There are creams and treatments that lessen the severity of cellulite. Diet, coupled with exercise, has been shown to improve the appearance of cellulite, and practitioners of Bikram yoga claim that the exercise promotes lymphatic drainage, thus preventing cellulite or improving it so that it becomes less unsightly.

 There are however, other options that can deliver fast results, such as non-invasive procedures that employ machines and massages.

 The Spa on Bonifacio High Street offers Velasmooth Pro, a non-invasive body contouring and cellulite reduction treatment. Applied to problem areas, Velasmooth helps contour the body into better shape, using light energy and electric current in the form of radio frequency. The device is used on the hips, abdomen, buttocks, arms, calves, neck, and bra line; and treatments are meant to tighten the skin and improve its texture. Velasmooth is pain-free and requires no down-time. Eight sessions (at Php 6,000 each) of the procedure are recommended to achieve optimal results. Benefits last for eight months.

 The treatment starts with the application of a gel to the problem area before the device is applied to heat the skin with infrared light. Once the skin is warmed, the device employs a gentle suction or vacuuming action to help bi-polar radio frequency reach the deeply buried fat deposits up to 20mm deep. The rationale behind this is that it improves circulation and stimulates metabolic action, thereby causing fat cells to shrink.

 As a treat to The Spa’s loyal clients and in celebration of their 15^th year, they are offering the The Spa Privilege Pass which entitles members to discounts for Velasmooth and other procedures at its Skin Dermatology & Laser Center; day spa treatments and luxury pampering; and barre3, a workout program that combines the benefits of Pilates, yoga, and ballet. Those who sign up for an annual membership by December 30, 2011 will get additional three months’ access to membership perks. The privilege card comes with discounts and treats from The Spa’s beauty and wellness partners such as Pevonia Botanica, Selvert Thermal, Shiseido, GNC, and others.

To know more about its privilege cards or wellness, dermatological, laser, and contouring treatments, call The Spa Wellness branch nearest you. Or visit www.thespa.com.ph.

I got advice from consultants at Marie France International and found out that they do have a solution to my cellulite problem called Vela Contour. After taking my measurements, they were happy to announce that my BMI or body mass index is fair and that all I need is contouring treatments, around 8-10 sessions of the Vela Contour. A trial had been set right away – one that involves a EL wrap in my tummy area for 25 minutes and the machine treatment that lasted for 15 minutes (it’s a trial by the way, but the duration for one full treatment is 45 minutes). Each treatment may be set for the upper body or the lower body but since my problem area is the midsection, they suggested I incorporate more lower body sessions into my program.

I did ask the consultant what I have been doing wrong. She says post-pregnancy cellulite is normal but there are other factors that causes cellulite formation among them genetics, too much salty food that can bloat the body, some bad eating habits (well, I can admit to that).

I was surprised that over dieting could also be a factor in cellulite production in the body so when I got home I started my food journal right away, something that I had done in the past especially at the height of what my mom calls “diet binge.” I made a mental note to eat small frequent meals and not to skip breakfast, which I sometimes do. What’s important is to eat frequent meals so you get a steady burn of fat, otherwise, the body compensates by storing fat when you starve it. When you deprive yourself of food, the body doesn’t know when it will next get its source of energy so this signals the body to store more fat.

I took comfort in the knowledge that cellulite does not only affect heavy or big people, but also thin people like me. To combat it, Marie France recommended Vela Contour. How does it work? VelaContour’s attack on cellulite and fat uses Electro-Optical Synergy (ELOS) that combines infrared light and bi-polar radio frequency (RF) together with skin-contouring action through positive and negative procedure. They further explain that what infrared light does is it increases circulation so that energy stored in fat becomes available for burning. Then, the bi-polar RF concentrates on the fatty areas pre-heated by the infrared so that it is focused only on the target area. Lastly, the positive and negative pressures stimulate connective tissues to replace fat mass with lean mass. It also improves lymphatic drainage to increase metabolism.

My therapist for the first treatment said that Vela Contour is for the body as Refirme of Facial Care Center, their sister company, is for the face as both uses infrared light and RF. I’ve had positive results with Refirme so maybe Vela Contour could do the same to my body.  And it did. I noticed that apart from the loss of 1-2 inches after my treatment, the wrinkled skin and stretch marks has started to improve and there is a noticeable tightening and lightening of the skin. You can’t bath for 4-6 hours after treatment but when I’ve had my treatment I let the solution stay in my skin until the next morning because I figure the longer it stays the more effective it becomes. They offer me one glass of warm water after each treatment as a way to help me eliminate waste. I noticed that I pee so much more after the treatment.

The treatment consists of a cold lotion applied on the area to be treated so that the hand piece of the machine easily glides over the skin. You feel a mild pinching sensation from the rollers as soon as they turn it on. It actually feels very relaxing and feels as good as a deep tissue massage. You also feel your skin begin to get warm like a hot compress placed on the surface of the skin. The therapist uses the machine in different areas of the body — the back of your thighs, the butt, inner thighs, the stomach, the flanks, the bra line area of the back, and on the inner and outer arms.

 Fact is, for people like me who have a fear of needles and being operated on, Vela Contour is safe as it can get since it is non-invasive and has no downtime. They say the effect is permanent unless you go back to bad eating habits. Vela Contour or regular dieting, Marie France recommends at all times to avoid carbohydrates eight hours before your intended sleep because the body will just store it and convert it to fat.

Kettleball workouts helped bulk up the physique of actor Gerard Butler for his role of King Leonidas of Sparta in the movie 300

You wouldn’t think something as simple as swinging an iron ball could have so much effect in terms of toning and strengtening your body but it actually does. Kettleball enthusiasts say that its not the quantity of the movement, but the quality that brings out the benefits of the kettleball. The basic movements, such as the swing, snatch, and the clean and jerk, engage the entire body at once building strength and endurance, particularly in the lower back, legs and shoulders and increase grip strength.

This exercise can be traced back to 1700 Russia, when  cast iron weights that look like a cannonballs with handballs were used. Now, kettleballs range in weight from 1.8kg for beginnners, to an astounding 79 kilos! Now that’s a heavy ball.

To avoid injuries, beginners are given shoulder and core exercises. A variety of ballistic exercises are then introduced with the option of advancing to heavier equipment. Athletes and martial artists use it as a conditioning and strengthening exericse. It has now become a popular gym workout that tones and firms muscles in the arms and legs while improving metabolism. A typical 20-minute workout can burn 20 calories per minute or a total 400 calories. Good news for people who are looking for a very good resistance-training workout  that will also help them lose weight.

Kettleball started to gain popularity  in the local fitness industry soon after the Philippine Kettle Club was launched in 2009.Classes are held every week at Paolo’s Bootcamp, Rockwell and at the PSC Ultra, Pasig  as more and more members are signing up. If you haven’t tried it yet, free classes are also offered (www.kettleball.com.ph).

Sadie Lincoln:barre3 gives you grace of ballet barre, the wisdom of yoga, and the strength of Pilates

 There is a new fitness workout that is fast gaining popularity among fitness enthusiasts. barre3 is a 60-minute body-shaping workout that helps you develop the  lean, limber frame of a ballet dancer and the strength of an athlete through a combination of ballet barre, yoga and Pilates exercises.

Developed by fitness veteran, Sadie Lincoln, a native of Oregon, USA, barre3 is a revolutionary class that improves balance, increases flexibility and strengthens the body’s core for inch loss, long and lean muscles and a better posture.

Sadie, a wife and hands-on mother of 2, has developed barre3 around the idea that balance must be achieved in all aspects of life. “I designed this class based on my need to have a simple, smart, mind-body workout that fits into my busy life as a driven professional, hands-on parent and mind-body practitioner. Each class is 60-minutes to the second and designed to deliver a consistent experience,” says Sadie.T

Currently, there are four barre3 studios in Manila located at Alabang, Eastwood,  The Fort and now at the  just-opened  The Spa in Rockwell.  ”The exercise not only tones your body, but also helps you achieve a sound mind and a calm spirit. This balance of the mind, body and spirit is what the ‘3’ in barre3 symbolizes,” says Tanya Tan, Business Development Manager of The Spa and Managing Director of barre3.

Started just two years ago, barre3 is fast gaining popularity, with classes being offered worldwide. Soon it will be featured in Hard Candy Fitness Club,  part of a global chain pop icon Madonna and her business partners are unveiling around the world. Named after her last album, the Hard Candy Fitness center is a partnership between Madonna, her manager Guy Oseary and Mark Msatrov, founder and CEO of 24 Hour Fitness, the world’s largest privately owned fitness center chain.

The bestselling FitflopElectra

You see people wearing them in the mall, at the gym and every where you go. What’s the big deal about wearing Fitflops and Shape Ups these days?

The name Fitflops was of course coined after “flipflops” and was the rage among Hollywood celebs until it was introduced locally. Since then, women young and old have taken to wearing these ergonomically designed flipflops despite being as expensive as a pair of designer shoes.

Skechers Shape Ups for Women

Skechers Shape Ups for Men

Skechers and Reebok, not to be outdone, have joined the bandwagon and came up with their own line of exercise shoes they now call Shape Ups and Easy Tones. The selling point of course, is that by wearing ‘em you get in shape without setting foot in a gym. So you wear them everywhere, even to church.

We cannot dispute the health benefits of walking as it is the one exercise we do on a daily basis. It boosts energy levels and decreases health risks.Walking is also the best way to jumpstart a fitness program specially for sedentary people since it builds resistance gradually and prepares them for more high calorie burning exercises such as jogging or running.

Reebok Women's Simplytone Fitness Shoe

Personally, I believe walking or a good stroll in the mall for a few hours is more enjoyable than spending 20-30 minutes walking on the treadmill looking into space or infront of a TV. And a pair of specially designed sandals or shoes that increases the fitness benefits of walking even more  may be worth the expense. Besides, they look quite fashionable since they come in a variety of colors and designs.

The functionality of course far outweighs the aesthetics of these fitness sandals/shoes.Health experts seem to agree on this. Fitflops has received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s seal of approval while Studies in the USA and Japan have concluded that wearing Shape Ups while you walk can provide a number of benefits to wearers.

What are these benefits? What’s common about these new exercise shoes/sandals is that it replicates the sensation of walking barefoot on soft, yielding ground – like lush grass or sand. Less stress on the feet mean less or even no pain in your back, knees and calves. Heel spur pain is also prevented, one of the complaints most walkers talk about when using standard flipflop-type sandals. Apart from strengthening the back and abdominal muscles, you get toned calves and legs as well.

So the next time you hie off on your shopping spree, do yourself a favor and get a pair of these walking sandals or shoes, whichever u prefer. Get a pedometer while you’re at it so you can monitor your progress and start walking your way to fitness and a great body.

If you’ve been at least a year into the gym membership, then you have mastered the art of saying no. No to unhealthy food temptations and food binges. Keep in mind though that the holidays are not the reason to get off the habit you’ve already formed. Most Christmas parties happen at night so plan your day: eat light meals during the day so that most of the food will be taken in at night. Kick the habit of starving youself before going to a party to prevent yourself from overeating when the food is served.

When a scrumptious feast is before your eyes, take a step back and breathe. Just think of how long a time it will take you to burn those calories away. If in case you do give in, as we are wont to from time to time, no worries.  Sleep and work it out. It takes 48 hours before extra energy from the food we ate the night before becomes body fat. So make sure to sleep well to prevent hunger pangs during the day and hit the gym in the afternoonto avoid the extra energy from settling as excess baggage. Keep in mind that the body has only two ways of getting energy: sleep and food. So make sure you don’t slack on both.

At the end of the day, motivation is what will see you through the endless barrage of food and party bingeing. Just remember that you already  lost those pounds by investing a good amount of time sweating and burning those calories away and gaining it back in two days or two weeks will bring you back to square one. Keep motivated.

I slice one to two apples each morning and I munch on them all throughout the day, whether I’m at home or on the go. If I go hungry especially when driving, I reach for my snackbox and I have apples in them.  They smell so good and  it  drives away hunger breath. In fact, when I was pregnant and was sensitive to strong food odors, the smell of apples would banish the gag effect certain dishes have on me. 

Like bananas, apples are heart-healthy food.  Loaded with pectin, a natural fiber that binds to cholesterol and toxins in the blood, apples help clear  bloodstream of bad cholesterol. The phytonutrients in apples can help you regulate your blood sugar and when eaten with the peel, has anti-aging effects as  it is loaded with anti-oxidants.

If you have stomach problems, diarrhea for example,  apart from helping in better stool formation as it is a constipating food, apples  also regulate the bacterial growth in the digestive tract, particularly in the large intestines.

Apples are cheap and available year-round and making it a daily part of your diet will help keep the doctor away and make you fit and fab.

photo from allezhop.net

When I was a kid I would often hang from a tree branch in our front lawn imagining myself a gymnast or a circus performer. I would use the metal bar on the double-deck bed and do as many flips as I could until my arms would go numb or, when out on the playground, spend as much time as I can at the monkey bars. Such childhood memories were brought back when I saw a trainer demonstrate the use of the Pilates Cadillac machine, one the many equipment Joseph Pilates invented.

Named after the famous automobile in America, the Cadillac was devised by Pilates to rehabilitate his bedridden patients when he was a hospital orderly during World War 1. Also, known as “The Rack”, this piece of equipment looks like an orthopedic bed; a  four-poster bed frame with various bars, straps, springs and levers that may be adjusted variably to help facilitate more movement and flow into your Pilates exercises. It also has a push-through bar, which can be sprung from above or below, a roll-down bar, a trapeze or cross bar, arm and leg springs, thigh and ankle cuffs and hanging loops that you grab to raise your body up the table.

If you’re the adventurous  kind and fancy yourself a trapeze artist, you will be surprised at how you are able to make your body move in ways you never thought possible while suspended in mid-air. Through its repertoire of exercises, the Cadillac stretches the body, strengthens the back and spine, making it more flexible, while further developing the core abdominal muscles. Its a bit more complicated than the Reformer, another Pilates equipment mentioned in my previous post, so you definitely need a trained instructor to guide you on how to use it safely and effectively so you get the most out of your workout.

Most hospitals are equipped with the Cadillac but few regular fitness gyms have this type of equipment. Allez Hop Wellness and Balance Center tailor-fits their Cadillac Pilates program based on their clients’ needs, be it as a form of regular exercise or rehabilitative therapy. Either way, imagine how much fun your work out would be sans the hospital setting.

I myself have begun to think about getting myself re-acquainted with Pilates, which is offered at the gym I regularly go to, if only to get out of the exercise rut I’ve been in the past few weeks. It pays to really inject something new and different into your exercise regimen so you don’t slack off, and eventually lose interest in going to the gym altogether. And one thing about going around and finding places such as Allez Hop is that you are able to discover new ways to exercise.