TREATMENT
ULTRATONE
BIGGEST WEIGHT LOSS
WEIGHT
Was 9st 6lb Now 9st
WAIST
Was 27.5in Now 26in
HIPS
Was 40.5in Now 40in
WHAT DOES IT PROMISE?
It claims to be an effortless alternative to dieting and gym sessions. Each treatment takes 30 minutes, during which time youre wired up to pads which zap your body with bioptic impulses a combination of microcurrents and ultrasound which mimics your bodys own energy. You can target up to six areas with Ultratone so treatment can be tailored to your particular problem areas. After a course of 8- 10 treatments, Ultratone says youll be lighter, thinner, detoxed, firmer and less cellulite-ridden.
TESTER SAYS: After an in-depth lifestyle consultation, a programme was devised to target my cellulite and flabby tum. I was then taken to a candlelit room and had pads attached to my bum, thighs and stomach. Once the machine was switched on, I felt a tingling all over my body. The therapist then turned up the frequency until I felt my stomach and thigh muscles tense and relax. The treatment felt like lots of little hands massaging me so relaxing I even fell asleep! Even after the first treatment my stomach felt firmer. After three sessions a week for a month (and a bit of healthy eating), Ive lost 6lb, am visibly more toned and my stomach is no longer hanging over my jeans. Funnily enough, I even have increased energy levels, despite not doing a scrap of exercise.
INFO: pounds 35 per treatment, call 020 7935 0631
TREATMENT
BIOCELL BODY BLITZ
WEIGHT
Was 12st 8lb Now 12st 7lb
WAIST
Was 33in Still 33in
HIPS
Was 38in Still 38in
WHAT DOES IT PROMISE?
Biocell claims to liquify fat to reveal a sleek new you. It combines two therapies to break down cellulite, improve muscle tone and tighten skin. An ultrasound massage (called Vacusound) removes impurities and breaks down fat. Next comes the Biosculpture step, where micro-currents drain away liquified fat, water and toxins. The pads can be placed on problem areas for a more tailored programme. A course of 8-10 treatments is recommended.
TESTER SAYS: Using what looked like a shower head, but was actually a mini-vacuum, the therapist worked over my thighs, calves, hips, bottom, stomach and upper arms. The first treatment was very painful I only endured it because the therapist told me it would permanently remove my cellulite. Next, the Biosculpture part made my limbs jerk uncontrollably, and afterwards I felt an uncomfortable pins and needles sensation supposedly my muscles toning up. After nine treatments Ive only lost 1lb and nothing from my waist and hips, though my legs have toned up and Ive lost an inch from each thigh. I havent dropped a dress size though after all that pain, I expected a lot more.
INFO: From pounds 55 a session, call 020 7242 5749 or see www.biotecitalia.com
TREATMENT
THE BODYTER SYSTEM
WEIGHT
Was 9st 12lb Now 10st
WAIST
Was 33in Now 32.6in
HIPS
Was 39.3in Now 38.8in
WHAT DOES IT PROMISE? This treatment claims to shift the stubborn pockets of fat and cellulite that diet and exercise cant blitz. You slap on rubber thermal pads that deliver electrical stimulation and infrared heat to raise body temperature, tone muscles and combat cellulite. The makers say the machine gives you a work-out equivalent to a vigorous gym session without moving a muscle.
TESTER SAYS: After stripping down to my undies, gel-smeared plates were strapped to my thighs, bum cheeks and tum and hooked up to a scary-looking machine which sends out electrical pulses I quite literally got a nasty shock when the machine was turned on. Luckily, the zapping was adjustable, and after my initial surprise, I didnt feel pain, just a bit pummelled. But does it work? I was measured before and after each treatment, and didnt see any huge decrease in girth despite the beauticians best attempts at optimism! However, my bum does feel firmer, which had been one of my main concerns. Then again, at my first session, I was told I had to exercise and follow a strict no-carb diet. Youve got to question the point of spending pots of money on a slimming treatment when youve got to exercise and diet anyway.
INFO: pounds 55 per session or pounds 605 for course of 12. Currently exclusive to Janet Ginnings in London, call 020 7499 1904
TREATMENT
PHYSIOTHERM SAUNA
BIGGEST INCH
LOSS
WEIGHT
Was 9st 4lb Now 9st 2lb
WAIST
Was 27.5in, Now 25.8in
HIPS
Was 39in Now 37in
WHAT DOES IT PROMISE?
Its not sold as a weight-loss treatment as such, but it does claim to burn 800 cals a session doing diddly-squat. The sauna emits an infrared heat that forces your body to produce pools of sweat and as each gram of sweat takes 0.5 cals to make, thats a lot of energy youre using. Unlike other saunas, the heat warms your body directly rather than the air, so the temperature is never hotter than 45oC. 3-4 sessions a week recommended.
TESTER SAYS: For the first 10 minutes, I sat in the sauna wondering why nothing was happening then it was as if the waterworks were turned on. One moment my skin was bone-dry, the next sweat spurted out of every pore. Yet I didnt feel uncomfortably hot, just relaxed and oddly cleansed, despite being drenched in sweat. I started off with 30-minute sessions, building up to 45 minutes as I got acclimatised, and each time, I walked out feeling fantastic. After a month, Ive lost weight, inches and body fat, and people keep saying how good my skin looks. Admittedly, I havent been pigging out burning 800 cals means zip if you’re scoffing pizza every night but if youre trying to slim down, this really helps.
INFO: Home saunas
available to buy from pounds 2,400, salon sessions from pounds 15 call 0845 225 5008 or see www.physiotherm.co.uk. We went to Londons hip holistic centre Halo (www.halocity.co.uk), where pounds 85 buys you a months unlimited pass to the sauna.
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