Jess Schuring is the founder of Heartcore, boutique studios across London that specialise in TRX and Reformer Pilates.
She might be busy opening her ninth studio - expect an incredible fusion workout in West London - but that didn't stop her hosting an ELLEfit Wednesday workout.
After testing our core strength and making our glutes burn, she shared her top fitness tips.
HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR TRAINING FUN AND CHALLENGING?
By mixing it up and listening to my body.
My job allows me to trial different classes and instructors which keeps my training routine varied and fun.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP RUNNING TIPS?
Take your run out into the open as often as you can to soak up fresh air and challenge your body and mind by incorporating various terrains into your run (concrete, steps, grass, sand, hills).
Also, add some interval sprints to build endurance and speed up your metabolism - great for days when you're short on time.
Core strengthening exercises are important to help you build a more powerful stride and become more efficient.
And stretch out those tired leg and glute muscles at the end by holding each stretch for at least a minute.
FAVOURITE EXERCISE OF THE MOMENT?
The yoga headstand in yoga.
I like the athletic element to it, balancing on my shoulders and head.
It requires a lot of elements working in unison at the same time: technique, balance, core strength, focus and mostly trust in my own ability and not being afraid of falling.
Plus, being upside down is meant to boost your metabolism.
It's a move that really humbles me as I am not very good at it and have to re-try over and over again.
Every second counts as every additional second I can stay in the position feels like a huge accomplishment.
BEST EXERCISES TO STRENGTHEN THE CORE?
One of the best ways to strengthen your deep core muscles is by doing leg raises.
Stand with your feet hip width apart and lift one leg up and and straighten it out in front of you.
Try and lift from your abdominals and keep your upper body upright and straight.
Engage your thighs and flex your foot.
Hold for at least 10 seconds (don't forget to keep breathing) and repeat on the other leg.
Do this daily and you'll see your core strength improve very quickly. Plus you'll reap the benefits of a sneaky hamstring stretch and balance work at the same time.
WHAT ROLE DOES NUTRITION PLAY IN YOUR TRAINING?
Huge! Food is so much more than simply the calories you're ingesting or cutting out gluten or going dairy-free.
Choose your food based on the nutritional value it has.
For example, a mini ice cream has about 150 calories consisting mostly of fat and sugar.
A full bag of stir fry vegetables with chicken or tofu has about the same amount of calories but will not only fill you up but also provides you with the nutrients and fibre the body needs.
That doesn't mean we should live and eat like saints all the time - just being aware of what you eat is already a huge step.
WHAT DO YOU ADVISE EATING BEFORE/AFTER WORKING OUT?
To me that is an entirely personal choice depending on how you feel best during your workout.
It's good to have a steady blood sugar level and be well hydrated before, during and after class.
Even if you don't feel like you broke a sweat, your body still craves water to rehydrate and flush out toxins that have been released during the workout.
If you suffer from low blood sugar level, keep a banana handy - it is one of the simplest, most economical and natural energy boosters in the world.
Plus, it comes already wrapped!
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAIN DURING THE DAY?
Again - that is a personal choice.
I like to train early mornings otherwise my schedule takes over and I don't get to train at all.
It also sets me up for the day.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKOUT HACKS?
I can't stand burpees yet I know they work wonders on getting my heart rate up.
When doing them, I focus on how great I'll feel by the end for not having given up and owning the moment ...
Not really a cheat but it helps to feel bad ass when you'd rather look the other way.
WHAT'S YOUR WORKOUT MANTRA?
Don't be afraid of failing, challenges or pain.
Face your hurdles, work through each one and learn from it.
(And yes, I do have to repeat this to myself all the time).
HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE THE PERFECT PLANK?
Maintain shoulder and elbow ratio (we tend to lean forward too much and stop engaging our lateral muscles for support).
Draw your shoulders down and away from your ears.
Press your inner thighs together to create more abdominal strength and support for your lower back.
Keep your head up and look slightly forward.
Draw your tummy muscles tight and visualize your belly button being drawn inwards and upwards towards the back of your spine.
Push your heels through and lift your knee caps.
And keep smiling!
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN TRYING TO GET A FLAT STOMACH?
People often believe that a flat stomach is down to strong tummy muscles alone. But there is actually a lot more you can do...
A proper posture mixed with an adequate diet (to avoid bloating and extra fat) can work wonders on flattening your tummy.
