Benefits of Fitness with Val Simpson

Val Simpson

We are delighted to welcome Val Simpson as our resident fitness expert.

Val is a qualified L3 Personal Trainer with a special interest in functional strength training and a balanced approach to physical activity to support everyday life, so that you can feel more energised and stronger. She seeks to promote mental as well as physical strength through a balanced exercise routines. A huge fan of ‘exercise snacks’ to squeeze activity into even the busiest schedules, Val is here to guide you in easy, effective ways to fit fitness into your day - yes, honestly!

Val believes passionately in the power of physical activity in improving your heart health, strength, flexibility and overall fitness which all have a direct and positive impact on your skin and confidence. It’s time to get moving and glow up!

Aged 54, Val has experienced the ups and downs of hormonal changes due to perimenopause and coaches, supports and guides many midlife women in finding the right mix of exercise to enjoy and bring long term results. A mum to two teenagers, she also understands how important skincare and selfcare are for young adults.

Based in Sevenoaks, Kent Val is the co-founder of The Health Boost with her friend and Registered Nutritionist Kat Bright.

Val says: "Exercise should be enjoyable and I believe that outdoor activities and movement are simple yet effective ways to enhance overall health and well-being. With the demands of modern life, I'm passionate about helping people incorporate more movement into their daily routines, suggesting the concept of "exercise snacks" throughout the day attached to existing habits. Exercise doesn't always require a gym or extended time. In a society influenced by social media and trendy approaches, I aim to assist individuals in finding their realistic and enjoyable exercise routine, making it sustainable. I encourage strength training as it is crucial for increased energy, combating ageing effects, maintaining physical capability and confidence. With a focus on women's health, particularly in midlife and beyond, strength training becomes paramount. It supports hormone balance and helps prevent or manage health issues like osteoporosis (where our bones become weaker and more brittle) and sarcopenia (progressive loss of muscle mass and strength). Modern lifestyles are excessively sedentary. While science and medicine contribute to longer lives, I firmly believe that establishing a lifelong habit of daily movement and physical activity is the key to strength, health and happiness."

Val 's Most Commonly Asked 5 Questions

1. How does regular exercise impact skin health?
When we exercise, we increase and improve blood flow to cells including skin cells,
which in turn will support efficient removal of toxins. Exercise also helps decrease
stress levels which we know can exacerbate chronic skin conditions such as acne,
eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. In addition, exercise helps decrease the body’s
elevated hormonal and immune responses to life stressors.

2. Are there certain exercises particularly beneficial for the skin?
Any type of regular movement is beneficial to your skin health as all forms of
exercise elevate your heart rate and increase blood circulation which is beneficial to
a healthy looking skin. In terms of specifics, there is no one size fits all. The best
exercise is that which provides stress relief (as opposed to any which increases
stress in the body and elevates cortisol - your body’s main stress hormone). Some
will find relief in yoga while others will prefer running. Lifting weights and walking in
the outdoors are two popular options for feeling great!

3. Can exercise help with skin conditions such as acne, ageing or menopause
flushes? The stress relief effect of a well-chosen exercise regime can reap amazing benefits
for skin conditions such as acne. As for us women going through perimenopause
and menopause, increasing their level of physical activity in any way possible can
reduce hot flushes and have a positive impact on just about every other symptom
attributed to menopause. Recent trials have shown that peri and postmenopausal
women can fight off hot flushes more efficiently by including lifting weights in their exercise routine.

4. Is there an optimal time of day for exercise to maximise skin benefits?
Whether for skin benefit or overall wellbeing, including movement as early in your
day as possible is my number one piece of advice. Purely from the point of view that
more and more things are likely to get in the way as you go through the day.
Exercise is an energiser so you will gain focus and a positive feeling from exercising
in the morning to set you up positively for the day. You’ve ticked that box to feel good
for it physically and proud for it mentally.

5. What advice would you give someone wanting to get started who is currently
inactive and unsure what to do?
Thinking of starting exercise can feel daunting, so my top tips are:
Try things until you find something that brings you joy and wellbeing.
Involve a friend for commitment and accountability
Make it a non-negotiable in your diary
Go slow and be consistent, rather than setting the bar too high and giving up
Remember, life is a marathon not a sprint. If you start exercising, you’ll soon be able to go the distance!

Get Active with Val

Discover Vals top ways to get moving at a pace that suits you. How to boost your strength and make the most of your day when at work or home with her "Exercise Snacks". Find out how exercise makes you feel confident and gives your skin a gorgeous glow.

Everyday Exercise Routines with Val

The Connection Between Exercise and Skin Health

Managing menopause through smart movement