The January Challenge
I wanted to make January all about wellness and self-care and see if I felt different after four weeks of taking care of myself.
The Barre Minimum
So I decided to step it up and participate in the Barrecore January Challenge. I already go to Barrecore (when I really feel like it) but obviously not to this extent and believe me I’m the first one to cancel a class. I have NEVER been to the gym four times per week in my life !
At Barrecore
At Barrecore
“Barrecore combines low impact fat-torching interval training with functional stretches to effectively and safely sculpt your entire body”
One of the studios is just next my house, so that’s rather convenient! The place is extremely clean, beautifully done and has amazing teachers. It’s decorated like a boutique gym studio and has that comforting feeling of being home.
This challenge was really something new to me. I had to attend a minimum of 4 classes a week for four weeks choosing any class at any time during the day. 16 times to the gym in one month ! OMG ! If you can’t do four lessons one week you need to do 5 the following. I ended up having two lessons one day at some stage, I nearly collapsed.
I couldn’t believe that I actually left in the morning walking there in the rain and my motivation level was 10/10. I always tried to mix up the different classes they offer in order to vary a little as I get bored very easily doing exercise.
Barre Sculpt and Barre Restore are my favourites.
I am so proud of myself that I went through with this challenge and my body has never felt stronger ! Hubby finds my butt looks amazing and my osteopath told me that my back muscles were extremely strong.
The team was so encouraging, welcoming and flexible with switching lessons left and right if needed. I wish they would organise a challenge every 3 months ! It really got me into a gym routine which I did not have before and I’m determined to continue at least 3 times a week.
My Obsession with The Mayfair Practice Continues
BTL is a treatment combining thermal and mechanical energy using radio-frequency. (Do I sound like I have a medical degree or what!)
I decided to go for the four weeks treatment weekly for thighs, butt and tummy, three zones that I wanted to have a little smoother and firmer. The treatment is not painful but since it works with heat it can get quite hot sometimes.
There is no downtime and you might just feel afterwards that the areas tingle a bit due the blood flow that was stimulated.
I really loved the treatment and did see results. We did before and after pictures and I was quite surprised of how my butt shape became much better and the skin more even. It’s a very good treatment combined with sports and it really smoothes the skin. I was very skeptical at first to be honest but it does show results. If you do it without exercising and eat unhealthy it would be a waste of money. It’s a great combination with the gym if you want to get your body bikini ready and loose some cellulite.
No Beach Bod Without a Tan at Inparlour
Speaking of bikini ready… I couldn’t resist a bespoke tan by Inparlour with the amazing Amanda Harrington products (check out my blog about Amanda Harrington tanning).
Feeling more in shape than ever made me want to get the glow and man does it feel good to be tanned! Inparlour is an amazing team who provide “at home” bespoke body tans, facials, massages, makeup and more...
Before my tan I also booked a lymphatic massage at Inparlour that was one of a kind. It’s a strong pressure drainage that left me feeling extremely light and eliminated toxins. I can highly recommend this lymphatic massage because it really helps to detox.
What I Use At Home
I use this once a week as well as before waxing and getting a self tan. By far the best body scrub I have tried.
Lumity Morning & Night Supplements - Click to check it out
I use this cream at night. I love this body cream as it really tightens my skin. It’s quite thick but not sticky at all.
Available at Boots - Click to check out
I use this in the morning and it’s a great anti cellulite cream. I have tried many brands like Clarins, Clinique etc and this one really works for me.
And The Results of The January Challenge are IN
Well first of all it was great fun to set a goal for myself, get all of the appointments organised and mindfully take care of myself. I feel that doing sports is so good for the brain. I have lots more energy, am in a lighter mood and much less stressed.
This month gave me a big kick to continue my exercising 3 times a week and taking some time for myself. It showed me that determination is the key to achieve results. January was lot’s of fun !!!