How many of us are among those highly organized women who, seeing in the mirror the consequences of heavy winter feasts and a less-than-healthy lifestyle, don't simply say “aww, wow,” but methodically and immediately get back into shape? If you're one of them, everyone applauds and envies you. We sinners, however, usually put it off until the last minute. And only when we realize we can't look at our bodies without crying, our favorite dress doesn't fit, and a date or other compelling reason is looming, do we frantically try to pull ourselves together.
That is, of course, not for the mind, but, so to speak, for the butt. By the will of fate and the peculiarities of the female constitution, it is in the buttocks (and, well, stomach) that we accumulate “strategic reserves” in the form of excess fat and fluid. This phenomenon is natural, and if your metabolism is in order, losing weight is a breeze. The problem begins when metabolic processes in the tissues are disrupted, and this phenomenon is widely known as cellulite.
Generally speaking, bags under the eyes, a puffy face, and a protruding belly and buttocks are all the result of intoxication and a lack of self-care. But while we treat the bags with compresses and serums and reduce facial puffiness with diuretics, cellulite won't be treated this way. As we all know, radical self-improvement is essential. Even by forcibly losing weight, we don't solve the problem, as every glass of compote consumed will tend to remain in the body forever. And the “hungry” lipid-fat layer will give it this opportunity. To solve the problem, we need to restore metabolism and tissue structure.
In all fairness, everything should be done systematically: cleanse the intestines, restore balance to the body's most important systems—lymph flow and blood supply—and be monitored by doctors… However, we want quick results, so we need to do something now!
Strictly speaking, effective ways to get in shape fall into two groups: those that are entirely up to us, and those that involve manual and instrumental techniques. The first group includes everything related to nutrition and movement. I've presented it in two sections.
1. Review your menu and diet
Personally, I'm against diets because I believe they offer nothing but short-term results and harm. But if, even following all the following recommendations, you continue to eat a “maliciously” unhealthy diet, it will be very difficult to lose weight. To start losing weight without compromising your vitality and health, you need to follow simple yet effective principles:
– eat often, but in small quantities;
– drink enough (1-1.5 liters per day) of clean water – this is necessary for proper metabolism;
– consume fats only in the morning, the rest of the time replace them with dietary dressings and yogurts;
– do not give up carbohydrates, including sweets (fruits, honey, dark chocolate), but make it a rule to consume them only before physical activity, and not after it;
– in the evening, give preference to proteins, and reduce carbohydrates to a minimum;
– take a 12-hour break between evening and morning meals.
2. Aerobic exercise
I'd like to lie and tell you that you can lose weight successfully and sustainably without good old-fashioned exercise. But I won't. I'm afraid that even if it's achievable, it's at a steep price. The point of aerobic exercise is, first and foremost, to increase your oxygen consumption while moving, which results in fat “burning.” It also boosts your metabolism, produces endorphins, and increases your energy—what can I tell you?
However, not all women are willing to jump, sweat, and get out of breath during fitness classes. I understand, so I recommend considering modern mind-body techniques, which also have a beneficial effect on metabolism, strengthen muscle tissue, and teach proper breathing. For example:
Pilates is a system named after the German physician, trainer, and athlete Joseph Pilate. Since Pilates was originally developed as a rehabilitation method, it is completely safe and has virtually no contraindications. However, don't expect the exercises to be easy! They focus on stretching and working deep muscles and joints, so by the end of the workout, you'll feel the awakening of even those muscles you never knew existed. This effect closely resembles that of yoga, as both encourage the body to work from the inside out, along with a general meditative attitude.
PorDeBras is an original training program that incorporates many elements from a ballet “class.” Elements of dynamic balance have a beneficial effect on posture and coordination, while stretching and flexibility exercises improve ligaments and muscles, and joint mobility. All of this is essential for a harmonious, well-trained body. So imagine yourself with the posture and demeanor of a ballerina. The beginning and ending portions of the workout are reminiscent of a ballet exercise, bringing a unique aesthetic pleasure to those practicing. It's ideal to follow PorDeBras with a dance class—you'll notice a noticeable return to your toned state without any extra effort.
BodyFlex is a proprietary method developed by American mother-of-three Greer Childers, accessible to anyone with no interest in sports, dance, or other body shaping techniques. The program is based on the principle of burning fat and building muscle through specialized aerobic breathing combined with a sequence of isometric, isotonic, and stretching poses. Performing these exercises for 15 minutes daily can quickly shed excess weight and reduce excess body size, restore your energy, and restore your vitality. Proponents of this method claim that extra inches simply melt away before your eyes. The exercises require only a secluded space and an open window (breathing exercises are ineffective without fresh air).
These lessons are easily found on file-sharing websites. The key is to practice several times a week.
Modern beauty and wellness companies have long embraced the “weight loss + detox” theme, offering express programs to bring our flawed bodies back into shape. Having tried numerous methods myself, I personally lean toward a synthesis of classics and modern tricks. Five to seven treatments, which are important not to skip, and the results are clear. So, I'll share with you what I believe makes up the ideal salon treatment plan.
1. Massage
A good specialist will immediately put you at ease by gently “walking” along your spine and back and explaining their sensations, which are comparable to diagnostic miracles. That is, they won't say: you have problems with your seventh and ninth vertebrae and tension in your collar zone. Instead, they'll say, for example, that you have kidney or liver problems, or that osteochondrosis has taken root here and there… After all, the spine is the root and indicator of many of our problems. If they sense them accurately and immediately, you can trust them. Relaxation is therapeutic. Furthermore, the massage will begin with a certain mixture being applied to your back and buttocks, which they will then vigorously and firmly scrub off. No problem: this is an exfoliation that removes unnecessary dead skin cells from the skin's surface.
Then comes the massage itself. We Russians, as they say, understand the effectiveness of a massage when it's strong. That is, when you groan and scream. However, in my opinion, overt pain and discomfort during a massage are unacceptable. At a minimum, you'll get bruises; at worst, you'll feel bruised instead of toned. Ideally, the specialist should say, “This is going to hurt a little,” and then apply pressure to your specific acupressure points. Therefore, it's crucial to understand whether you trust this person or not! If not, it's best not to. If you do, the results are amazing.
2. Wrapping
Many types of body wraps are now marketed as detox and weight loss treatments: honey, chocolate, grapes, and truffles—all exclusive and effective. However, believe me, humanity hasn't come up with anything better than marine products—seaweed, mud, plankton extracts, and salts. These wraps not only effectively break down fat and remove fluid, but also activate physiological mechanisms in the deepest layers of the skin. This means your skin will be more elastic, which is crucial for weight loss.
Scientifically, it's called thalassotherapy. It involves smearing a brownish-green liquid over you, forcing you to sweat for 30-45 minutes. And here's the trick: will they simply cover you with plastic wrap and a blanket, or will they employ additional methods? In my opinion, the most noticeable ones are:
An infrared lamp is positioned above you and feels pleasantly warm. But it actually offers a whole range of healing benefits, which will, of course, be explained to you at the salon. There's also an infrared cabin, reminiscent of a mini-sauna. But the idea remains the same: to activate your metabolism and the effects of the wrap.
A spa capsule . This experience isn't for the claustrophobic. You'll be literally placed in a capsule and sealed in place. There are two types: “dry” and “wet.” This program involves placing you in the “dry” capsule. It also uses infrared radiation, and you'll lie back and listen to music, with different colors swimming before your eyes (called chromotherapy). Meanwhile, you'll feel excess fluid draining through your pores with each passing minute. But this fluid won't be water, but the result of your fat cells breaking down.
3. Hardware techniques
To achieve visible and lasting results, you can't do without hardware cosmetology techniques. Each salon has its own list. I'll list the most effective and proven ones.
Pressotherapy. Special “cuffs” are placed around the entire body, into which air is gently pumped (similar to blood pressure monitors). The device massages your body for half an hour, simultaneously stimulating the lymph nodes. This is a very pleasant and effective drainage. It normalizes lymph flow, which not only helps get rid of cellulite but also promotes weight loss, improves complexion, and more.
LPG Systems. The method involves direct mechanical action on the subcutaneous fat. This is a vacuum massage performed by the LPG device's “handle.” This massage “unlocks” cellulite cells and simultaneously stimulates lymph flow to flush out broken-down fat and other waste products from the tissue. It's like cabbage: if you want it to release juice, you first need to “squeeze” it. Ideally, the handpiece should be applied to the entire body, which is very effective for those with significant excess weight.
Myostimulation. Literally, it involves applying pulses of alternating current to muscles. Electrodes are placed on problem areas, creating an alternating current between them, which causes the muscles to contract. This expends energy, as during a highly effective workout, while simultaneously eliminating harmful waste. The effect is noticeable but completely painless. Furthermore, modern devices are highly effective and offer a host of additional features. It's no wonder they're so popular among models, for example—women who aren't overweight but are aware of cellulite. Myostimulation is also indispensable during recovery periods, such as after childbirth.
It's worth noting that these procedures are quite expensive, and the effects won't be immediate. While you'll feel great after a 3-4-hour program, don't believe the hype: “Lose 5 kg and 3 cm in one visit!” However, you'll fully appreciate the carefully chosen combination of manual, cosmetic, and hardware treatments after just a few treatments. Cosmetologists call this the “synergy effect.” It's when all the resources used to help you enhance each other's effects.
And then, if you've been patient and consistent, spent the allotted time in the treatment rooms, and experienced the miraculous effects, you'll no longer want to do anything harmful to yourself. On the contrary, you'll want to keep that feeling of well-being and “extraordinary lightness” for as long as possible.
And if, in addition to all this, you do go to a fitness club, start eating right, and take care of your health, then in the near future you will become one of those highly organized women in great shape that everyone applauds and envies.