Get off the treadmill
The gym too much like hard work? Sarah Belle tests out a few easy, slightly queasy alternatives
Power Plate
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It might seem like a preposterous idea, but this vibration plate really works. It helps you tone up and shed fat yet requires only three 10-minute visits a week to help you shift the layer of lard. OK, it's not quite as simple as that. Each flab-blasting session involves a programme of eight different exercises from squatting to sit-ups, plus five positions to help you cool down. Each set may only last between 30-60 seconds but it's hard work. The platform's rapid movement exploits the body's natural reflexive response to disruptions in stability so, as you carry out the moves, muscles are contracting around 30-50 times per second. (What do you mean, we're reading this?) But does it work? Well having been created to keep Russian astronauts from falling to pieces in space, its roots are encouragingly science-based. After 10 visits you do actually feel firmer and the routine that left you feel very wobbly soon tones you up.
V Tone, Shop 9, Tiffany Plaza, 422 Oxford St, Bondi Junction (02 9388 9110, www.vtone.com.au). $29 per session or $99 for 6 sessions.
Endermologie
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The least active alternative to traditional shaping, this is a case of shoehorning yourself into what appear to be opaque tights, while a souped-up vacuum cleaner (known as the LPG machine) is passed over your skin. The suction from the nozzle supposedly breaks up compressed fat cells that have collected in hard clusters over time - but it is gain with considerable pain. Basically, it's deep tissue treatment, the intensity of which increases as the weeks progress, with around 12 visits recommended for noticeable results. As well as hoovering you, the therapist will advise you on diet and exercise. As an extra fat-dissolving boost, you can opt for a weekly or bi-monthly detox wrap, which in comparison to the LPG is pure bliss. Our guinea pig did lose an inch from her thighs but did point out it would be less painful to achieve the same result with a carving knife.
Dr Kourosh Tavakoli, 2A Mona Road, Darling Point (1300 368 107, www.drtavakoli.com.au). $130 per session.
Chi Oxygen Therapy
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Oxygenating the body is a huge part of ensuring the metabolism is working to its full potential. Sedentary lifestyles and air conditioning means our cells are being deprived of their fair share of fresh air, leaving vital functions sluggish and unable to eliminate waste. The Chi machine is designed to stimulate nerves, expand capillaries and enhance the ability to inhale, so oxygen floods into the blood increasing the rate you burn off food; and it's portable so ideal to have at home. As you lie on your back with your ankles resting on the grips, it moves to create undulations in your spine. This fish-like action maximises the movement of all the cells by opening up stiff spinal joints. It feels more like a relaxing therapy than a workout so it's not surprising when the results aren't staggering. Nonetheless, two or three five-minute sessions do complement regular exercise so you can cut down on the time you spend on more vigorous, oxygen draining activities.
Available to buy online from www.chimachine4u.com/australia, $1,500.
Hypoxi
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Essentially an exercise bike in a suction cocoon, this exercise contraption is hailed as an effective means of reducing fat deposits in the thighs and bum region. Once you slip into the less-than-comfortable rubber corset get-up, you mount the bike and the delectable new garment is stretched over the rim of the cocoon to keep it airtight. As you pedal away, the pressure within the cocoon swings from high to low. The idea being that low pressure sucks the blood to the fatty tissue boosting circulation, and directing fat burning, while high pressure pushes blood and body fluids out of the fat cells to speed up their disposal. The S120 claims to reduce a whopping 60 per cent fact on your lower half and 30 per cent on your abdominal area as well as stamping out cellulite. Despite impressive testimonials from cellulite-free lovelies, we suspect regular stints on a normal bike and a healthy diet advice would produce similar results.
V Tone, Shop 9, Tiffany Plaza, 422 Oxford St, Bondi Junction (02 9388 9110, www.vtone.com.au). $69 per session or $690 for 12 sessions.