As the cold weather descends, we bring news of a dreamy wellness retreat next summer, plus wellbeing wonders and size-inclusive activewear

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Give the gift of wellbeing this Christmas with a ticket to a heavenly retreat!

Sara Ford and Alice Loombe, Founders of FRESH. Ely, are hosting a three-day retreat, called IMMERSE, in the beautiful grounds of Horsley Hale Farm next June.

Themed around the pillars of Connect, Restore, and Thrive, the gorgeous getaway will feature 15 wellness classes, led by Cambridgeshire’s top teachers. These will include yoga, meditation, breathwork, Pilates, and dance, plus fun pursuits such as barefoot walking, paddleboarding, a wild swim, alpaca time, and most importantly, rest.

Accommodation is provided in award-winning luxury safari lodges, giant bell tents and yurts, featuring super soft beds, squishy sofas, dazzling chandeliers and hot showers, whilst top quality, nutritious and delicious, vegan meals are also included. We’re in!

Is it time you stepped away from the stress of every day and unplugged for the weekend? Then book now to grab an early-bird ticket!

IMMERSE takes place June 9 -11. Early-bird tickets on sale at freshandwell.co.uk/immerse-2023

Cambridge-based running specialist, Advance Performance, has undergone a major overhaul to bring its online presence on a par with its unrivalled in-store customer service.

The independent retailer with premises on Huntingdon Road, has unveiled fresh brand imagery, alongside a superfast new-look website, offering customers an extensive range of running shoes, product launches, and useful tools.

Martin Jennings, Managing Director, explains: “We recognise that the web has changed how people shop and we are not just adapting to survive, we are adapting to thrive in this new retail era. We want to create a real AP running community, who receive exciting rewards, excellent service and great value. In fact – miles better value!”

Advanced Performance is known for its excellent gait analysis service, which helps customers find trainers to match their running style, suitable for all endeavours, from short jogs to ultra-marathons.

Find out more at advanceperformance.co.uk

If working from home is your new norm, fit in a little cardio blast over lunch with a skipping session. Jumping around – even for a short time – helps to improve heart rate and blood pressure, boost immune system, and balance your metabolism.

This 9ft speed skipping rope has textured handles for a secure grip and will help keep you light on your feet. Jump to it.

Skipping rope, £7.50, at johnlewis.com

We all love a spa (don’t we?) but if you’re a bit strapped for cash as the season of goodwill approaches, why not create your own self-care rituals at home? Start by conjuring up your own shower gel (and banish single-use plastics in the process).

ETHOSA has created a nifty powder-to-gel wash starter kit, which comes with a refillable bottle, a plant-based shower powder sachet, plus a natural essential oil mix of eucalyptus, bergamot and rosemary – known to boost the mind and revitalise the body.

Pop all the ingredients into the bottle, add tap water, give it a shake and wait 30 minutes for your uplifting shower gel to form.

Body Wash Starter Kick, £19.90, at ethosa.co.uk

We’re cracking out a few burpees to celebrate the latest designs in size-inclusive gym gear! Brands, from ASOS and Nike to Tala and Dragon’s Den favourite Peachy Lean are acknowledging that one size does not fit all, and that all shapes deserve to wear beautiful, comfortable sportswear.

Sustainable fitness brand Feel Fit has just launched its autumn/winter Evolve Collection, which features inclusive sizing (sizes 6 – 26), vibrant colours (Jester Red, Pine & Sky Blue) and a new material, Eco Olympus Creora ®, derived from recycled top green poly and reclaimed PET bottles. This combination means the collection – spanning full-length pocket leggings, ultra-support long line bras, short shorts and long-sleeve crops - are breathable and heat resistant, with 4-way stretch and UV protection.

Squat-proof, sweat-proof, supportive, and £60 or under, they’re this season’s activewear must-haves!

Shop the Feel Fit range at myfeelfit.com

It’s easy to motivate yourself to pound the streets when the sun is shining and the landscape is lush and welcoming. Winter is another story, of course, as Baltic temperatures and freezing rain are not the best motivators to leave the warmth of your bed on a Sunday morning.

So, perhaps it’s time to sign up to a race for a spot of training inspiration?

The Bonfire Burn 10k is a late autumn favourite, seeing around 600 runners take on a multi-terrain course, setting off from Histon & Impington Recreation Ground, and passing the northern fringe of Cambridge.

Organised by The Friends of Histon & Impington Community, and supported by the village running club HI Runners, the Bonfire Burn takes place on Sunday, November 6.

But be quick, as registrations close at midnight on October 31.

Find out more at bonfireburn10k.co.uk

There’s no denying that a stroll in the great outdoors can do wonders for your spirits – and now you can recreate that soul-soaring landscape with a clever little room mist by Japanese skincare and lifestyle brand Athletia.

Spritz you living room with the deep, grounding and woody aroma of The Sacred Tree Switching Aroma Mist to achieve a sense of completeness with nature, ‘like walking through a forest and pausing beneath a beautiful tree’. Created with natural plant essential oils of sandalwood, rare buddha wood, cedarwood and sweet geranium, it’s literally a breath of fresh air.

Athletia Switching Aroma Room Mist, £39, at athletia-beauty.co.uk