The lovely ladies of Abu Dhabi Week try out three very different ways to look even better
On the case
Needing a helping hand to tone up and slim down we sought expert help from VLCC Slimming Beauty and Fitness.
On our first session we met with professional dietician Sophie Tippins and discussed our weight concerns before standing on a machine that measured and analysed our body composition.
It turned out we didn’t have a weight problem after all. We were surprised to learn that our Body Mass Index or BMI was perfect, and we were the correct weight for our height. What we did need however, was figure correction because we had too much fat stored around our belly area – this came as no surprise!
Figure correction targets a specific area to help tone up and reduce in size. We were prescribed a combination of treatments, called the Tummy Tuck, Body Firmer, Waist and Tummy Trim.
The number and type of treatments needed varies from person to person depending on your body shape and the amount of time you wish to invest. We signed up for a three-week plan, however we unexpectedly had to travel overseas, so we ended up doing a two-week programme, following a tailor-made balanced diet plan created by Sophie.
We felt immediately relaxed in the hands of friendly slimming therapist Tesha Bhel Brusola, who carried out all the special slimming massages, body firming using special appliances and ultrasonic induction.
For the ultrasonic induction Tesha applied gel to small round pads, which were connected to a neuromuscular stimulator machine. Simply put, the pads were put on our belly and we felt a vibration, then our muscles contracted. This is known as passive exercise; we were getting a workout while lying on our back. We used VLCC’s gym immediately after, to get the most from the session.
The results
We looked on nervously as Tesha wrapped the measuring tape around our tummy. In comparison to our initial measurements we had lost four centimetres from our belly, three centimetres from our hips, and a grand total of nine centimetres around our waist. What a result in such a short time!
For us this experience was a life lesson to not obsess about what the scales say. In the past we have gone on diets and ended up frustrated by the lack of acknowledgment from our weighing scales. Now we would be more inclined to judge our slimming success by how our clothes fit. And right now, thanks to the helping hand of VLCC they are fitting better than ever.
DETAILS
What: Centimetre loss treatments
Cost: Price varies depending on type and number of treatments bought.
We say: Amazing results without any hard work at all.
Contact: 02 658 4380 or www.vlccwellness.com/UAE/
Catriona Doherty
Gym time
Joining a gym, we were anxious. We don’t know what the classes are like, how unfit we are and we don’t know anyone.
Meeting with the trainer at Abu Dhabi Country Club (ADCC), needless to say we felt some trepidation. We decided on four classes per week – one core, one strength and two cardio for toning, slimming and stretching.
The first class was easily the hardest though, the next day we felt very stiff but a little empowered.
A few classes passed and we realised we began to look forward to gym. We didn’t love every class, but they all worked us hard! The studios are enormous and air-conditioned so it’s comfortable, social and fun. It became part of our routine, after work we would head straight to ADCC.
The first week, we felt stronger. We actually gained two kilogrammes the first week and a half, but then at the two week mark, realised we had lost half a centimetre. Each week we were able to do a few more push-ups, run a little further and lift a little more.
The instructors make the classes enjoyable – their enthusiasm and energy is contagious. Attending a Thursday evening Body Combat, we were delighted to watch the two instructors interact, miming kicks and punches to each other – the class flew by.
Overall, not only did we lose two kilogrammes, but also a centrimetre-and-a-half and felt tougher and more toned than ever before. We are still going to classes at ADCC now, just for fun and fitness.
DETAILS
What: Fitness classes at Abu Dhabi Country Club
Cost: AED 500 for 12 classes, or memberships starting at AED 2,000 (for three months)
We say: Give anything a go, at least once!
For more information: Call 02 657 7777 or visit www.adcountryclub.com
Caitlyn Davey
Taste the Rainbow
Looking to slim down and cleanse our insides, we signed up to Detox Delight. Providing healthy and nutritious meals and juice-only programmes specifically designed to detoxify the body, we test out the five-day juice and soup delight.
In order for detoxification to take place, we’ve got to completely eliminate unhealthy and harmful foods and drinks from our diet. This type of food fasting is meant to kick start our metabolism, reenergise our mind and spirit, all while giving our body enough time to heal and repair itself naturally.
Luckily we’ve left all of the hard work to Detox Delight and only need to wait for our deliveries to arrive to discover our balanced diets for the day. The colourful flavours – orange, pink, green, and yellow – are surprisingly good. Filled with more fruit and veg than we’ve ever consumed in a day, we can’t help but feel healthy inside and out.
The verdict? We’re surprised to find we’re not hungry. Actually our stomach (and bladder) is almost always full. We were hoping to lose five vanity pounds and even though we only ended up losing three, feel a real sense of accomplishment at sticking to the diet without cheating. And the best part? Our skin, hair and nails have never looked better.
The Detox Diaries
Day 1: We can’t believe these juices are going down so easy. We can’t help but feel a little smug as we tell our colleagues about our new healthy lifestyle.
Day 2: We’re surprised at how much we miss chewing. Luckily we’ve got a soup for dinner and get to use a spoon.
Day 3: Back to juices, we’re quickly realising that all this liquid is very filling. It feels like we’ve spent the entire day sipping.
Day 4: Our hardest day yet… we don’t feel hungry so much as just want to chew something. Soup again. Hooray for cutlery!
Day 5: We’ve got an entire day’s worth of our least favourite flavour, green detox. Luckily we don’t crack and make it through the night.
Day 6: Off on holiday, we realise we’re not hungry when the in-flight meal comes round and decline. Looks like we’ve finally learned to listen to our bodies before stuffing our faces with food. Success!
DETAILS
What: Detox Delight
Cost: From AED 2,450
We say: Sip yourself slim. Or try the variety of options on offer to find one to suit your needs.
Contact: www.detox-delight.ae
Sawaiba Khan
