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Emilie Lavinia

Fitness and Wellbeing Editor@emilielavinia

Emilie Lavinia is The Independent's Fitness and Wellbeing Editor. Formerly Cosmopolitan’s Sex and Relationships Editor, Emilie has reported on health, wellness, sex and technology for more than a decade for the likes of Stylist, The Guardian, Fast Company, Women’s Health, GLAMOUR, Grazia and VICE. From the best activewear and fitness classes to supplements, spas and sleep, Emilie interrogates wellness trends and investigates our relationship to good health. Follow Emilie on Instagram @emilielaviniauk.

<p>You don't need to splash out on your own reformer machine if you have a resistance band handy says Nathalie Errandonea</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Six reformer Pilates moves you can do with just a resistance band

<p>This wellness ritual is not for the faint of heart</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

What happened when I tried this ‘hardcore’ wellness ritual

<p>Kefir contains natural probiotics like lacto and bifido bacterium</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

What is kefir and how does it help gut health?

<p>I tried the at-home machine for 10 weeks – here are my thoughts</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

I tried a £1,900 reformer Pilates machine – but is it worth the price?

<p>There’s no ‘right way’ to go sober and issues with alcohol and self-worth can manifest in all sorts of ways, no matter who you are – this is something Mackintosh felt acutely while writing <em>Bad Drunk</em></p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Millie Mackintosh on sobriety, shame and new book ‘Bad Drunk’

<p>Converts say that regular sessions can help with pain, injuries, relaxation and sleep</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

What is an acupressure mat and can it help with back pain?

<p>Probiotics have the power to support skin quality, gut health and mood</p>
Food & Drink

17 best probiotics to help improve gut health

<p>Do these five moves with just a mat and a chair from the comfort of home </p>
Fitness and wellbeing

The five best pilates moves to do at home for a strong and toned waist

<p>You'll be seeing more of these trends in 2025</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

The wellness trends for 2025 worth knowing about

<p>I took on the 75 soft challenge to see if I could change my habits in 75 days</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Why you should try the 75 soft fitness challenge in 2025

<p>Exercising together has plenty of benefits, both mental and physical</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

How to get the whole family moving in 2025

<p>South Lodge in Horsham, West Sussex, features an indoor infinity pool, outdoor hydrotherapy pool, and a wild-swimming pond </p>
UK

The best spa hotels in the UK: Where to go for a relaxing staycation

<p>Mushrooms can help boost focus and sleep</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

The best mushroom supplements in 2025, according to a wellness editor

Fitness and wellbeing

The best mushroom supplements in 2025, according to a wellness editor

<p>Mushrooms can help boost focus and sleep</p>
<p>Breathing exercises can calm you in a matter of minutes</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Four breathing exercises you should be doing every day

<p>We tested a variety of dairy-based and vegan-friendly options </p>
Food & Drink

11 best gut-health drinks

<p>Cart your kit around in style, with our pick of the best</p>
Sports & Fitness

10 best women’s gym bags 2025, tried and tested

<p>Whatever your training style, these kicks will help you go the distance</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Best women’s gym trainers, according to a fitness editor

<p>Whatever your training style, these kicks will help you go the distance</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Best women’s gym trainers, according to a fitness editor

<p>Yoga mats can be used for a host of practices but finding the right style is key</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

14 best yoga mats for at home and in the studio

<p>The smart ring is £100 cheaper in the Boxing Day sales</p>
January Sales

My top fitness tracker – Oura ring – is 33% off in the January sales

<p>There are a slew of hi-tech tools and wellness products out there to help us sleep better – but which ones actually work? </p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Sleepmaxxing: Is the pursuit of perfect rest making us more anxious?

<p>There’s no cure for a hangover but these tips and products can help to take the edge off and support your wellbeing </p>
Fitness and wellbeing

How to avoid and treat a hangover

<p>Protecting your health and wellbeing is crucial during the winter months </p>
Fitness and wellbeing

How to avoid burnout, according to experts

<p>Zoe tracks your glucose levels and makes helpful suggestions for improved health</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

The Zoe health tracker is now 60% cheaper

<p>Could adding butter and MCT oil to my morning coffee impact my health?</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

I “bulletproofed” my coffee with MCT oil

<p>We tested a variety of supplements, to see if they had a positive impact on our mood </p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Best mood-boosting supplements to beat SAD symptoms

<p>Zoe tracks your glucose levels and makes helpful suggestions for improved health</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

The Zoe health tracker is now 60% cheaper

<p>Could adding butter and MCT oil to my morning coffee impact my health?</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

I “bulletproofed” my coffee with MCT oil

<p>We tested a variety of supplements, to see if they had a positive impact on our mood </p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Best mood-boosting supplements to beat SAD symptoms

<p>I tried 90 minutes of hot pilates and the experience was somewhat humbling </p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Is hot Pilates the perfect winter fitness fix?

Fitness and wellbeing

Is hot Pilates the perfect winter fitness fix?

<p>I tried 90 minutes of hot pilates and the experience was somewhat humbling </p>
<p>Ideal for outdoor adventures, changing robes keep you warm and make it easier to change out of wet gear al fresco</p>
Travel & outdoors

Best changing robes 2025, tried and tested

<p>These are the best Cyber Monday deals from New Balance according to our Fitness editor</p>
Black Friday

Best New Balance deals for Black Friday 2024

<p>Taking the top spot in our review, this is a buy we’d more than recommend </p>
Black Friday

Forget Dryrobe, the Black Friday deal on the best alternative is here

<p>If you’re going to invest in one piece of fitness tech this Black Friday, this should be it </p>
Black Friday

Our fitness editor says don’t miss this Whoop Black Friday deal

<p>If you’re going to invest in one piece of fitness tech this Black Friday, this should be it </p>
Black Friday

Our fitness editor says don’t miss this Whoop Black Friday deal

<p>Mindfulness exercises can quiet the mind and soothe the nervous system in minutes </p>
Fitness and wellbeing

14 best mindfulness apps to help you keep calm during a crisis

<p>Whether you overpronate or land centrally, here’s how to choose the right running shoes</p>
Running

Best women’s running shoes 2025

<p>The latest drop from the collaboration has arrived</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Where to buy the new Ganni x New Balance trainers

<p>Despite the high price point, investing could potentially save you money in the long run</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

David Beckham’s supplement brand is now available to buy

<p>We tested the Oura ring’s many features for better sleep, workouts and tracking</p>
Tech

Oura ring gen 3 review: We test the generation 3 model

<p>The design propels you forward </p>
Running

I’m a fitness editor and these are by far my favourite running shoes

<p>A balanced diet containing these foods can keep your gut health in check</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Best foods for gut health, recommended by experts

<p>Will Ahmed founded Whoop in 2012 with two fellow students at Harvard University</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Whoop founder Will Ahmed shares his daily wellbeing routine

<p>B12 can help stave off tiredness and is crucial for good health </p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Best vitamin B12 supplements, according to an expert

<p>We tried every sleep aid from calming candles to noise-cancelling earbuds</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

17 best sleep aids for a restful night’s kip

<p>Could this cereal replace my go-to overnight oats?</p>
SPONSORED

I put this ‘healthy cereal’ to the test

SPONSORED

I put this ‘healthy cereal’ to the test

<p>Could this cereal replace my go-to overnight oats?</p>
<p>We tested each pair on 10K runs in all weathers</p>
Running

11 best women’s running leggings that will help you go that extra mile

<p>Whether pre-mixed or made at home protein coffee offers a host of benefits</p>
SPONSORED

Why drink protein coffee?

<p>Collagen is a hero supplement for hair, skin and nails </p>
SPONSORED

This liquid collagen tastes like a piña colada

<p>Brain fog affects between 40 and 60 per cent of menopausal women</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

I tried brain fog supplements recommended by Karlie Kloss

<p>Brain fog affects between 40 and 60 per cent of menopausal women</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

I tried brain fog supplements recommended by Karlie Kloss

<p>Stave off SAD symptoms this winter with an expert-approved daylight lamp</p>
SPONSORED

Get more than a third off this Lumie SAD lamp right now

<p>These sachets help with hydration and energy levels year round</p>
SPONSORED

Why you should be using electrolyte sachets

<p>I took maca supplements for three months</p>
SPONSORED

I took maca powder for three months – here’s why you should too

<p>Do you know the difference between your culinary and ceremonial grade?</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Best matcha brands to buy in 2025

<p>A gut feeling: 90 per cent of neurotransmitters for serotonin are found in the digestive tract</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Does the cure for the winter blues lie in your gut?

<p>Bump-friendly activewear offers the extra support you need while still looking great </p>
SPONSORED

The best of Myprotein’s maternity activewear

<p>Why are so many people ditching veganism in favour of an omni diet?</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Why celebrities like Lizzo are ditching the vegan diet

<p>Vitamin K is reported to support healthy strong bones</p>
SPONSORED

Vitamin K supplements could be the key to bone strength in menopause

<p>How does this nut butter measure up to your usual favourites?</p>
SPONSORED

Cashew butter benefits: Is this the healthiest nut butter?

<p>A certain blend of vitamins and minerals can help to beat the bloat</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

8 best digestive enzyme supplements for gut issues

<p>If you’re trying to lose weight think twice before exercising on an empty stomach</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Should you fast before a workout? We asked the experts

Fitness and wellbeing

Should you fast before a workout? We asked the experts

<p>If you’re trying to lose weight think twice before exercising on an empty stomach</p>
<p>This recipe is my go-to for a comforting protein-rich hit</p>
SPONSORED

This autumn smoothie recipe is packed with protein

<p>Biohackers follow personalised protocol to optimise their health</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

What is biohacking – and can you actually hack your health?

<p>There are several easy ways to improve at-home air quality</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

The air in your home could be making you sick – here’s what to do

<p>Cycle syncing could help you hit your PB and improve your recovery</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

How to sync exercise with your menstrual cycle, according to experts

<p>Cycle syncing could help you hit your PB and improve your recovery</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

How to sync exercise with your menstrual cycle, according to experts

<p>I tried the viral leave-in hair treatment to see if the added collagen could work wonders</p>
SPONSORED

This collagen scalp treatment boosted my ultra-fine hair

<p>Should you be taking eye health supplements?</p>
SPONSORED

Is it worth taking lutein supplements for eye health?

<p>Wilkinson has devoted his energy to investigating the true meaning of health and success</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Jonny Wilkinson on waking up to wellness and living each day mindfully

<p>This daylight lamp gave me the boost I needed while working from home</p>
SPONSORED

I rely on this affordable SAD lamp to boost my mood in winter

<p>Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale has certainly delivered the goods </p>
Prime Day

Our wellness editor’s favourite CBD drinks are on sale for Prime Day

<p>These sleek earplugs are our Wellbeing editor’s go-to</p>
Prime Day

My favourite Loop earplugs are on offer for a limited time only

<p>This Omega-3 is our Wellbeing editor’s go-to and it’s now on sale</p>
Prime Day

I’m a wellbeing editor and my go-to omega-3 supplement is reduced

<p>A release date for the Whoop 5.0 could be forthcoming </p>
Sports & Fitness

Whoop 5.0 rumours: Everything we know so far

<p>Serious infections and diseases could be mistaken for ‘fresher’s flu'</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

School and university pupils could be at risk as immunity levels drop

<p>Whether it’s a HIIT class, yoga session or a run on the treadmill, these gym leggings will go the distance </p>
Sports & Fitness

Best petite gym leggings for the perfect fit

<p>These editor-approved picks will help you get the rest you need</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Best sleep supplements for 2024, tested by our wellness editor

<p>This ancient remedy boosts circulation supporting libido in the process</p>
SPONSORED

What is tribulus and how does it help with libido?

<p>The book, edited by Gillian Anderson, contains 174 anonymous fantasies</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Gillian Anderson’s new book Want is out now – here’s where to buy

<p>Nutrition experts recommend ample levels of EPA and DHA for optimal health</p>
Food & Drink

Best omega-3 supplements, according to experts

<p>Supplementing fast-absorbing carbohydrate could help you smash your fitness goals</p>
SPONSORED

Everything you need to know about carbohydrate supplements

<p>kegel balls pelvic floor trainers</p>
SPONSORED

Our fitness and wellbeing editor voted these the best kegel balls

<p>Nutrition experts recommend ample levels of EPA and DHA for optimal health</p>
Food & Drink

Best omega-3 supplements, according to experts

<p>Supplementing fast-absorbing carbohydrate could help you smash your fitness goals</p>
SPONSORED

Everything you need to know about carbohydrate supplements

<p>kegel balls pelvic floor trainers</p>
SPONSORED

Our fitness and wellbeing editor voted these the best kegel balls

<p>Cod liver oil has been used for hundreds of years to support good health</p>
SPONSORED

What are the benefits of cod liver oil supplements?

<p>I took these supplements for a month to see if they were really worth the hype</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

I swapped my usual probiotic for Emily English’s Epetōme

<p>We tried every style, type and design to rate the best gym leggings for 2025 </p>
Sports & Fitness

10 best gym leggings for every kind of workout

<p>Our editor tested it in the gym, running, in fitness classes and compared it to its competitors </p>
Sports Equipment & Accessories

Whoop 4.0 band review: The results surprised me

<p>We asked experts which collagen supplements they recommend and why </p>
Food & Drink

Best collagen supplement 2025, as recommended by experts

<p>These products are packed with nutrients and minerals that rapidly restock the body’s reserves</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

Best electrolytes 2025, tested by a fitness expert

<p>This pillow mist helped me fall asleep faster and stay asleep</p>
SPONSORED

This pillow mist has become my go-to sleep product

<p>Experts advise staying fit and healthy throughout your pregnancy</p>
Fitness and wellbeing

How to stay fit during pregnancy

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