In the late nineties and early noughties, wellness wasn’t a thing. Vegans were weirdos, yoga was for hippies and shakes weren’t “immune boosting” or “detoxing”, they were what you got after a big night out.
In the world of glossy magazines, thin was in. Kate Moss famously said, “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels,” and staying sample size was the number one priority for the models and celebrities I worked with daily.
We magazine girls wanted to fit into those outfits too, so we carefully monitored our food consumption. That said, I mostly failed to get into those fashion cupboard clothes because I liked boozy nights out and jacket potatoes too much.
In the nineties, models, celebrities and mere mortals didn’t get super slim by following a balanced diet with lean protein, slow-release carbs and plenty of veggies. No, it was about copious Diet Coke and Marlboros.
Sugar was somehow okay to eat because if you looked on the back of the packet of Frosties or Party Rings, there weren’t a high number of calories. It hadn’t occurred to us all that sugar would be converted to fat.
So accepted was sugar that they even handed out Chupa Chups lollies backstage at the fashion shows.
INSPIRATION: Why I’m not too old to wear a mini skirt at 50
Bridget Jones’ battle with her body image was representative of so many of us. We all had a calorie counter ticker taping in our heads. Toast plus a biscuit in the office, plus Pret sandwich plus seven cocktails and accompanying bowls of nuts = 3,000 calories = self-loathing.
To counter such excess, we would then go on horrendous diets such as the cabbage soup diet, the cayenne pepper diet, and the Atkins diet. And do depleting spin/legs bums and tums sessions till we thought we were going to pass out.
Despite all the angst, all the sweat, and all the deprivation I still didn’t look how I wanted. And I suspect Victoria Beckham, who recently said she feels stronger now than in her twenties, when she said she was “addicted” to green juice, was equally dispirited.
VB and I are both now 50, and we have changed up our approach to exercise.
© InstagramWhen it comes to exercise, Victoria says she’s her strongest ever now, and I think she looks happier in her body. She says she now does weights rather than cardio in her five weekly personal training sessions.
I still run with my dog, but using my own body weight (think press ups, triceps dips using a chair) plus free weights in twice-weekly workouts has changed the way I look and feel. Creating muscle means my body burns more calories at rest, which means I can eat more food.
Ahh calories. I don’t have a running total in my head like I used to. I’m just trying to eat nutritious foods that haven’t been too messed about with. To quote author Michael Pollen: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
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Of course, I don’t think VB has changed tact completely. She says she is still “Very disciplined with the way that I eat, the way that I work out and the way I work. That’s just who I am.’
© Photo: InstagramThere are many who would question if she is too slim. But it does feel like she has relaxed a little and arrived at her desired shape in a better way. I’ll leave the final words to her.
“I’m not going to be one of these, ‘Ah, there are too many calories in a glass of wine,’ types. Life’s too short. Let’s have a nice time.”
Cheers to that.
© 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
NorthStar launches Autonomy v2, a cloud-based system for science-driven fitness and business growth.
Irvine, California – November 02, 2025 – NorthStar Advanced Exercise Science has announced the expansion of its Autonomy v2 licensing model, introducing a comprehensive framework for chiropractic and wellness centers seeking to integrate premium fitness services into their practice. The new release includes a Business Handbook and an Intuitive Revenue Worksheet, designed to guide professionals through every phase of licensing and implementation.
Autonomy v2, NorthStar’s flagship cloud-based exercise science system, combines research-driven programming with an adaptable business model that aligns with clinical operations. Using Google Drive and Google Docs for secure program distribution allows wellness centers to deliver structured, science-based strength and conditioning programs without the overhead or complexity of traditional fitness management platforms.
“The new licensing materials make the transition simple and transparent,” said Vanessa Rowe, Sales Director at NorthStar Advanced Exercise Science. “Chiropractors and wellness professionals can now evaluate projected revenue, understand program structure, and begin integrating Autonomy v2 into their service offerings within days.”
The Autonomy v2 Business Handbook outlines operational procedures, revenue structures, and client-facing program models that enable wellness facilities to expand their services while maintaining compliance and clinical credibility. The Business Revenue Worksheet gives potential licensees a clear view of financial potential by mapping out realistic conversion rates, pricing tiers, and scalability options.
Built on advanced exercise science, Autonomy v2 features proprietary sequencing and pathway-based training models derived from NorthStar’s research in adaptive kinesiology and exercise physiology. Each program is delivered with detailed session manuals and integrated progression systems, providing an intelligent blend of autonomy and professional oversight.
For wellness businesses, the system presents an immediate opportunity to add a new premium revenue stream by offering scientifically validated fitness services directly through their practice. The licensing model is structured to support both single-facility operations and multi-location scalability, with NorthStar providing complete digital setup and support via its cloud infrastructure.
NorthStar continues to expand its ecosystem of professional resources through its digital platforms, ensuring licensees have access to up-to-date documentation, analytics, and consult support. Interested wellness professionals can learn more or begin the licensing process by visiting
www.autonomyv2.com or www.northstar-central.com
About NorthStar Advanced Exercise Science
NorthStar Advanced Exercise Science (NorthStar AES) develops cloud-based fitness and wellness systems that merge physiology, biomechanics, and data analytics into scalable, research-driven programming. Through its flagship platform Autonomy v2, NorthStar equips gyms, chiropractic offices, and wellness centers with advanced exercise science solutions designed to elevate service quality and revenue potential.
For additional information or media inquiries, please contact:
Marketing and Communications Department
George Pierce george@northstar-central.com
www.northstar-central.com | www.autonomyv2.com
Press Contact
Name: George Pierce
Title: Director of Marketing & Communications
Company: NorthStar Advanced Exercise Science, LLC
Email: george@northstar-central.com
Phone: (800) 878-9438 ext. 6
Company Address
NorthStar Advanced Exercise Science, LLC
4000 Barranca Parkway, Suite 250
Irvine, CA 92604
Main: (800) 878-9438
SMS/MMS: (949) 687-1297
NorthStar Advanced Exercise Science (NorthStar AES) develops cloud-based exercise science systems that combine physiology, biomechanics, and data analytics to create structured, scalable fitness solutions. The company’s flagship platform, Autonomy v2, provides wellness and chiropractic professionals with a premium, research-driven fitness system that integrates seamlessly into existing clinical operations.
Headquartered in Irvine, California, NorthStar AES supports gyms, wellness centers, and healthcare providers throughout the United States by delivering advanced programming, licensing support, and digital infrastructure via its Google Cloud-based network.
Learn more at www.northstar-central.com and www.autonomyv2.com
This release was published on openPR.
While you’ve been biding your time at the gym, has the real health been hiding in throwing some balls through the hoops? Basketball is one of the few sports that combine speed, agility and strategy in a play that has garnered it roughly 2.2 billion fans and more than 600 million active players worldwide. The game involves an impressive interplay of physical and mental health, is widely accessible and promotes healthy physical activity for people of all ages and abilities.
Here’s how experts state it can be the ideal full-body exercise you need.
Every sports activity is healthy and fun for the body. Basketball in particular is a moderate to vigorous intensity contact sport that has high levels of aerobic activity. “It has many proven heart-health benefits brought about by improving cardiorespiratory fitness and lowering risk of adverse cardiovascular diseases such as strokes,” said Dr Chantal Nguyen, chief resident at Stanford Medicine’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic to USA TODAY.Additionally, it also improves cholesterol, triglyceride and blood-sugar profiles along with being an excellent fat burner. Its high intensity can help in burning a lot of calories and fat. With a variety of movements such as jogging, springing, jumping, dribbling and more, the sport engages numerous muscles in the body, thus toning all of them. These include the core, lower back, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors and calves. A 2022 study published in Springer Nature, mentioned “feeling of the ball” as a complex of specialised perception associated with musculoskeletal, vestibular, visual, and tactile sensations, making it the highest manifestation of coordination abilities. The study explained how the physical movements required in the game improve bone health, and are an exemplary full-body workout. Playing the game works the deltoids, traps, lower back, upper back and core as well as the shoulder joints. It also trains players in two important skills: balance and coordination and hand-eye coordination.
With the amount of rapid strategy and quick movements that the sport demands, basketball is a game that needs you to be quick on your feet and mind all the time. Thus, its team-based nature also elevates mental and social health along with improving mood and connectivity.With the requirement of a team, people learn to open up in communication, leadership and more, helping develop a variety of vital life skills. A 2025 study published in Schizophrenia Bulletin, stated that basketball physical training effectively alleviated psychological anxiety in college students. The above-mentioned Springer study also stated that the sport helps in developing decision-making and increases self-confidence and self-esteem and can be a powerful game for young people who are depressed, teaching them, confidence, empathy and team-building skills.
Basketball is a sport played between two teams of five players on a court with a hoop on both ends. The points are scored by shooting the ball through the opponent’s basket, while preventing the other team from doing the same.What’s important to note, is that the sport also comes with its own injuries. The most common are injuries in the joints such as ankles and knees. Sprains, ACL tears and finger injuries are also common.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment.
Coventry, UK – October 29, 2025 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Strongway Gym Supplies has announced the sale of its multifunctional home gym range, extending access to customers seeking reliable, compact, and versatile fitness systems for personal and small-scale use. The company said that the latest models have been developed to balance performance capability with the spatial needs of domestic users, following a period of steady demand across its home fitness catalogue.
According to Strongway, the update aligns with its wider approach to supplying strength and conditioning equipment that supports structured training without requiring a dedicated commercial space.
The company confirmed that recent refinements have focused on system stability, operational smoothness, and ease of adjustment, reflecting the needs of individuals looking to replicate gym-quality workouts in home environments.
Strongway stated that the new release is part of an ongoing plan to update its products in line with how people are using gym equipment today. By considering feedback from home users and personal trainers, the company aims to keep the same high-quality standards found in professional gyms while making the machines easier to use in smaller home spaces. The update comes after a detailed review of the frames and pulley systems to make sure the design stays consistent across the range of equipment.
The announcement is part of a growing trend in the home fitness market, where many users are turning towards multifunctional gym systems that allow varied training in limited space. Strongway’s current release draws attention to this shift by offering an integrated model that enables both isolated and compound exercises using a unified platform. More information about the range is available at the following link: https://strongway.co.uk/products/strongway-multi-gym-with-weights-multifunction-home-gym-machine.
Mandip Walia, Co-Director at Strongway Gym Supplies, said that the company’s objective remains to provide fitness solutions that are as adaptable as they are durable. “The current line represents our ongoing work to refine the balance between strength, safety, and convenience. As home training becomes increasingly popular, users are asking for equipment that performs consistently over time without sacrificing compactness,” he explained.
The company added that this focus on efficiency has also influenced other developments within its catalogue, where individual machines are designed to support multiple exercise formats. Strongway described this as part of its broader intent to build fitness systems that can evolve with the user — whether for weight training, rehabilitation, or general fitness maintenance.
The company also highlighted that a key part of the recent update was the reduction of assembly complexity. Users can now transition between settings more easily, while maintaining a stable base for controlled movement.
The design also reflects a commitment to mechanical precision, ensuring that load distribution remains balanced throughout a range of motion. This approach, Strongway noted, helps create a smoother user experience while sustaining long-term structural reliability.
The home fitness market in the UK has continued to grow as more people look for professional-quality gym equipment that fits easily into their homes. Strongway’s range, especially its multifunction machines, meets this demand by offering flexible designs that allow for full-body workouts without taking up much space. The company continues to update its home-use equipment to match what customers want, while keeping the same strength and durability found in its commercial products.
Strongway has indicated that the new release will sit alongside other key products within its home multi gym series, allowing customers to choose between various resistance and attachment options depending on their training preferences. The company’s catalogue continues to evolve in response to demand for adaptable, self-contained exercise systems.
Randeep Walia, Co-Director at Strongway Gym Supplies, remarked that the expansion of the company’s range demonstrates a clear commitment to long-term product reliability. “Our focus has always been on consistency,” he said. “Each update is the result of steady evaluation and small but meaningful changes that enhance the overall training experience. We see this as an ongoing process rather than a one-off release.”
The announcement also complements Strongway’s existing catalogue of home and light-commercial fitness products, which continues to draw attention from home fitness enthusiasts and seasoned lifters alike. The company confirmed that the home fitness range of equipment will remain part of its core lineup, accessible through its official page: https://strongway.co.uk/collections/home-fitness.
###
For more information about Strongway Gym Supplies, contact the company here:
Strongway Gym Supplies
Mandip Walia
+44-800-001-6093
sales@strongway.co.uk
Strongway Gym Supplies, 26 The Pavilion, Coventry CV3 1QP, United Kingdom
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