Ask Sporty Spice: Mel C reveals her top 5 workout tips
If you really, really want to get in shape for 2016, former Spice Girl and amateur triathlete Melanie Chisholm (aka Mel C) has a challenge for you.
The star is backing Vertical Rush, the UK’s tallest, toughest stair-running challenge, which is taking place at Tower 42 in the City of London. Over 1,000 runners will run up a whopping 932 steps in order to raise money for housing and homelessness charity, Shelter.
To help runners prepare for the big day, Mel C has compiled her top five fitness tips:
1 Drop it like a squat
Improving your lower body strength will give you a big leg up on the day. Try setting yourself a daily squat target and increase by a few each day in the run up to your race and you’ll fly up those flights in no time.
2 Jump it up
Incorporate jumps into your workouts using steps, boxes or benches. Increasing your explosive strength will give you the power and speed you’ll need to keep up the pace.
3 Spin to win
Stamina will be the difference between making it to the top and enjoying London’s imposing skyline, and collapsing in a breathless heap. Sign up to a spin class to stretch that stamina to its limit, and #nofilter that view at the top.
4 Let’s get vertical
Interval training will get you ready for the bursts of energy you’ll need to power up those stairs, improve endurance and fight off the dreaded stitch. Find a hill or steps to race up, jog down, and repeat.
5 Keep it cool
Know your limits. Have rest days, vary your training, and be sure to give your sore muscles some TLC after a hard workout, with lots of stretching, hot baths and even a cheeky massage.
For more information about the Vertical Rush challenge, visit: www.shelter.org.uk/verticalrush
Tweet us your exercise tips and photos @healthymag. We’d love to hear from you!
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