FEELGOOD workouts we love
Shedding, shredding and weight-loss gimmicks? No thanks. All we want from exercise is high energy and positive vibes, which these platforms and PTs deliver in spades
@yehyoga
Who? You’d struggle to find a member of Team Cosmo who doesn’t love Harding, founder of The Yeh Yoga Co and demystifier of the downward-facing dog. She also went a tiny bit viral last year after posting a shame-free snap of her bloated stomach.
She says: “Yoga is for everyone, not just the naturally flexible gymnasts among us. I myself have encountered yoga classes that feel like a vanity project of the person guiding you, but not all classes have to be that way. I empower people to find joy, feel awesome and embrace #YehNotMeh.”
Jessica Lockett, Cosmopolitan’s art editor,
says: “Emily’s super-friendly energy makes you feel so at ease. She often suggests alternative options for poses based on whether you fancy pushing yourself that day or sticking to something more comfortable. She constantly refreshes her classes, too.”
HOLLIE GRANT
@thepilatespt
Who? A Pilates instructor who runs her own London studios as well as online classes, Grant specialises in pre- and post-natal fitness.
She says: “We do not believe in extreme exercise regimes, fad diets or body-shaming.
Focusing on how your body performs, not how it looks, is the key to lifelong health and happiness.” Cyan Turan, Cosmopolitan’s senior editor, says: “Hollie’s classes combine Pilates and cardio, but it’s her knowledge that makes her stand out – I always leave her classes feeling like I understand my body better. After working out with her for a few months, I feel stronger. I also love her habit of calling out fitness influencers with no qualifications who post bikini pictures promoting ab workouts.”
@georginacoxpersonaltraining
Who? A personal trainer and online coach who aims to build “strong, confident women”, rather than rockhard abs. She’s known for painting her body with empowering quotes like “Train your mindset, not your waist”, and posting snaps of them on Instagram.
She says: “My platform is dedicated to my clients. I want to be a constant presence for them, empowering them in their bodies, movement and lives. Helping people focus on what their bodies are capable of is my passion, because our bodies exist to do so much more than become the smallest version of themselves!” Sophie Boyden, Cosmopolitan’s social media manager, says:
“It’s refreshing to see a PT who is so real, and wants their clients to focus on how they feel rather than a number on their scales or body measurements. Georgina advocates making health and fitness feel accessible.”
@hannahlewinpt
Who? Working exclusively with women, Lewin is an anti-diet-culture personal trainer specialising in eating-disorder recovery. During the pandemic, she pivoted to offering her services online.
She says: “I work with all of my clients in a nonaesthetically focused way to ensure that we approach their health and fitness goals from a sustainable perspective. I focus on weights lifted, not weight loss.” Laura Capon, Cosmopolitan’s deputy
beauty editor, says: “I never, ever thought I would work with a personal trainer, but when she started training a few of my friends who are also plus-size, I got curious. She never makes me feel judged when I’m working out and doesn’t make it about weight loss. When you’re bigger, you’re always told you can’t do things until you lose weight, but last week, Hannah said she thought I could do a full press-up. With her encouragement, I managed to do five.”
AJ O’NEILL
@move.with.aj
Who? A former West End performer, O’Neill is now a dance and wellness coach who runs classes for the likes of Pineapple Dance Studios and Equinox. He also teaches on his own platform, where he makes sure his classes are body-positive, LGBTQIA+ and disability-friendly.
He says: “I teach classes including Diva Sweatfest (silly dance fitness), Barre’d (barre), Equilibrium (yoga, Pilates, barre and meditation) and more over Zoom, as well as wheelchair-accessible dance on YouTube. Everyone is welcome. Don’t be afraid – we laugh a lot, and you can
always leave your camera off.” Catriona Innes, Cosmopolitan’s features
director, says: “It’s been a while since we had a night on the dancefloor, but AJ’s Diva Sweatfest dance parties are an excellent replacement – he picks the best pop songs and leads you in a routine.”
@fiit
Who? The popular platform came into its own during lockdown and has remained a firm favourite of at-home exercisers. Users can compete in its “live leaderboard” and track their stats.
They say: “All of our classes are created and led by industry-leading trainers and are designed to push our members to get real results from home. The app offers 360º training, with targeted training plans, challenges, and over 600 on-demand classes across our three ‘studios’: cardio, strength and rebalance.”
Jodie McEwan, Cosmopolitan’s picture
editor, says: “Fiit never mentions weight. Instead, it focuses on your fitness. There are loads of classes, and you can tailor plans to fit your needs. My favourite trainer is Adrienne Herbert – she’s super-motivating and encourages hard work. Most Fiit classes last around 25 minutes, but if you want a longer workout, you can search classes by duration.”