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Whether you’re heading to a class at your local studio, or finding your flow at home, wearing the right activewear can make a real difference to your pilates practice.

Trust me — I made the mistake of showing up to my first proper class in a flowy top, and quickly discovered during downward dog that I’d definitely made the wrong call.

The best pilates activewear is fitting and stretchy to allow for unrestricted movement and a clear view of your form — but it should stay firmly in place as you transition through different movements.

The pieces you pick should also be made with soft and breathable fabrics, and not have any uncomfortable zips or bra strap adjusters. And thankfully, the brand new Pilates Edit by H&M Move ticks all these key boxes.

With prices starting at just £12.99, this carefully curated collection is filled with summer-ready pieces that’ll sculpt and support you through every single movement. Powered by the brand’s famous SoftMove™ fabric — which has a weightless second-skin look and feel — this edit will have you looking and feeling your most confident on the mat or reformer.

From sculpting strappy tops and cycling shorts, to pretty twist-detail tops and sports bras, these are just a few of my favourites for any fellow pilates princesses keen to avoid premium prices.

Integral Bra Sports Strappy Top With SoftMove™

A seriously functional strappy cami, this top has been expertly engineered with second-skin SoftMove™, Lycra® Sport technology for added stretch, and sweat-wicking DryMove™ – which helps pull moisture away from your skin. It’s got an integral sports bra, a sculpting slim fit, and comes in this soft lime green colour that feels so spot-on for summer.

BUY NOW FOR £19.99

Sports Cycling Shorts with SoftMove™ Lycra®

With their high and wide waistband panel that won’t roll down, these gorgeous greige cycling shorts are perfect for a pilates session. Sculpting, stretchy, and surprisingly moisture-wicking, they also come in the collection’s hero light green colour, as well as classic black.

BUY NOW FOR £19.99

Medium Support Yoga Bra with SoftMove™ Lycra®

Pretty yet practical, the twisted detail at the front of this sports bra makes it feel a little more fancy – but it won’t stick out uncomfortably when you’re lying on your front. With its v-shaped neckline, and lined cups with removable inserts, it offers a lovely light level of support.

BUY NOW FOR £19.99

Sports Hotpants With SoftMove™

A skimpier fit than your typical cycling shorts, these yoga hotpants are a must for hot and sweaty holiday workouts. As well as comfortably contouring SoftMove™, they’re also engineered with DryMove™ to help pull moisture away from the skin – and they’ve been beautifully finished off with a delicate scalloped trim.

BUY NOW FOR £19.99

Twist Detail Pilates Top

This cropped and sleeveless twist-front top is a really lovely piece to layer over your sports bra – particularly if you’re grabbing a coffee or breakfast after your class. It comes in black or white, and is made from a buttery-soft and breathable modal and elastane blend.

BUY NOW FOR £12.99

Sports Unitard With SoftMove™

With its seriously chic scooped back, and super summery soft green fabric, there’s so much to love about this unitard. It’s crafted with SoftMove™ to ensure ultimate softness, comfort, and sculpting – while the adjustable shoulder straps and integral sports bra will ensure you’re properly supported. I’m genuinely obsessed.

BUY NOW FOR £27.99

We’re ready to bend, and snap!

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Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow’s 21-year-old daughter Apple Martin has landed a major ‘nepo’ modelling gig just two years after making her fashion debut at Paris Fashion Week for Chanel.

Harriet Sperling, the fiancée of Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips and an NHS paediatric nurse, grew up in a gorgeous £1.5 million six-bedroom Edwardian home in a village in Gloucestershire, not far from Cheltenham.

Dr Mohammed Enayat was working as a GP when he started looking into longevity.

Day in, day out, for 15 years he saw patients struggling with chronic issues, spending their 50s, 60s on a cocktail of medication for issues that, with the right treatment or lifestyle changes, may have been preventable.

He tells Metro: ‘Our environment – be it through what we eat, what we see, what we hear, and what we breathe – all has effect in our biology. And we’re now at a point where we’re starting to see deleterious effects, with diseases on the rise and life expectancy decreasing, because we’re not biologically adapted fast enough to the rate of change of our environment.’

So after further study in regenerative and functional medicine, Dr Enayat founded HUM2N, a pioneering longevity clinic based in London.

You’ve probably heard of this concept because of entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, who recently hit headlines for trying to biohack his system with a militant ‘Don’t Die’ regimen of raw food, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and blood transfusions from his teenage son.

However, Dr Enayat’s outlook isn’t as extreme; he focuses less on defying nature and more on helping people ‘have the best quality of life for as long as possible.’

‘Good longevity medicine is really for everyone,’ he tells Metro. ‘How we live now will dictate how we will live in the future. And what that basically means is the cumulative effect of the lifestyle choices that we’re making on a day to day basis have an effect on our system.’

The fact is, none of us can cheat death, but if you follow Dr Enayat’s simple daily tips, you can potentially add years to your life — or at the very least, improve the way you look and feel in the meantime.

1. Start your day barefoot in nature

According to Dr Enayat, being in daylight right after waking up and standing barefoot on natural surfaces like grass (ideally while doing breathwork or mindfulness exercises) helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm — aka ‘the natural body clock’ -which has a range of wider benefits.

‘We’re generally too much in the fight or flight response or the sympathetic nervous system, so everything that we can do to help improve our parasympathetic nervous system, which is our healing response, is going to help us for the long term,’ he explains.

‘Too much of the stress response causes that causes metabolic issues, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, cardiovascular disease and can even increase cancer risk as well.’

Studies have also shown that the practice of ‘grounding’ can improve mood, with Dr Enayat adding: ‘This is more about state management, learning how to empty the mind when the mind is so cluttered and stimulated by external stimuli.’

2. Skip breakfast — but do it strategically

You’ve probably been told breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but Dr Enayat recommends intermittent fasting of around 12 to 14 hours, which may mean skipping that early morning cereal or slice of toast.

Ideally, he says you should have your last meal of the day two to three hours before bed, as this gives your body time to digest the food while you’re awake and focus on sleep later on. 

Then, try to hold off on breakfast until at least 12 hours after dinner the previous evening, allowing your system to go into the fasting state which promote cellular repair, improve metabolic flexibility, and support better energy regulation throughout the day.

‘If you can even go further to 16 hours or so, breaking your fast at around lunchtime, that can be really good,’ Dr Enayat adds. ‘However, if you find that you’re fatiguing then you might be deficient in nutrients and it might not be the right time for you to do intuitive fasting.’

3. Try cold water exposure

There’s another way to work on metabolic flexibility, which is ‘your ability to create energy from your energy sources more easily’ that you’ve probably seen touted by longevity influencers. But cold water exposure is more than a fad.

Dr Enayat explains: ‘Metabolic flexibility prevents diabetes, and some of those kind of sedentary lifestyle problems and diseases that we have. This is why ice baths can be quite good.’

Effectively, cold water drops the temperature of the skin, forcing the body to work harder to create heat by using up stored energy — pretty much biohacking the system.

Don’t worry if you’re not quite ready for ice baths either, as cold showers have a similar effect.

4. Take these essential supplements

While Dr Enayat is a big believer in tailored supplements (which we’ll get into shortly), there are three that form what he calls a ‘base stack’ for those focused on longevity and performance.

• B-complex with methylated folate – to reduce inflammation
• Magnesium bisglycinate – for muscle recovery, calmness, and sleep
• Omega-3 fatty acids – for heart, brain, and joint health

Magnesium is one you’ll notice the effects of straight away, with Dr Enayat advising that it’s best taken in the evenings.

Others may take longer to have a noticeable effect, but give it at least a month and assess the changes — even if they aren’t super obvious, your body will likely show subtle signs of improvement.

5. Get regular checkups

Topping up your vitamins and minerals with over the counter supplements is unlikely to do you any harm, but if you’ve been feeling run down and don’t know why, testing – preferably annual blood panels (up to 120 biomarkers) – is best to find the root cause of your issues.

Then, once you’ve covered the basics, these results will allow you to step up your efforts, potentially including advanced techniques like peptides to target specific needs.

‘Working with good data and an expert that is looking at the data in a good, holistic way, alongside good nutrition and lifestyle choices, that is what it will extend lives,’ says Dr Enayat.

But he also highlights the importance of ‘engaging with the traditional medical system’ through the likes of routine NHS blood tests, faecal and urine screenings, cervical smear tests, breast screening and the 40-year-old checkup.

6. Train in different heart rate zones

When it comes to exercise, Dr Enayat says ‘variety is the spice of life.’

He recommends structuring workouts by heart-rate zones to maintain lean muscle and metabolic resilience as we age:

• Zone 4 (high-intensity) for mitochondrial health once or twice weekly
• Zone 1–2 (light to moderate) activities like brisk walking most days
• Strength training two or three times per week focusing on compound lifts

Dr Enayat explains: ‘You need to be training your muscles, the core muscles in particular with exercises like squats and deadlifts, to prevent joint and spinal issues.

‘And two, you want to be training the bones, jumping off a certain height or skipping; things that will load the long bones of the joint to improve bone density and prevent bone bone loss.

‘But then also, you need to be looking at the engine – your heart, your lungs and your breathing apparatus… because if you don’t use it, you lose it.’

The final part of this three-pronged approach doesn’t need to take ages or be done in a gym. Just make sure you’re breaking a sweat a couple of times a week, and consider getting a fitness tracker to measure your heart rate variability.

‘The aim is to increase your heart rate variability through these types of exercises,’ Dr Enayat adds. ‘That’s a marker that you’re you’re adding years to your life.’

7. Lower cortisol before bed and optimise sleep

In Dr Enayat’s opinion, managing cortisol levels is one of the most overlooked keys to long-term health and brain function. And it all starts with sleep.

Get into an evening routine where you’re meditating or doing breathing exercises, avoiding screens at least an hour before bed, and keeping your room cool and dark.

But the surprising thing that could protect your rest is kegel exercises.

‘The pelvic floor muscles are really important for holding your urine in,’ Dr Enayat explains. ‘As we get older, as the pelvic floor muscle weakens, the bladder doesn’t have as much support, and you need to wake up to pass urine at night. So by maintaining the strength of the pelvic floor muscles, you will prevent the need to wake up and disrupt your sleep to pass urine.’

Highlighting the importance of a proper night’s kip, he adds: ‘Deep sleep is very important because that’s when a lot of the regeneration healing takes place. Your immune system resets. You fight cancer, cell changes, you produce stem cells. All good stuff happens in the deep phase of sleep, and the REM phase of sleep helps with memory and thought consolidation.’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Prince William and Princess Kate are embarking on a big house move later this year, and their new home comes with an exciting feature they will be keen to use for family days

Walking through my local park recently, I noticed an elderly man sitting alone on a bench, just staring ahead. He looked sad and something about his demeanour didn’t seem right.

Pausing for a moment, I went over. ‘Morning,’ I said. ‘Mind if I sit?’ He didn’t answer, but I sat down anyway.

I asked again, and this time he began to talk. Slowly at first, but once he started, the words flowed.

He told me his wife had passed away exactly a year ago and he was struggling. They used to visit that park together – now he came every day to feel close to her.

He said no one wanted to talk to him about her anymore and he felt incredibly lonely. So we spoke about her on that bench for the best part of an hour.

I don’t know if he was thinking about suicide, but I could feel his deep sadness and loneliness. 

So before we parted, I gave him the number for Samaritans, where I volunteer. I told him someone is always there to listen if he finds himself in crisis, and that he doesn’t have to go through this alone.

When I left, he looked a little lighter. His final words stayed with me: ‘Thank you for listening. Nobody else does.’

That was just one of many moments I’ve shared with strangers I was concerned about. You never know if a simple gesture like this can save their life.

The first time I stopped to speak with a stranger was about 15 years ago. She was sitting alone by the side of a busy road and something about her caught my attention, so I paused and asked how she was.

At first, she seemed surprised, but soon began to share her story about the unacceptable things her partner was pressuring her to do for money. I could feel her pain. 

I couldn’t change that situation, but I listened. And in that moment, that seemed to matter. 

She told me how grateful she was that I’d made her feel seen. I felt humbled and privileged that she trusted me with her story.

From there, I started speaking to strangers in public, on the high street, in coffee shops, at the park. In fact, I’d say I’ve struck up conversations with at least 70 people over the years, and I can honestly say I’ve never regretted a single encounter.

Once, I asked a woman how she was, and she immediately snapped, ‘What’s it got to do with you?’ I calmly replied, ‘Nothing really, I was just wondering how you were.’

Within minutes, she had apologised and opened up about her husband’s health. It reminded me how often people carry heavy things we can’t see at first glance.

This hit close to home for me around seven years ago, when I sadly lost a friend to suicide. While I always asked them how they were and knew they struggled sometimes, it came as a complete shock and has never left me.

Then a number of years later, I was in a relationship with someone who frequently attempted to take their own life.

It was during that time that I made my first call to Samaritans. I was struggling too, overwhelmed by the situation I was in, and not wanting to go through it anymore.

The volunteer on the line listened without judgement. That conversation helped me begin to make different decisions about my own life.

Something had to give. So I became a Samaritans volunteer in 2020, helping them answer calls for help. It’s nice to learn how to listen, but refrain from offering advice.

You’d be surprised how quickly people open up – it’s like they’ve been waiting for someone to ask.

Recently, I was walking by the river and saw a man in his thirties standing by the side. He looked quite distressed and was pacing.

I asked how he was and eventually he told me he couldn’t have contact with his daughter anymore and he felt quite desperate. He told me he didn’t want to be here, clearly planning to end his life. 

So I persevered, asking who else he could turn to for support.

Before I left him, he made a plan to visit his mother and have dinner with her. I truly believe that our conversation helped save his life.

One in four people experience suicidal thoughts, but simple actions you take can be enough to interrupt them. So talk to people. Say hello. Ask how they are. Even if they don’t want to talk, it’s always better to try.

You never know what someone might be going through. If one small gesture could mean the difference between life and death, why wouldn’t you try? If you want more tips, Samaritans has a toolkit on their website, but you don’t need to be an expert.

Now, I feel honoured when someone opens up to me. It’s a privilege to be trusted, to hear what’s really going on beneath the surface – things that many people are sharing for the first time.

By being that listening ear, that conversation can help someone who is feeling suicidal start to see other options than taking their own life and set them on a path to recovery.

This World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), remember suicide is not inevitable. A moment of genuine human connection can be enough to save a life.

Let’s prevent suicide today. Because tomorrow’s too late.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing James.Besanvalle@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

Good Morning America star George Stephanopoulos was caught off guard in a new photo taken inside his family home in NYC, where he lives with his wife Ali Wentworth

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Autumn is the perfect time to give your garden some love. The cooler weather means shrubs and hedges slow down their growth, making it the ideal moment to tidy up before winter sets in. 

But, with sunshine one moment and showers the next, you’ll need a tool that can work quickly and efficiently. Which is why GTech’s HT50 Long Reach Cordless Hedge Trimmer should be top of your shopping list. 

Now couldn’t be a better time to ‘add to basket’ either as GTech are offering a HUGE £120 discount to all Metro readers until September 30, taking the cost of the HT50 from £249.99 to just £129.99. Just add the discount code ‘FB26’ at checkout to get your discount applied. 

GTech HT50 Long Reach Cordless Hedge Trimmer

GTech’s HT50 Long Reach Cordless Hedge Trimmer features a powerful 18V motor capable of cutting branches up to 25mm thick. It gives up to 60 minutes of cordless run time and features a 50cm blade and adjustable head that rotates 135º to reach up to 10 feet without a ladder. Weighing under 3kg with a balanced harness, it’s comfortable and easy to use. Plus, the two-step trigger system helps to keep you safe from accidental starts.

Buy Now for £129.99 (WAS £249.99) – USE CODE ‘FB26’ FOR £120 OFF

With an impressive 60 minutes of cordless run time, the HT50 gives you plenty of time to tackle even the most unruly hedges and, its powerful 18V motor slices through branches up to 25mm thick with ease. 

Struggle to get things precise? Its adjustable head rotates 135 degrees, so you can trim the tops of hedges flat or easily get around thorny branches without awkward angles. Plus, the 50cm blade means you can reach up to 10ft high – no ladder needed!

Weighing just under 3kg and paired with a comfy harness, the trimmer is lightweight and well balanced, so your arms won’t feel the strain even after a long session.

Safety is very much integrated here too as the HT50 features a smart two-step trigger system to prevent accidental starts. Just press the side safety switch and hold the trigger for total control over your trimming.

Scoring an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars and racking up plenty of rave reviews from previous shoppers, this saving is definitely not one to be missed. 

A review left by shopper, John A, said: ‘I bought this to replace a corded long reach trimmer which was too heavy to use. The Gtech is much lighter, better balanced and easier to use. Great product.’

One shopper, named Phyllis M, said: ‘Absolutely fantastic and cut through the hedge as if it was butter.’

And a review from Richard S said: ‘Awesome piece of kit does exactly what it says on the box. We have 120ft of 12ft high hawthorn hedge and it’s perfect for maintaining it.’

Ready to tidy up the garden before bad weather creeps in? Now’s your chance. Just remember to add the discount code ‘FB26’ at checkout before 30 September and score £120 off for yourself!

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