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Curl bars are a sort of barbell typically used for bodybuilding, olympic coaching, powerlifting and normal weightlifting. They’re a confirmed device to construct higher physique power, particularly in your biceps. In contrast to straight bars, curl bars are formed like a W, which helps promote activation of your biceps and triceps muscle groups whereas eliminating stress out of your elbows and wrists.
This versatile piece of health club tools is a staple of many house and storage gyms, and serves as a superb addition to higher physique exercise routines. Curl bars are typically very inexpensive and take up minimal area, making them a budget-friendly and space-saving funding for house health club fans.
On the subject of shopping for a curl bar that will probably be efficient for power coaching, supply a snug grip and maintain as much as years of robust exercises, there are quite a few components to contemplate earlier than making a purchase order. Our complete curl bar overview will spotlight our prime picks for greatest EZ curl bars, tips on how to discover a curl bar that’s best for you, what varieties can be found, their advantages and tips on how to use them.
Titan Health
Constructed for heavier lifting, the Titan Health Olympic EZ Curl Barbell makes our listing for greatest olympic curl bar due to its sturdy and long-lasting design, permitting it to carry up effectively to intense exercises like cranium crushers and spider curls. With two diamond-knurled hand grips that every measure 7.5 inches, you’ll be able to really feel assured when lifting heavy weight that you’ve loads of room to keep up a sturdy grip. The medium knurling will even assist hold your barbell securely in place with out digging an excessive amount of into your arms.
This heavy-duty chrome steel bar is coated in arduous chrome and might assist as much as 200 kilos of weight. It additionally comes with rotating sleeves, which additional assist to securely maintain olympic weights in place. It’s an incredible curl bar to train with after a pre-workout complement, since this piece of health tools is supposed for heavy-duty exercises. You can too safely use this bar outdoors; its chrome steel and chrome building helps shield it from any rusting or discoloration.
Buy Titan Health Olympic EZ Curl Barbell
Bowflex
Fairly than loading up on a number of curl bars and barbells to assist your weightlifting workout routines (and, subsequently, sacrificing valuable area in your house or storage health club), a curl bar set is a space-saving answer that also provides you a number of items of higher physique health tools to select from. The Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell with Curl Bar is our favourite two-in-one compact system that permits you to simply change between both bar. It comes with weight choice dials for fast weight adjustments, and affords seven weight increments on every bar, maxing out at 80 kilos. For a heavier carry, it’s also possible to improve to a 120-pound system.
For those who get pleasure from train courses, this Bowflex system is appropriate with the JRNY health app, which prices $19.99/month or $149/yr. The subscription is bought individually, however new members can make the most of a one-year free trial. Whereas the subscription isn’t free for lengthy, the excellent news is {that a} base is included in your buy of this curl bar set, so you’ll be able to re-rack your bars as wanted.
The Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell with Curl Bar comes with a three-year guarantee that covers each bars within the occasion that one thing breaks or malfunctions, which is useful since some customers report issues with meeting and building, like sliding weights.
Buy Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell with Curl Bar
Synergee
For slightly below $80, you’ll be able to add a stable EZ curl bar to your private home health club that is available in 4 distinctive coating choices. Synergee EZ Curl Bar is our greatest finances curl bar due to its glossy design, high-quality metal building and better max weight capability of 450 kilos. This inexpensive curl bar is available in chrome, black-chrome, black phosphate and crimson finishes. It additionally comes with 6.25 inches of loadable sleeve size on both finish of the curl bar, which is the place you’re ready so as to add your weight plates; nevertheless, weight plates aren’t included in your order, so that you’ll have to buy these individually. Weight plates can be found on Amazon or by way of most health retailers.
Whereas this bar is on the lighter finish (19 kilos), it’s made with bushings, which assist enhance stability whilst you’re lifting. General, clients reward the standard of the curl bar’s lifting expertise, however some complain of ongoing rust points. Synergee at present affords a five-day substitute window after receiving the product, so make sure to notify customer support straight away when you discover any points together with your curl bar and wish to request a substitute.
Buy Synergee EZ Curl Bar
Eleiko
For those who’re trying to splurge on a high-quality curl bar, the Eleiko Curl Bar is available in as our prime decide. With its easy, chrome end and strategically-placed bends, this curl bar affords a strong, comfy carry with out skimping on efficiency. In actual fact, this Swedish-made curl bar can face up to a whopping 1,102.31 kilos of weight, so even the heaviest lifters can get a difficult exercise with this product. It has simply over 9 inches of loadable sleeve size, as effectively.
On prime of its ultra-high weight load, Eleiko Curl Bar is made with mildly grooved sleeves to stop weights from slipping, which assist customers keep protected and safe throughout these heavier lifts. It additionally has 4 needle bearings to permit for quicker lifts whereas sustaining a easy rotation. General, this high-end curl bar is greatest for severe lifters who wish to considerably construct their power. Eleiko additionally stands behind their merchandise with a formidable 12-year guarantee.
Buy Eleiko Curl Bar
Rogue
Rogue Health is well-known for his or her E-Coat Curl Bar, an especially standard curl bar amongst the health neighborhood. Now, their Cerakote Curl Bar affords a slight variation of the unique with enhanced coating that makes this curl bar our favourite for knurled grips. That includes a black cerakote shaft end, which offers extra corrosion resistance than conventional black zinc (typically used as a end on curl bars), the Rogue curl bar is designed for sturdiness and longevity. It additionally has vibrant zinc sleeves which are electrically-applied to scale back dripping, pooling or gaps, which helps stop chips and affords elevated resistance to rust and difficult exercises.
This curl bar is totally constructed and manufactured within the USA. It contains conventional bronze bushings, a snap ring design and Rogue Health’ trademark Ohio knurl sample. Rogue Cerakote Curl Bar can be made with a detailed grip camber that makes it simpler to do shut grip curls and tricep extensions, which require a slender grip. The Rogue curl bar has a big loadable sleeve size of 10.5 inches, and is appropriate with most traditional olympic weight plates. This bar does weigh 30 kilos by itself, nevertheless, so it will not be the perfect match for extra informal weightlifters.
Buy Rogue Cerakote Curl Bar
Synergee
One other Synergee curl bar makes our listing for greatest curl bar for alternating grips. For those who’re trying to shortly transfer between overhand and underhand grips—which lets you do a higher number of curl bar workout routines—the Synergee Tremendous Curl Bar ranks supreme due to its extra aggressive angles. That includes a extra pronounced U form, this tremendous curl bar affords considerably extra grip choices that allow you to comfortably maintain the curl bar as wanted with out sacrificing kind or stability.
This versatile curl bar has a 400-pound capability and weighs 20 kilos, so it’s appropriate for each newbie lifters and seasoned execs preferring a tougher exercise. It additionally has a two-inch diameter that may assist Olympic weight plates. Just like the Synergee EZ Curl Bar, the tremendous curl bar is available in the identical 4 end choices of chrome, black-chrome, black phosphate and crimson. The Synergee model additionally affords free returns when you’re not glad together with your buy.
Buy Synergee Tremendous Curl Bar
Fringe Sport
On the subject of any main health tools funding, you’ll wish to purchase a product that’s constructed to final. Whereas Fringe Sport EZ Curl Bar comes with a better price ticket of $229, it’s made with high-quality materials that makes it our greatest heavy sturdy curl bar. To not point out, it has a formidable 1,000-pound weight capability to supply difficult exercises for terribly heavy lifters.
Designed with a glossy chrome sleeve end and detailed knurling to extend sturdiness, this bar can face up to intense exercises whereas additionally retaining your wrists, elbows and forearms protected. Fringe Sport EZ Curl Bar comes with an extended 9.8-inch loadable area on every finish and bushing to enhance stability throughout heavy-load lifts. It additionally has a black zinc end on the shaft that helps stop rusting and corrosion whereas rising the general lifespan of the product.
Buy Fringe Sport EZ Curl Bar
REP Health
A rackable curl bar is a brilliant funding when you’re trying to carry weights in an influence rack. Our favourite rackable curl bar is the REP Health Rackable Curl Bar, which retails for slightly below $200 and is available in two end choices: a tough chrome end with a matte look or a full, stainless-steel possibility; the latter affords elevated rust resistance over the arduous chrome end. The tensile power, or resistance to breaking underneath rigidity, is 190,000 PSI for the arduous chrome and 200,000 PSI for the chrome steel possibility. Something over 180,000 PSI (or kilos per sq. inch) is taken into account to be a extremely sturdy and sturdy curl bar.
In contrast to most curl bars, that are both bushing or bearing, this rackable curl bar affords a novel hybrid design that features one needle bearing and one bushing per sleeve. This offers a very good stability between spin and stability (needle bearings enable for quicker lifts, whereas bushing provides extra stability for powerlifting actions which are slower and strength-focused). Its medium knurling additionally offers lifters with a snug grip with out digging too deep into the pores and skin. Some clients, nevertheless, say that the knurling isn’t extensive sufficient for ultra-wide grips.
Buy REP Health Rackable Curl Bar
Whereas curl bars typically serve the identical function—understanding your higher physique—they arrive in a number of variations that meet totally different power coaching wants. These are the different sorts.
A set weight EZ curl bar is a curl bar with a preset weight, reminiscent of 20 kilos. You should buy only one fastened weight EZ curl bar with a weight that’s best for you, or purchase a number of, relying on the kind of exercise you do. Bear in mind—the burden can’t be modified on these bars.
Olympic EZ curl bars are designed to carry Olympic weight plates, which typically are available in heavier curl bar weight units than customary weight plates. Olympic weight plates even have a two-inch gap measurement, whereas customary weight plates have a one-inch gap measurement; subsequently, Olympic EZ curl bars have a thicker bar. These bars may also maintain high-density rubber weights often called bumper plates, which match on two-inch barbells and gained’t harm your flooring if dropped throughout Olympic lifting.
Customary curl bars are geared up to carry customary weight plates, which normally have a one-inch gap measurement. They’re sometimes a lot lighter, and have a decrease weight capability than Olympic EZ curl bars.
Tremendous EZ curl bars have a deep U form in the course of the bar, in contrast to the extra shallow W form on customary EZ curl bars. This form helps give extra grip choices when lifting weights.
Rackable curl bars could be positioned in energy racks or a sort of health tools used for barbell workout routines. These bars are typically longer, which additionally makes them simpler to load weight plates on.
Specialty bars are barbells designed for extremely particular makes use of, reminiscent of solely concentrating on a sure muscle group or train (like squats). Additionally they are inclined to have a special form—starting from rectangular to hexagonal—than typical curl bars.
Most EZ curl bars are between 45–55 inches in size, so you’ll be able to count on a normal measurement vary in terms of bar size. Nevertheless, when you plan on utilizing your curl bar in a squat rack, you might wish to take into account shopping for a rackable curl bar, which is designed to be longer for simpler racking. These are sometimes 75 inches, give or take, and are typically higher for loading a number of weight plates.
A regular curl bar sometimes weighs 11–13 kilos, and is better-suited for lighter weightlifting, since a heavier bar will tack onto the quantity of weight you’re lifting. An Olympic curl bar, then again, ranges between 18–25 kilos or extra. Relying on how a lot weight you’ll be able to at present carry or wish to finally carry, you might wish to go for a lighter or heavier bar. Take into account that a heavier bar will make extra noise, and is vulnerable to inflicting harm if it’s dropped on the ground.
For those who’re a heavy lifter, search for a curl bar with a better weight capability, reminiscent of 400 kilos. Some curl bars may even face up to weight as much as 1,000 kilos or extra. This may assist assure your bar can maintain sufficient weight to maintain your lifts difficult. Nevertheless, if heavy lifting isn’t your aim, a normal weight capability of 200–400 kilos or much less must be sufficient for easy-to-moderate lifting.
Knurling is an important design component on the shaft of a barbell that helps improve friction between your arms and the bar. It sometimes has a crosshatch sample, and improves your grip whereas stopping slipping. Relying in your wants, deeper knurling will probably be greatest for heavy lifts, because it stabilizes your grip extra, whereas middle knurling retains the barbell steady whereas squatting. Deeper knurling, nevertheless, can typically harm your arms, so make sure to put on weight gloves.
Grip angle is necessary for permitting your wrists, elbows and shoulders to fall right into a pure and impartial place whereas holding a curl bar. The broader the grip angle, the extra you’re employed your internal biceps. The nearer the grip angle, the extra you’re employed your outer biceps.
Materials performs an enormous function in a curl bar’s longevity and sturdiness. Search for high-quality and long-lasting supplies, reminiscent of high-strength stable metal building, along with a chrome or black phosphate end for elevated corrosion resistance. Having a troublesome, sturdy bar issues, particularly if you’re lifting heavy weights, since this will help stop damage and slippage.
Curl bars typically include totally different finishes, reminiscent of chrome, black manganese phosphate, black oxide and zinc. All finishes basically serve the identical function, and that’s to guard the bar from rust. Black phosphate finishes have a tendency to offer higher rust safety, whereas chrome finishes supply a sleeker look. On the finish of the day, it comes all the way down to which completed look you like greatest.
Curl bars have a large worth vary of underneath $100 to effectively over $400. Take into account your finances and the way a lot you’re keen to take a position in your house health club. Make sure that the bar you purchase is justifiable for the value level for the way a lot weight it will probably maintain, its end or coating and its building.
You possibly can full quite a lot of higher physique workout routines with curl bars. Listed here are the commonest.
Drop units are a sort of weightlifting method the place you full an train with a heavy weight till failure—or in different phrases, till you burn out. As soon as you’ll be able to’t do any extra reps, you decrease the quantity of weight you’re lifting (for instance, by 10–20 p.c), then repeat the method till you burn out as soon as extra. Most individuals full three complete units in a typical drop set exercise.
Reverse curls, also called reverse bicep curls, are much like a conventional bicep curl with one small variation: As an alternative of holding the burden together with your palms up, you grip the curl bar together with your palms dealing with down. Then, you bend your elbows to carry the weights in direction of your shoulders.
Upright rows are frequent curl bar workout routines the place you maintain the burden with an overhand grip, lifting the curl bar straight as much as your collarbone. Then, you slowly decrease it again down and repeat.
Biceps curls could be accomplished with a variety of weightlifting tools, reminiscent of adjustable dumbbells or barbells. For those who’re doing biceps curls with a curl bar, you maintain the bar with an underhand grip and slowly carry it to your shoulders by bending your elbows. Then, reverse the curl and repeat. You can too do a slight variation of biceps curls with preacher curls, which comply with the identical routine however are accomplished in a seated place with a slanted preacher curl bench for added stability.
Overhead triceps extensions are isolation workout routines that concentrate on your triceps muscle groups. This train is often carried out seated if accomplished with a curl bar, so that you’ll wish to use a weight bench. Maintain the bar with an overhand grip and lift it straight over your head. Then, slowly decrease your arms again behind your head by bending your elbows till you are feeling a burn in your triceps. Repeat till you full the specified quantity of reps. You can too do overhead triceps extensions with a kettlebell.
Shut grip curls are much like bicep curls, besides that you simply’ll put your arms a lot nearer collectively on the EZ curl bar. This helps isolate the height of the bicep and contributes to bodybuilding objectives. Shut grip curls are typically held with an underhand grip at hip width or nearer.
There’s some debate as as to whether or not curl bars can be utilized to do squats. Some say curl bars must be strictly used for higher physique workout routines, whereas others say curl bars can, actually, be used to do squats in the event that they’re accomplished with the best kind and method. These in favor of utilizing curl bars for squats lean in direction of doing the next workout routines, however keep away from customary again squats:
Sure, you’ll be able to bench press with an EZ bar, and it’s a reasonably simple train. Merely lie in your again on a bench, maintain the EZ bar over your chest together with your arms straight and slowly decrease the bar till it gently touches your chest. Then, push the bar again up and repeat.
Whereas deadlifting with a curl bar appears like an incredible concept, it’s not the best technique to full the train. That’s as a result of an EZ curl bar sometimes has a a lot decrease weight restrict than a straight bar, so that you’ll be restricted on the quantity of weight you’ll be able to carry. That being stated, if you wish to deadlift with a lighter quantity, then an EZ curl bar can function an alternative choice to a straight bar.
The primary distinction between a curl bar and a straight bar, apart from the look, is the kind of grip that you simply’re capable of obtain. A straight bar retains the angle of your wrists straight, whereas a curl bar retains your wrists barely angled. This curved angle permits you to use a extra pure grip and carry out a bigger number of workout routines. A curl bar additionally places much less stress in your wrists and forearms. Straight bars, then again, are greatest for workout routines that don’t require angled grips, like squats, bench presses and deadlifts.
Relying in your health stage and power coaching objectives, your splendid curl bar weight might differ. A regular curl bar can maintain about 200 kilos, which must be sufficient for many lifters. In actual fact, many lifters with a number of years of expertise might even carry half of that. For those who’re searching for heavy or Olympic lifting, nevertheless, you might wish to hunt down an Olympic barbell, which has a a lot increased weight capability. An excellent rule of thumb is to begin with a weight that’s comfy for you, then slowly transfer up in 10-pound intervals as you construct up your power and health ranges.
Each curl bars and dumbbells have benefits and downsides for lifters, so one isn’t essentially higher than the opposite; it merely will depend on your train objectives. Dumbbells enable for a higher number of workout routines and vary of movement, and might also be simpler so that you can stability, because you’re not holding a big bar. Curl bars, then again, assist cut back wrist ache and goal biceps muscle groups extra particularly than dumbbells, relying on the train.
Having a curl bar at house is a good asset for higher physique exercises. It’s a glossy, efficient and inexpensive addition to include into house and storage gyms, and matches effectively with each guide and good health tools or machines. For those who’re commonly doing biceps and triceps workout routines, a curl bar may also assist take stress off of your wrists and forearms, defending you from damage or overuse. Earlier than shopping for an EZ curl bar, make sure to overview worth, weight capability, coating and building to discover a curl bar that’s constructed to final.
Costs are correct and gadgets in inventory as of publish time.
Winter is here, which means the days are feeling shorter and the weather’s getting colder.
The dark and nippy mornings don’t exactly make it easy to arise for an early spin class or a run.
We spoke with two exercise experts for their tips how to keep motivated to get moving in winter.
The season can indeed be very disruptive to people’s exercise routines, says Matthew Bourke, from The University of Queensland’s Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation.
“Things like the cold, bad weather, it getting lighter later in the morning and darker earlier in the evening are key barriers which get in the way of physical activity,” Dr Bourke says.
“For a lot of people, these barriers outweigh their motives to exercise.
“It takes a lot more effort and self-control to overcome these barriers to exercise in winter.”
Sport and exercise psychologist Emma Slade says evolution suggests why some people want to “hibernate” more in winter.
“We have shorter days, in turn less hours of sunlight, and often our appetite changes towards more hearty and warm meals,” Ms Slade says.
“Some people may find winter really leads them to slow down, and again this stems from our evolution.
“Winter for many species is time for restoration.”
During the darker, colder winter months, it’s not uncommon for some people to find they struggle with motivation.
Many Australians report that they feel flat and lethargic in winter, the federal government’s health advice website Health Direct says.
Some people might put this down to ‘the winter blues’.
But a small proportion of people might experience something more severe, called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
SAD is a type of depression that usually develops in winter and autumn.
The cause isn’t clear, but it’s believed the lack of sunlight has something to do with it, Health Direct says:
“It is thought to be caused by changes in light exposure, which lead to changes to the body’s circadian rhythms (its ‘body clock’).
“At different times of the year, the body produces different amounts of melatonin and serotonin, which affect mood.”
In winter, SAD symptoms can include:
But SAD is rare.
SAD affects “about one in 300” Australians, Professor Greg Murray, director of the Centre for Mental Health at Swinburne University, says.
While the ‘winter blues’ or SAD can take a toll on our mood, experts say exercising regularly is one way to help alleviate some of the symptoms.
At the start of every year, gyms see a surge of newcomers eager to kick start their year with fitness goals.
However, by June, 50 per cent of new members will cancel their membership, according to a report from an international body representing the fitness industry.
“In Australia, if we have people starting the year out strong and making a new year’s resolution to exercise more, we naturally expect some of this motivation to start dropping over the first half of the year,” Ms Slade says.
“This occurring at the same time as leading into winter is a double-whammy on motivation.”
The short answer is no — because everyone is different.
“The type of exercise that you enjoy is usually the one that will get you moving more consistently,” Ms Slade says.
“It’s the form of exercise where you know overcoming the slight grind and grumble in getting started will soon be overcome by a deep feeling of satisfaction or fulfilment.”
Dr Bourke agrees.
He points to a study that showed participants’ motivation wavered if their main focus for exercise was on improving health and body image, rather than exercising for fun, accomplishment or a challenge.
The study called the former focuses external motivators and the latter intrinsic motivators.
“There was a study in Wisconsin which looked at motivation between people who exercised all year round and those who only exercised during winter,” he says.
“The authors found that people who sustained their levels of exercise during winter were more strongly motivated by the enjoyment, challenge, and the social affiliation compared to those who only exercised in warmer months.
“That’s why it’s important to try and find something that you actually like doing.”
For some people who love a challenge, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts may tick the box.
For others, a fun exercise may be taking a walk in the park with the dog. Or maybe, joining a weekly social run club.
Here’s what Ms Slade and Dr Bourke suggest.
Dr Bourke’s biggest tip to defeat the urge to stay toasty on the couch is to build a habit.
Schedule your workout into your day with a precise time, so it’s set in stone.
“One way to form a habit is through what is called context-dependent repetition,” he says.
“This is where someone forms habits by doing the same thing in the same contexts over time, such as going to the gym on their lunch break every Tuesday.”
He also recommends using specific cues that signal to yourself that you’re headed out to exercise.
The goal is to build up an association between a cue and an activity.
Take washing your hands after using the toilet as an example: handwashing is the activity and using the toilet is the cue.
Your cue might be bringing exercise clothes to work on specific days, and your activity might be going for a run straight after the work day ends.
After a period of repetition, it will become almost instinctual to get changed into your work-out gear as soon your shift is over.
It’s true that darker months can affect mood, but Ms Slade encourages people to embrace seasonal changes rather than dread them.
“‘I’m lazy in winter’ is a very common form of self-talk synonymous with skipping sessions and sleeping in.
“Shifting this thought to more adaptive thinking such as ‘with trial and error I can adapt and find a winter routine that works for me’ creates a more compassionate and curious space.
“The weather isn’t in your control, but how you prepare is.”
This is where problem-solving comes into the picture.
“Give yourself a couple of weeks to find a winter routine that works for you,” Ms Slade says.
“After each bout of exercise, reflect on what worked and also what didn’t work or got in the way.
“From there, you can continue to tweak and modify an approach that suits best.”
For example, if you plan to go to the gym in the evenings in winter, but find yourself getting home first and instead settling in for the night, you might take your workout gear with you and head straight from work to the gym.
I can vouch for this!
And if you don’t get off to a good start this winter, you can continue to problem solve your routine and adjust it right in time for next year.
According to a study in the International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, listening to motivational music before you do something can put you in the right frame of mind for the task at hand.
“Pre-task music can be used to heighten exercisers’ activation for an impending bout of exercise, and has been shown to optimise arousal and facilitate task-relevant imagery,” the report says.
Another study in the Psychological Bulletin also found stimulative music can distract from pain endured during exercise through competing sensory stimuli.
“Music has the capacity to provide significant positive effects for exercises in terms of reduced perceived exertion and more efficient oxygen utilisation,” the report says.
So, forge a habit (as per Mr Bourke’s advice) to listen to music before you exercise.
It could help you get your sneakers on and drive you out the door, even if it’s cold outside.
“Integrating media, such as music, podcasts, or audiobooks can be a great way to make exercising more enjoyable,” Dr Bourke says.
Winter officially starts today — June 1.
But, because Australia is so big, the seasonal conditions people experience differ depending on where they are.
Northern parts of Australia experience wet season and dry season.
While further south, people tend to think of seasons in the European or North American sense — summer, autumn, winter and spring.
Winter officially ends on August 31.
This year it’ll be on June 21, the Bureau of Meteorology said in a social media post.
Nina Cash’s life motto is, “It’s never too late,” and it certainly fared her well when she decided at 57, to enter Sports Illustrated‘s rookie modelling competition.
“I would never have had the courage to enter the competition in my twenties or thirties, but at 57, I felt more confident and comfortable in my own skin and able take the leap and enter,” Nina tells HELLO!.
Nina was named one of the seven winners of the competition, and now calls modelling her ‘encore career’, following a work life that saw her earn a doctorate in educational leadership.
“As a life-long learner, I am enjoying the process of learning about the modelling industry,” Nina says of her latest challenge. “I have met some wonderful, supportive people who have been so encouraging.
“I look at Apo Whang Od, who was on the cover of Philippine Vogue last year at the age of 106, and Iris Apfel, who signed with a modelling agency at 97, and realise there is still a chance for me, in my late fifties, to be on the cover of a fashion magazine.”
“Life experience has definitely helped in building my confidence,” Nina says of where she found the courage to enter the modelling competition.
© Ben Watts /SPORTS ILLUSTRATED“As you grow older, you begin to understand what matters to you and what doesn’t. What matters to me is how I feel about myself at the end of the day. It truly is none of my business what others think of me.”
INSPIRATION: How I beat a midlife confidence crisis at 49
That said, Nina notes that she’s had a huge confidence boost since winning the competition. “I am a minority, 57-year-old, grey haired, disabled (because I have diabetes), retired, senior citizen, who is featured as a 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie – I can’t believe it!”
Given how incredible she looks, you might expect Nina to have an intense fitness routine, but we’re happy to report her exercise regime is surprisingly relatable.
“I have always been active, but I’m not a gym junkie and I don’t work out every single day,” she explains. “I don’t have a regime, I just move about and exercise in whatever manner I feel like at the time.
© Dana Patrick“It is important for me to be active, whether it be riding my Peloton, walking my dogs or dancing to eighties music in my living room. Movement is very therapeutic for me and fills my emotional bank account.”
READ: I’m more energetic than ever at 61 – here’s how
At 49, Nina was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, explaining: “I am fortunate to not have to take insulin, but am on medication and will probably need to be for the rest of my life.”
To stay healthy, she takes supplements including folic acid, magnesium and vitamin D, but doesn’t follow a strict diet.
“Although I am diabetic, I eat anything I want in moderation,” she shares. “I do not deprive myself of certain foods, but I certainly don’t go crazy and eat a gallon of ice cream.
“I make it a point to never skip breakfast – it’s my fuel for the day. I load up on protein and then throughout the day, I graze on healthy snacks, instead of a full lunch and dinner.
“I try not to eat past 6pm, as I feel so much better in the morning when I wake up, which is around 5am or when my four rescue pups decide to wake me up!”
READ: I’m healthier than ever at 70 – here’s how I stay at my best
As someone brimming with energy and enthusiasm, it’s clear to see Nina is an optimistic person – with so much excitement still to come.
© Dana Patrick“What makes me happiest in my fifties is knowing that my happiest moments have yet to come! Life is good and I am grateful and appreciative of it all,” she tells HELLO!
“My advice for others is very simple: Life is going to pass regardless of what you are doing or not doing, just go for it!”
© GettyHELLO! wanted to create a space dedicated to sharing incredible stories from midlife; somewhere you can find inspiring stories of like-minded women, living their best life beyond 45.
Enter, Second Act…
For too long, we were expected to fade into the background when we hit 45, but we’re here to reframe your Second Act as a celebratory, exciting new chapter with endless possibilities ahead.
From women who embarked on new careers in their fifties, to those who travelled the world alone after their children left home, to women who finally felt confident when they reached their forties, Second Act is devoted to celebrating the incredible stories of midlife, and we’d love to have you along for the journey – because being part of a community makes everything more enjoyable.
Visit HELLO!’s Second Act hub
Chronic stress can lead to weight gain by triggering emotional eating and disrupting hormone levels. Find ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques, meditation, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy. It’s crucial tips on how to not be fat without exercise.
9. Get more vitamin C and D:
Vitamin C and D play roles in weight management and overall health. Incorporate foods rich in these vitamins, such as citrus fruits, berries, mushrooms, and fatty fish, into your diet.
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