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Get fit the lazy way
By Anastasia Stephens, Evening Standard Last updated at 00:00am on 02.03.04
Stretching your muscles: treat yourself to Thai-yoga massage
You have had a frantic day and there's a party to rush to after work. The last thing you want is a session on the running machine. So how can you keep in tip-top shape with the least time and effort?
Swap yoga for Thai massage
Have someone else pull your limbs through a yoga-sequence for you. The technique Thai-yoga massage conditions and stretches your muscles but, unlike yoga, you don't need to move a limb. "Yoga and Thai massage come from similar traditions and many of the moves are the same," explains Howard Evans, a Thai massage teacher from west London. "Rather than kneading muscle as in Swedish massage, you manipulate the limbs and joints, stretching them gently. That makes muscles relax whether they are near the skin or deep within the body." For info: Triyoga, 020 7483 3344, or The Life Centre, 020 7221 4602.
Wear anti-cellulite shoes
A pair of shoes that fights cellulite, cures back pain and gives you a workout all-in-one could spell an end to exhausting trips to the gym and beauty salon. At least that's the claim. Called MBT footwear, the range of trainers and sandals are cut away at the heel and front, encouraging your foot to roll forward. They are said to improve posture and co-ordination, so helping back pain, knee and hip problems. Because the soles are slightly wobbly, you need to balance on them. As a result, the shoes can help tone you up, fight cellulite, improve co-ordination and give a natural workout. Cynics may be reassured that many chiropractors, Pilates teachers and osteopaths recommend them.
For info: www.mbt-uk.com
Get a weight-loss Gameboy
It is possible to lose weight at your desk without moving a muscle, or so say the inventors of a new machine that claims to help women lose 1lb of fat or more in just a few hours. Designed by consultant vascular surgeon Lawrence Newman, the device, called the G-Form, consists of a box the size of a Gameboy and four pads, which attach to the skin. In a process called electrolipolysis, a microcurrent is passed beneath the skin. This breaks down fat into fatty acids and water. Unlike fat, which is stored, fatty acids are smaller molecules which the body "burns up" for energy. The G-Form can be rented for £10 per week. For info: www.medinnovations.com
Have the 10-minute facelift
Boost your skin's health with vitamins and get an instant facelift. The latest rejuvenating technique involves blasting vitamins through a fine needle to a depth of 0.04mm, just beneath the upper layer of skin. It takes less than 10 minutes and it is claimed will make your skin look younger immediately. The vitamins feed the cells, giving them the nutrition and energy to produce more collagen and elastin. Called The MesoLift, the mini-injections also contain natural hyaluronic acid which fills out the face and has an instant anti-ageing effect.
The feelgood factor
Arrange for the beauty salon to come to you by organising a pamper party. Designed for groups of eight to 12, three therapists will arrive at your home or office to offer guests reflexology, massage, manicure and pedicure sessions - anything you might require to boost that all important feelgood factor.
For info: www.thepamperparty.co.uk
Detox in your sleep
This is a bizarre new form of detox done in your sleep by sticking teabags to your feet. The traditional Japanese method of detoxification involves bandaging a mix of wood resins and medicinal herbs to the sole of each foot at night. The mixture stimulates acupuncture points, encouraging the body to detoxify. Now that adhesive herbal bags are on sale, the method is more accessible. Users swear they help you cheat hangovers and feel far brighter the next day.
For info: www.koyotakara.com
Get your nutrition in one fix
The World Health Organisation has upped the minimum dose of fruit and vegetables you need for health from five to nine servings a day. If you don't have the time or inclination to chomp through all these vegetables, get a ReBar - a condensed version of all the goodness you need. Costing £1.59, it contains 20 fruit and vegetables, including apples, raisins, spinach, cabbage, broccoli and beetroot. Mixed together and squashed to a pulp, it's surprisingly tasty.
Stick your neck out
Invest in a necklace that boosts your mental and physical performance. Worn by Madonna, Jerry Hall and sporting pros such as Boris Becker and Ernie Els, the Q-Link is a small pendant that emits an electromagnetic field designed to enhance human health. Research at University College London and at the US Military Academy in West Point has suggested the device has a beneficial effect on brain waves, immunity and physical performance.
