Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle & Travel Blog: fitness

New Zealand: Of Queenstown Hill & Travel Plans

Saturday, December 05, 2015

BodyPerfect Slimming Treatment Review

Tuesday, March 03, 2015

Why am I endorsing slimming treatments when I'm already so slim? As slim as I may be, cellulite around my thighs and stomach is a problem that I can't run away from.

Cellulite is the bane of most women, regardless of weight and size. You could be the slimmest and fittest woman around and still be plagued by cellulite. I've long heard about BodyPerfect and its award-winning treatments from SimplyHer magazine, hence my interest was piqued.

BodyPerfect provides a multi-modality slimming approach based on years of R&D for the most effective slimming solutions in the market. Many of their treatments are award-winning and backed by Singapore celebrities such as Constance Song, Joey Swee and ex-Singapore Idol contestant Olinda Cho.

Before the actual treatment commenced, I was ushered to a consultation room to fill up a questionnaire on my health condition and lifestyle habits.

A thorough body analysis based on my current height and weight was also done to give my consultant an in-depth understanding of what my ideal weight and fat percentage should be. BodyPerfect's concept of slimming goes beyond weight loss measurement. Any dramatic weight loss from a single visit is usually attributed to just water loss. BodyPerfect's treatments control fat cells by passively activating fat burn without exercise while retaining the body's natural curves and contours. This is the reason why most clients who adhere to BodyPerfect's treatment plans do not suffer from "yo-yo" weight fluctuations and stay satisfied with their results.

BodyPerfect is a pioneer in SpotReduction slimming. Many of us, despite not being overweight, have flabby or problematic areas that we wish to get rid of. The arms, hips and tummy are common problem areas.

Naturally, it didn't take long for my consultant to conclude that I was underweight, but there were certain problem areas that I could do without. For a more detailed physical assessment, I was brought to the treatment room for a quick change of attire.

While I expressed that my main concern was my tummy (I've lost my abs as I haven't been exercising as regularly as I should), my consultant expertly pointed out that in comparison to my tummy, my upper thighs warrant more immediate attention as they make my lower body look disproportionately larger. A look in the mirror was all it took to confirm that her assessment was entirely accurate.

After my body measurements were taken, I was introduced to my therapist who promptly began to work her magic.

The first step in SpotReduction is to blast fat cells away with LipoCavitation Technology. The machine is used in a circular motion on the area to be treated for about 15-20 minutes. There was no discomfort at all and it felt more like a gentle massage.

A stimulating massage was next on the cards to soften the fat cells and drain them away. Drifting off to slumberland proved challenging with all the kneading, squeezing and tapping as the therapist attempted to exorcize all the cellulite and banish them to oblivion. It was slightly painful but definitely tolerable.

At the end of the massage, my thighs immediately felt softer, signaling that it was time to burn off the broken down fat cells. I was covered in a thermal Infra-red ceramic wrapping system for about 20 minutes for fat burn to take place.

In the third and final step, BodyPerfect's Fat Mobiliser System was then used to wrap around my upper thigh area. I was advised to stand up for the next 20 minutes for this part of the treatment to enhance the detox and drainage process as a result of fat burning.

The body wrap felt icy cold to the touch initially but within minutes, the unique formula that BodyPerfect uses in tandem with this treatment causes your body to start heating up to burn away the fats. This combination of hot and cold therapy purportedly helps with both inch and weight loss. I was also asked to increase my water intake and avoid soft drinks till the next day to aid in the detox process.

And now for the most important question. Did I see any results at all?

I'll let my before and after measurements speak for themselves:

H refers to the upper thigh while M and L refer to the middle and lower thigh respectively. As you can see from the numbers above, I lost 1 inch on both my upper thighs instantaneously after just one session! Although visible inch loss can be achieved in just one treatment, a series of treatments is recommended for longer lasting results.

My hubby, who is my number one critique, also commented that my thighs looked slimmer, which made my legs look straighter as well. I am definitely impressed.

*****

Complimentary Visit for BodyPerfect's 7 Day Slimming Experience

Do you have flabby areas that wouldn't go away despite exercise? If you're interested in evaluating how BodyPerfect's Slimming Programme can work for you, head on down to SampleStore.com to redeem your 7 day slimming experience here.

You will receive a complimentary first visit, and after your second visit within the week, you will be given a $300 voucher to be used in their stores. You will also be provided with SmartFibre to detox your body.

*****

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Fitness: Power Plate at Croyez Studio

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

I've long heard about the benefits of Power Plate® equipment and how it enhances the effectiveness of your exercise routine to produce optimal results. Friends who have tried Power Plate® classes also shared with me that they could get an extremely thorough and intensive workout in just a short period of time.

Naturally, my curiosity was piqued and I couldn't help but say yes to a Power Plate® session at Croyez Studio along with Karen and Raphael.

Croyez Studio is the first and only authorized Power Plate® and NARL® studio in Asia that offers both personalized training and group workouts. Located amidst lush greenery within Dempsey, it offers an exclusive studio perfect for individuals seeking a frills-free workout with a view.

There are classes everyday, 7 days a week, and you'll definitely be able to find a class that fits your schedule and fitness level.

Unlike most fitness centres which are equipped with only a handful of Power Plate® machines, Croyez boasts a studio filled with these machines.

What are Power Plate® machines and what do they do?

Power Plate® equipment is the premium vibration device powering a new dimension in wellness solutions for all ages, lifestyles and physical abilities. It uses the principles of Acceleration Training™ to stimulate the body's natural response to vibration. These vibrations transmit waves of energy throughout the body, activating muscle contractions between 25 and 50 times per second, enhancing overall performance in sessions as short as 15 minutes a day, 3 times a week.

Essentially, this means that you don't have to spend as much time exercising to achieve the same results, which is great for our hectic lifestyles. In fact, as a result of the vibrations, you could lose 50% more weight than if you were to use conventional gym equipment. Now, we have less of an excuse not to exercise!

Other measurable benefits related to Acceleration Training™ on Power Plate® equipment also include improved blood circulation, better muscle strength and flexibility, less cellulite and faster recovery.

How does it work?

Getting acquainted with the machines and how they operate is an integral part of the process as the different speed and timing buttons will vary the intensity of your workout. You need to familiarize yourself with all the buttons as you could be standing up at one point and seated at the next.

What types of exercises can you do with Power Plate® machines?

The Power Plate® machine can be easily incorporated into your favourite workout routine, ranging from yoga, kickboxing, muay thai, pilates, body combat or aerobics. These classes are all readily available at Croyez Studio.

We tried the PBox class, which is the most popular class at Croyez Studio. PBox includes moves inspired by Muay Thai, Taebo, Body Combat and MMA using 1kg hand weights.

The adrenalin-pumping cardio and strength building workout was paired with fist-pumping music to keep you fired up as you push your physical limits and unleash your beast mode!

The whole workout took just 40 minutes (including 20 minutes of warm-up and cool-down exercises), but at the end of it, I could feel the intensity of the workout running through every vein of my body as there were no breaks in between.

There were times when thoughts of giving up flooded our minds but the instructors were a huge source of motivation. Bursting with energy throughout, they encouraged every one of us to persevere and keep up with the pace.

Their positivity definitely rubbed off us as we gritted our teeth and pressed on, in the hope of reaping the fruits of our labour.

One of my fitness goals is to tone up my arms and surprisingly, I achieved this after just one session! My arms may have ached for days after, but my biceps firmed up immediately and my arms became much toner and muscular. I was impressed.

To reward ourselves for the hard work, we were treated to a round of massage using the Power Plate® machine during the cooling down segment. Massage helps to relieve any muscle soreness and aids in muscle recovery after an intensive workout.

If you are worried about weight gained after all the feasting during Chinese New Year, there's another machine for weight loss at Croyez Studio which would probably interest you.

What is NARL®?

NARL®, which stands for NorAdrenalin ReLease, uses a unique, safe and patented combination of ultrasound frequency and intensity that enables a local release of noradrenaline, through a specific stimulation of the sympathetic nerve terminals. This local noradrenaline release will trigger a natural lipolysis from nearby adipocytes.

Local fat loss is observed if the released Free Fat Acids and Glycerol are burned (used as energy). This localised stimulation bypasses our central nervous system, hence there is no fat rebound effect, and long lasting results are guaranteed.Lipolysis is activated by catecholamine (adrenaline and noradrenaline) and it relates to the breakdown of Triglycerides contained in our fat cells (adipocytes) into FFA and Glycerol, source of energy.

Once FFA and Glycerol are released in blood stream, they have to be burned. If not, this energy will be re-synthesized into fat by homeostasis principle.NARL® is clinically proven to be effective locally and on all kinds of fat (cellulite, subcutaneous and visceral). For optimal results, it is recommended that you use NARL® before your workout.

If you are planning to try out the Power Plate®, I would highly recommend that you attend fitness classes at a studio such as Croyez which specializes in the use of these machines.

This is because Acceleration Training is considered a less conventional form of exercise and you would benefit greatly from a total body workout specially tailored to your needs by a trained professional. It also helps to have a trainer watching your alignment and motivating you class after class to achieve your desired results.

As with all forms of exercise, results vary from individual to individual. Nonetheless, most people are able to see visible changes in their body after 3 sessions a week over 3 weeks.

I fall into the category of people who build muscle very quickly and I saw results instantly after just one session.I felt an immense sense of achievement after my Power Plate workout and am looking forward to yet another session after the CNY feasting. My biceps are still rock hard even as I am writing this post many weeks down the road.

Pretty incredible, isn't it?

Croyez Studio

Address:

Blk 8D Dempsey Road #03‐06 Singapore 249672

Tel:

6474 4136

Website:

http://www.croyezstudio.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/powerplatesingapore

Opening Hours:

Mon to Thur: 8am - 9pm

Fri: 8am - 7pm

Sat/Sun: 10am - 2pm

Closed on Public Holidays

Climbing natural beyond Singapore

Wednesday, November 05, 2014

This post follows on from JW's (my hubby) previous entry on climbing. Interestingly, some friends had earlier commented that this topic was odd for a blog on fashion, beauty and travel.

I thought about it. Sometimes, it is the flower which has an oddly-coloured petal among the others that also makes it interesting.

In any case, health and fitness is part and parcel of looking good and feeling great, which really isn't that far off from what my fashion and beauty posts aim to achieve, isn't it?

[Guest Post from JW]

Why do people keep climbing up and down that same artificial rock-wall? Actually, there are routes of varying difficulty on it. But I also opine, that the ultimate delight of climbing probably lies in the transfer to natural rocks.

While I may not have travelled as much as I’d have wished, I’m grateful enough thus far. Everyone probably has his or her own tick-list of places to visit/climb, and I’m glad to have made satisfactory progress on mine! I’ve had the good fortune of discovering overseas crags which charmed me. Although Blue Mountains (Australia) and Yangshuo (China) are pretty awesome, the crags which hold a special place in my heart are still Krabi (Thailand), Ceuse (France) and Rodellar (Spain).

KRABI, THAILAND

There’s something magical about Krabi. When my then team captain told me about a climbing paradise called Krabi, I thought she was just exaggerating. And boy, was I wrong!

Climbing for two weeks by the Andaman Sea on beautiful limestone crags amidst the rustic habitat of Tonsai as well as pitting myself physically and mentally against the natural features on different routes, the simple pleasures of life couldn’t be more stark. A trip which I intended to mark the end of my climbing years (prior to my all-important final year in university), turned out to be the beginning of my epiphany that climbing was not so much a competitive or athletic pursuit but a way of life...

Climbing in Krabi is economical as it is near Singapore, with quality food and accommodation at affordable prices. With an abundance of 6s, Krabi is worth the journey for climbers who can send 6c comfortably.

CEUSE, FRANCE

I've written about Ceuse before, so I shall refrain from going on and on about it. It was a trip I badly needed to find some closure and peace with myself after a difficult episode in my life, and I’m glad I made it.

Two weeks in southern France, two weeks of self-discovery, two weeks of climbing lessons from Mother Nature. Prior to Ceuse, I paid scant attention to footwork coz I thrived on overhangs and powerful moves which were more acrobatic and offered greater thrill. But at its Berlin crag, I was completely humbled and mind blown as I was challenged to hone myself in a dimension of climbing unfamiliar to me. The handholds and footholds were so sketchy, I experienced feet cramps! Well, it probably made me a more wholesome climber than I was before.

The cool climate, limestone features and scenic countryside of Ceuse were an absolute pleasure to behold, not forgetting to also mention the croissants and pizzas which tasted heavenly. The only downside was the daily 45-min trek (which I grew to love) and painfully icy sensation on cold days (which I never accustomed to). Cost isn’t much of an issue except for the air ticket. I spent less than S$500 for two weeks of camping and climbing in Ceuse. The classic routes are generally 7s and higher, so be prepared to train and level up for Ceuse.

RODELLAR, SPAIN

Being true to my tick-list for crags, I actually made a two-week trip to Rodellar with my non-climber wife (i.e. Regina).

Located in an obscure part of Spain, little did I expect both of us to enjoy it so much! Here we were, not knowing what to expect – which really is the beauty of such trips. Here, the routes suited my style of climbing – massive overhangs, powerful moves and big holds. Coupled with the ease of access to routes, Rodellar was an ideal destination.

I also loved the sunny weather which was seldom threatened unlike other colder parts of Europe. It probably spilt over to the local culture which was jovial and so full of energy albeit the laidback lifestyle. The idyllic area of Rodellar was certainly worth the 5-hour drive from Barcelona. Decent food and accommodation were also easily found and reasonably priced – it only cost about 40 euros a day for our own stone hut (see top-left photo above!). While Rodellar doesn't boast scenery as picturesque or calming as Ceuse and Krabi, it is still extremely pleasant and offered interesting places to visit in the vicinity such as the UNESCO World Heritage town of Alquezar. It also has a wide range of quality routes from 6s to 8s, so there is no dearth of choices to climb.

Climbing is a very individual yet communal sport. The adrenaline and enjoyment from the challenge of your own physical and mental limits on the beautiful creations of nature somehow makes the entire experience very much a spiritual form of harmony between oneself and the world.

I also relish how climbing has brought me onto the less trodden paths which lead to amazing crags and breath-taking places. Perhaps someday, I will again laze by the pristine shores of Krabi to hear the waves gently lapping or lie on the rolling fields of Ceuse to watch shooting stars across the quiet evening sky.