Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

How going heavy helped a gym goer

How going heavy helped a gym goer
Nesreen

LONDON-BASED Nesreen used heavy weights to get stronger, fitter and more confident. 

 The regular gym goer spoke to Eastern Eye about how lifting heavy weights helped her physically and mentally. She provided key advice for females wanting to start their weightlifting journey.  


What first got you interested in fitness?  

It was mainly for health reasons. I was stuck for years in a strict diet approach for weight loss, but decided to do something different to get a better result. I am so grateful I did. 

 What do you most like about weightlifting? 

 It is the most rewarding type of training. The more you put in, the more you get out of it. It is literally a challenge between myself and the bar with no limits.  

How has it helped your physical health?  

Lifting weights has proved how strong I am as a person. The struggle to lift that weight one day, followed by the feeling of success when I manage to achieve a new personal best is amazing. At the end of each training session, the endorphins spike and I get that priceless feeling of euphoria and satisfaction of completing my daily task.  

What about the mental benefits of weightlifting? 

 The focus I require during any weightlifting session provides me with a mental break from my daily stressors, leaving me with mental clarity and it also reduces my anxiety. I can say I now definitely cope better with stress and challenges. Also, during my fitness journey, I’ve met the most incredible people. The beauty of connection and mutual support between fitness enthusiasts is fantastic.  

How do you feel being stronger? 

 What an amazing question. Being stronger has led to a range of positive emotions and psychological benefits, for sure. The list is huge, but I can say it increased my confidence. Believing in my capabilities and being healthier are the main benefits. Now, my hobbies are more enjoyable and less physically taxing – how amazing is this. Of course, my future self will thank me for the muscles I am building now. 

 Tell us about that.  

As we know, as women age, our bone density can naturally deteriorate, but if we keep up with strength training, we can actually reverse that and help generate bone growth. So, it is a win-win. If more women knew this, we would be much more inclined to start weight training sooner.  

What advice would you give those wanting to start lifting weights.  

My quote of life is "The greatest wealth is health". Be consistent. Nothing changes overnight. It is a long challenging, journey, but doable. Fitness is a huge world, so dive into it. Never say, ‘I can’t do it’, just think, ‘I have not done it yet’. Know your goal, put a plan together, stick to and I guarantee you will achieve any goal, in no time. 

 Do you have a final fitness tip?  

I encourage everyone to engage with others in the gym and be part of the fitness community. With time you will create meaningful connections and enjoy a more rewarding gym experience.

More For You

Annabel Croft

Former tennis player and current presenter Annabel Croft

Getty Images

Annabel Croft’s Wimbledon trainers prove white sneakers are a timeless smart-casual choice

Highlights:

  • Annabel Croft spotted courtside in statement Gucci trainers during Wimbledon
  • Paired the footwear with a pleated blue dress by Boss for a sporty yet polished look
  • The platform sole offered subtle height without compromising on comfort
  • White trainers remain a key smart-casual trend, suitable for a wide range of outfits

Annabel Croft embraces sporty style at Wimbledon

Former tennis player and current presenter Annabel Croft made a notable appearance at Wimbledon this weekend, combining elegance with comfort through a smart-casual ensemble. Dressed in a pale blue pleated dress by Boss, she completed the look with Gucci platform trainers, blending classic tennis aesthetics with modern fashion.

The knife-pleat design of the dress referenced traditional tennis skirts, while the fitted T-shirt silhouette gave the outfit a distinctly athletic feel. Her trainers featured Gucci’s red and green web stripe, offering a designer twist on the classic white trainer trend.

Keep ReadingShow less
Charithra Chandran Wimbledon

Chandran wore lambskin shorts and a green cashmere sweater for her Wimbledon appearance

Instagram/charithra17/Twitter/charithra files

Charithra Chandran brings ‘Bridgerton’ elegance to Wimbledon in timeless Ralph Lauren look

Highlights:

  • Charithra Chandran attended Wimbledon as a Ralph Lauren ambassador, turning heads in a vintage-inspired ensemble.
  • Her look echoed Bridgerton character Edwina Sharma, with soft curls and a classic summer palette.
  • Fans online praised her poise and outfit, with many saying she outshone stars like Andrew Garfield.
  • The actress wore a green cashmere sweater, tailored lambskin shorts and white Nappa pumps.

Charithra Chandran’s Wimbledon appearance might have been behind Hollywood stars Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro, but her crisp summer ensemble made sure all eyes found her. Dressed head-to-toe in Ralph Lauren, the British-Indian actress brought understated elegance and old-school charm to Centre Court, and social media took notice.

 Charithra Chandran Wimbledon Charithra Chandran styled her hair in soft curls for the Ralph Lauren outfitInstagram/charithra17/

Keep ReadingShow less
Amazon Prime Day 2025

Running from 8–11 July, the sale is exclusively available to Prime members

iStock

Prime Day 2025 brings huge discounts on electronics including Apple, Samsung, Sony and more

Highlights

  • Amazon Prime Day runs until 11 July, with major savings on electronics
  • Apple AirPods Pro 2, iPad 11th-gen, and MacBook Air M4 hit all-time low prices
  • Samsung Galaxy phones, Sony headphones and Fire TV devices also see deep cuts
  • Prime Day is exclusive to Amazon Prime members, but free trial users can also access deals

Biggest electronics sale of the year

Amazon’s four-day Prime Day 2025 event has delivered a flood of deals on popular electronics, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, headphones and more. Running from 8–11 July, the sale is exclusively available to Prime members, though new users can sign up for a 30-day free trial to access the discounts.

As part of this year’s event, several top-rated products from Apple, Samsung, Sony and Amazon itself have seen some of their lowest-ever prices. According to The Independent’s senior tech critic Alex Lee, “Apple discounts are notoriously rare — but this Prime Day is a clear exception.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Hermes Birkin handbag

The handbag is now the most valuable ever sold at auction

Reuters

Hermes Birkin handbag fetches record £7.4m at Paris auction

Highlights:

  • The original Hermes Birkin bag sold for £7.4m at Sotheby’s Paris.
  • It belonged to British actress and singer Jane Birkin.
  • The handbag is now the most valuable ever sold at auction.
  • It ranks as the second most expensive fashion item sold globally.

A record-breaking sale

The original Hermes Birkin handbag, once owned by British actress and singer Jane Birkin, has been sold for £7.4 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Paris, setting a new world record for the most valuable handbag ever sold at auction.

The sale, held on Thursday, saw the iconic fashion item exceed all expectations, with Sotheby’s calling it “a startling demonstration of the power of a legend.” The bag is now also the second most expensive fashion item ever sold at auction, following the £24 million paid for Judy Garland’s ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz in 2024.

Keep ReadingShow less
Barbie with type 1 diabetes

This is also part of Mattel’s mission to extend the boundaries of imaginative play

Mattel

Mattel introduces first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes to promote inclusion

Highlights

  • Mattel launches new Barbie with type 1 diabetes
  • The doll features a glucose monitor, insulin pump and CGM app
  • Created in collaboration with type 1 diabetes charity Breakthrough T1D
  • Part of Mattel’s broader push for inclusivity and representation in toys

Barbie with type 1 diabetes joins inclusive fashionistas range

Mattel has launched its first diabetes Barbie doll, designed to represent children with type 1 diabetes and promote greater inclusivity in children’s toys.

The new addition to the Barbie Fashionistas line comes with realistic medical features including a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on her arm, secured with heart-shaped medical tape, and an insulin pump to help manage her blood sugar levels. She also carries a smartphone with a CGM app to monitor glucose throughout the day, and a bag large enough to store snacks and other essentials.

Keep ReadingShow less