Some things work better together, like Sonny & Cher, Avocado & Eggs, Running & Cake… you get the picture.

To launch their new Calcium soft jells, combining the magic pairing of Calcium & Vitamin D, Alive! Vitamins asked me to share the best workout combinations. These are workouts that complement each other, focusing on different elements of physical fitness. Like a Magic Pairing, where one workout improves your skill and performance in another.

Running + Barre

My personal faves. Lots of runners suffer from weak glutes, an area that is targeted for a full 15 mins during my beloved Barrecore classes. Not only do you work the ‘seat’ region, but the tucking, pulsing, planking, and lifting work muscles throughout the body. Plus the stretching parts of the workout will be welcome to those tight runner’s muscles.

Cycling + Reformer Pilates 

Tight hips? Sore back? Get off your bike and hop onto the Reformer strengthen the core and arms to make you stronger on the bike, and improve post-ride recovery by stretching out those muscles. Your co-ordination, balance flexibility will be tested in both activities.

Bootcamp + Yoga 

High intensity interval training and body weight circuits; high impact and killer cardio at your bootcamp class, then wind down, relax and reset with a yoga routine. Target every muscle, as well as countless mental benefits in both styles of workout. Plus both are better outdoors, fact. (OK, only a fact in summer, when it’s not raining).

Dancing + Strength Training 

Cardio and co-ordination are key skills in whatever form of dance you enjoy. Strength training will help improve both areas, whilst toning your muscles for improved form on the D floor.

Crossfit + Mat Pilates 

I’ve only done Crossfit once or twice, but I have the feeling that if you lift heavy things with regularity, it’s important to stretch out those hardworking muscles. Whilst cross fit works the big muscles, Pilates works the smaller connecting, stabilising muscles.

Boxing + Spinning 

One you stay stationary, the other you’re constantly on the move. Both require endurance and strength. The mental challenge of a quick paced, skill based boxing workout will be enhanced by the added cardio fitness and leg strength you’ll gain from regular spinning classes.

As a runner, my bones take a bit of a beating on the roads (although actually it strengthens the bones and helps prevent osteoporosis by maintaining bone mass) so I was intrigued to try the Alive! Calcium Soft Jells. Containing a mix of Calcium, Vitamin D and Phosphorus, they help maintain strong bones and teeth. Plus they look and taste a little like Percy Pigs, with a strawberry flavouring made from natural fruit. Avtually they’re more like Veggie Percy’s as they’re suitable for vegetarians and have slightly less of a jelly texture than regular Percy.

You can buy them from Holland & Barrett (instore and online) or from Feel Alive direct. I’ve been taking the Energy  and the Immunity support jells for the last 6 months, and it’s become part of my routine now that I have my Alive! vitamins first thing in the morning, whilst waiting for the kettle to boil and make my coffee.