A STYLE TO FIT IN WITH YOUR NEW YEAR REGIME
IN A WORLD DOMINATED by beauty filters, blurring and body-shaping tools, it requires confidence combined with a sense of self to present a realistic and authentic ideal to others. The controversial debate recently surrounding Irish influencers and celebrities who have, in the past, portrayed highly-edited images of themselves online has indeed shed some truth on the reality of media.
There are others, however, whose ethos and lifestyle are true to form, unfiltered and raw – they are disinterested in distorting what’s real and altering their content to illusory measures. These are the women whose active lifestyles are much more than a series of Instagram stories. They enjoy exercising and eating well to maintain a healthy, happy and real lifestyle analogous with their TV/online personality. I don’t believe anyone deserves the title for hard work and transparency more than our cover star this week, Amanda Byram. I’ve met the Dancing With The Stars presenter a few times, and she radiates infectious energy and a real genuine love and passion for fitness and health. Amanda, who herself has admitted struggling with food and body image for most of her life, is an example to many of us whose journey with their body hasn’t always been a healthy or positive one. Last year, the TV presenter launched her Body by Byram range, putting her own face and message at the forefront of the brand. Amanda is her own biggest customer.
The range includes everything from shorts and pants to crop tops, ranging from €40 to €120. Some pieces are on the pricier side but the aim for Amanda is investment appeal. The quality of the material means you can wear and wash tirelessly and in comparison to other upmarket brands like Lululemon and Sweaty Betty, it is affordable. There will always be a desire for more budget-friendly gym gear – I happily work out in Penneys and H&M styles all the time – but I do harbour notions of owning rainproof gear that I can cycle home in when it’s lashing, so once in a while I allow myself to splash out.
While I have never resonated with the new year, new me ideal – what’s wrong with last year’s me? – I have found a few things helpful with motivation. A Fitbit watch and heat-resistant bottle for herbal tea on freezing cold mornings are among some, along with Groupon deals for yoga and pilates classes, because who has enough money for a month’s membership in January? Ultimately it’s not about spending lavishly but incorporating fresh, inspiring ways to keep up a fitness routine – even if that means a pair of fancy yoga pants or spongy, hightech trainers. Every little helps and in my case this year, the demands of a constantly-beeping tracker on my wrist are contributing a new, improved and more energetic me. Long may it last.
“I’VE NEVER RESONATED WITH NEW YEAR, NEW ME – WHAT’S WRONG WITH LAST YEAR’S ME? ”