The first thing I noticed was a metallic taste in my mouth. 

I was 14 and this taste just came out of nowhere, and could last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

With no clue what it was, I put it down to it being that time of the month. 

Then, in April 2021, my granddad passed away. It really impacted me and caused a lot of anxiety to build up.

Suddenly, the metallic taste was just one symptom of many that came on at once: I started noticing shock feelings, like when you get a jump scare, and a sense of deja-vu.

I would notice it, then forget what triggered it less than a second later, all the time thinking: What have I just seen?

The crying started soon after. A favourite show or song tends to bring out a bit of emotion in all of us but whenever Demons by Imagine Dragons came on I would cry really, really deeply.

My family would repeatedly ask me what was wrong but I could only ever tell them that I didn’t know.

Eventually, they started to ignore it. Without any explanation for my weird symptoms, I acted as if nothing was happening.

It wasn’t until September 2021 when I was on holiday with my mum and sister that I had deja-vu, and a feeling like I was on a roller coaster with a wave rolling through my chest. The feelings were familiar by this point but I noticed they were going on and on.

When my hands and toes started tensing and tingling, I panicked. 

Mum came out, I sat down and then must have been unconscious – I remember waking up and being really confused as Mum told me I’d had a seizure.

We drove to hospital and I had another 15 seizures along the way.

It was actually a bit of a relief to get diagnosed with epilepsy.

After an MRI scan and an EEG – during which I had a seizure – I met my neurologist. She asked about shock feelings, deja-vu, the metallic taste, and mood swings, getting really angry or randomly crying. It was like she was explaining the past six months of my life. I finally understood.

For Sarah

Last year, on March 10, we lost our beloved colleague Sarah Whiteley. Sarah was a fantastic journalist; she was Metro’s parenting columnist and a valued member of our first-person and opinion desk.

Sarah died aged 39 from SUDEP – sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. It is thought that every year around 1,000 people die from causes related to epilepsy.

With support from Sarah’s family, Metro is fundraising for two very important charities: SUDEP Action and Epilepsy Action.

Sarah was so incredible at helping other people share their experiences; she was a born storyteller and we hope to do her proud with this series, while raising money in her memory.

I now know I have focal seizures. They are largely controlled by medication but it took a long time to get my dose right. 

Being diagnosed with epilepsy at 15 meant I lost a lot of friends. They thought my condition meant I couldn’t do anything anymore, and they were scared of what would happen if I had a seizure when we were out – so I just wasn’t invited. 

I understand it’s not an easy thing to process and yes, I’ve got this disability, but I can still do things like a normal person. 

One of the hardest things to deal with has been the mood swings. While my medication was being adjusted, I would get irritated really easily. It was like a devil hopped into my brain and took control of my body.

I’d ruin things in my bedroom, or I’d self-harm. Afterwards I’d look back and think, what the hell has just happened?  

The one phrase I came back to over and over again was: Don’t punish yourself, because this is not me – these are not the sorts of things I do.

I’ve found that reading, doing jigsaws and playing games on my phone really help me when I’m feeling anxious. My family are really supportive but they know when to give me space.

Another challenge is being unable to drive. I had to stop learning after three lessons because I had a seizure, and for my type of seizures, UK law requires that you’re 12 months seizure-free to drive.

A lot of people I know can drive now; I see them driving past my window while I’m isolated inside. My dad bought me a car for my birthday; looking at it without being able to touch it has really affected me. 

Today, I’m at college studying health and social care. Having epilepsy has made me want to work with people with the same condition.

I still suffer from a lot of social anxiety – I’ve become very shy and don’t socialise or talk to people much because of the experiences of being excluded I’ve had in the past. I don’t want to have to go through that again. 

But I want young people to know that it is possible to feel normal again after an epilepsy diagnosis, to feel like you fit in instead of being the odd one out who’s got this problem. 

It takes time to be able to feel like ‘you’ again, but it’s possible. You’ll get better, you’ll find the things that help you to cope. 

It’s the kind of motivation that I wish I’d had. 

As told to Rosy Edwards

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

Share your views in the comments below.

Cancer. Two liver transplants. Sepsis. A pulmonary haemorrhage. Multiple organ failure. A tracheotomy. Three months in an induced coma. A stroke and four mini strokes.

And that’s the condensed list of what I’ve been through.

At 22, I know that I am very young to have experienced all that and it all feels quite unbelievable when you write it down.

It all started when I was two and I began getting poorly with severe nosebleeds, a swollen belly and yellowing of my skin and eyes.

My parents took me to hospital and I was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a type of liver cancer. It must have been so scary for them knowing their first child was so ill – I can’t imagine how they must have felt.

I had chemotherapy initially, and was eventually given a liver transplant.

But after eight years, my body rejected the organ. All my symptoms came back, and I was put into an induced coma for nearly three months and given an adult liver instead.

Shortly after the transplant, I went into multiple organ failure as I caught a virus. My body was shutting down and I was put on support including dialysis and life support machines.

During those three months, I also developed sepsis, which caused severe bleeding in the mouth. My parents were told on four separate occasions that they should start planning my funeral.

I came out of the coma and it was a long slow recovery over several months, and I was eventually allowed to go home in 2014, aged 11 but just after getting back, I had a stroke.

I was rushed back to hospital where they said the stroke had been caused by high blood pressure due to the ongoing treatment.

I was put back on the machines to monitor everything and I didn’t leave the hospital for 18 months and then the rehabilitation centre for another six months – this took me from age 11 to 13.

My sisters were brought out of school and my whole family lived near the hospital during that time – my dad was going to and from work from there.

I needed to be in intensive care to give me the support I needed; during that time, my family were told I might not be able to walk or talk again.

I had to re-learn how to do everything – and I couldn’t remember anything at all.

In fact, I still don’t remember anything from before the stroke. I don’t have any memories from before age 11.

For that reason, I think, my memories from that time in hospital are especially clear – and they’re not all happy. Far from it.

I do remember the first taste I had of an ice lolly, which was an amazing sensation, but so many other things were tough.

It was such a painful process, physically and mentally, learning to walk again. 

I missed so much school too, and being away for so long affected all my friendships. I still find I get on with people who are several decades older than me better than I do with people my own age, because I got so used to adult company.

Eventually, in Jan 2016, I was able to walk out of the rehabilitation centre – an amazing feeling – and I began to go back to school.

I was 13, so I went into Year 9. It was a shock to the system, but I made a good group of friends and I really enjoyed being there after everything I had been through. I was still in and out of hospital but I tried to make my life as normal as I could.

But it wasn’t plain sailing. Until I was aged 16, I had mini strokes, one of which caused epilepsy and that I’m on life-long medication for now.

I hated the seizures. I would get symptoms three days before, going light-headed and dizzy, and really tired. After the seizure had happened, it was like my body was resetting and I would still be tired and I couldn’t get my words out.

Back then, I needed a lot of care; but I’m at a point where I haven’t had a seizure since I was 16.

Now, I am as healthy as I possibly can be after all I have been through – although my hip and knee are damaged, because my stroke happened when I was growing and it affected my development, so I need joint replacements, which will happen at some point in the future.

My parents were always told the chemo had affected my chances of having a child so, when I fell pregnant at 18, it was certainly a surprise.

I’d also always known that, if it did happen, I would be a high-risk pregnancy.

After I did the pregnancy test, I actually told my nurse at the hospital before I told my mum as I wanted to get their advice first. 

I was worried to tell Mum, more because of how young I was than because of any health concerns, but I did. She was shocked at first, but she is a brilliant grandmother.

Thankfully everything was OK with me and I gave birth to a healthy baby daughter, before falling pregnant again just six months later. Tallulah is two now and Otillie is one – they are my world.

In November, I will be seizure-free for six years and I have the go-ahead for a driving licence so I am in the process of getting that, which is really exciting.

I still have to take my seizure and transplant medication every day at 8am to keep my liver working and stop seizures, and then I take the seizure medication at 8pm in the evening too, but this is my daily routine and I don’t know anything different. It’s not something I really think about, especially as I am now so busy just being a mum.

As I might not have been able to have children, the girls feel even more special. My daughters and I live by ourselves and I have help from my family and my neighbours, who are brilliant. I think I have done pretty well and, even at the peak of tiredness as a mum, I still feel so lucky.

It’s a privilege to be my daughters’ mum. They can be mischievous at times, but I wouldn’t change them for the world.

Everyone calls me a walking miracle – and now I have two amazing daughters. We’re three miracles together.

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

Share your views in the comments below.

A woman has opened up about how dressing and acting like a puppy with her partner has improved her mental health, saying that it helps her to leave human stresses behind

Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the whole point of Prosecco its bubbles?

Apparently not, as Aldi has just launch a first-of-its-kind supermarket Prosecco… minus the fizz. The bubble-less drink is called Costellore Still Prosecco DOC and it retails for just £5.99.

I managed to get an early taste and I’m going to give you my honest opinion so you know whether or not to get some in for the bank holiday.

I’ll be honest, at this very point of writing, a bottle is chilling down in my fridge but I haven’t opened it yet. I’m stalling because I suspect it’s going to taste like cold, flat Prosecco and I’m not sure how I’m going to feel about that. What if it’s more Pro-heck-no than Prosecco?

I’m concerned because Prosecco’s whole modus operandum is delivering that vibrant froth that tickles your tongue like an apple and pear-flavoured cream soda. So much so, that I’ve heard Prosecco of being called everything from ‘party diesel’, ‘electric tinkle’, ‘corked chaos’, ‘giggle water’, ‘Satan’s sparkles’ to ‘tickle spit’. Don’t ask me about that last one.

My point is, the common denominators all refer to having fun with bubbles, without which, there’s no spit, sparkle, Satan or tinkle. It’ll be like Prosecco, but broken. My fizzy wine won’t be, well, fizzy wine-ing. Capiche?

Interestingly, Prosecco does actually start out as a white wine before they create the bubbles (by adding more yeast). So, I suppose it’s just one less process for the winemaker, hence the lower price.

Sparkling or not though, any wine with ‘Prosecco’ on the label must be made from a grape called Glera, grown in the legally-designated region of Prosecco. This stunning region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a mere 45 minutes north of Venice by car. The wine itself must also be produced there, otherwise it can’t legally be called ‘Prosecco’. It would be called ‘Glera Spumante’ after the name of the grape, which isn’t nearly as catchy.  

Regular Prosecco, which we all know and many of us love, is made by first pressing Glera grapes, adding yeast and fermenting it into a white wine. The bubbles are introduced via a second fermentation in a pressurised, stainless steel tank called an ‘autoclave’. On the whole, there’s zero ageing (one of the ways it’s very different to Champagne) and that’s why we see so much of it around.

Aldi's other new releases…

Still Prosecco isn’t the only unusual drink Aldi has launched of late. They’ve also released what has been described as ‘a coffee-style red wine’.

A what, now?

It’s called Macchiato Pinotage and it sells for £7.99, the clue to its style is very firmly in the name.

I’m all for coffee notes in a red wine, especially when its accompanied by sweet tobacco flavours in a Primitivo from Puglia, for example.

No hate, but this red has had its coffee flavours fast-tracked via oak staves and blocks added to the wine, rather than through the oak barrel gently leeching into the wine over time.

The result? Sadly, it has a harshly burnt flavour from the oak’s dominance, which is a shame as the basis is a guzzlesome, plummy red.

Full disclosure, I’m not a fan of bog-standard Prosecco DOC. I find it cloyingly sweet and simple in flavour and texture. Character assassination over. However, I am a fan of any Prosecco with the words Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG on the label, meaning that the grapes have come from a tiny, hilly part of the region, making far more elevated (literally, some vineyards are over 1,500m above sea level) sparkling wines.

Putting how much we love Prosecco over here in the UK into perspective, over 660 million bottles are produced every year, with the UK glugging 36% of the total production. That’s around 131 million bottles annually, so we’re a bunch of greedy guzzle gannets for the stuff. Basically then, there’s a lot for this bubble-less Prosecco to live up to. You could say that it has big bubbles to fill.

The verdict

This looks like a lemon-yellow-coloured white wine, because it is.

It’s made from the regular DOC grapes, but the lack of bubbles has given it an elegance and finesse a bubbly version of the same quality level could never achieve.

It’s bone dry and lively with flavours of lime, nectarine and tangerine.

Not only is it a brilliant talking point, I’m a huge fan of the flavour, the price and will be stocking up over the summer.

Do you have a story to share?

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

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If you don’t know the acronym LBD, we’ll assume you’ve been living under a rock.

Though there is a grey area over whether LBD means little black dress or long black dress, but we’ll leave you to debate that one. For this piece, we’re taking it to mean the latter. 

M&S has impressed us in recent years with its stylish pieces, and has shed its stereotype that the brand was solely for the mature woman – aka our mums and grandmothers.  But that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Our virtual basket is filled to the brim, and one staple we are snapping up before it sells out is the M&S Pure Cotton Round Neck Midi Waisted Dress, which fetches £45.  In our opinion, it is the perfect summer dress we intend to wear on rotation this season. 

M&S Pure Cotton Round Neck Midi Waisted Dress

Crafted from pure cotton, this lightweight and versatile dress is ultra flattering.It boasts a fitted bodice, round neckline, and floaty A-line skirt that falls midway down the calf. Available in petite, regular and tall, as well as UK dress sizes 6 to 24.

BUY NOW FOR £45

The Pure Cotton Round Neck Midi Waisted Dress is oh-so chic and versatile, which is why it gets our vote of confidence. 

The design boasts a round neck, is sleeveless, and has a fitted bodice, which is ultra flattering.  The cinched-in waist beautifully contrasts the voluminous A-line puff skirt, which falls midway down the calves. Plus, it features button fastening on the back to secure the dress in place. 

The higher neck, combined with the midi-length skirt, provides coverage, and makes this design ideal for wearing to the office, and more formal events too.

The pure cotton fabric is ultra lightweight, breathable and comfortable for hours of wear – especially in the warmer weather. Plus, it is easy to wash at a 40 degree temperature. 

We can’t wait to wear this staple all summer long. We will pair with ballet pumps and a denim jacket, maybe even layer a tight t-shirt underneath on those slightly fresh summer days.

If we’re looking for an even more casual look we would style with sandals, perhaps trainers, and a denim jacket. This dress will also see you through any summer parties, weddings, and other formal events styled with wedges or kitten heel thong sandals and jazzy accessories. 

For £45 we think this dress is an absolute steal, especially when we think about the styling options and all the events in our calendar we can wear this number. It’s a timeless staple we know we will bring out every summer, and holiday season for that matter.

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Well would you look at that, the first of two bank holidays is here – and with the sun still shining, we’re doing everything we can to make the most of it over the long weekend.

Just like every week, our shopping expert has searched high and low for the hottest products, exciting news – fresh from the high street – and all the bargains and sales you need to know about.

Now we bet you’re wondering ‘how could she possibly top the bumper editions she’s carefully handpicked and put together before?’ – we she has, and you won’t want to miss a second of it. Our suggestion, pop the kettle on, take five, and get your debit card ready for some mild spending that’s about to happen…

Of course we must start with the hottest news: after what feels like a lifetime, IKEA has opened its doors in the iconic TOPSHOP space at Oxford Circus – marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with CEO Peter Jelkeby, Mayor Sadiq Khan, and the Swedish Ambassador. The event drew large crowds and even featured street performers on May 1. IKEA superfan Vicky Dawson, who has visited all UK stores, was among the first to enter – what a legend!

For the matcha and tattoo obsessed, Blank Street is launching a pop-up experience this Spring, combining a Matcha Bar with a drop-in-only Tattoo Studio in collaboration with renowned artists from The London Social and The Manchester Social. Visitors can receive a fine line tattoo and enjoy a refreshing iced drink. The pop-up will be open in London at Battle Bridge Place in Kings Cross from Friday May 9 (11am-7pm) to Saturday May 10 (11am-7pm), and at Aviva Studios in Manchester from Friday May 16 (11am-7pm) to Saturday May 17 (11am-7pm).

Sticking with the beverage theme, new research shows that Gen Z prefers personalised nicknames over outdated pet names. To celebrate this trend, Coca-Cola’s ‘Share a Coke’ campaign now includes customisable cans with modern nicknames, available from May 15. The campaign highlights the importance of nicknames in Gen Z friendships and offers a fun way to express these connections.

These are just a few things our expert thinks you need to know about, with plenty more… So get that card ready, as we predict some spending in your future.

Teremana Blanco Tequila

Teremana Blanco Tequila, founded by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, is a premium, small-batch tequila made from 100% blue weber agave in Jalisco, Mexico. It features bright citrus notes and a fresh, clean finish, achieved through traditional brick oven roasting and copper pot distillation. The tequila is celebrated for its quality and sustainability, having won several awards. It is versatile for sipping or mixing in cocktails and is gluten-free with no carbs or sugar.

Buy Now for £39.99 at selfridges

Classic Hair Claw-Clip

The Classic Hair Claw-Clip from & Other Stories is a medium-sized accessory featuring a playful pattern. Made from 70% recycled polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and 30% methyl acrylate-butadiene-styrene, it measures 8 cm by 4 cm and is designed to securely hold hair while adding a stylish touch.

Buy Now for £14 at & other stories

CortiSoul

This advanced blend of adaptogens, amino acids, vitamins, and functional mushrooms is crafted to support energy metabolism, psychological function, and overall balance through nutrient replenishment. With no caffeine, no added sugar, and a refreshingly tropical taste, it’s not a quick-fix but a foundation for your daily calm and composure.

Buy Now from £24 at free soul

UV Defence SPF 50+

Skinstitut's UV Defence SPF 50+ is an oil-free, high-protection sunscreen suitable for daily use. It offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, preventing premature ageing and sunspots. The formula is non-comedogenic, making it ideal for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types. Apply generously 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.

Buy Now for £39 at Skinstitut

Essence Gold 23 Watch

The Essence Gold 23 Watch by Abbott Lyon is a luxurious timepiece featuring a gold 5-link chain strap and a pearlescent square dial. It is equipped with a Quartz Seiko Movement and is water-resistant up to 3 ATM1. Designed for everyday wear, it combines elegance and versatility. The watch comes with a two-year warranty and is packaged in luxury recyclable materials.

Buy Now for £149 at abbott lyon

Matcha Lip Scrub

Experience exceptional lip care with this exfoliating lip scrub, designed to rejuvenate and refresh your lips. Infused with nourishing ingredients and the invigorating flavour of matcha, this scrub gently removes dry skin, leaving your lips incredibly smooth.

Buy Now for £20.85 at sync

ZERO Sunglasses in Green Tortoiseshell

The ZERO Sunglasses by Taylor Morris, inspired by the iconic frames worn by John Lennon, feature completely flat, base zero lenses for a distinctive look. Crafted from handmade green tortoiseshell cellulose acetate, these sunglasses include hunter green CR39 lenses with CAT3 UV protection. The design is complemented by stainless steel with gold metal detailing and bespoke temples. The ZERO has become a brand favourite and is instantly recognisable.

Buy Now for £210 at Taylor Morris London

Pink Printed Shirt Pyjama Set

The Pink Printed Shirt Pyjama Set from River Island is a stylish and comfortable two-piece ensemble. It includes a collared shirt and matching shorts, both featuring a graphic print. The shirt has short sleeves and button fastening, while the shorts come with an elasticated drawstring waistband and pockets. This set is perfect for a chic and relaxed night in.

Buy Now for £36 at river island

Matcha Latte Lovers Tasting Pack

The Bird & Blend Matcha Latte Magic Whisk bundle includes the innovative Matcha Latte Magic Whisk, designed to create perfect hot or iced matcha lattes at home with ease. It comes with the Magical Matcha Selection Box, featuring 12 diverse 5g matcha tins, including popular flavours like Ice Cream and Salted Caramel. This bundle is ideal for both beginners and matcha enthusiasts.

Buy Now for £125 (worth £135) at bird and blend tea

Halo Essential Scoop Tank

The Halo Essential Scoop Tank has been redesigned with a new scoop neck and a fitted silhouette. Made from Vuori's ultra-soft brushed DreamKnit™ fabric, which consists of 89% recycled materials, this tank offers exceptional comfort. It features wide straps and a high back, making it perfect for both lounging and active wear.

Buy Now for £65 at vuori

Almora Serum For Fine Lines

Experience the ultimate skin rejuvenation with our Fine Lines Serum. This high-performance serum features a patented oil-in-water emulsion containing micro-active droplets from seven natural oils in the SAPTA COMPLEX ©. Enriched with antioxidant Forsythosides B, mango extract, and adaptogenic plants, it boosts cellular oxygenation, restores elasticity and firmness, and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Buy Now for £119 at Almora botanica

Dorina Curves Navy Floral Ink Print Swimsuit

The Dorina Curves Navy Floral Ink Print Swimsuit is a stylish and flattering swimwear option designed for comfort and elegance. This swimsuit features a deep V-neck with a twisted front, wide adjustable straps, and a pull-on stretchy design. The navy floral ink print adds a touch of sophistication, making it perfect for a chic beach or poolside look. Additionally, it includes pockets for added convenience.

Buy Now for £18.20 (was £28) at new look

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No matter how long you hold a plank for, it feels like an eternity.

You’re sure hours have gone by, and yet you look at the timer, and you’ve been struggling for all of five seconds.

The annoying thing, is that the plank really is good for you. Loved by yoga mums, army cadets and everyone in between, the core strengthening exercise is simple yet effective. But just how long are you meant to be able to hold it?

The record for the longest plank was set by Josef Salek from the Czech Republic in May 2023 – an unbelievable 9 hours and 38 minutes, around an hour longer than a flight from London to New York. 

Arms shaking just thinking about it? Well, thankfully, the average person doesn’t need to spend a full day in agony.

Rowan Clift, training and nutrition specialist at Freeletics, tells Metro that the exercise is about ‘quality, not quantity’. However, there are some parameters, depending on your age, which can be a useful guideline for your next workout.

Aged 20-39: 45-60 seconds

‘In your 20s and 30s, being able to plank for 45-60 seconds is a solid marker of good core endurance,’ says PT Joseph Webb, who has been in the fitness industry for 17 years.

But, Joseph adds: ‘The purpose of a plank isn’t to chase an arbitrary number. It’s to build usable core stability that supports what you want to do outside of the gym.’

It might take some trial and error achieving a plank. As a starting point, put yourself in the position of, well, a plank. Use your forearms and toes to hold yourself parallel to the ground, with your back and legs straight (not arched).

Joseph adds it’s important to ‘keep hips level with shoulders, squeeze glutes and engage thighs, and maintain a natural neck position.’

He says: ‘Brace your abdominals as if preparing for a punch, but keep your breathing fluid, as if you’re sitting on the couch.

‘Sagging hips, flared ribs or strained shoulders mean you’re no longer training the muscles you think you are.’

Ages 40-59: 30-45 seconds

Joseph says: ‘From my experience working with hundreds of clients in this age range, I’ve found that maintaining a 30-45 second plank with excellent form demonstrates very respectable endurance and trunk stability.’

That doesn’t mean you can’t push yourself though. ‘If you’re able to confidently reach 60 seconds, that’s generally a sign of excellent core control for this age group.’

Adjusting to the technique can be more difficult as you age, however. This can be due to various reasons, including loss of muscle mass and strength.

‘As muscles around the hips, pelvis and spine weaken, or become less coordinated, it takes more effort to stabilise the plank position,’ says Joseph.

‘Those in this age category may also find planking difficult due to joint stiffness or previous injuries, which can make it harder to hold a rigid position.’

Age 60+: 15 to 30 seconds

Joseph advises his clients aged 60 and over to aim for 15 to 30 seconds of a full plank with good form.

‘If you can build up to 30 seconds, that’s an excellent marker of strong functional core endurance at this stage of life.’

Rowan adds that if you’re 60+ and finding the plank difficult, you can modify the exercise to make it a little easier.

He explains: ‘Plank on the knees or with hands elevated on a bench to build strength while reducing pressure on the wrists, shoulders and lower back.’

Remember: quantity over quality

The most important question to ask yourself is: What’s the goal?

Joseph explains: ‘The purpose of a plank is to to build core stability that supports what you want to do outside of the gym.

‘Whether that’s running, lifting or simply moving well in daily life, the question is: “Is my core doing its job when I need it?”.’

How often should you plank?

Rowan advises incorporating planks into your workout regime three to five times a week. He says: ‘Your core benefits from regular activation, but you do also need to allow time for rest and recovery.

‘Performing planks daily can be fine, especially if you are varying the intensity and duration, but if you’re experiencing fatigue or tightness, have at least one day’s rest.’

You should be careful of pushing yourself too much, Rowan adds. ‘If you experience shaking, holding your breath, pain in your lower back or shoulders, or your hips begin to sag, it’s time to stop. These are signs that muscles have fatigued and your form is breaking down.’

Do you have a story to share?

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

Asda customers are in for a treat this month, with the supermarket launching a major giveaway that could see you walking away with £6,000.

To celebrate its 60th Birthday, the supermarket has launched a new ‘Scan to Win’ prize draw, with instant giveaways ranging from 60p to thousands of pounds to spend on food, clothing and more in store.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is spend £5 or more and download the Asda Rewards app. Simply scan your rewards app at the checkout to reveal a guaranteed prize.

How to claim your Asda’s ‘Scan to Win’ giveaway

From Thursday 1st May until Monday 30th June, customers who spend £5 or more in-store or online and scan their Asda Rewards app can earn one entry per day to reveal a guaranteed prize.

The top prize available to win is £6,000, but we’re afraid to say you won’t be leaving the car park with a wad of cash.

Instead, the prize money will be added to your Asda Rewards Cashpot in the app, where it can be converted to vouchers to spend in store or online.

Still, with the average family now spending £5,000 on food each year, the top prize will have your groceries covered and leave a decent chunk to splurge on clothing and homeware.

Other Cashpot prizes available are worth £600, £60, £6 and 60p, as well as £60, £6 and 60p off coupons.

Terms and conditions for ‘Scan to Win’ and a full list of products excluded from Asda Rewards can be found on Asda.com.  

Kids eat for 60p

As part of its birthday celebrations, Asda is also dropping the price of its ‘Kids Eat for £1’ meal deal in its cafes to just 60p.

The deal is available in all 205 cafes for the entire month of May, including the May half term holiday.

Resident agony aunt Coleen Nolan has advice for a reader wondering whether she needs to accept she might not meet a life partner so she can feel happier at 50

Coleen Nolan advises a reader in her 40s who does not know where to turn after her husband asked for a divorce, saying he hated feeling restricted by marriage