7 Top Ways to Make Your Cardio Workout More Efficient

Within your week, a cardiovascular workout is one of the most essential workout routines that you can focus on. You could never get your dream body by just lifting weights because cardio workouts are necessary to increase your metabolism’s speed and help you lose weight. It also gets your heart rate up which means that your heart is getting in its workout. As your heart pumps, it distributes blood to all the parts of the body more efficiently which is needed for all your organs. Try getting in at least 30 to 60 minutes of cardio workouts at least 4 to 5 times a week. Here are the 7 top ways to make your cardio workout more efficient.

1.            Choose a cardio routine that you enjoy

Simple fact, doing something that you do not enjoy will not work out too well. That goes the same for cardio workouts. If you are currently working on a cardio workout that you do not enjoy doing then do yourself a favor and STOP! Choose another type of workout that could get your heart rate pumping. If running on the treadmill is boring to you, try running outdoors so you can enjoy the scenery and get some fresh air. You could also try swimming, dancing, boxing and other cardio workouts.

2.            Have a plan

Before you start, have a plan for yourself. This plan could tell you when you should increase your cardio workout and how many minutes and days you should be doing it. Remember to work out for yourself and not against it.

3.            Warm up before every workout

Before any type of workout that you do, make sure to warm up. Stretch your muscles before doing the major workout so you do not pull anything. Also, warming up increase blood flow and prevent strains.

4.            Change up your cardio workout

Try changing up your cardio workout. Although doing one workout could still be effective, try mixing it up so you will not get too bored in doing one thing. Challenge yourself mentally and physically. If you work out inside, try working out outside.

5.            Log in your cardio exercises

To help you keep track of your workouts, try logging in when you get in some cardio workouts. Take note of your current weight, number of days you work out, the distance, the length and your goals. This could help you motivate yourself more and improve your run each and every time.

6.            Have a cardio workout partner

If you get bored working out by yourself, try having cardio partner to help get you going. Try motivating one another in doing more so that you cardio workout could be more effective each and every single time.

7.            Listen to some workout music

Get your MP3 player and load it up with a few good workout songs. Make sure to choose songs that could help you run faster and help you concentrate and focus on other things besides the pain and soreness of working out.

Ancient Fitness Routines Inspire Modern Workouts

The ancient Greeks and Romans did it. So did the people of China, Japan and most of Asia. It was even ingrained in the culture of India thousands of years ago. The “it” is fitness, and many of the ancient practices and rituals performed by these cultures have inspired modern fitness habits.

Ancient Asian and Indian Workouts

 

The popular Eastern workouts practiced in the United States today are yoga, Pilates and martial arts. Eastern religions espouse harmony between the mind and body. Harmony was incorporated into ancient religious practices as a form of meditation during physical workouts. Not only is meditation good for the mind, it is often part of low-impact exercise routines that do not stress the joints and muscles.

Meditation coupled with gentle movement make up the routines for the three main types of tai chi practiced in the United States. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art discipline that dates back to the ninth century. Today it is often called “meditation in motion,” though Harvard prefers to describe it as “medication in motion.”

 

If you have driven by a park or open space with people of all ages slowly moving into different positions then you probably came across a tai chi class. What makes this ancient practice so appealing to modern society is that no special equipment or uniforms are needed to participate. You can work out alone or in a group. If you choose to work out solo, you can find online instruction from GaiamTV Workout videos, which offer tai chi, yoga and Pilates videos—just a few of the types of classic or modern workouts available.

For a workout that offers the benefits of many ancient fitness practices consider gyrotonics, a modern exercise routine created by Juliu Horvath, a professional dancer who combined ancient tai chi, yoga, Pilates and swimming. This contemporary version of the ancient arts has three benefits. First, it stretches your body and keeps you limber. Secondly, years of participation in golf, tennis, baseball and other sporting activities can misalign the body. Gyro routines exercise and strengthen both sides of your body, and help correct misalignment. Finally, many people today walk around slouched with rounded shoulders from sitting at a computer for long periods. Gyro helps strengthen the back, and stretches and opens the hip flexors, which improves posture and relieves back pain associated with extended sitting.

Western Civilization Fitness Influence

 

The Greeks and Romans are the two civilizations that continue to influence athletes and fitness enthusiasts in modern times. While the Greeks started the Olympics and the Romans gave the world Gladiators, there are many gym activities that can be traced back to both ancient societies.

The Greeks were enthusiastic about weight lifting, and archeological digs have uncovered rocks that were used by Greek weightlifters commemorating lifts that involved huge weight. One stone was discovered with the name of the athlete and the inscription “Eumastas, the son of Critobulus, lifted me from the ground.” The rock weighed 1,040 pounds.

 

Another workout that blends ancient fitness with modern components is CrossFit training. It is an intense workout that combines jump training and Olympic lifts with modern weight lifting equipment such as suspension systems or water-filled implements. Beginners and mid-level CrossFit participants time their workouts—how many reps can they do in a set time. More experienced CrossFit enthusiasts challenge each other to see how quickly they complete the daily workout and then post the results on a website. It is a rugged workout that requires training by an experienced person at a gym or online.

 

 

We know from archeological finds that when the Colosseum was not being used for Gladiators battling, coed exercises took place. Today women lift weights as part of their training, just as they did during the Roman Empire. Murals depicting women lifting weights and throwing a javelin have been uncovered on archeological digs. Weight training provides cardio workouts that improve endurance and strength, and help to lose fat. First-timers need to get instruction at a gym or online about how to avoid injury while weight training.

Exhale Spa: Free Yoga Classes Plus Advice from Their Yoga Guru

In honor of National Yoga month, Exhale Spa is celebrating their second annual namasDAY on Thursday, September 20th, with FREE yoga classes at locations nationwide. Cristi Christensen is the Yoga Director of Exhale in Los Angeles and she unleashes her passion by teaching a variety of classes and workshops there. She has studied with world-renowned fitness gurus and traveled the globe spreading her knowledge and enthusiasm for yoga and all things fitness. I caught up with Cristi after spending time with her at the amazing Exhale Spa retreat in Santa Monica last week. She gave me an insider perspective on practicing yoga and shared some of her health and beauty secrets.

 

MM: There are many different types of yoga classes available today. How do you differentiate between them and what are the most popular practices? Any tips on how to choose?

CC: There are many many different types of yoga; the key is finding the one that is right for you! Exhale’s yoga program falls under the Vinyasa style of yoga which is certainly amongst the most popular growing yoga in the U.S. Vinyasa is a rhythmic, flowing style of yoga with an emphasis in linking movement with breath. Vinyasa helps to not only build strength and endurance, but also enhances flexibility and brings the body and mind into a more relaxing, meditative state.

 

MM: What advice do you have for someone who has never taken a yoga class but is eager to try it?

CC: Start with a few beginner classes so that you can learn the basics of each one including the alignment techniques and the language; this way you can find the style that resonates with you. Let the teacher know you are new to class too so they can take extra good care of you!

MM: What yoga class do you suggest for the toughest physical challenge?

CC: Believe it or not, some of the most challenging classes I have taken have been Level 1 (beginner) as you are holding poses for a really long time! Level 2/3 classes usually move at a faster pace which definitely get your heart pumping and energy flowing! Vinyasa yoga is generally a very athletic practice- which will detoxify your body and take you to your edge!

 

MM: What are some of the benefits of yoga and what has it done for you personally?

CC: There are so many amazing benefits to this practice – physically, mentally, emotionally, even spiritually.

To name just a few…Strength, flexibility, balance, focus, youthful body and spirit, calm mind, deepen connection with self, inner peace, compassion, and joy.

Personally my yoga practice has become part of my life and lifestyle. The physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of the practice have helped me become more centered, grounded and connected into my self and my personal power. My body is as strong and subtle as it was in my athletic days and through my practice I have become more present and more joyful in each moment. My yoga practice truly feeds my mind, body and soul.

 

MM: Paddle boarding and surfing have become very popular and I know you enjoy mixing them with your yoga practice. How do they complement each other?

CC: Two of my passions are both yoga and surfing, and more recently I have been enjoying SUPing. There is nothing that makes you feel more alive then being totally engrossed in the present moment, and when you are in the ocean you have no choice but to be present. Yoga, in addition to building strength, body awareness and agility, helps build focus and concentration-all things you need in the water!!

MM: You have the most gorgeous hair. What products do you use to keep it shiny and healthy?

CC: Thank you! I use Pureology shampoo and conditioner. I also eat a lot of avocados and coconut oil!

 

MM: What are some of your favorite healthy snacks?

CC: I love Keen-wah coconut almond bars, apple slices with raw almond butter, raw kale chips, and dark chocolate!

 

MM: How did the idea for namasDAY develop and what do you hope people get out of it?

CC: September is National Yoga Month & namasDay is all about celebrating yoga and introducing yoga to as many people as possible around the country!

 

 

Celebrate namasDAY on Thursday at your nearest Exhale Spa location. Free classes will be offered throughout the day, capping off with a celebration of live music, healthy cocktails, and giveaways in the evening.

 

Cristi is the Director of Exhale Center for Sacred Movement in Venice, CA, where she is a passionate yoga and Core Fusion teacher. A former elite-level gymnast and platform diver, she earned her degree in Kinesiology while training with the Olympic diving team. After an injury cut her Olympic dreams short, Cristi shifted her focus to helping others improve their level of fitness through personal training, Pilates, Core Fusion + yoga. In 2004 she joined exhale, and has since studied extensively with world-renowned teachers, including Saul David Raye, Shiva Rea, Seane Corn, Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito. Cristi has combined her teachings, practice, and bright energy into a dynamic and unique classroom style that translates into an infectious energy that her students can’t help but feel during each class. Cristi has brought this energy across the globe, leading workshops, retreats, and bringing positivity with her to every corner of the earth. When Cristi isn’t teaching, globe-trotting, or keeping exhale Venice as the number 1 ranked yoga studio, you’ll likely find her surfing, playing in her Venice backyard, or doing back flips on Venice Beach!

Workouts to Get You in Top Shape for Summer

With bikini season fast approaching, it’s time to get back in shape! I always like to change up my fitness routine to keep it exciting and try new classes. Even with all the new exercise options out there, I have my faves that are challenging and effective. Whether you’re stuck in a fitness rut or just looking to try something different, check out my picks for some of the best exercise classes to get you swimsuit-season ready.

 

 

Core Fusion at Exhale Mind Body Spa
Core Fusion at Exhale Spa is my number one go-to workout.  I’ve been doing it for so many years now…ever since the Lotte Berk days with Fred De Vito and Elisabeth Halfpapp who are now the Founders of Exhale. This amazing barre class gives you a full-body workout and focuses on the core. The workout really gets results by offering a variety of exercises that include many of the disciplines used in pilates, yoga and ballet. If you have never experienced it before, make sure to go to a beginner class.  The workout never gets easier but I promise will change your body! Exhale Spa has locations all over the country.

 

 

Soul Cycle
It’s impossible to write a workout article without mentioning the ever-growing popularity of spin classes, especially SoulCycle. These high-energy classes have a cult following and are a celeb favorite. They incorporate cardio cycling with core work and light weights to build upper body strength, all in a zen environment.  The inspirational instructors are motivational and have some of the best music playlists in town. Studios are popping up everywhere in New York and LA. 

 

Barry’s Bootcamp
Bootcamp classes are another fitness trend and Barry does it best with his challenging mix of extreme cardio (running on a treadmill) alternating with heavy weight work. This fave of Kim Kardashian and Katie Couric claims to be “the best workout in the world” and after trying it, I would agree that it was one of the toughest workouts ever! I think a great class for die-hard exercise enthusiasts or people who are in serious training mode. Studios are located in New York, California, Tennessee, and even Europe.

Zumba at Alvin Ailey
It sure is a treat to work out right at the Alvin Ailey theater in one of their dance studios. This Zumba class has a huge NYC following that includes dancers and broadway actors as well as anyone who wants to have fun while following the dance routines of famed instructor Ben Byrd. This latin-inspired blend of dance and cardio is a blast, although I did feel like I had two left feet compared to some the regulars in the class.

405 W. 55th Street (at 9th Avenue)
New York, NY 10019
212-405-9000

Punch Fitness
Punch Fitness Center is a one-on-one personal training center that offers the ultimate physical challenge through kickboxing, boxing, and weight training (yes…it is a killer, no joke)! The complete body workout combines aerobic and anaerobic exercise with calisthenics. Adelino da Costa, the founder and creator of Punch Fitness, was previously a professional boxer and trainer. He and his talented group of trainers will greatly improve your strength, endurance and cardiovascular fitness as you listen to upbeat tunes from West and South Africa. The intimate setting consists of cardio and cable machines, free weights, and a boxing area with a variety of punching bags and a 16X16 ft. boxing ring. The center welcomes children ages 7 and up to come in and train for fitness or for fun!

1015 Madison Avenue, Lower Level (Between 78th & 79th ST.)
New York, NY 10075
212-288-2375

Sweat in Style: 6 Workout Must-Haves

Whether you’re into yoga, running, dancing or playing a sport, getting your sweat on doesn’t mean you can’t still be stylish! Ditch the grungy old t-shirt and oversized shorts and update your gym wardrobe with these chic picks.

Electric Yoga Bolt Bag, $58
Tote all of your workout essentials in this lightweight, waterproof interior bag. Neon is one of this season’s hottest trends.

Nicole Ari Parker Save Your Do™ Gymwrap, $24.95-$29.95
This fantastic head band innovation maintains your blowout in even the sweatiest of workouts. 10% of proceeds from the Save Your Do go to the Sophie’s Choice Foundation to raise awareness for spina bifida.

 

alo Sport Mod Workout Jacket, $80
Alo Sport makes the best eco-chic activewear that fits and feels amazing. This fun bright blue jacket is functional and chic. Celeb fans include Jessica Alba and Ellen Pompeo.

Women’s adidas by Stella McCartney Axyridis Shoes, $150
Designer athleticwear is certainly a way to stay chic while you sweat. We love these blue Stella McCartney for adidas sneakers.

Ideology Sleeveless Printed Tank Top & Skinny Cropped Active Pants, $38-$48
The Macy’s Ideology line has tons of great workout wear that is cute enough to wear outside the gym or studio, too! Cheryl Burke of Dancing with the Stars is a fan.

Custom Yoga Mat, $40
Anything personalized is always a great way to make your style standout. This also makes a great gift for the yogi in your life!

The Breakfast That Helps You Lose Weight

It’s 7 a.m., you scarf down a bowl of cereal and two much-needed cups of coffee only to find yourself starving by 10 a.m. Sound familiar? Wellness guru Frank Lipman, M.D., says it’s all too common. In fact, almost all of us are getting breakfast “wrong,” which is leading to weight gain and fatigue. The New York City-based physician says what our bodies really need to start the day is healthy fat and protein.

How to Curb Cravings

A person’s diet, especially breakfast, should include “no gluten, no sugar and as little dairy as possible; breakfast is the meal people find the hardest,” Dr. Lipman said. “Part of the problem is that gluten is super addictive. You’re basically a drug addict, and [when you take gluten out of your diet] there’s going to be withdrawal.”

So gluten, meaning anything with wheat in it, leaves us feeling sluggish and dependent. But banishing bagels from the breakfast table is easier said than done, unless you have a decent substitute.

Dr. Lipman, who works with celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, suggests a breakfast of gluten-free bread with almond butter, an omlette, or kipper (a small salty fish) and eggs. If you dare, you could even eat last night’s dinner for breakfast.

Alternatively, you could try his brand of health and wellness products, Be Well, which includes protein shakes, like “Recharge” ($99, Bewellbydrfranklipman.com), which are packed with the right nutrients to start your day. With 21g of protein and a blend of mixed greens and organic berries, I was full until lunchtime.

Twenty-one grams of protein sounded like a good amount to me. But Dr. Lipman’s says numbers aren’t exactly his thing. “I’m not a calorie person,” he told me, adding that we don’t need a specific amount of protein first thing in the morning, just fewer carbs and more natural foods. That also means time isn’t the most important thing to consider when preparing breakfast. So none of that eat-20-minutes-after-you’re-awake stuff, just eat when you’re ready to start the day.

Admittedly, I’ve been hesitant to drink protein shakes in the past, since the taste can be really icky, but Recharge was pleasantly bearable. After I mixed it with a glass of almond milk, I got a creamy-textured, fruit and veg-flavored smoothie.

“My attitude toward food is that we need to eat real food, not food that’s been manipulated,” he said. “Try and eat as close to nature as possible.”

by Caroline Murray

DailyMakeover.com from Makeover Solutions, Inc., is the web’s leading beauty information site, providing virtual makeover technology and content for women to create personalized makeovers. DailyMakeover.com’s virtual Makeover Studio enables users to see themselves wearing numerous hairstyles, makeup shades and fashion accessories to create their best makeovers, which can be saved, printed, or emailed. DailyMakeover.com is headquartered in New York City.

7 Hot New Workouts to Try Now

I think exercise is so important not only for your body but for your mind (it’s like therapy for me)! Even if it’s just 30 minutes on the elliptical or a power walk in the park, I try to fit in a workout every day. But doing the same thing over and over again can get boring, so I love to try new workouts and change up my routine a bit! I’ve recently checked out these new and amazing workouts that will surely get you in shape for the summer. Each one has its own personality so it’s worth trying all of them to see which ones are a good fit for you.

1. SLT
37 West 57th Street, NYC
212-355-1737
$40 Per Class (Packages Available)

SLT stands for Strengthen, Lengthen, Tone, and that’s certainly what this workout can do for you if you attend classes regularly.  This LA favorite was just brought to New  York by Amanda Freeman, co-founder of Vital Juice, after she heard about how amazing the workout was from friends there.  Once she tried it herself, she was hooked and opened up a studio on East 57th Street. SLT combines cardio, strength training and pilates in a high-energy, intimate class setting. If you like pilates but are looking for something more fast-paced and challenging, SLT is for you. They use a new-and-improved version of the pilates reformer machine called the Megaformer which provides constant resistance to build and tone muscle.

The Scoop: Great overall body workout that really focuses on your core, arms and legs up through the back of your butt. I was sore for days. It takes a few classes to get comfortable with the equipment but an excellent and effective workout (and all in 50 minutes). I have friends who swear by this workout and I must admit, they look super fit! I liked the intimate setting and location…there are only up to 10 people per class.

How to Stay Slim, Calm and Sexy for Spring

We all begin our efforts to slim down with the best intentions. You’ve renewed that gym membership and armed yourself with a grocery list heavy on fruits and vegetables. You’re prepared to count calories until you see results. No excuses. No compromises!

Think about the moment your last diet derailed. Can you remember? It probably wasn’t a major moment—because it’s the little things that pull us off track. We rush out the door in the morning, arrive late to the office or school, barely break for lunch, juggle family and work obligations, and return home to an empty fridge and a stack of delivery menus. When we’re
nervous, frustrated, tired, or stressed, food is comforting. And, usually it is not celery that speaks to us in these moments!

To stay focused on nutritious eating, you need to stay calm. When we are calm and relaxed, we can see all of our choices, clearly, and make healthy decisions. Too often we feel trapped. When your boss has just added another memo to your pile of tasks, or your son asks for help on his big school project due tomorrow, slowing down to make a healthy dinner seems impossible: wouldn’t chicken fingers and fries be faster? But the more you develop a calm relationship with food, the better choices you’ll make, the more you’ll enjoy your food, and the better you’ll feel. Losing weight means learning to stay ahead of your hunger—and your mood swings.

Discover tips and tricks to become your SLIM, CALM, SEXY self in RD and celebrity nutritionist Keri Glassman’s new book, the Slim Calm Sexy Diet!

• Stay ahead of your appetite: snack lightly and frequently to stay satisfied but not stuffed. Who doesn’t overeat when they’re ravenous? The power of snacking is one of Keri’s signature nutrition tools, and the Slim Calm Sexy Diet emphasizes nutrition powerhouse snacks for every mood and situation.

• Hit Pause: have Happy Hour, all to yourself. Do you feel like your day (and diet) is spinning out of control? Find the time to savor a flavorful snack in the late-afternoon limbo between lunch and a late dinner. The Slim Calm Sexy Diet highlights special Happy Hour choices that won’t spike your blood sugar levels or kick your sweet craving into high gear.

• Slim + Calm = Sexy: never thought about eating to feel sexy? It’s about time! There’s nothing like a little friskiness to motivate your quest to slim down. We often say things like “I’ll lose weight when work slows down,” or “I’d feel sexier if I lost a few pounds.” The Slim Calm Sexy Diet turns the science on food and desire into tools to nurture your sexual side. Remember that weight, stress, and sex are like three legs of the same stool: a healthy eating plan has to address all three.

Don’t miss Keri talking Slim Calm Sexy over the next few weeks!

· The Today Show on Friday, March 30
· New York Live on Friday, March 30
· The Talk on Wednesday, April 4
· Access Hollywood Live on Tuesday, April 10

Also, share your questions, comments, and journey with Keri by posting on her Facebook wall, or tweet with her at @KeriGlassman.

Nationally recognized nutrition expert and published author Keri Glassman is the founder and president of Keri Glassman, Nutritious Life, a nutrition practice based in New York City. For years, Keri has been a leader in advancing a “whole person” approach to health and wellness.She has dedicated her career to creating services and promoting education through her Nutritious Life brand. She has authored two books; the most recent is The O2 Diet. The Cutting Edge, Antioxidant-Based Program That Will Make You Healthy, Thin and Beautiful. (Rodale, December 2009.) This book translates complex scientific research on antioxidants and the ORAC scale into useful and usable tools that everyone can benefit from. It empowers people to live a more Nutritious Life by combining a nutrient dense, high antioxidant diet with the other components of a Nutritious Life. The O2 Diet follows the Snack Factor Diet, (Crown, 2007.)Keri is a contributing editor and advisory board member for Women’s Health Magazine, and was the first registered dietitian to create a real food based snack bar, KeriBar.Additionally, Keri is the Nutrition and Health contributor for NBC’s New York Live, and is regularly featured on national television programs including NBC’s The Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, Access Hollywood Live, The View, Dr. Oz, The Doctors, The Wendy Williams Show, MSNBC and The Fox News Channel. Keri resides in New York City with her children, Rex and Maizy.

The Real Scoop On Body Contouring Lipomassage

This is year that I’m going to tighten up my tummy. I mean business. I’m just so fed up with having a mushy muffin-top, and I have no more excuses since I’m not planning on having any more kids. The problem is that after having weathered some pretty big phases of weight gain during my pregnancies, I fear that diet and exercise alone won’t give me the results I want. Actually, I know they won’t, because it’s been a solid year that I’ve been working out religiously and eating pretty cleanly, and though I’ve lost a lot of weight, my stomach still spills out of my jeans.

How To Look Instantly Younger

Since I’ve given the good old-fashioned muscle method a thorough go (and always will), I’ve decided that it’s time to get some extra “help.” I contemplated a tummy tuck, but it seems too invasive, and I freaked out after watching Kate Gosselin’s consultation (which also made me feel a little bit better about my stomach situation). So I started researching less invasive procedures, and decided to try the new Lipomassage by Endermologie. “It is the only scientifically proven technique, targeting the fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. To date, all our clients who have experienced this technology have been extremely satisfied,” says Nicole Contos, CEO of NYC’s Smooth Synergy Spa, one of the few medispas that has the latest LPG Lipomassage machine, called the Integral.

Here’s how the treatment works: You strip down, then slip on a body stocking (think of a unitard made out of pantyhose), then the specialist massages your body with the machine’s new Ergodrive head, which is equipped with a bunch of motorized rollers that lift up and knead your skin in various different directions. This “mechano-stimluation” of the skin’s surface is proven to stimulate a deep biological response to eliminate fat cells, reduce cellulite, firm the skin, improve lymphatic drainage and overall reshape the contours of your body–all without any cutting, sucking, or other unpleasantries. Each treatment costs $150 and takes about 45 minutes, and upon my first consultation, I was told that I may see results after the first session, but should commit to at least six or eight sessions, getting two a week, to start reaping the benefits. A total of 20 sessions is suggested to see maximum results, after which you can go into maintenance mode with one monthly treatment. I was a little afraid of the cost and time commitment, but stayed the course because, as I said, I mean business.

Hairstyles That Make You Look Thinner

I have to say I felt a little slimmer after the first treatment, but it wasn’t until after my third treatment that I started to notice visible results. I could see that my stomach skin was more toned, less squishy and didn’t have that bloated look. I was really impressed. Maybe it was a slight body change that only I would notice, but it was enough to make me a believer, and I wound up doing a total of 10 sessions. Each week I saw a little more improvement, and by the end of five weeks, I can definitely say that I’ve gone down one pant size. I should point out that I kept up my workout regimen and good eating habits at the same time. In fact, I was told Lipomassage results are actually enhanced when you work out soon after a treatment because it’s easier for your body to flush out the toxins and fat.

The most challenging part of the whole process was finding the time to fit it into my day, but once I made it to the spa and lied down on the table, I was thrilled to get those 45 minutes of “me” time, and the procedure is actually very relaxing. It was just the treatment I needed to get back into all of my pre-pregnancy clothes, so while I did have to shell out a lot of money and etch out the time, I feel like I’ve gained a whole new wardrobe, as well as some much-needed body confidence. Like most spas, Smooth Synergy offers a discount if you buy a series of 10, 15 or 20 sessions, so if you are contemplating Lipomassage, be sure to ask about package deals.

Now, in all honestly, I won’t commit to getting into a bikini too fast–there are still some issues that maybe only plastic surgery could truly fix, but for now, I’m happy with my Lipomassage results.

Are you considering trying any type of body contouring treatments? Tell us!

By: Rachel Hayes

Photo: Frederic Cirou @ PhotoAlto Agency RF Collections

DailyMakeover.com from Makeover Solutions, Inc., is the web’s leading beauty information site, providing virtual makeover technology and content for women to create personalized makeovers. DailyMakeover.com’s virtual Makeover Studio enables users to see themselves wearing numerous hairstyles, makeup shades and fashion accessories to create their best makeovers, which can be saved, printed, or emailed. DailyMakeover.com is headquartered in New York City.

Spring Fever Giveaway

With temperatures soon to be rising, we’ve got that spring fever and are celebrating with a very special PageDaily giveaway! Enter here for your chance to win a plethora of goodies sure to warm those winter bones and get you spring ready in no time. Our giveaway is stocked with fabulous picks like Ouidad hair care, ROXoxox jewelry, a FitBit Wireless Personal Trainer, StriVectin skincare and much more!

Our Spring Fever giveaway package is valued over $1000 and includes:

• ROXoxox Island Rox bracelet/necklace and Dune Rox Ring. Rock some serious arm and finger candy with this braided leather and chain detailed bracelet (also doubles as a necklace) and their 14K GF and Citrine statement ring.

• Kristin McGee Fitness DVD’s. Get ready to shed the layers with workout guru Kristin McGee’s workout DVD’s including, MTV Power Yoga, Kristin McGee’s Power Yoga, YogaTone, Bendigirl and Body by Bethenny.

• Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner and Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel. The Prickly Pear Cactus Extract, Green Tea and Vitamin B5 infused conditioner promotes long-lasting hydration and helps seal the cuticle layer of hair, preventing frizz and encouraging a healthier scalp. An Allure magazine, Glam.com and Daily Glow favorite, the heat activated  gel is made of wheat protein that breathes in humidity- protecting the hair shaft for a perfectly styled do.

• 2 Exude Lip Glosses. Exude’s custom smooth and non sticky formula not only hydrates your lips with an anti-aging complex and gives you show stopping color but it’s also celebrity stylist, Rachel Zoe’s favorite!

• Electric Yoga Bolt Bag. The neon lightning bolt bag is lightweight, beyond functional and waterproof lined- perfect for errands, spring time workouts and beach visits!

• StriVectin-SD Volumizing Hand Treatment and StriVectin-SH Dermal Infusion Mask . Give Father Time a run for his money with this revolutionary cream that combats five signs of aging hands. Rejuvenate with the intensive restorative mask that nourishes and firms skin, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Stephanie Johnson ML Traveler. Tote your beauty bounty in style with this roomy and chic make-up case.

• FitBit Wireless Personal Trainer. The Wireless Personal Trainer is like having your own personal trainer but better. Monitor workouts, sleep and food intake with wireless updates and app syncing to help you reach your fitness goals.

• Essie Nail Varnish. Rock the season’s hottest shades on your hands with four different varnishes.

• Spa Water Guide Book and Water Bottle. Create healthy, delicious and inexpensive vitamin-infused water with this collection of twenty two refreshing recipes from award-winning spas around the world and take it on the go with an eco friendly water bottle.

• Tarina Tarantino Sparklicity Shimmer Dust. Add a little sparkle to your look with this paraben free microcrystalline shimmer designed to pouf the perfect sparkle onto your face, body and hair.

• Illamasqua Precision Ink. Create a perfectly defined eye with their fine tip liner that is long lasting and waterproof.

• Clearasil PerfectaWash. This innovative Automatic Face Wash Dispenser delivers the perfect dose of dermatologist tested cleanser for visibly clearer skin in twelve hours without over drying.

• Make Up Forever Make-Up. Nab color palettes from the industry’s go-to brand which was created in 1984 in the discreet Parisian workshop-boutiqe of renowned make-up artist Danny Sanz.

• Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Body Lotion. Instantly smooth and nourish wintery dehydrated skin for a soft, smooth and moisturized and spring ready skin!

• Limited Edition POP Phone Handset in Gold. Chat in style with this metallic handset that eliminates over 99% of absorbed radiation from cell phones.