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Mexico’s RBD is selling out stadiums across the United States. Colombia’s Shakira is ruling the charts. And Puerto Rico’s Ricky Martin is going on a joint tour with Enrique Iglesias. Latine pop music is bouncing back. It’s not that it ever went away, but a new wave of artists are redefining the genre and pushing it into the future, much like RBD, Shakira, and Martin did in the past.

Despite having ambitious fitness goals, or a desire to create a change in our lives, many of us are reluctant to give up alcohol. Surely it cannot affect our fitness routines and progress that much, just to enjoy a glass of wine, or a few beers at the pub? But, as Drinkaware explains, alcohol has a negative impact on physical performance, motor skills and brain function. So, what could going sober allow us to achieve health and fitness-wise? “Since going sober two years ago, my training performance, energy levels and mental clarity have skyrocketed,” says personal trainer Josh Davies, from Aimee Victoria Long personal training. So, how does it impact your fitness? Poor sleep and hydration Alcohol has plenty of detrimental impacts on our bodies that hinder our fitness performance. “Firstly, alcohol causes dehydration. We all know the importance of being hydrated when it comes to bodily function,” says Davies. “Secondly, alcohol has a huge effect on the quality of your sleep. Alcohol prevents the body from getting into deep and REM sleep – the part of your sleep that helps with recovery and restoration. “If you’re not getting adequate amounts of this type of sleep, you won’t recover between sessions and are unable to perform when working out.”Motivation and emotions A terrible hangover or consistent fuzzy feeling is not the best if you want to get up and go when it comes to fitness, and the result-restriction caused by drinking could be holding you back. “If you’re not seeing progression in training and you’re feeling tired from the effects of alcohol, your motivation levels are likely to wane,” says Davies. Similarly, its mood-lowering effects can make you want to do anything but workout. “Whenever I used to drink too much, I used to wake up the next day and feel awful. It would leave me not being the best version of myself and stop me from pushing myself to my limits with fitness. I’d feel low, depressed and all I’d want to do is stay in bed,” says Lauren White, addiction coach and former PT. “Alcohol would always make me depressed, I would isolate and want to be alone. I was always into fitness at a young age and knew I was good at it, but when I started getting into drinking too much, I stopped looking after my body and forgot myself and my identity,” she explains. Aids with weight loss Weight loss is not, nor should it be the only goal of a fitness boost, but if it is for you, giving up drinking may help. Nick Mitchell, CEO and founder of Ultimate Performance, says: “The problem with alcohol calories is they take priority as fuel in the body over other fuel sources, as the by-product of alcohol, acetaldehyde, is toxic and converts to acetate. “This means your body won’t start burning fat again until you burn those alcohol calories off. “In fact, alcohol consumption can be one of the major reasons that you are self-sabotaging your fitness goals. “Cracking open a can of beer or two to relieve stress – although it may seem a good idea at the time – will come back to bite you. It slashes testosterone levels in men and impairs muscle growth.“Beer, in particular, is terrible for anyone seeking to lose body fat, due to its high count of calories and its estrogenic effects. This latter point can’t be underestimated – hops are estrogenic and, as such, are the prime causes of many men, not just for beer bellies, but also for man boobs,” he explains.More time and money Quitting drinking will give you more time and money to focus that energy on goals such as strength training or distance running. “You could take up new hobbies and do things that stimulate your mind and give you that serotonin release that you feel from drinking. Furthermore, you can save a bucket load of money,” says Davies. “Alcohol is expensive and when you’re intoxicated, you lose clarity and can end up spending more and more money.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 5 of this summer’s hottest swimwear trends Teenagers with obesity should be offered weight loss drug, say experts Harry and Meghan ‘not contacted by royal family’ after car chase in New York

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We may have been enjoying an unseasonably warm spell recently, but with sweater season coming into swing – and a nip in the air when the glorious sunshine starts to fade, chances are you’re ready to cuddle up on the sofa. Especially with autumn leaves bursting into colour and fiery hues making us want to bring the outside in – and imbibe a homely cottagecore aesthetic. Here’s how to style the season with welcoming tactile elements and much more… 1. M&S Collection Cast Aluminium Casserole Dishes in Ivory and Charcoal, from £39.50 (3L), to £59.50 (7L), rest of items from a selection, Marks & Spencer. You can never have too many casserole dishes, especially with pumpkin soup, sausage and tomato casserole, and all that warming comfort food on the go. 2. Sophie Allport Hedgehogs Stoneware Small Side Plates, £12.50, Sophie Allport. A charming collection you can build on, these sweet side plates speak of woodland walks – and are perfect for farmhouse cheeses. 3. Recycled Faux Leather Set of 2 Baskets, £30, Habitat. Faux leather offers the illusion of warmth – and this smart pair look expensive without being spendy. Better still, you can fill them with woollens, as well as fireside logs for a cosy atmosphere. 4. Tortoise Shell Glass Table Lamp, £30, Habitat. The right lighting can be a game changer when the clocks go back. Time to switch out harsh bulbs and introduce some ambient low lighting… cue this trendy table lamp, which loves the spotlight. 5. Oyster Sheepskin – Super Soft Wool, from £60 (Regular), Jord Home. A Scandi-style sheepskin rug always promises a soft landing and will switch up the feel of a farmhouse kitchen or cosy corner, with its warmth and deep pile. It can be draped across a spindle chair, as well as placed underfoot. 6. Daughters of Gaea Osha 45cm Floral Silk Reversible Cushion, £135 (centre front), Arya Floral Silk Reversible Quilt, £335, rest of items from a selection, House of Woost. With winter florals and blooms in vogue, we’re loving this floral-print quilt and cushion made from ethically sourced heavyweight taffeta silk – a great styling trick for a tired sofa. One-of-a-kind pieces with slight variations in colour and finish, each item is block printed by hand and makes a delightful statement. 7. WoodWick Pomegranate Candle, £32.99 (609g), WoodWick. Think the sweet-tart scent of pomegranate with top notes of cassis and soft florals underlined by hints of rum and musk… with a gentle crackling sound from the wick when it’s lit. We’re in. 8. Yeti Faux Fur Cocoon Bean Bag, £119.99, Beanbagbazaar. Move over snug accent chairs… this season it’s all about cocooning yourself in a faux fur bean bag. With a portable faux leather handle, this stylish sphere is right on point with its soft, cosy shape ready for you to sink into. 9. National Trust Wool Throw, Vintage Fishbone Stripe, £45 (top), Chunky Knit Recycled Rust Throw, £50 (draped on chair), rest of items from a selection, National Trust. For some granny décor, you can’t beat a chunky knitted throw in autumnal berry shades and snug wools to layer up on chairs, benches and your bed. And when it comes to mixing textures and patterns, more is more. 10. APOTHECARY Meditate 100ml Diffuser, £17, rest of items from a selection, Marks & Spencer. Who can resist the calming scent of a reed diffuser? This one offers soothing aromas of cypress and cedarwood, lifted by warming tonka bean and amber. Definitely one to relax and unwind to. Read More 5 must-have bag trends for autumn Dawn O’Porter: ‘I fantasise about the other side of menopause’ Everything you need to know about bedbugs as increase in numbers is predicted PE ‘enjoyment gap’ widens for girls: Why it matters and how we can help The psychology of Big Brother: How to survive in the house How to support someone coming out in their 30s and beyond

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Welcome to Hype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.