

Pilates is the one form of exercise I’ve stuck with. I have Heartcore to thank for that. The classes are dynamic, varied and so tough – you see a true transformation if you’re consistent. Recently, I’ve been doing a lot more mat Pilates at home, following Bryony Deery’s videos. I’ve even started travelling with a Pilates ring – it’s light, effective and versatile.

I’m trying to run more for my bone health. I’ve never been good at it or felt that ‘runners high’ but I’ve read a lot about how important impact training is to keep your bones strong and healthy. I’m trying to go at least once a week, running between 4km-5km each time. Investing in some good kit helps: get some proper running trainers (mine are Nike) and I recommend Asics shorts because they don’t bunch up or chafe.

I probably own six pairs of the same leggings – the lululemon Aligns. High rise with a seamless waistband, they don’t dig in and are made from the softest fabric. I’ve not found anything better. I wear them for flights too. They’re so comfortable and last forever.

My favourite weekly activity is tennis. I’ve played since I was nine and – despite really needing some technique coaching – love playing with my husband once or twice a week after work. The phone’s away, the blood is pumping and my competitiveness is well and truly engaged. I also have some great tennis pieces from lululemon, Alo and Vuori.

My digestion has always been an issue – specifically, and very unsexily, chronic constipation. I’ve had multiple tests, cameras where you don’t want them going, varying diets and nothing seems to be able to fix it but a few things help. Probiotics – specifically Symprove – move things along, as does a fibre supplement. I also get a colonic twice a year and do an epsom salt cleanse once a month which is not for the faint hearted: two heaped teaspoons of food grade salt dissolved in hot water, swallowed down (if you manage not to gag) and then you don’t want to be far from a bathroom for the day. It’s intense but really resets things.