A non scary health and fitness magazine (Zest)

Member Name: Vixstar

Product:	Zest
Date:	11/07/09 (61 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Well written; Accessible.

Disadvantages: Slightly thin for the price

When browsing through the magazine racks for my treat magazine I am almost always drawn towards the latest copy of Zest.

Zest is billed as a healthy lifestyle magazine and that is exactly what it is. It is packed full of articles to try and help the average woman make their lifestyle more healthy, even if only in a small way. There is no preaching, no extreme suggestions and not every suggestion will cost you lots of money.

As with most women's magazines Zest is broken down into various sections.

*Kickstart - A brief intro into what's hot this month, followed by some real life type articles. Either people done good, inspiration, or how to be better.

*Health & Self - focussing on physical and mental health this section reviews one reader's lifestyle (found this article a bit obvious as it seemed to be rolling out standard advice regardless), it also looks at major health issues and experts answer readers questions.

*Beauty - fairly obvious what's covered but it does seem to be more geared towards skin and hair rather than the latest make up looks.

*Fitness - Exercise routines, latest exercise trends, intro to sports and articles on running (Zest prides itself on its women's running book and works hard to persuade beginners to run whilst cheerfully encouraging those that have already started).

*Zest for Life - the anything else, lifestyle section - holidays, eating, clothes and hobbies.

Finally there are the regulars (letters, horoscopes, next month) and readers treats(competitions, discounts, subcriptions and a freebie pampering or exercise treat).

This is written in a very readable style. The articles are very interesting but usually only fill a couple of pages. The fitness, beauty and self improvement suggestions are realistic and are not at all preachy. I can't comment on the quality of the recipes as I haven't got round to trying them but they look tasty enough. I find that I read this magazine from cover to cover and then return to it throughout the month to look at the articles for further advice and tips. I even keep one or two copies as further reference. It is a positive and bouncy magazine that is a very enjoyable read.

This magazine is released monthly, right at the beginning of the month. It costs £3.40 a copy, however with only 130 pages this may be thought to be a little pricy, however the articles should last you a while. It is easily identifiable with a healthy, happy woman on the front dressed for that season's exercise - The cover is always very bright and eye catching.

Summary: A positive magazine which wants to inspire you to a happy, healthy lifestyle.