Sometimes beasting yourself in the gym just isn’t enough. Sometimes we need a little help. Here team EW try out the most effective fat-busting, cellulite-banishing, stomach flattening, thigh- firming, anti-bloating treatments out there.
Why? Anyone with IBS, and that’s more people than you think, should have a colonic at least twice a year as it helps flush out toxins as well as cleanse the blood and vital organs such as the kidneys and liver.
What? It’s not the most glamorous treatment, but the most effective never are. After being weighed and blood pressure taken you head to the treatment room where after a brief consultation with your doctor you robe up and lay on a bed. Here a small speculum is passed into your bowel. This is attached to a tube, which leads to a tank that controls the filtered water that is pumped into your colon. In a controlled manner the water is then expelled.
As the impacted matter and toxins are passed, the doctor is able to assess any lifestyle problems and prescribe you necessary medicine or offer dietary tips and advice.
Voila! I instantly felt lighter. My stomach was a little bit bloated for the first 30 minutes but this soon went down and the pain I’d been feeling in my abdomen all week had disappeared. I truly felt cleansed from inside out.
Verdict: With so many benefits ranging from clearing up skin disorders to weight management, cleansing of organs and increasing levels of stamina, colon hydrotherapy no longer has the embarrassing stigma attached to it. To look great on the outside your body must be fabulous on the inside first.
Colon Hydrotherapy at Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre, (04) 3351200 Dhs600 for one session.
What? Known as lunchtime lipo, Biocavity fat melting uses ultrasound to heat the fat cells and then burst them. Liquid fat, known as triglycerides, is released into your system and then expelled naturally. Not only is it pain-free, it’s actually weirdly relaxing.
After being measured and photographed by the highly competent Janmae, target areas are marked and the machine is set in motion. Smothered with an icy gel, I lie on my side and let the ultrasound massage head get to work. It’s a bit like having a deep tissue massage, albeit a very noisy one. As it touches your skin, piercing sonic waves are released and I suddenly know what dogs must feel like with their ability to hear higher-pitched sounds. After concentrating on one side, Janmae makes me feel that side and compare it to the other – remarkably it feels instantly tauter. Janmae follows this with Reaction, a treatment that targets sagging and lax skin. Perfect post-partum therapy, it restores collagen flexibility while improving skin elasticity. Then it’s off to the Proellixe machine to shake it out. Much like a Power Plate, the vibrating plate tones and aids lymphatic drainage. The vibrations reach such a high level of intensity that I do at one point feel as though my teeth might fall out, but I’d happily swap a few minutes of this for my morning run.
Voila! The photographs don’t lie: I’m visibly more sculpted and have lost one inch around the waist and two off my back fat / love handles. Not only does my skin look firmer, I also feel wonderfully energised.
Verdict: This is the most effective slimming and firming treatment you can have without going the invasive route. What’s more, you’ll feel even more contoured two to three days later – especially if you exercise regularly to flush out the toxins. Janmae recommends six sessions starting six weeks before your wedding for the best results.
EuroMed Clinic, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, (04) 3945422, the price for customised a combination of all three treatments starts at Dhs1,750.
Why? Weight-loss isn’t something I like to spend a lot of time or energy on. When I heard there was a cream that could do all the hard work for me, it sounded too good to be true – but something I had to try!What? The Svelt System cream is applied twice per day to problem areas. You massage it in in an upward motion to tackle cellulite, loose skin and fatty zones. The formula is designed to reinforce the skin’s elasticity, which should result in less lumps and bumps, as well as a silky smooth finish.
Voila! After regular application to my thighs, the skin definitely looks more hydrated. The cream smells delicious, so using it isn’t a chore – in fact I simply swapped it for my regular moisturiser. I wouldn’t say that there has been a drastic change, but then again, I don’t have much in the way of cellulite – yet. As for fat loss, I’m not sure whether I’ve lost noticeable inches, but the skin is firmer and more even toned.
Verdict: This is very handy as part of a healthy regime. I’ll use it again if I have a holiday or special event coming up as it only takes two weeks to see effects. If combined with clean eating and regular exercise, it will definitely give your beach body a boost.
Institut Esthederm Svelt System Multi-Target Slimming Cream, available at Boots, Dhs391.
Why? A detox treatment designed to tone, firm and drain fluid retention, it can also be effective in helping to combat cellulite. Being very active with a predominantly healthy lifestyle, I was looking for something to tackle a particular problem area – my hips and thighs – and to hopefully shift some of my stubborn cellulite.
What? After answering a series of questions in order for the therapist to tailor the treatment to your needs, she then uses a slimming technique to massage you, concentrating on your areas of concern. A small suction device is then applied which and can feel slightly ticklish and uncomfortable at times. Following this you are wrapped in a green tea and kale wrap, and whilst the mixture goes to work, treated to a soothing scalp and foot massage.
Voila! My body felt a little firmer while my thighs looked lighter having rid themselves of some of the water retention. For the best results, the therapist recommends having the treatment done twice a week for five weeks leading up to the big day.
Verdict: While it’s not a weight loss cure, I would recommend it for brides looking to tighten certain areas – it will certainly help them to carry off form fitting dresses with more confidence.
Treatment at Talise Spa Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, (04) 4530456, Dhs719.
Main image: Amanda Wyatt Blue Iris Collection
