Health

Review: Emsculpt at Dermoperfection #Ad

June 26, 2023 by Erica Hughes Leave a Comment

A few months ago I told you about EMSCULPT at Dermoperfection. Even after a trial session, I was able to notice a difference to the strength of my core muscles when I did my regular swimming sessions. So I was keen to see what results I would get with a full course of EMSCULPT at Dermoperfection.

What is EMSCULPT?

EMSCULPT is a non-invasive technology that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate muscle contractions, which leads to increased muscle tone and strength. This technology was first introduced in 2018 and has quickly gained popularity as a non-surgical alternative to traditional body contouring procedures.

During an EMSCULPT treatment, a special device is used to deliver electromagnetic energy to targeted areas of the body, such as the abdomen, buttocks, arms, or thighs. This energy causes the muscles in the area to contract, which can lead to increased muscle mass and improved muscle tone over time.

How long does the treatment take?

The treatment typically takes around 30 minutes per session, and most patients require a series of treatments to achieve optimal results. The number of sessions needed depends on the patient’s individual goals and the areas being treated. I opted for a course of treatments for my tummy muscles and I had four sessions of half an hour each over a period of two weeks.

What’s the treatment like?

The paddles are attached to your body with a belt. So it’s quick and easy to set up. Then the intensity is taken up to 40%, the minimum needed for results. Gradually it’s increased beyond as you get used to the feel of the treatment. I started off in the 60-70% intensity range.

There are three phases: pulses of activity, a sustained longer pulse and then the muscles are tapped to encourage lactic acid to disperse. At 40% it felt like I had a vibrating phone on my stomach, but the higher intensities are obviously stronger than that. Obviously, you can have a say over the level of intensity you are comfortable with. I found my first session with an intensity of 65% quite challenging. It was a bit like being in early childbirth labour. I had a contraction, which I breathed through and then there’s a pause. I could really feel my muscles working. As soon as the session is over and the paddles are removed, you are good to go on your way. There’s no downtime. What surprised me is that there was no discomfort afterwards. If you step up your workout at the gym, you know about it a day or two later, but with EMSCULPT there was none of that.

I was expecting the second session to feel like the first, but my muscles had obviously responded to the challenge and whilst I could feel the pulses, it was easy. In fact, I very nearly fell asleep during this session and I wished I’d gone for a higher intensity. In later sessions, I chose to up the intensity and ended up at 85%. That level was fine for me as I’d worked up to it.

What were the results?

EMSCULPT claim their treatment leads to an increase of muscle mass of 16% and a 19% reduction in body fat. Do I think I achieved this? Yes I do and possibly a bit more. My abdomen definitely has a more defined muscle tone. I feel stronger when I do things that engage my core and it’s been obvious that I’m stronger in that area when I’m swimming. The flab has reduced too. I can fit into my clothes a bit better. My waistline is trimmer and I can do up zips a lot easier on tighter fitting clothes. I’ve had some compliments too about losing weight. I haven’t actually lost weight, but I have toned and trimed my waist.

I also teamed this treatment up with a course EMSELLA for my pelvic floor muscles and that is a great combination to work on all your core muscles.

Would I have the treatment again in the future?

Yes absolutely. I’ll definitely be going back for top up treatments to keep the results. But, I’m also considering having a course of EMSCULPT for a different part of my body – I’m thinking my upper arms could benefit most or maybe my inner thighs.

Disclosure: I was given a course of treatment for the purposes of this review.

4 Self Care Tips to Feel Better About Yourself

March 1, 2023 by Erica Hughes Leave a Comment

When we lead busy lives, it can be hard to carve out time for a much needed self-care routine. However, when we take time to work on ourselves, we’ll start to see improvements to our everyday life, and even a reduction in our stress levels.

It can be hard to know where to start, particularly if self-care has never been a top priority, but self-care doesn’t need to require big changes.

So, if you’re looking to start taking better care of yourself, here are four simple changes that you can make.

1) Introduce Exercise to Your Routine

Not only does exercise improve your physical health, but it can benefit your mental wellbeing and help to reduce your stress levels as well.

And, even walking around your neighbourhood counts, so if you aren’t ready for that gym membership (that you’ll probably never use), why dedicate some of your lunch hour to a brisk walk.

Or, if you are feeling slightly more ambitious, consider downloading the Couch to 5k app. This 9-week programme will take you from walking to running as you’re guided along by a choice of trainers from Radio DJ Jo Whiley to comedian Sarah Millican.

2) Get A Better Night’s Sleep

Sleep should be a priority for us all, and a better night’s sleep can leave us feeling refreshed and make concentration easier.

In fact, studies have shown that sleep deprivation can cause health problems down the line, so making sure you get enough of it will not only reduce your stress, but improve your health too.

Of course, getting enough sleep can be easier said than done, so it’s important to assess your bedroom set up and evening routine. For example, a poor mattress can lead to poor sleep – they aren’t built to last forever. If the time has come for a new mattress, then experts like those at Archers Sleep Centre are happy to advise on the best choice for you.

And as for your routine, consider making simple changes like cutting out caffeine in the afternoon and evenings, and minimising screen time in the hour before you go to bed. Simple changes such as these can make a world of difference.

3) Work on Eating Well

With so many takeaway services now on offer, it’s easier than ever to get unhealthy meals delivered to your door.

Eating healthy is one of modern life’s biggest challenges. And while we’re not saying that you should never treat yourself, remember, everything in moderation.

Luckily, it’s also easier than ever to get a balanced diet delivered to your door as well. With meal box subscription plans, such as HelloFresh, you can get all the fresh ingredients you need for a healthy and balanced diet delivered right to your door.

Not only will this make it easier for you to eat well, but you’ll also reduce the amount of time you have to spend wandering around a supermarket.

Have you started introducing self-care to your daily routine? Share your tips in the comments below!

Marvellous Mornings: Set Yourself Up For Success Every Day

February 2, 2023 by Erica Hughes Leave a Comment

Photo by Acharaporn Kamornboonyarush: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-holding-alarm-clock-1028741/

Starting your morning off in the right way can have a huge impact on how you feel for the rest of the day. Picture the scene, you wake up late, you can’t find your keys, you skip breakfast and you miss your train. The panic and anxiety you feel during this first hour will take a long time to subside, you might even feel stressed for the rest of the day. Compare that to a peaceful morning where you wake up in plenty of time and everything is organised. You have a few minutes to yourself before you head out the door, and you arrive at work feeling ready and like you have yourself together. But how exactly can you ensure that you’re achieving this state of calm every day? Here are some tips to improve your morning routine!

Wake up early

It’s an obvious point but waking up earlier is the first step for most people who have rushed mornings. It gives you more time in the day to accomplish your goals and get a head start on the day’s tasks. It also helps you avoid feeling rushed in the morning, reducing stress and increasing focus. It allows you to enjoy a few quiet moments to yourself, before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. No one likes the sound of the alarm going off in the morning, but if you establish a consistent wake-up time and regulate your sleep patterns, not only will you improve the quality of your sleep but you’ll also find it much easier to get out of bed that bit earlier.

Exercise

Whether it’s a morning run, yoga, or a quick workout on your home treadmill or exercise bike, incorporating exercise into your morning routine can set a positive tone for the rest of the day. If you know you don’t exercise enough because your days are busy, squeezing in some activity in the morning means you have peace of mind that it’s done for the day and you’ll feel great knowing you achieved it. If you don’t live too far from work then walking or cycling is one way to get some activity in, it will save you money on transportation costs too.

Enjoy breakfast

Breakfast provides you with the energy and nutrients you need to start your day on the right foot. Most of us get the majority of our fruit intake from our morning meal, and breakfasts like porridge and smoothies make it easy to add healthy powerups like nuts, seeds, nutritional powders and more. Breakfast shouldn’t feel like a means to an end, like every meal it’s something to enjoy so spend a few minutes eating and having some calm time. Find a good coffee roaster company and sip down some delicious beans or have a cup of tea, or a fresh lemon squeezed into cold water if you prefer. Whatever your food and drink of choice is in the morning, sit down and enjoy it to start your day off right.

Plan your day

Starting the day with a clear plan can help you prioritise tasks and increase productivity. Take a few minutes each morning to make a to-do list, set goals, and schedule appointments- it could be something you do on your morning commute. This can help you focus and avoid feeling overwhelmed throughout the day.

Practice mindfulness

Engaging in mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling can reduce stress and increase mental clarity. Taking a few moments each morning to practise mindfulness can help you start the day with a calm and centred mindset, improving overall well-being and setting the stage for a productive day. Again, it’s something you could do on your morning train commute- pop on your headphones and shut out the background noise for a few minutes while you ground yourself.