Need a little motivation to kickstart your exercise regime? We don’t know about you, but we often wonder how the professionals manage to do it, day in, day out...

For today’s instalment of ‘A day in the life of...’, we've delved into the daily routine of Justin Way - Personal Trainer and Fitness Expert at Pure Gym. From making sure he has time to have a training session himself each day, to ensuring he eats all the right foods, Justin is dedicated to setting a good example for his clients - just follow his tips and you’ll soon start to see the difference...

How do you make sure you get the day off to a good start?

Preparing the night before is always a winner. Preparing food, paperwork, clothes and getting a good night’s sleep – as well as waking up in plenty of time to get breakfast and get to work without having to rush. If this happens, the day is definitely off to a good start.

What does a typical working day consist of for you?

Meeting hundreds of people, advising or educating them on exercise, nutrition and possible lifestyle changes is the majority of it. I will have a training session for myself in there somewhere, and there are some paperwork tasks to be done, such as writing training/nutrition plans. There is the health and safety side of things too - the gym can be a dangerous place if people aren't careful or not exactly sure of what they are doing, so tidying up the gym, checking around the gym floor, checking changing rooms and conducting classes take up the rest of my day.

What do you find rewarding about your work?

My work is pretty cool, especially seeing people develop in the gym and achieve their goals. My reward comes from seeing the confidence and self esteem oozing from each person, knowing that I have made a difference to their life in a positive way.

Is there anything you don’t like about your job?

To be honest, no. Sometimes I will work long hours, and trying to keep energy levels high for my clients can be tough - but I don’t dislike it, it’s just another challenge to overcome.

What sort of food do you eat during a working day?

Quite a wide variety. Chicken, fish, beef and lamb, mostly - with vegetables, potatoes, rice or pasta. The amount of meals that can be made from these ingredients are endless, and I do have snacks in between, like fruit, nuts and seeds.

What do you do to switch off and unwind after working hard?

Run 20k. Only joking! I stay at home with a good old cheesy action film or a bit of Xbox before bed.

Is there anything you wish you had more time for?

As a personal trainer, weekends are a thing of the past! I sacrifice nights out with friends or family, but after all, with most jobs comes sacrifice. It’s not that I don't get out - it would just be nice to maybe have a little more time for it.

Want to benefit from more great advice? There are lots of great personal trainers at Pure Gyms across the country – and the exercise-shy will be glad to know that it’s possible to join without a membership, too. Just visit our Pure Gyms page to find a venue near you.

It’s always fascinating finding out more about what health, beauty and fitness professionals do – so when we were given the chance to have a peek at dance instructor Shalini Bhalla’s daily routine, we jumped at it. Founder of Just Jhoom! (www.justjhoom.co.uk), a dance school offering Bollywood-inspired fitness classes, Shalini also has training in folk dance and classical Indian dance. We caught up with her to learn about life as an instructor and find out about her love for soaps, Indian food and her cat, Tabasco...

How do you make sure you get the day off to a good start?

I start the day with some gentle stretching. In Just Jhoom! we have developed some Body Stablilising and Flexibility Exercises that are yoga-inspired, and I use those to get the body moving. Just Jhoom! requires a lot of hand gestures – and so I always incorporate hand exercises in my stretching session. 10 minutes is all I need. After a quick shower, I always give myself time to have breakfast – muesli or some brown toast with ordinary tea.

What does a typical working day consist of for you?

No two days are ever the same – which I absolutely love. I would find going into an office and doing a 9-5 job very difficult!

Most mornings, if I’m not teaching, I’ll do as much admin and correspondence work as I can. This could be answering emails about the Just Jhoom! instructor training, writing copy for articles to magazines I contribute to, or just responding to queries about Just Jhoom! classes. Some mornings, I’m also tied up in meetings with staff or doing the dreaded accounts.

In the afternoons, I try to spend as much time as possible on choreography – developing new Just Jhoom! routines for me to teach in classes and for us to share with other Just Jhoom! instructors around the country. I spend a lot of time listening to Bollywood tracks to find suitable songs to Jhoom to.

I teach 10 Just Jhoom! classes a week – some in the morning and some in the evening – so those are dotted through my week. About twice a month I teach Just Jhoom! in schools, which takes up a whole day. Once a month I also train Just Jhoom! instructors.

I’m also a performer for the Just Jhoom! performance group – Va Va Jhoom – and so if we are working towards a performance or charity event, my time will be spent in rehearsals.

We spend a lot of time promoting Just Jhoom! – so about once a month I may be at a fitness convention or health show like the Vitality Show, talking about Just Jhoom! or doing workshops for the general public.

What do you find rewarding about your work?

I find teaching Just Jhoom! classes really rewarding. I know it changes lives – and that is an amazing feeling. I also find training new instructors gives me a real buzz. Sharing Just Jhoom! and seeing how it affects people’s lives positively makes me want to keep going!

Is there anything you don’t like about your job?

Yes – the constant emails. No matter how hard I try to empty my inbox – I can’t!

What sort of food do you eat during a working day?

Breakfast is muesli or toast. I tend to keep lots of nuts and fruit around for snacking on during the day. Lunch is normally soup or a wrap or a salad. In the evening, we tend to eat a lot of chicken or fish with vegetables or salad. Very simple really! I don’t enjoy cooking, although I do love eating. Once a week I treat myself to a takeaway curry – the full works. Occasionally, I make a full Indian meal from scratch – takes me ages!

What do you do to switch off and unwind after working hard?

I hate to admit this, but I am a soap addict! I have to get my dose of Emmerdale and Coronation Street everyday - it helps me switch off.

There is also nothing like curling up and watching a soppy, glitzy Bollywood film full of fabulous song and dance. However, I restrict this to the weekend, as they can be long – sometimes 3 hours.

Is there anything you wish you had more time for?

The business has taken over my life! I wish I had more time for my partner, Jeremy, friends and family and my cat Tabasco.

Well, we don’t know about you, but we love the sound of Shalini’s inspirational dance classes. If you fancy giving one a go, Shalini will be holding a free Just Jhoom! Fitness class in the Zest Fitness Park on Thursday at 2pm at this year’s Vitality Show (London’s Earls Court 2, 22nd-25th March - www.vitalitylive.co.uk). Why not go along and transform yourself into a Bollywood star for the afternoon...

We’re always amazed by how much the therapists we talk to manage to juggle in their day-to-day lives – and the subject of our latest ‘Day in the life of...’ instalment, Caroline Carr, is no exception. A life coach, hypnotherapist and author, Caroline has appeared on TV and radio and written for a number of different newspapers and magazines. She is also founder of www.MyPartnerIsDepressed.com, a source of support for those who are going through difficult times. With so many different things on her plate, we wanted to know how she managed - and being the nosy folks that we are, we went ahead and asked...

How do you make sure you get the day off to a good start?

Lipstick! Once I have my lipstick on, I’m ready to go. Of course, I have to do a few things first, such as having breakfast – usually a cup of ordinary tea, wholemeal or rye toast and freshly-squeezed orange juice. If I’m having an office day, it helps me hugely to have made a list of things to do the night before, so that I can fit various projects around coaching calls.

What does a typical working day consist of for you?

I have two types of working day. One is the face-to-face client day, either in Dorset where I live, or in London. I am the founder of www.MyPartnerIsDepressed.com , and I run MiniBreaks or DayBreaks - small group workshops for those whose partner is depressed, and also 1-1 sessions. I’ve been through this challenging experience myself, and I know how tough it can be, and how important it is to get the right support. So I offer lots of information and advice, and some really useful tips and techniques that can make all the difference to partners, so that they can be OK with whatever happens next.

The other type of day is an office day, which usually comprises of writing (I’m working on a new book) and TelephoneBreaks - telephone coaching and support for partners.

I’m also a hypnotherapist, so I regularly see clients in this capacity too, and often clients come back to me for coaching afterwards.

What do you find rewarding about your work?

The fact that a person has chosen me to help them. I really do feel that’s a great privilege, and I am constantly amazed by people’s stories and so encouraged by what they are able to achieve. I’m glad that I can be useful just because I am myself, and because of my own life experience. I love the fact that I have only myself to answer to. I don’t have any boxes to tick or targets to meet for large organisations, or any lengthy reports to write to satisfy the requirements of any system. Of course, whilst working with people in a therapeutic capacity I must adhere to the rules of my professional governing bodies – but that is only right and fair, because this protects my clients and myself.

Is there anything you don’t like about your job?

Not really, because I have chosen this life for myself. About a year ago I would have said ‘Using social media!’ I was very scathing about it, because I didn’t understand it and couldn’t see the point. But I do know how important it is to get your message out there, and social media is a great way to do this – I’ve realised that now. So the more I learn, the easier it gets – to the stage that I even quite like using it sometimes!

What sort of food do you eat during a working day?

Anything and everything, as long as it’s vegetarian. I’ve been a strict vegetarian for nearly 30 years. I love fruit and vegetables, and tofu, and I make great chocolate tofu truffles. And cake is of great importance to me - actually, I feel slightly uncomfortable if there is no homemade cake in the house! I keep tabs on how much wheat I eat, because I do feel bloated if I consume great quantities, so I tend to make wheat-free cakes and eat wheat-free pasta. I’m fortunate, because I have the sort of metabolism that burns up food quickly – but then again, I don’t eat rubbish so I guess that helps.

What do you do to switch off and unwind after working hard?

Well – I do like a glass of wine. It’s usually massively diluted with sparkling water, which probably offends the sensibilities of wine connoisseurs – but hey, I like it that way. I love gentle exercise, but only if it’s something I enjoy – I have no desire to swim regularly or run, or go to the gym. I love to walk though. And I did yoga for about 25 years, but got sciatica once and decided yoga exercises just weren’t for me any more. Now I practise the Alexander Technique instead. I find that spending a quiet 15 minutes in the semi-supine position every day has huge benefits on all levels. And I love singing. I’m in a woman’s acapella/barbershop choir - Wessex Harmony. It’s wonderful, and great fun!

Is there anything you wish you had more time for?

No – I like my life just as it is right now. I wished for more time to do other things a few years ago when I was insanely busy all the time working for other people, and juggling all the demands of my personal and professional life. Well – that wish came true. I have a good work/life balance now, and I’m grateful for that.

Looking for some motivational tips or insightful advice? Caroline Carr will be holding free talks at this year’s Vitality Show (London’s Earls Court 2, 22nd-25th March). Entitled 'Zippy Women', the talks will take place in the One Life Theatre on Friday at 2:30pm and Saturday at 1:30pm. Caroline will also be holding a workshop entitled 'How Not to Worry' on Saturday at 11am. For tickets and further information check out www.vitalitylive.co.uk.

So far in our 'Day in the life of...’ series, we’ve had a peek into the lives of a variety of different wellbeing therapists. This week, we’re taking a foray into the world of hair and beauty to see what goes on behind the scenes in the life of a hairdresser.

We’ve interviewed Vas Kesta, celebrity hairstylist and salon owner, to find out how he goes about his working day. No stranger to hard work, Vas has appeared on Channel 4’s The Salon and 10 Years Younger – but he’s most often to be found working his magic at his Bromley-based salon, Hectik. Wahanda caught up with him to see if we could steal a bit of his motivation...

How do you make sure you get the day off to a good start?

I make sure I get a good breakfast in the morning and a good cup of coffee to get me going. I like to be in the salon 15 minutes before my first client, to make sure all my equipment is ready to use. Checking my appointments for the day is very important to me, as I need to know who I have booked in and what for so I can plan my day and not run late for my clients. Also, my appearance is vital - I like to look good and smell good for the day.

What does a typical working day consist of for you?

As a salon owner and stylist, my job consists of a lot of duties. I make sure all the team are on time and ready to work for the day. Dealing with clients is the most important part of my job - making sure every client leaves the salon relaxed and happy. The first step is to do a consultation with the client, understanding what she would like from her treatment and what her desire for her hair is. The next step is to put my ideas into action and achieve what the client wants.

Keeping the salon clean is important, so I make sure all hair is swept up and the section units are clean and wiped over.

Ordering stock is also a major part of the day. Stock checks are vital to make sure we don’t run low on any products that we use. If we don’t have the right amount of products, then we cannot create the perfect work.

What do you find rewarding about your work?

The most rewarding thing is to make the client feeling amazing when she or he leaves the salon. There is nothing more rewarding than making someone look beautiful. Clients often come in feeling down - when I help them to feel positive and confident, then I know I have achieved something that not a lot of people can do.

Is there anything you don’t like about your job?

I love my job to bits. Everybody has a bad day at work now and again, but I can honestly say that there is nothing that I don’t like about my job.

What sort of food do you eat during a working day?

My diet is very important to me, as sometimes I don’t get a full lunch break and have to eat on the go. For breakfast, I always eat a bowl of porridge, followed by a glass of orange juice and a banana.

During the time between breakfast and lunch I try to have a few snacks - fruit, nuts and a protein shake for recovery from gym work during the week. At lunch, I try to eat a high protein and carb diet to give me energy. As a hairstylist, you are always on your feet and on the move, so being hydrated is important - I try to have 1.5 to 2 litres of water or fluid like juices. Then, for dinner, there is nothing like a good Cypriot dish - vine leaves, beans, halloumi cheese, koupes and much more, followed by another protein shake.

What do you do to switch off and unwind after working hard?

I switch off after work by going to the gym to get rid of stress and tension and free my mind. I try to go 3-4 times a week - it really helps me and keeps me nice and fit.

I have a sports massage once every two weeks to keep my body relaxed. I like to go for dinner on the weekends and socialise with friends and family.

Is there anything you wish you had more time for?

The only thing I wish I had time for is more holidays. Getting away from everything for a couple of weeks now and again helps the system so much - I always come back full of energy and ideas.

Inspired by Vas’ approach to hairdressing? We certainly are! If you're looking to transform your tresses, visit our Hectik page and treat yourself to one of the salon’s great value hair offers. Trust us - there'll be no more bad hair days from now on!

Been enjoying our 'Day in the life of...’ series so far? Today we’ve got a real treat in the form of a peek at the life of Susanna Lewis, aromatherapist and director of natural skincare company Karma Beauty (www.karmalifearomatherapy.co.uk).

Whether she’s performing a massage on one of her clients, working on her recipes in her beauty workshop or answering questions on our community page, Susanna is always working hard to help others experience the benefits of natural ingredients. We asked her a few questions about her daily routine, and luckily she was only too happy to share...

How do you make sure you get the day off to a good start?

When I wake up, the first thing I do is take two cotton wool pads and soak them in very cold water. I then apply a pad over each eye (with eyes closed) and relax for 5 minutes. This action really helps to relieve puffy eyes, and the cold water helps drain away dark circles as well as refreshing the eye area.

Next, I spray Rosewater toner ( from my own skincare range) over my face, as this really helps to tone the skin and it smells divine!

After applying my own Anti-Ageing Facial Oil, I then perform my daily routine of facial exercises. These exercises are designed by myself to improve the muscle tone of the face and really do help in lifting the face and improving fine lines.

What does a typical working day consist of for you?

The morning consists of doing paperwork, catching up with emails and processing any orders that have come from my website. I make my own 100% natural skincare and soy candles, which really compliment the work I do as an aromatherapist. I might also spend some time making more products in my workshop, which I find very relaxing. If I have a workshop or talk coming up soon, then I will spend a lot of time preparing for this by researching, reading and typing up notes.

During the afternoon and evening I generally have clients who come to my treatment room for different treatments and with different needs. I offer various treatments, including aromatherapy massage, hot stone therapy and natural face lift massage. I also run workshops on various topics, such as Aromatherapy & Menopause, Stress and Making your own Natural Beauty Products. The workshops are for a small group of ladies who come to learn about different topics centred on natural health. The workshops are great fun and always end with each lady making her own product to take home.

Is there anything you don’t like about your job?

I find the admin/bookkeeping side very time consuming, as I am itching to get back to my workshop to try new skincare and candle recipes. I have learnt that it is important to keep up to date with the bookkeeping so it doesn’t overwhelm me at the end of the month!

What sort of food do you eat during the day?

I firmly believe in the 80/20 rule, where if you try to eat healthily 80% of the time then it’s ok to relax in your eating habits for the other 20%. So I eat healthily during the working week and at weekends I can relax a little in my eating choices.

Generally, I eat bran cereal for breakfast with a banana. For lunch, I eat my own homemade soup - broccoli, spinach and pumpkin seed is my favourite. During the afternoon, I usually have some seed crackers with a little cheese from the local farm and some grapes. This is good for keeping my energy levels high if I am working through to the evening. For dinner, I usually have prepared a healthy stew in the slow cooker so it is ready for me when I finish in my treatment room, usually around 8pm.

What do you do to switch off and unwind after working hard?

I am an avid reader and I love to read murder mysteries and detective stories. I am a member of the local creative writing group and I am currently writing a murder mystery novel set within the Catholic Church. This really does help me unwind after a long day as I can drift off into another world creating many different scenes and characters.

I also love to spend time with my family and we love to play on the Wii Fit together, especially the Hula Hoop exercises !

Is there anything else you wish you had time for?

I guess if I had unlimited time and finances, I would love to travel more and experience other cultures and other complementary therapies. With my interest in writing, I would love the time to be able to finish my novel and perhaps see it in print or even perhaps on the big screen! Wishful thinking...

Well, we don’t know about you, but we’ve certainly picked up some handy tips from Susanna – we won’t be leaping out of bed again without some cooling eye pads, that’s for sure!

Want to read more of Susanna’s advice and thoughts on beauty? Keep an eye out for some of her recipes for homemade products, which she’ll be sharing with us very soon...

Ever wondered what professional yoga teachers get up to on a daily basis? For Laura Knowles, who is a yoga teacher, nutritionist and kinesiologist at the Balanced Wellness Centre, no two days are ever the same. Whether she's sharing her knowledge of Kundalini yoga, running a clinic or writing for her blog, Balanced, Laura is always on the go. We asked her a few questions to find out how she manages to stay on top of so many different things...

How do you make sure you get the day off to a good start?

One of the best things I ever did was get rid of my noisy alarm clock. Now Classic FM whispers me awake - lovely. I love to deep breathe first thing in the morning, also known as pranayama. I open a window (if not too chilly or blowing a gale), I do some sun salutations (love a bit of stretching first thing) and do some deep belly breathing - totally clears the cobwebs out.

What does a typical working day consist of for you?

I am a kinesiologist, yoga teacher and marketing consultant, so no day ever looks the same. I come from an office 9-5 background which I gave up so I could find passion in my career and I’m happy to say I certainly have that now. My day - I have a kinesiology clinic where I see regular clients, I run yoga classes and retreats in the evenings and weekends and I am a consultant for local businesses in the gaps!

What do you find rewarding about your work?

Kinesiology and yoga are incredibly rewarding. I teach Kundalini yoga, which is a powerful, transformative yoga and the best part is hearing about my students' experience of emotional, physical and energetic shifts during a class. With kinesiology I am passionate about improving health and wellbeing and again seeing the incredible results we can achieve in a few sessions. It actually gives me goosebumps.

Is there anything you don’t like about your job?

I no longer have a routine which is wonderful and a bit tough all at the same time. I’m learning to be a lot more disciplined with my time.

What sort of food do you eat during a working day?

I usually have a healthy soya protein shake first thing in the morning, homemade soup for lunch and some fish and veg for dinner. I have a sweet tooth, so love liquorice tea or some raw chocolate. I am a qualified nutritionist and know how great I can feel when I eat good food. Saying all of this, I completely over indulged throughout Christmas!

What do you do to switch off and unwind after working hard?

Getting on my yoga mat is a lovely way to de-stress after a long day. Or a long soak in a warm bath.

Is there anything you wish you had more time for?

When you work for yourself, time seems to disappear. I would like more time to do nothing without worrying about things needing to get done.

Thank you to Laura for sharing the details of her day - she's certainly inspired us to unroll our yoga mats when we get home tonight! Want to read more of her thoughts on nutrition, yoga and even poo (yes, you read that right)? Why not have a browse of her blog, Balanced.

Continuing our 'Day in the life of' series, we've asked kinesiologist Claire Snowdon-Darling to tell us a bit about her daily routine. Owner of the Balanced Wellness Centre in Havant, Claire practises a variety of different therapies alongside kinesiology, including aromatherapy, massage, reiki and nutritional advice. Claire also regularly blogs for Wahanda - you can see her posts over on her blog, A Balanced View. Over to Claire...

How do you make sure you get the day off to a good start?

As soon as I wake up, I have about 30 minutes of quiet contemplation and centreing myself and focussing in. I use this time to positively manifest outcomes in my life and I like to think about the day ahead and reflect on the clients I am seeing and mentally prepare for their sessions. Sometimes I will follow this with a dynamic meditation or a workout, depending on my schedule.

What does a typical working day consist of for you?

I spend about 2 hours in the morning dealing with emails, looking at social media and my website, making phone calls and getting admin done or writing my blog.

I see my first client around 10am – I usually have 7 clients with a short break when I do the school run in the afternoon then work often until 7.30pm/8pm.

Sometimes, if I have a lot of projects on the go and talks to give, I will do some work in the evening.

It sounds like a warped work/life balance, but I only work like that 3 days a week to ensure a lot of time can be given to my family, myself and my home.

A few weekends a month, I travel to London to teach for The Academy Of Systematic Kinesiology. These are long but immensely rewarding days as I love to teach this amazing subject I am so passionate about! My days off in the week therefore are vital to keep my energy and passion at its peak.

What do you find rewarding about your work?

I honestly love spending an hour with my clients and finding out about them. I love how the body lets us in when we start listening and the 'eureka' moments I get when something clicks and their health issues suddenly make sense give me goosebumps. I am passionate that people leave my clinic feeling empowered that their condition isn’t something that is happening TO them – it has a reason for being there and a message, we just need to figure it out, it’s a team effort. When a client commits to themselves to make positive change I feel so honoured to be part of their journey. It’s the most amazing feeling .

Is there anything you don’t like about your job?

I can hand on heart say the only thing I dislike about my job is placing orders with my nutrition suppliers and some of the admin stuff, it's not much to complain about really! I love my job!

What sort of food do you eat during a working day?

Every morning I have a protein shake that also contains soluble and insoluble fibre and trace minerals. I take huge amounts of supplemental nutrition. I have worked hard to be well and I intend to stay that way. I am too busy to be ill!

Lunch will usually be a homemade soup, or, if I have time, a treat will be a poached egg with kale and fish and maybe a piece of rye bread.

Dinners are usually fish or meat with veg. I don’t eat dairy, wheat or starchy carbs as a rule so we fill up on fresh lovely greens. I will often sneak a piece of raw chocolate.

I always drink 2 litres of water, often with liquid chlorophyll and I love my herbal teas!

What do you do to switch off and unwind after working hard?

I like to hang out with my family and then have a bath and read! If I have a rare weekend off I am a sucker for a good dance (a club or my living room – I'm not fussy) and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc!

Is there anything you wish you had more time for?

More travel, always more travel! I do also sometimes wish I had more time 'being' rather than 'doing'.

We think we'll definitely be borrowing some of Claire's tips this New Year - especially those tasty meal ideas! If you want to read more of Claire's thoughts, you can catch up with her blogs on A Balanced View. Don't forget to keep an eye out for our next 'Day in the life of' post, coming soon...

Following on from last month's inspirational peek at the life of massage therapist Paola Bassanese, we've got an interview with another of our Wahanda experts - hypnotherapist Claire Benson. Ever wondered what the day to day routine of a qualified hypnotherapist involves? Read on to find out...

Specialising in weight management, fertility and confidence, Claire is also the brains behind the Hypnogogo series of downloads, designed to encourage positive thinking whilst running. As if that wasn't impressive enough, she also takes time out from her busy schedule to write regularly for Wahanda on her HypnoBlog. Needless to say, we were curious to learn how she manages it all...

How do you make sure you get the day off to a good start?

I always start my day by setting a positive intention. This clarifies the state of mind I’d like to approach the day with and what I’d like to achieve. It helps me stay focused and grounded.

What does a typical working day consist of for you?

I try to exercise first thing, either yoga or running - it helps clear the mind and generate ideas. I tend to run more when I am working on a new Hypnogogo release as I run with the drafts to make sure they are effective and interesting to listen to. I count this as work!

After that, each and every day is different, depending on what projects I have ongoing at the time. I see private hypnotherapy clients as the core of my business and also run groups for Hypnobirthing (Fridays) and Hypnoyoga for weight loss (Wednesdays). In between I might be planning a workshop, writing my blog, updating my website or brainstorming new ideas. I also run deep relaxation sessions to enhance creativity for corporate clients (such as advertising agencies) so may be preparing for or hosting one of those.

It’s a really exciting mix.

What do you find rewarding about your work?

Helping my clients achieve their goals is profoundly rewarding, particularly in those areas that I’m most passionate about - fertility & birth and weight reduction. I love working in collaboration with my yoga friends Cath & Kate to bring the combined power of yoga and hypnosis to people. And it’s been really rewarding seeing the hugely positive comments about Hypnogogo on iTunes, again knowing that you are helping people be the best they can be.

Is there anything you don’t like about your job?

Because I work for myself I don’t have an IT department and I would like to have one very much indeed!

What sort of food do you eat during a working day?

My husband brings me builders’ tea in bed every morning, which has to be one of the best ways to start the day.

I have breakfast with my children, normally boiled eggs and soldiers or museli and yoghurt.

I tend to make soup for lunch, courgette with mint and lemon is a particularly favourite - refreshing and delicious. I don’t really snack as my job isn’t physically demanding enough to need extra fuel over my three meals a day.

My main meal I share with husband in the evening. I like to make something special, perhaps a chicken and vegetable tagine or steak with Mediterranean roasted vegetables. Lush!

I drink a lot of herbal tea.

What do you do to switch off and unwind after working hard?

I collect my kids from school at 4.30 in the afternoon and their energy and excitement helps me switch off from work (if not unwind!). Once the kids are in bed I have time to unwind: I read, watch TV, have a glass of wine, cook dinner for friends - all the normal stuff!

Is there anything you wish you had more time for?

I’m totally addicted to learning new things so I wish I had time for more courses!

A big thank you to Claire for sharing her daily routine with us - we think you'll agree that it makes a pretty inspiring read. Want to learn more about Claire, her thoughts on wellbeing and the services that she offers? Pop on over to her blog or check out her Wahanda profile for further information.

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a beauty or wellbeing therapist? We’re excited to be launching a new series of blog posts which take a peek at the everyday lives of some of our favourite practitioners. After all, if anyone knows how to set a good example, it’s our experts...

From what they eat to how they relax after a long day, we’ve asked our trusty therapists to divulge all. Luckily, they’re a friendly bunch, and were all too happy to let us in on some of their secrets. The best part? Many of the therapists who we’ve interviewed also blog for Wahanda – meaning that you can take advantage of their specialist advice on a regular basis.

To kick off the series, we’ve interviewed award-winning massage therapist Paola Bassanese, a familiar face in the Wahanda community. When she’s not treating clients at the Hale Clinic, Paola can often be found reviewing the latest in spa innovations and sharing her experiences on her expert blog, or answering some of the questions on our advice page.

If you're as nosy as we are, you'll be impatient to find out more - so, without further ado, here's a look at what Paola gets up to during her working day:

How do you make sure you get the day off to a good start?

As soon as I wake up, without even leaving my bed, I check my social media sites. First thing in the morning (5am or 6am, depending on when I wake up) is a good time to reply to messages from the States or comment on the latest news. My personal trainer friends are also up early so it is always good to see some friendly faces online first thing.

A well-balanced breakfast follows, typically scrambled eggs or one of my smoothie concoctions to get an energy boost (some recipes here http://www.energyanaturalfacelift.com/2011/11/super-smoothies-to-the-rescue/). I must admit I can't function without my morning coffee, so there, I said it, I am human.

What does a typical working day consist of for you?

The funny thing is that there is no ‘typical day’. I have been asked this question many times. For someone who hates routine and thrives on new challenges, the self-employed route is just perfect.

If mornings are usually dedicated to social media, updating the website, writing articles and confirming massage appointments, afternoon and evenings are taken by client appointments. This leaves very little time in the evening to do much else apart from eating and sleeping, but with plenty of planning and organisation I can squeeze in the occasional trip to the theatre, a networking event or catching up with friends.

What do you find rewarding about your work?

Each day is extremely rewarding and this is why I chose this job. You get immediate feedback from clients reporting that they feel so much better, more energised, less stressed, more flexible. When I worked in an office I never had that kind of immediate feedback and my work rarely got any recognition.

Is there anything you don’t like about your job?

I really love everything about what I do because I am my own boss. Shame that my boss never gives me a pay rise! I must warn newly qualified massage therapists that this job involves very long, unsociable hours and you need plenty of physical and mental stamina to sustain hectic schedules. That is why I always dedicate time to exercise, yoga and meditation to stay grounded and fit. Working as a massage therapist is pretty much the equivalent of running a marathon a day. At least, that's how I see it.

What sort of food do you eat during a working day?

I love food. I wish I had more time to eat and that all that gorgeous food didn't turn straight into cellulite!

I make sure my breakfast is protein-laden and if I am lucky I cook something from scratch at home, either something like a risotto or a steak with vegetables.

I don't have time to snack but if I do I grab a protein-rich cereal bar. Dinner is either something I have out like sushi or one of my proverbial home-made soups. My downfall is cakes. I had a whole phase of cappuccino and cake that was difficult to get out of. As I started developing a Buddha belly, I decided it was time to stop!

What do you do to switch off and unwind after working hard?

Switching off is never easy when you are self-employed, as sometimes I take work home and write or update the website in the evening. Regrettably, I watch television and I am not proud of it. Most of the times I go back to my social media sites and catch up with friends and contacts. At weekends, if I still have some energy left, I prefer to go out clubbing and see friends.

Is there anything you wish you had more time for?

It would be nice to have more time to see friends and take up a hobby... my business has taken over my life!

We wish we were as organised as Paola - we're amazed that she manages to fit so much in! If you've enjoyed this post, keep an eye out for more in the series - and of course you can always pop over to Paola's blog for her latest thoughts on massage and wellbeing.

We all know that Santa’s making his list and checking it twice – so we thought we’d just give him a bit of a hint. After all, we’ve been really good this year...

As you can imagine, working in the Wahanda office, we come across all sorts of health and beauty treats on a regular basis – so when it comes to making our wishlist, we don’t even need to think twice. From massages to facials and even a hula hoop session, we know what we want – and hopefully Santa does, too.

Without further ado, here’s a quick peep at what the team would like to find under the tree this year:

Elly

Hello Santa,

Please may I have a weekly massage and facial at Metta Urban Retreat – that woman is AMAZING. The best massage I have ever had.

Thanks Santa!

Angharad

This Christmas, I’d love an aromatherapy oil burner and some soothing essential oils. I’d also like a hot stone massage – my all time favourite treatment. Oh, and a facial too...good job there’s plenty of room in my stocking for vouchers.

Faye

I'd like the 24 carat gold facial from Santa please!

Judy

I know most (normal) people would ask for something to pamper them, but I would love Santa to send me on a retreat like the one at Slimmeria. I'd love the time out to kick-start my January fitness plan and I really want to start meditation classes so this would be a great place to start.

Megan

I think I need/want a personal trainer, daily!

Lopo

A GPS running watch!

Isabelle

My list is pretty long! Here are a few: GI Jane bootcamp, a long weekend at Lifehouse (because that was awesome), oxygen facial at Linda Meredith, and a spa day at Mandara or the Four Seasons.

Hayley

I would like nail varnishes from nailgirls, a cut and blow dry and a pedicure – perfect for looking my best at New Year.

Ryan

The three gifts I would like for Christmas are: a deep tissue massage at K Spa, a Quick Fix package at the Soma Centre and a quick refresher at Health Aroma. Fingers crossed!

Ben

This Christmas I'd like a traditional cut throat shave, an Indian Head Massage and a relaxing body wrap to refresh and spruce up for the New Year!

Ian:

I’d like some colour therapy, past life regression therapy and a hula hoop, please!

Kelly

I’d like a facial and massage at the Runway for Christmas - pure relaxation for 45 mins! Sounds perfect to me and a good recovery from all those Christmas parties!

Koulla

Anything from Benefit, particularly Hoola blusher, their moisturiser or their perfume is also fab. Bare Minerals mascara. Anything from Chanel!

I would also love a stay at Pennyhill Park or Stoke Park Club & Spa – both amazing places I am dying to try out!

What do you want for Christmas? Let us know via Twitter – we love to hear from you!

Today we continue our peep into the lives of the Wahanda team with some great advice from our lovely Head of London Sales, Madeleine. Whether she's dancing or dog walking, Madeleine believes that the key to health is happiness. Hear, hear!

Name: Madeleine

Role at Wahanda: Head of London Sales

What’s your favourite way to stay in shape?

Anything involving dancing as it doesn’t feel like a chore! I hate the gym but have danced for years, so love ballet classes, which are great for flexibility, body tone and stamina, and fun group classes like Zumba, which, although it's really high energy, just doesn’t feel like hard work as it’s so much fun and the music is great!

If you were on a desert island and could choose to indulge in one treatment, what would it be?

Mmm, I think I’d have to have a Brazilian blow dry to keep my hair looking half decent, as I’m hoping if I did get stranded on a desert island it would be a hot one, and the humidity would cause untold frizz......

What health or beauty products would you recommend?

Barry M nail varnishes are fab – they go on really well and last ages, and as they’re so cheap you can buy all the new season colours (they always copy the designer colours as soon as they’re released!). I’m loving the A/W metallic shades and as a treat I’d recommend Chanel’s Quartz varnish. I also love Chanel’s varnish remover, it comes in a pretty Chanel glass bottle and doesn’t smell at all like nail polish remover! Final recommendation is a real splurge – Crème de la Mer’s Moisturising Gel. My sister swears by it, and after a few ‘borrowed’ applications I totally agree....

Which spa/gym/salon do you head to first when you need a wellbeing fix?

So many amazing places out there, but my current favourites are Mandara Spa in London (try the Balinese massage) and Rowhill Grange near Swanley (perfect for a spa break, the facilities are fabulous and the best pedicure I’ve ever had)

Top tip for keeping healthy:

I take Echinacea to try and keep colds away, and drink fresh orange juice for plenty of Vitamin C through the winter. The best tip is to be happy ... spend time with friends, be active, get enough sleep and make time for yourself. I’m at my healthiest when I’m relaxed and happy, and for me that’s achieved by weekly Zumba with friends, dog walks and fresh air with my gorgeous Lab Doodles and lots of sleep!

Want to take a leaf out of Madeleine's book? Check out our deals and offers on Zumba, or book yourself in for some perfect pampering at London's Mandara Spa.

Curious to know more about what the Wahanda team gets up to out of hours? From dyeing our hair to painting our nails or getting stuck in to a yoga class, we're always busy bees when it comes to health and beauty. Today, blogger Angharad shares her advice on how to stay in tip top condition.

Name: Angharad

Role at Wahanda: Blogger and content writer

What’s your favourite way to stay in shape?

It used to be running, but I’ve had to give that up for health reasons – instead I’m trying to get into yoga. I’ve got a great book on Kundalini yoga by Maya Fiennes which is really inspirational – the only difficulty is finding the time to practice!

If you were on a desert island and could choose to indulge in one treatment, what would it be?

A yoga/pranayama class to keep me nice and calm. If we’re just talking luxury, then a hot and cold stone massage like the one I experienced at Ananda in the Himalayas. Magic.

What health or beauty products would you recommend?

For health I take vitamin D tablets regularly, as well as dosing up on Echinacea if I’ve got a cold – it doesn’t get rid of the cold completely, but it definitely speeds up recovery. For aches and pains it has to be Tiger Balm (as anyone who sits near me in the office will testify!)

When it comes to beauty, I’d recommend Maybelline foundation, MaxFactor lip tint pens, Garnier Herbashine hair dye and Chanel nail polish – so luxurious.

Which spa/gym/salon do you head to first when you need a wellbeing fix?

I’m not sure I’ve ever set foot in a gym in my life – I’m pretty exercise shy. For relaxation, I’d thoroughly recommend Therapy in East Dulwich – my mum loves it too.

Top tip for keeping healthy:

Watch what you eat. Making simple dietary changes can completely alter your energy levels and leave you feeling like a new person – definitely worth ditching the chocolate and alcohol for.

What with spending all our time writing about the latest health and beauty news, you'd expect the Wahanda editorial team to have a good few wellbeing tricks up our sleeve. We asked fabulous site editor Judy to share her fitness fixes and pampering preferences - needless to say, she didn't disappoint.

Name: Judy

Role at Wahanda: Content & Site Editor

What’s your favourite way to stay in shape?

I love WaterCrew – it’s a class that’s based on rowing machines and it gives the whole body a really good workout. Unfortunately there aren’t many places offering it so I am looking to get a machine at home so I can do it whenever I want! I also use Power Plates as they are great for toning – I usually go to Fitness for Every Body in London Bridge as the instructors are lovely.

If you were on a desert island and could choose to indulge in one treatment, what would it be?

I’d want laser eye surgery so that I could go snorkelling properly – though that’s not very indulgent! For pampering I would want a hot stone massage and a Gelish manicure and pedicure so I didn’t have to worry about my nails for a couple of weeks.

What health or beauty products would you recommend?

I have super sensitive skin so I use a lot of natural and gentle products. My favourites are Liz Earle’s Hot Cloth Cleanser, as well as Avène’s skincare range. I’ve also recently discovered Pai which is a lovely natural brand – I’ll be blogging about them soon! I also can’t live without Benefit’s High Beam and MaxFactor mascara.

Which spa/gym/salon do you head to first when you need a wellbeing fix?

Fitness for Every Body is definitely my go-to place for Power Plates and it always makes me feel better. Jane, who runs the place, always has great tips for staying healthy and even helped me with an ankle injury so she knows what she’s talking about!

Top tip for keeping healthy:

Eat well and know when to take a step back if you’re feeling too stressed. If I am pushing myself too far I always get run down. I recommend lots of garlic to get rid of a cold, I take ginger capsules for healthy digestion and I am never without a bottle of water!

Fancy following in Judy's footsteps? Sign up for some Power Plate classes and treat yourself to a pampering massage to help you stay on top of that stress.

At Wahanda, we all have a favourite form of exercise - although we have to admit that some of us have more of a brief flirtation with the gym than a proper relationship. Lovely Product Lead Marisa is amongst the dedicated, exercising regularly to stay in shape. Read on to discover more about her routine - we're sure some of her enthusiasm will rub off on you...

Name: Marisa

Role at Wahanda: Product Lead

What’s your favourite way to stay in shape?

I think running is the most effective way to trim down and stay fit. Whenever I feel really out of shape, like after a gluttonous winter, I sign myself up for a half marathon and stick to a training plan and usually feel fit after a month or so.

For general maintenance, I like going to group classes at the gym. Depending on my mood I will go to yoga, Pilates, spinning, boxing, bootcamp, or aerobics. Yoga and Pilates are great for getting myself back into alignment after sitting at my computer all day. I also think it’s important to have a workout buddy. Luckily my husband joined the same gym as me, so we motivate each other.

If you were on a desert island and could choose to indulge in one treatment, what would it be?

If I was on a desert island I would like a full spa day, with lunch and bubbly! I am sure this would be possible if I somehow landed on Necker Island, after the fire damage has been fixed of course.

What health or beauty products would you recommend?

I am obsessed with painting my nails so I love Model's Own nail varnishes. They have lovely colours and they last much longer than other brands. I recently purchased a Konad nail stamper kit, which is really fun to play with and create different textures on my nails.

Which spa/gym/salon do you head to first when you need a wellbeing fix?

I love Virgin Active. Any day of the week I can find any class I feel like doing before or after work. The gyms are kept in great condition and most have hot tubs / saunas for a bit of relaxing after your workout.

I also love getting my hair done at Lisa Shepherd London. I always leave with an excellent new hairdo, not to mention the ultra relaxing head and neck massage you get while they wash your hair.

Top tip for keeping healthy:

I have 2 top tips:

1) Cut out meat from your diet and replace it with healthy legumes and veggies. Your body (and the environment) will thank you!

2) Most importantly – make time for exercising. Sneak some stretches while you wait for the kettle to boil, skip the lift and take the stairs, go for a power walk at lunchtime.

Determined to get into shape before the winter weather gives you cravings for comfort food? Why not challenge yourself to take part in a bootcamp or enlist the help of a personal trainer.

Everyone in the Wahanda office has their own health, beauty or fitness speciality - which means we like to get together to share tips and tricks. Our gorgeous Account Executive Reshma really knows her stuff when it comes to make up and skincare - and she has some great nutritional advice to share, too. Here's how she stays looking and feeling good:

Name: Reshma

Role at Wahanda: Account Executive

What’s your favourite way to stay in shape?

Was running, but I don't do much of it now - so I will choose dancing.

If you were on a desert island and could choose to indulge in one treatment, what would it be?

I would say a massage! It’s truly relaxing, especially when you’ve had a long day - or in my case a long night dancing!

What health or beauty products would you recommend?

I would recommend using a moisturiser with a high SPF as this really is the best way to keep looking youthful in the long run - the sun is the number one cause of damage and premature ageing. This comes hand in hand with my favourite product, Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair - it helps to repair damage from the environment and gives skin protection against harmful rays and pollution. It is a must for all ages and skin types and really hydrates and evens out skin. Its clever chornolux technology synchronises the skin gene clock so that cells all repair at the same time, which means fresher, clearer skin.

Which spa/gym/salon do you head to first when you need a wellbeing fix?

If I want a quick facial, massage, mani or pedicure fix, I would head to my local medi-spa, True Beauty Aesthetics. It's run by a really lovely lady called Amreet, who comes with incredible knowledge, having worked with some of the top practices in the country. I have to admit, she has a magic touch and makes me feel rejuvenated. Her little hidden gem is beautiful and makes me feel a million miles away from everything when I’m there.

Top tip for keeping healthy:

My top tip would be good food, as I don't do much exercise at the moment. (I do keep promising myself to get back into running - I'm currently hunting for those trainers I had...hmm...). I make sure to eat a variety of food, and I detox one day a week by fasting on Thursday - this has really helped me think about food and what I eat. On Thursdays, I’m restricted during the day and eat fruits, nuts and yoghurt - I’m allowed to have one main evening meal. It’s hard sometimes, but it does help with discipline - even on the days I don’t fast.

I try to use my car as little as possible and get to places on foot or public transport where I can - which means I can catch up on Stylist magazine! I’m also considering those Zumba classes, which look like great fun!

Inspired by Reshma and her wellbeing tips? Why not try a detox from NOSH or Raw Fairies, or spoil yourself with a make up treatment.

Beauty and wellbeing doesn't just mean make up, manicures and Pilates - the men at Wahanda love their health and grooming as much as the ladies. Our resident King of tech Julian talks us through his favourite fitness and relaxation treats:

Name: Julian

Role at Wahanda: CTO

What’s your favourite way to stay in shape?

Rock climbing. That's not quite enough though, so I also enjoy running.

If you were on a desert island and could choose to indulge in one treatment, what would it be?

For indulgence: a body wrap.

To keep fit: rock climbing.

What health or beauty products would you recommend?

This is a tricky one - I don't really use that many. I do quite like Fat Hed hair styling stuff.

Which spa/gym/salon do you head to first when you need a wellbeing fix?

Castle Climbing Centre.

Top tip for keeping healthy:

Try and do something every day.

Never tried rock climbing before? Why not give it a go - who knows, you may find you love it as much as Julian does.

Whilst some of us change our minds as often as Lady Gaga changes outfits, others know the tried and tested health and fitness tricks which work for them, and are happy to stick to them. Lovely UI Developer Mike was happy to share with us his favourite fitness fixes - and there's not a fad in sight.

Name: Mike

Role at Wahanda: UI Developer

What’s your favourite way to stay in shape?

Running

If you were on a desert island and could choose to indulge in one treatment, what would it be?

No idea I'm afraid.

What health or beauty products would you recommend?

Boots No. 7 range for men.

Which spa/gym/salon do you head to first when you need a wellbeing fix?

My local health and beauty salon, Zeena.

'Top tip for keeping healthy:

Everything in moderation, even exercise.

Are you, like Mike, unsure what treatment you'd go for on a desert island? To help you decide, why not explore our offers on massages, facials and body treatments. Well, you never know - a Robinson Crusoe moment might be just around the corner.

Our copywriters spend all their time writing about the latest health and beauty deals and offers - so it stands to reason that they have a fair bit of knowledge when it comes to wellbeing tips and tricks! We asked our wonderful Head Copywriter Charley to impart some wellbeing wisdom, and happily she obliged...

Name: Charley

Role at Wahanda: Head Copywriter (and CEO of the Birthday Committee)

What’s your favourite way to stay in shape?

I go to Power Plate sessions each week with the Site Editor, Judy, which really helps with muscle toning. I’m not a huge fitness fanatic (I much prefer to be lounging around in a spa) but I do try yoga at home and have just started meditation classes to keep my mind in shape too.

If you were on a desert island and could choose to indulge in one treatment, what would it be?

I’m a big fan of hot stone massage because it really helps with stress and anxiety, so I’d probably be more than happy to indulge in that over and over again!

What health or beauty products would you recommend?

I’ve been using Benefit’s b.right facial wash with their triple performing moisturiser for the last few months, which has helped my skin immensely. The Benetint lip & cheek stain is a definite must-have – no girl should be without it! It’s the only colour that suits my skin tone, and it suits perfectly. I’m turning into a bit of a Benefit addict…

Which spa/gym/salon do you head to first when you need a wellbeing fix?

I usually call Scin Central London when there’s a manicure/pedicure emergency. Nothing is too much trouble and it’s only a 5 minute walk away from the office!

Top tip for keeping healthy:

I should really take my own advice, but: drink plenty of water and always have something to look forward to.

Inspired by Charley's health and beauty advice? Find meditation classes near you, or visit Scin Central for a pampering treat.

It would be very boring if everybody liked the same things in life. At Wahanda, although we are all passionate about health, beauty and fitness, we have very different ways of approaching our wellbeing. Fabulous regional account manager Emma has shared with us her top tips, which include ice skating, manicures and caviar shampoo...

Name: Emma

Role at Wahanda: Regional Account Manager for Manchester and Liverpool

What’s your favourite way to stay in shape?

Anything with a fun element like zumba, ice skating, dance classes or just participating in a gym class. Being with my group of girlfriends makes exercise more bearable.

If you were on a desert island and could choose to indulge in one treatment, what would it be?

It would definitely be a manicure. Despite working for a health, beauty and wellness site, I don’t tend to go for relaxing indulging treatments such as facials or massages or spa days - I’m quite an impatient person and to be honest I prefer those treatments which give instant noticeable impact to my appearance.Looking good equals feeling good, and that, for me, is a confidence booster.

What health or beauty products would you recommend?

I have a very basic and virtually non-existent beauty routine which consists of using cleansing wipes and washing my face with cold water. I’m aware that I should definitely be doing more now I’m in my 30’s however my skin tends to react better to the ‘less is more’ approach when it comes to a skincare regime. For hair products I love Alterna caviar shampoo and conditioner and in terms of cosmetics my make up bag consists of mainly all MAC Cosmetics and NARS.

Which spa/gym/salon do you head to first when you need a wellbeing fix?

For beauty treatments I tend to always go to The Beauty Lounge at Radisson Blu Hotel and for hair I wouldn’t go anywhere but my uncle's salon, Paul Barlow Hairdressing. He has a young trendy team who are up to date on the latest techniques and styles and they have perfected my colour and style and let me totally abuse the fact that I have a hairdresser in the family! I definitely make the most of it!

Top tip for keeping healthy:

The obvious...a well balanced diet, plenty of sleep and regular exercise - although I am first to admit that I have my good weeks and my bad. If I over indulge for a week or so then I spend the following few weeks cutting back. I believe in listening to my body - some days I crave fruit and veg and others I crave chocolate, but I never deprive myself of anything.

Wondering what form of exercise to take up next, or what beauty products to invest in when pay day rolls around? At Wahanda, we're here to inspire you. We may not be perfect all the time, and we are known to have chocolate cravings every now and again - but we do know our stuff when it comes to health and beauty. Here are lovely account manager Megan's favourite wellbeing tips:

Name: Megan

Role at Wahanda: Account Manager

What’s your favourite way to stay in shape?

At the moment - Zumba! I am always trying to find something to get into and am quite bad at keeping it up as I get bored quite easily... I really hope that I stick at the Zumba classes!

If you were on a desert island and could choose to indulge in one treatment, what would it be?

Probably a super moisturizing massage...something to keep me from peeling from the burn that I most likely would have!

What health or beauty products would you recommend?

I use mostly Bobbi Brown EVERYTHING, love her moisturising foundation in particular! Also Tea Tree oil (the pure oil) is a miracle worker for everything from zapping spots to helping you get over a cold (if you inhale it).

Top tip for keeping healthy:

Recently I’ve cut down on alcohol and junk food and this has made such a difference to my skin, plus drinking lots of water. I know that’s obvious, but it has really worked.

Want to follow Megan's tips to stay looking and feeling fabulous? We can help you find a Zumba class near you.

We're sure you occasionally stop to wonder whether we practise what we preach - so we've decided to let you in on some of the health and beauty secrets of the team at Wahanda HQ. It turns out that we could all go on for hours about our favourite treatments and products - but we know you haven't got all day, so we've tried to keep it brief. Without further ado, here are some top tips from fabulous copywriter Mel:

Name: Melanie

Role at Wahanda: Copywriter

What’s your favourite way to stay in shape?

I’m a big fan of fitness pole dancing (not to be confused with the g-string swinging sort). It combines cardio and weight training, using your own body as the weight, so you tone up and increase your fitness at the same time. Results are visible very quickly, especially in the upper arm and thigh areas. It even increases flexibility and the music/dancing aspects mean that it doesn’t feel like hard work. Classes are a brilliant way to make new friends too. You’ll get a few bruises at first but it’s worth it when you learn a new trick.

If you were on a desert island and could choose to indulge in one treatment, what would it be?

A massage, so I could steal the therapist’s mode of transport and escape. Sneaky.

What health or beauty products would you recommend?

I could be here for a while. My current favourite product is Clynol Colour and Care ‘Reflex Silver Shampoo’. It’s bright navy and really knocks out yellow or brassy tones after just one wash. It also contains lots of lovely conditioning ingredients to give bleach-blitzed hair like mine a boost. For a conditioning treat I apply Aussie Reconstructor. It smells fantastic and makes even fried hair soft and smooth. I take Kelp tablets too as they contain lots of iodine - great for helping hair to grow and as a bonus they’re supposed to support your metabolism but be warned- they smell like goldfish food.

Other current can’t-live-without products include Accessorize Nail polish in Aztec (looks like Chanel’s ‘it’ polish, ‘Peridot’), St Moritz Tanning Mousse, Superdrug’s Coconut and Shea Butter Moisturising Lotion......

Which spa/gym/salon do you head to first when you need a wellbeing fix?

I recently had my hair coloured professionally for the first time- being a serial DIY’er- and Lisa Shepherd’s London salon came highly recommended. The venue itself is super modern and not too open plan so you don’t feel silly with a head full of goop. My stylist Lee was extremely approachable and friendly, putting me totally at ease. He even recommended some brilliant products to keep my silver shade looking fresh, but didn’t go for the hard sell which I really appreciated.

Top tip for keeping healthy:

Treat yourself - if you’re eating well and exercising regularly there’s no reason you can’t enjoy a glass of wine (or two, especially if it’s red.....). Happy people are healthy people so don’t deprive yourself entirely of the things you enjoy.

Well, Mel ought to know about eating well - she often has a food tip or meal idea to share, including this delicious recipe for baba ganoush.

We're a nosy bunch at Wahanda, and we love to learn about other people's health and beauty habits. Although they say that curiosity killed the cat, we think that it can also be a good thing - so we've decided to share some of our wellbeing secrets, in case you're feeling inquisitive too. Here's how our gorgeous Head of Regional Sales, Koulla, keeps herself looking and feeling great:

Name: Koulla

Role at Wahanda: Head of Regional Sales

What’s your favourite way to stay in shape?

Going to the gym when I can and my Rapid Results Pilates DVD

If you were on a desert island and could choose to indulge in one treatment, what would it be?

For me it would have to be a ritual - they are my favourite as you usually get 2 or 3 treatments in one go. My ideal ritual would have a foot petal soak, a relaxing aromatherapy massage with hot stones or lava shells and then it would finish off with a full on facial (with extraction!). Am I being greedy?!

What health or beauty products would you recommend?

Leighton Denny for nails - I swear by the whole range. Benefit mosturiser for a luxurious day cream, Sanctuary Body Butter and Body Scrub for body and my No7 microdermabrasion exfoliator for face - it is amazing. Oh, and Bio Oil on my face at night - you wake up with the softest skin. I could go on and on but these are my top tips!

Which spa/gym/salon do you head to first when you need a wellbeing fix?

For me it would be Grayshott Spa, it is the most relaxing health farm and one of the best places to chill out.

Top tip for keeping healthy:

Drink lots of water, eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and try to limit processed food and junk. I am not really a diet person; I just think home cooked food is the best way to stay healthy.

Want to follow Koulla's example and make yourself a healthy, home-cooked dinner? Have a look at her tasty recipe for cannellini bean and chorizo casserole. Yum!

The Wahanda team is always bringing you the latest in health, beauty and fitness - but have you ever wondered how we stay in shape ourselves? We tore lovely customer service advisor Ryan away from the phones just long enough to impart some of his wellbeing secrets. Here's what we learned:

Name: Ryan

Role at Wahanda: Customer Service Senior

What’s your favourite way to stay in shape?

I try to work out every morning - some free weights for my upper body, normally arms & chest, no longer than 5 – 10 mins. Then I tend to ride or walk to work most mornings, which I enjoy as it helps to clear the mind for the day ahead.

If you were on a desert island and could choose to indulge in one treatment, what would it be?

I think it would have to be a massage so I could at least relax for a short time whilst I figure out how the hell to get off the island!

What health or beauty products would you recommend?

L’Oreal Awakening Face Wash helps keep the face clear & wakes me up for the day.

Which spa/gym/salon do you head to first when you need a wellbeing fix?

Esporta - although it’s a bit more expensive than some others, the facilities and atmosphere are worth the extra cost.

We'd love to hear what products, treatments and venues you swear by. Why not get in touch with us via Twitter and let us know your health and beauty secrets?

Bored of my boring brown colour and wanting a lift (but nothing too heavy or obvious), I needed a subtle hair pick-me-up. So, I opted for highlighted slicing at Lisa Shepherd in the West End. This is a new technique bringing highlights into the hair starting in the mid sections and through the length, giving a flash of colour to the ends.

The venue

I was so eager to get there I walked into the salon nearly taking the door off its hinges, not realising there’s an auto-lock system operated by the receptionist - oops. She could’ve made me feel a bit silly for my Incredible Hulk show at such a glamorous salon, but instead she put me at ease and welcomed me in. There’s a gorgeous ‘hang out’ area with a coffee/tea machine, more herbal teas than you could shake a ginger stick at, a fridge laced with white and rose wine, orange juice, beer.... the list goes on. Such is the luxury there’s even a selection of magazines and internet usage!

They’ve made such good use of space in the salon, cutting it up (ahem) into sections and making you feel less watched by everyone else being worked on. I know I have a habit of staring which could make people feel a bit uncomfortable, but that curbed it.

The treatment

I was only waiting for 5 minutes until Jason came over (I could’ve actually done with longer, I hadn’t even started on the mag selection!). He was very relaxed but professional, making me again feel comfortable. We had a chat about colours/shades and how I wear my hair usually, to make sure he was doing what would suit me best. He even showed me pictures of the variation results, which really made me feel he was doing what was best for me rather than what he wanted to. That’s often been the case on previous hair colour experiences in other salons.

Starting with a gloss to lift my current brunette colouring, then applying the highlights to the mid/end sections of my hair, he left it to set for a little while (in the gorgeous waiting room enjoying the vino and reading material) and then he applied a toner to settle the colour and make sure the result would be really natural.

I’ve got to say they have the most comfortable washing basins ever. I normally lie for ease and say it’s comfortable on my neck as we all know it never is, but it actually was. I was fine to be left there for a bit while the toner set. After a bit of washing and re-arranging of sections, the look was completed with a natural beachy blow dry.

The result

I left (without breaking the door) feeling really relaxed with that ‘just stepped out the salon’ bounce and I’m really happy with the result: a natural beachy look. It’s brunette with touches and flashes of golden blonde variations through the mid sections of my hair – fantastic.

Earlier in the year, we teamed up with swimwear experts Speedo and gave two lucky winners a swimming costume from their Sculpture Shapeline range, a unique body-shaping swimwear collection providing the nearest thing to a made-to-measure cossie.

Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos is a Speedo Sculpture ShapeLine ambassador and on 1st March, she released a series of motivational, downloadable podcasts to coincide with the launch of the collection. In addition, as the holiday season rapidly approaches, the body image expert sent us some words of wisdom about body shapes and why shopping for swimwear shouldn't be a nightmare.

Body Image, Swimwear and Shopping

There is no denying that we live in a world obsessed by beauty and glamour and there is no denying that negative body image has developed as one of the biggest problems to threaten our sense of identity and self esteem. The fact is, who we are and the way we look become inextricably linked so we come to conceptualise our identity, even our worth, through who we see in the mirror. This means that our perception of ourselves, our body image, has the capacity to significantly affect our thoughts, feelings, behaviours and our overall quality of life.

Whether it's forgoing a dinner invitation for fear of not fitting in because we’ve recently gained weight or being late for a movie because we just can’t get our hair to look the right way, our body image is at the core of our relationships with other people and more importantly is at the core of our relationship with ourselves. It is because body image is so intimate that it can literally permeate every area of our lives and shopping for clothes is a good example.

Advertising has a lot to do with how we feel about our bodies. There is no escape from the adverts that bombard us on a daily basis we can however alter the effect that they have on us by simply questioning and challenging what they have to say. For example why should we believe the claims of an anti-wrinkle cream when the model used to sell it is in her teens! Why should we believe that a cellulite cream is effective when its benefits are being supposedly displayed by what appears to be a size zero body. Some advertising is often not only misleading but also negatively focused. It tries to make us feel insecure by pointing out specific problems with our bodies and then offers solutions to help us deal with them. It is these insecurities that are then magnified, and internalised making our relationship with our body more complicated, and simple things like shopping so anxiety provoking.

The thing is, shopping for yourself can be a lot of fun, but it can also go a long way in reinforcing the negative or irrational beliefs we hold about our appearance. The reason that shopping can evoke emotions as diverse and extreme as elation and defeat is because its sole purpose is to focus us on our appearance and to adapt what we look like into what we aspire to look like. Remember that many of our insecurities regarding our body image stem from this discrepancy between the way we look and the way we’d like to look. Shopping is one of the major areas where our body insecurities are played out, and the more revealing an item of clothing is, the more anxiety provoking the whole experience can be - no surprise then that a recent study undertaken by Speedo revealed that, for most women, shopping for swimsuits is one of the least pleasurable shopping experiences.

However, if we really spend some time thinking about how and what we value our bodies for, then it doesn’t have to be. One of the most important things a woman can do for herself is to start viewing her body as functional and not just as aesthetic. By taking pride and enjoyment in what your body can do for you, the way it allows you to achieve things, feel things and interact in the world around you, you will have a much better perspective on your appearance and body image.

Unfortunately women have been conditioned to just see their body’s value in terms of the way it looks, so shopping for a swimsuit stops being about the love of swimming, or a long anticipated holiday, or feeling confident and comfortable when building sand castles with the kids, rather it becomes solely about living up to unrealistic representations of the female body which are far too often perpetuated by some advertisers.

This one dimensional portrayal of beauty is toxic to our ability to see ourselves, in fact it goes a long way to explaining why sizes have become so important. When we feel comfortable with our body image, we recognise that sizes per se aren’t important - it’s all about achieving a fit that works for your body shape and makes you feel comfortable and confident. Sadly, instead of trying the best fit, sizes have become the school report cards by which we and our friends judge ourselves. Everyone knows that an A is better than a B. And thanks to social conditioning we have come to accept the idea that size Small is better than Medium which of course is better than Large. So a shopping trip is where we get our report cards, where we get assessed… have we failed or did we pass with flying colours?

It’s all down to that little letter or little number on the tag. The key to dealing with this type of scenario is simple - forget about numbers, and focus on what feels and looks good to you. Buying swimwear or any other article of clothing for that matter should be about celebrating your own particular kind of body, your own particular kind of beauty and enhancing what you love about yourself rather than fixing what you don’t.

Last year we teamed up with the Austrian Tourist Board to bring you some amazing wellness offers that were too good to miss – and you loved it. Well, we’ve only gone and done it again.

This summer not only can you buy invigorating spa experiences in AUSTRIA’S FINEST Spa Hotels and Resorts with Wahanda style discounts applied, but you can also enter for your chance to win a spa break for two worth a whopping £2,000.

Why Austria?

If you’re looking to really unwind this summer – rather than booking a holiday and stressing out before, during and after, like so many of us do – then Austria is the place to be. They know spas. They know wellbeing. They have the natural resources needed to make your spa break experience a unique one. Quite simply, they have it all…

The treatments

Austria has been a destination for wellbeing since the early 1800s, with its natural thermal waters and crystal clear mountain air attracting royals and leaders from across Europe. As well as traditional treatments which have been perfected over the centuries, Austria leads the way in innovative therapeutic approaches.

From the wide-ranging health benefits of cryotherapy to the only Oriental Hamam in the Alps, Austria’s holistic treatments are perfectly placed to create true harmony of body and mind.

And for those seeking something truly unique, a Shaolin massage – provided by expertly-trained monks flown in especially from the Far East – is the perfect way to re-energise. Alternatively, let the Jin Shin Jyutsu therapists restore the balance of your energy, or feel physically and spiritually cleansed with a Sultan or Pasha treatment. In Austria, you can find the deep relaxation of the world’s finest holistic remedies – much closer to home.

The therapists

In Austria, health and wellbeing practitioners undergo highly extensive training to offer a wide range of treatments, often using remedies derived from carefully selected alpine plants and herbs. When you spa in Austria, you know you're getting the best possible care - which will make your stay even more unforgettable.

Location, location, location

Enjoying the Austrian countryside is a wellbeing experience in itself – with the mountains providing the perfect backdrop for either blissful rest or adventurous activities. From calming walks through wildflower meadows to trekking on Lipizzaner stallions, you’ll find something that floats your boat.

Just a couple of hours through the sky yet a world away from everyday stresses, Austria is the ultimate spa destination and has all you need for the natural way to unwind. We think we’d settle in nicely…

Enter our competition

Sound good? Make sure you enter our competition for your chance to win a three night spa break for two worth £2,000 at the stunning Reiter’s Supreme Hotel, and check out our great offers to get Austrian pampering for less.

The times, they are a-changing, and the In and Out Beauty Programme is here to help. Health and fitness is always a keen topic at the start of a New Year but now the focus is entirely on holistic approaches, taking a look on the inside as well as the outside. A positive outlook on life, more confidence and making sure your wellbeing is top of list are just as important as physical exercise, so now it’s time to take a look at both aspects and revamp yourself inside and out!

Headed by body expert Dr. Linda Papadopoulos and style expert and former presenter of ‘What Not To Wear’ Lisa Butcher, the In and Out Beauty Programme sets out to explain that beauty is not just skin deep and how you feel about yourself is often how people will then perceive you. Beauty products and slapping on the makeup won’t make a difference if you don’t feel confident on the inside, but by feeling proud of what you’ve got you can completely turn around your life. By looking at the inside with Dr. Linda and then tackling the outside with Lisa, you can revolutionise your outlook and change how others respond to you.

The Event

Held at the luxurious Chelsea Club Health Club and Spa on Fulham Road, the In and Out Beauty Programme starts with welcome drinks of herbal tea and smoothie shots, plus mini head, neck and shoulder massages to get guests relaxed and prepared for the day. Then Dr. Linda Papadopoulos will give a one-hour seminar on how to improve body image and love what you see in the mirror, giving you advice for inside beauty. She’ll offer general tips on how to turn your negative body image into a positive one and maintain a healthy view of yourself.

One healthy lunch later and style expert Lisa Butcher will speak about outside beauty and how to make the most of what you’ve got. Her one-hour seminar will show you how to dress for your body type by showing off or toning down your curves, choosing the right colours to compliment your skin tone, plus simple tips on how to glam up for an occasion. Knowing what suits you can make a world of difference and creates more confidence for you to then love yourself in and out.

As well as learning inside and outside beauty, the lucky guests will be able to use the amazing facilities at the spa, including a 25m pool, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi, plus complimentary spa treatments on offer throughout the day to pamper and preen. Now there’s really no excuse not to love yourself after all that…

How to Book

At a price of £80 per person you can request a booking on the event page, but be quick! There’s a strict limit of 100 guests and booking closes on 5th March 2010.

Lowri Turner, fashion-journalist-turned-interior-designer, has ditched the paint buckets and found a new way to transform people’s lives at an even more personal level – with their health. After years of battling with weight and health problems, Lowri’s found what works for her and is helping others with Va Voom Health – a combination of hypnotherapy and nutritional advice which puts mind over matter so that the faddy diets and short-lived resolutions are well and truly over. Wahanda caught up with Lowri to find out why she’s swapped cushions for a couch...

You’ve admitted to struggling with your weight since a young age – what diets have you tried?

I’ve been dieting since I was 15 – it started with calorie counting, to the point that I would only eat 600 calories a day. Of course this didn’t last – I dropped to just seven stone without doing any exercise but it soon yo-yoed up again so that I’d gone from a size six to a size sixteen in just eighteen months.

Have you had to give up a lot of guilty pleasures when it comes to food and drink?

Most people need a crutch to get through the day – mine is dark chocolate, which is very high in caffeine so I always buy very little bars. My drug of choice has always been caffeine, but it upsets my rosacea; I used to drink tonnes of diet cola – back when I worked in radio I would have had four cans by half past eight in the morning. I gave up alcohol when I had my last baby - I was on an anti-post-natal depression diet which meant essential fatty acids and no alcohol. My skin was better, I was less tired and had more time. The cleaner your diet becomes the more you notice the affect these things have; all I need to do is have one big bar of dairy milk and I’ll see a difference in my skin the next day.

You now eat well and maintain a healthy weight – how do you discipline yourself?

I think it’s a case of having more knowledge and feeling better because of it. With my rosacea and eczema, and a highly stressed lifestyle I realised that my body was setting off alarm bells. Of course I could have just retired and lived in the country and that would make me better but that wasn’t an option – so instead I avoided the things that were causing problems, such as dairy products, chocolate, alcohol and caffeine. I’m not in a food prison – when I was young I was a very picky eater so what I eat nowadays is not restricted in comparison to my Alphabetti spaghetti! Plus I have an 80/20 mantra – be good for 80% of the time and allow yourself some slips for the rest.

Your treatment includes hypnotherapy – have you been hypnotised?

Yes – after my training I asked a friend to hypnotise me. I was going away to Costa Rica and we were planning a plane tour of the rainforest but I’m terrified of heights. I had a session with her to try and combat my fears and it definitely worked – I didn’t panic on the tour and even managed to do some zip lining, although that was more for the children’s benefit!

What are you trying to achieve when hypnotising clients?

Most people come to me for weight loss – particularly men – and I also get a lot of people with skin problems, and tired working mothers. With the hypnotherapy we try to reprogramme them to stop craving, stop comfort eating and reduce stress – because emotional eating is always down to some sort of stress. It can also build self esteem, especially for overweight clients – it’s about building their confidence in their ability to change, making them see that they can do it. One client I had shuffled in on his first appointment, overweight and with no confidence. After losing three stone he walks differently, and even went jogging in public – not something he’d ever have done before. It’s really great to see that change.

The emphasis with Va Voom Health is nutrition and mindset – do you include exercise plans too?

Definitely - I set an exercise plan of a minimum of three hour sessions a week. That’s forty minutes cardio, to help burn energy, reduce stress, and boost serotonin, and also to help connect with the body. Then twenty minutes of resistance to build muscle mass. Some people need less of a cardio workout, for instance if they have chronic stress, they prefer a calmer exercise such as yoga or Tai Chi to help them restore themselves and relax.

What about you – do you practice what you preach when it comes to exercise?

I have a treadmill at home which I use almost every day. I go fairly slowly, it’s a bit like meditation for me once the kids have gone to bed – I see it as my ‘me-time’ and quite enjoy it!

Why do you enjoy transforming people, whether it’s through fashion, homes or health?

When I was young, despite being a big teenager size didn’t matter back then – it was about putting on a persona. As a short and stumpy girl I realised it was all down to the clothes for me to transform myself, hence going into fashion. With the home programmes such as DIY SOS, it was at a time where the emphasis was on ‘real people’ – that was something I really enjoyed as a TV presenter. Health is a much bigger responsibility, which is why I went through a lot of training. It makes it scarier because people are more complicated but I understand human nature – some clients come in and think they’re terrible for their diet cola intake but I was much worse. In some ways though the responsibility is off me – because it’s about their efforts to feel different.

You’re working with Champneys in the New Year – tell us what that’s all about?

I’m doing two weekends in January and February called ‘Think Yourself Thin’ at Champneys Tring, which will be a mixture of group hypnotherapy and one on one sessions to help those who are trying to lose weight. We’ll address comfort eating, beating cravings, exercise and talking about the way you think as a thin person – because it’s very different. We’re trying to reprogramme people’s brains in two days to make them think differently about food.

What are your plans for the future?

I’d like to write a book and expand on the mind element. I’m also taking on a clinical psychologist so that we can look into why the clients are comfort eating – because at the moment I have to leave that up to them. With a clinical psychologist plus hypnotherapy and nutritional advice, we are different – we can assess the best balance for people. Some may need more hypnotherapy, some may need more emphasis on the food plan – but it’s one flat price per month. It’s a very personalised service – they even get to choose their daily treat. We don’t count calories or weigh them – if they have a craving one week, we work on it in hypnotherapy the next; it’s about keeping them on track.

Lowri's Think Yourself Thin weekend at Champneys Tring is now bookable on Wahanda - why not make your New Year's resolutions stick this year and take part?

There is a brand new machine in town that’s taken the US fitness world by storm and it looks set to repeat its success in the UK. The KRANKcycle is the first fitness apparatus developed to build cardio fitness through focusing on the upper body, building aerobic capacity and upper body strength whilst burning calories. Wahanda was invited to its launch in London’s Covent Garden to find out more and try it for ourselves.

What is it?

The KRANKcycle could be best described as “spinning for the arms”. Created by Johnny G, the man behind the spinning phenomenon, the KRANKcycle uses only the arms to create a cardiovascular workout that will have you sweating in no time. Equipped with handle cranks for greater variety of movement, a resistance dial and a removable seat, the machine can be used whilst seated or standing while your arms move the handles together or independently – otherwise known as “Kranking”.

Kranking increases the upper body’s ability to inhale more oxygen and burn fat, meaning you can burn a lot of calories within a twenty minute workout without putting stress on your heart, so anyone suffering from cardiovascular disease, lower body mobility or who are pregnant or obese will find the KRANKcycle easy to use and very effective.

After watching the machine being demonstrated, it was our turn to have a go. Seated in our KRANKcycles, and slightly nervous we were going to run out of breath within five seconds, we were surprised to find that the KRANKcycle was very easy to use - the movements were simple to pick up, and we instantly felt the muscles in our arms, back and stomach working harder than expected as we turned the crank handles against increasing resistance. We also noticed our whole body naturally began to move in accordance to the actions of our upper arms as we turned the handles, almost as if we were dancing, so our lower body also got an intensive workout.

The verdict

We at Wahanda understand how hard it is to get motivated to use any gym equipment, but we found the KRANKcycle very simple and enjoyable to use; so much so that we didn’t notice that our twenty minutes were up. We believe that the KRANKcycle is set to get arms all over the country in a fitness frenzy next year and we’re looking forward to it arriving at a local gym near us – so keep eyes peeled for your chance to try it.

A fabulous outfit can work wonders but often make-up is an essential weapon every woman needs to transform themselves from office chic to after work vixen. But, which ones are the most essential for achieving that glamorous look? We asked just that, and results suggested that mascara was the product our cosmetic bags cannot afford to be without. Of course, there are plenty of other must-have beauty items we love.

Mascara: A popular choice and a firm staple in any woman’s make up bag, mascara comes in various different shades from dramatic black to electric blue. Even mascara on its own can create dramatic, wide eyes that will hold anyone’s attention.

Foundation: A godsend for women with troublesome skin! Whether you're cursed with skin flaws or are suffering from a breakout, foundation camouflages those imperfections and picking the right shade can enhance your assets leaving you with youthful, clear and balanced looking skin.

Concealer: Do you want to hide your lack of sleep from the rest of the world? Concealer will keep your secret. Dark under eye circles are a common problem that can be solved in a matter of seconds and once they have been covered up, no one will be the wiser

Eyeliner: Whether you're going for a smouldering or sophisticated look, this wondrous stick makes even the smallest eyes appear bigger in no time with little effort.

Eyelash Extensions: Cheryl Cole knows how to up her X factor with fake eyelashes. They are easy to apply and can dramatically increase your feminine appeal in a matter of seconds, giving you a wave of confidence that will have you batting your lashes all night long. They are now so popular that Girls Aloud recently unveiled their own range of fake lashes to suit everyone.

Lipstick: This popular item can greatly enhance your facial features and never fails to make a lady feel glamorous. From ravishing reds to powerful purples, lipstick gives an edge to the simplest of makeup. Remember less can often be more, so a simple coat of mascara to accompany painted lips is more than enough.

Lip Gloss: If your lips are pale or thin, lip gloss will enhance the colour and appearance, making them look fuller and giving a glossy sheen to draw more attention to your face. Clear gloss can also make a matte lipstick stand out in a crowd.

Check out Mary Greenwell's Make-up Masterclass for more information on make-up treatments and for tips on how to make the most of your beauty items, read Tina Brocklebank's Blog.

Christmas for most of us means parties, eating and drinking far too much and cosying up in front of the TV. Exercise is the last thing we want to do during the festive season – and according to LA Fitness, our attendance at the gym declines by a staggering 35%.

There’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence this Christmas, but it might help to keep on top of your exercise regime and avoid that guilty feeling and panic on the scales come January. If you can’t get to the gym, why not do ‘snack-tivity’ snippets of exercise that add up to at least 30 minutes a day, such as turning the music up and speed cleaning the house or hitting the sales for a walk round the shops.

If you don’t fancy piling on the pounds and want to start the New Year feeling refreshed rather than sluggish, LA Fitness have some top tips for burning off those Yuletide excesses:

How to work off Christmas treats:

• 4oz Christmas pudding (300 calories= 45 extra minutes in an aerobics class
• One mince pie (250 calories) = 30 minute swim
• 90g serving of roast turkey (149 calories) = 30 minute stroll round the neighbourhood
• 5 Cadbury’s Roses or Heroes (200 calories) = 20 minutes on the running machine
• 1 measure of Baileys (114 calories) = 4 minute kiss under the mistletoe!
• 70g slice of iced rich Christmas cake (245 calories) = 30 minutes on the rowing machine

Staying fit and enjoying the festive season can be done together, and with a little health and fitness know-how you don't have to avoid all the parties in order to stay in shape. Why not check out our free fitness deals to help you get toned in time for that party dress.

The Wahanda team were lucky enough to pop down to Liz Earle’s flagship store and treatment rooms in Chelsea on Thursday for their exclusive event in association with the Telegraph. Celebrating the launch of Liz Earle’s first ever fragrance, fans of the expert beauty brand were invited to enjoy a talk from Liz Earle herself as well as having a sniff of the wonderful new scent, Botanical Essence No1.

Liz Earle’s philosophy is all about the ingredients; much like when cooking a recipe, she explained, the finest ingredients will bring out the finest dish – and it’s the same for beauty products. The sparkling citrusy fragrance is derived from over 98% natural ingredients with lavender from France, damask rose from Turkey, Italian bergamot and patchouli to name but a few; the light and zesty perfume adapts according to the pH of your skin so you can have a truly individual scent.

On the night guests were treated to hand and arm massages as well as having the chance to win a coveted Liz Earle signature facial worth a whopping £83. Goody bags containing some of Liz Earle’s most popular products including the Cleanse and Polish and the super boosting Skin Tonic were also given out so everyone could take the spa experience home.

Find more information about Liz Earle Skincare on Wahanda and take a look at their treatment menu.

The Sunday Times reported on a new study this week, which has found that a woman’s skin tone is the key factor used when judging beauty and attractiveness. Unlike previous beliefs that facial symmetry was the ideal in attractiveness, scientists have found that the radiance of a woman’s complexion and the evenness of her skin tone are far more crucial to another’s perception of her beauty.

Dr Bernhard Fink and Dr Paul Matts photographed 170 women’s faces between the ages of ten and seventy, and applied their skin to an idealised, symmetrical computer model before asking people to score them for their attractiveness. This meant that they were only judging on skin quality rather than facial features – and higher scores were given to the most even skin. Experiments showed that some would even avert their eyes when looking at a face with poor skin tone. In another study, older skin models were photographed, but while those with wrinkles were thought to be older, it was the unevenness of their skin which was seen to be showing age and poorer health.

It is thought that good skin indicates good health and reproductive fitness – so it’s no surprise that we’ve evolved to find a pretty face with good skin more appealing. If you want all eyes on you (rather than looking away), treat your skin to some expert care to give you the radiant complexion you need. From free facials and skincare consultations to splurging on microdermabrasion or even a 24 carat gold facial, Wahanda has all you need to make sure your beauty really is skin deep. Or if you need to wave goodbye to troublesome teenage skin once and for all, check out the different acne treatments available and say hello to beautiful clear skin.

Winter is especially harsh on the skin as our fair faces take the brunt of the weather – why not sneak a peek at our winter skincare tips to keep you preened and protected.

When it comes to food we usually think about weight loss rather than winter woes but a new study shows that in terms of your emotional wellbeing you really are what you eat. New research published in the British Journal of Psychiatry suggests that there is a link between eating the wrong food and developing depression – perhaps bad news for chocoholics.

Two groups were studied in the research – those who consumed whole foods such as vegetables, fruit and fish, and those who ate mostly processed food. Those who consumed the most processed food were found to have a 58% higher risk of depression five years later, whereas the whole foods group had a 26% lower risk.

This latest development is supported by previous reports that green vegetables protect against low folate levels which can cause depression – so if you’ve got a case of the winter blues then it’s best to do as your mum always said and eat your greens. If you need a little help with mood-improving foods, why not look into nutritional advice and treatments and work with a dietician to make it that much easier.

We at Wahanda love to hear about new treatments that can revolutionise the way we look. The latest trend isn’t in cosmetic surgery or injecting fillers into our faces, instead it’s a treatment which is sure to transform your locks from lank and lifeless to bouncy and sleek. The Brazilian Permanent and Semi-Permanent Blow Dry is here to help you pamper your mop into an A-lister’s fierce mane.

Why?

If you’ve always wondered how you can get luscious locks like Cheryl Cole, or for those with shorter hair a sleek bob like Danni Minogue, then a Brazilian Blow Dry might just be the best thing to bring your hair to life. Not only will it ensure your hair looks fabulous without a lot of effort on your part, it’s perfect for those of us who run on a tight schedule but still want to give a great first impression. Plus if those gloomy days loom with the threat of drizzle, your mop will beat it follicles down thanks to its magical de-frizzing powers. Okay, so it’s not magical but we still think it’s something special!

How?

Using a clever mix of vitamins and proteins with a keratin-rich solution of cocoa oil and clay, the treatment is sealed into your hair with trusty straighteners and voila, luscious hair that will bounce right back into perfect style without the need for hours of blow drying. That’s a lot of aching arms saved then.

Find out more about the Permanent & Semi-Permanent Blow Dry on its treatment page, and if you feel like giving it a go, choose a brilliant blow dry deal. Go on, you’re worth it.

Where?

Perfect timing for Christmas parties, you can treat your hair to a Brazilian Blow Dry to make it dazzle and make great savings doing so with our fabulous blow dry deals...

Michael Barnes Hairdressing in London are offering newcomers a fantastic 40% off Permanent Brazilian Blow Dry, so you save a lovely £100. Artistic Director Michael Barnes has worked with top models and film and pop stars including celebrities such as Keira Knightley and Lily Cole.

Fordham Soho in London are also offering new customers savings on this fantastic treatment. With 30% off Brazilian Keratin Permanent Blow Dry, can you afford to miss out? You also receive a free after care shampoo and conditioner to take home worth £25.

Give your peepers some pampering. It’s National Eye Week from the 9th-15th November and here at Wahanda we’re celebrating by giving you the gift of good sight and great eyes with our fantastic deals. Even celebrities are getting involved, with Philip Schofield announcing on Twitter this week that he is going to look into getting his eyes lasered. So whether you’ve decided to take the plunge with laser eye surgery or you just want luscious lashes to show off the windows to your soul, we’ve got eye-opening offers galore. Blink and you’ll miss them!

Clear Sighted

For those who dream of being able to wake up with clear vision laser eye surgery could be the answer. It’s a big decision to make, so why not book in for a consultation to find out what it’s all about?

• Wahanda customers can get a free laser eye surgery consultationwith the eyesight specialists at the London Vision Clinic on Harley Street, plus receive a free copy of the UK Guide to Laser Eye Surgery written by top laser eye surgeons to help you make your choice.

A Sight For Sore Eyes

A set of beautiful eyes is the key to attracting the opposite sex, yet we rarely give them a treat. Use this week as an excuse to give your eyes some well deserved pampering.

• The lavish Luxury Eye Package at Beauty a La Carte includes everything you need for beautiful, seductive eyes. Enjoy an eyelash and eyebrow tint, an eyebrow groom and an eye massage, all for just £45.

Flutter Those Lashes

Twiggy didn’t become one of the most iconic figures of her time for nothing - it was all down to her long lashes. For those not blessed with the look, there are plenty of beauty treatments to give your lashes a boost.

• Scin are offering a Girls Pre-Party Package which is perfect for all those Christmas celebrations coming up. The package includes a file and polish, eyebrow tidy and tint and of course the application of strip lashes for flirty, sweeping eyes.

Give Your Eyes a Workout

Regular exercise not only improves our general health but can do wonders for our eyes; an overweight person is twice as likely to suffer from loss of sight as someone with a healthy B.M.I . Having a good workout increases the oxygen supply to the retina and optic nerve, as well as lowering the pressure that builds up in the eye – the perfect excuse to start your detox regime.

• If you’re bored of the gym and want to try something new, why not start with a free fitness session from Wahanda – choose from Pilates, Power Plates or circuits.

In Our Eye Line

National Eye Week is sending out the important message that you can’t ignore the effect your lifestyle choices are having on your eyesight. Here at Wahanda we say there is no time like the present and with all the great bargains on offer there’s no excuse. Get ready for some serious eye contact…

To regain the smooth, glowing skin of our youth it seems we’re willing to try out anything: Botox, 24 carat gold facials or oxygen facials… you name it, we’ll try it. And the next treatment on our wishlist is the most extreme yet: Dracula Therapy. With vampires cropping up all over our screens, from the swoonsome Robert Pattinson in the Twilight movies to new television series True Blood, it was only a matter of time before we took a little bit of vampire lust and incorporated it into our beauty regimes.

What?

Not quite as extreme as sacrificing your life for immortality, the treatment involves removing a sample of blood from your arm then mixing it with amino acids and vitamin C to create a serum, which is then re-injected back into the problem area.

Why?

Pioneered by beauty expert Doctor Daniel Sister, who also brought us laser therapy, the treatment was developed originally by dentists to use on patients with receding gums. Sister has revolutionized the concept behind the original therapy so that it can be used on any part of the body, after he realised that it could help damaged or ageing skin. Recent research has shown that the platelets found in our blood have a strong stimulation function as well as their clotting functions. By adding amino acids and vitamin C to these platelets it can give them a boost in regeneration which is essential in the fight against ageing, claims Sister.

The weird and the wonderful

It may sound spooky and certainly not for the squeamish but Dracula Therapy is in a long line of treatments which on the surface appear out of this world but are surprisingly effective. How we all scoffed when the fish pedicure emerged - but after experiencing soft tootsies many were converts. When celebrity favourite Botox began to gain popularity it seemed like it would never catch on – yet now the young and old on our screens are indistinguishable. It is also not the first time beauty boffins have taken inspiration from far fetched tales. The 24 carat gold facial is similar to a ritual Cleopatra performed every night in which she laced her skin with gold. Vampire tales are in fashion right now - just take one look at their crease free skin and you can see why. After all they do hold the secret to everlasting youth…

In the current economic climate, many feel there isn’t a lot to laugh about these days. If this is you, then this new yoga craze could leave you in a fit of giggles. Hasya Yoga – also known as “laughter yoga” - is a combination of yoga breathing techniques and hearty chuckles, giving your mind and soul a stress-busting workout that leaves you feeling happier, healthier and full of life. Laughing yourself silly, all in the name of fitness? Sounds good to us – and even funny-man, Monty Python star John Cleese has spoken about the wonders of laughter yoga in a documentary for the BBC.

The first laughter yoga group began in a park in Mumbai, India in 1995 with only five people, and its popularity has since spread worldwide. Now over 60 countries hold classes that practice this form of yoga, and many people have been reeling from its benefits, which include:

• Reducing blood pressure
• Strengthening the immune system by up to 40%
• Decreasing the number of stress hormones and increasing endorphins levels
• Battling depression and anxiety

But can you make yourself laugh when you’re not in the mood to giggle? According to Dr. Madan Kataria, the man behind laughter yoga exercise, yes you can. Scientists have discovered that a bout of fake laughter is just as mentally and physically beneficial as a genuine giggle fest because your body will not be able to tell the difference between the two.

The principle of laughter yoga is to change the state of the mind through specific voluntary gestures including chanting, breathing, and then laughing. The aim is to invoke a childlike playfulness, so as the session goes on your laughter becomes natural, and as you laugh, the brain releases your feel good hormones throughout your body - so a sense of humour is not required in class.

A few sessions could leave you feeling happier and healthier, and a vigorous titter will give your tummy muscles a good workout; so whether it’s the continuing recession or the winter blues that’s leaving you with very little to laugh about, perhaps laughter yoga is the exercise for you...

Where: Liz Earle, Chelsea, London

When: 19th November 6.30 – 8.00pm

Price: £20, redeemable against any products you purchase

Click here to book your place

To celebrate the launch of Liz Earle’s Botanical Essence No.1, the Telegraph are holding an exclusive reader evening full of pampering and offers. Pop along to the flagship store in London on the 19th November for an evening of treats and insider information. With complimentary hand and arm massages and champagne, you will enjoy a talk from Liz Earle herself on how the fragrance was created, plus hear from fragrance expert Lorna McKay and botanical expert Jennifer Hirsch so you know all the beauty secrets first hand.

What’s more, you can enter a competition to win a Liz Earle Signature Facial and spoil yourself silly, plus start your Christmas shopping with beautifully hand-wrapped gifts to treat your loved ones. Even better, every guest will receive a complimentary goody bag of Liz Earle botanical skincare products.

For more information and to book your place, visit Liz Earle’s website and follow the instructions. One hundred lucky fans also have the chance to win a full size Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.1, so be sure to enter when you visit the site to book your place. The deadline for competition entries is Sunday 15th November.

For more events and Christmas shopping delights with Wahanda, check out our previous blog post.

Ho, ho, ho-ly moly it’s that time of year again – the Christmas lights are dazzling and the shops are bursting with gifts galore. Wahanda is no exception, and we have stacked our online shelves with spa vouchers, pampering gifts and festive spa breaks to make your Christmas sparkle like no other. If online shopping isn’t enough to get you into the festive spirit, we’ve also found the best Christmas shopping events at top spas so you can pamper while you pick the perfect gifts.

• Christmas Shopping Spectacular

Where: Nutfield Priory Hotel Spa When: 17th November Price: £10

Head south to Surrey for a night of mince pies, mulled wine, beauty demonstrations and Christmas capers on the 17th. Tickets cost just £10 and are redeemable against any products you buy on the night – so whether you’re updating your make up bag or spoiling friends for Christmas, make a night of it and enjoy a free goody bag worth over £20 to take home with you.

• Free Skin Assessment and Mini Facial

Where: Ark Age Aware Skincare When: Throughout Nov/Dec Price: Free

Get glowing this Christmas and find out what your skin needs in the winter weather with a skin assessment at Ark Age Aware Skincare. You can enjoy a mini facial using their new product range, plus get a free mask and exfoliant worth £55 when you buy a moisturiser and cleanser – perfect stocking fillers, or of course to add to your beauty collection. With spas all over London, there’s no need to miss out.

• Christmas Shopping Event

Where: Norton House Hotel Spa When: Various November dates Price: Free

Bag a Christmas bargain at this glorious Hand Picked Hotel in Edinburgh. With special offers on gifts starting at just £10, you can spoil loved ones with pamper prezzies. Choose from makeup products, natural mineral therapy gifts, organic candles or ESPA collections.

The summer tan has faded, oily skin has turned to dehydrated skin and those pedicured toes are well and truly hidden – yes, winter is coming. Central heating, harsh winds and lack of sunshine can mean dull, dry skin, particularly on the face. But don’t fret – Wahanda have found the best products and people in the beauty industry to make sure you’re glowing all year round.

Try before you buy

Saving up for Christmas presents and no money to spend on yourself? Then look no further for your beauty fix than Ark Age Aware Skincare in London; with five skincare centres around the capital and a brand new product range, they are the experts in what your skin needs. Thanks to Wahanda you can take advantage of their great products first hand and enjoy a fifteen minute facial using their latest lotions and potions – absolutely free. Plus, if you buy a moisturiser and cleanser once you’ve tried the dreamy products, you’ll also receive a complimentary Ark Age Aware skincare mask and exfoliant worth £55 – so you can continue looking after your skin at home. Book your free facial here – consider it a gift from us!

Indulge and protect

If your skin is in real need of nourishment, then you’ll want more than fifteen minutes of pampering. Well, we can help with that too – Wahanda has hundreds of spas and salons listed where you can enjoy facials to beautify your skin to perfection. From oxygen facials, microdermabrasion, galvanic facials, to the 24 carat gold facial, there’s a technique to suit any skin type so no matter what your winter woe you can leave feeling refreshed, moisturised and protected.

If there’s one person who knows faces (and famous ones at that), it’s Linda Meredith. Boasting celebrity clients including Kate Moss and Madonna, the skincare expert has a whole host of facials to choose from at her Knightsbridge spa, including the Haute Couture facial, the Ultra Lift facial, Diamond Tones facial and the O2 facial for natural healing. Wahanda customers can enjoy 20% off the beauty guru’s leading treatments so why not treat yourself to super soft skin this winter – or even spoil someone for Christmas. Plus read the latest glowing reviews to see what you can look forward to – and don’t forget to come back and tell us about your experience.

A warning to those thinking about forking out for the VASER liposuction treatment; get it for a cheaper price and you might not get what you asked for. Patients are being warned that clinics could be giving them the cheaper laser lipolysis in place of the VASER treatment without their knowledge.

Dr. Ravi Jain, Medical Director at Riverbanks Clinic, is encouraging people to be more vigilant when it comes to shopping around after it was revealed that a high percentage of patients who paid for the VASER at other clinics in the UK had instead been given the lower value laser-based treatment. So what is the best way to tell if you are not getting VASER? If you are asked to wear protective goggles, according to Dr. Jain:

“With genuine VASER, you do not need to wear eye protection during this kind of treatment but will always be required to wear goggles for laser lipolysis,” he reveals.

What is the difference between the two?

VASER uses ultrasound energy rather than laser energy to selectively dissolve fat cells, and this guarantees a more accurate sculpting. VASER can also target larger areas of fat compared to laser lipoysis, and as much as 2 litres can be taken in one session, so VASER is considered to be a far superior technology than laser technology.

The typical cost for the VASER treatment is around £2000, and any clinic claiming to offer less than that is a warning sign to watch out for, as they could actually be using the cheaper laser based treatment instead.

What can you do to avoid being scammed?

Dr. Jain advises patients to ask to see the VASER machine before signing up for any treatment, check that their practitioner is registered on the VASER website, and ask to see testimonials from previous patients that have used the treatment at that clinic.

“Patients need to be able to trust that they are having the treatment they signed up for and that their chosen clinic is qualified to deliver it. It is completely unethical that some clinics are offering laser-based treatments disguised as VASER but by following these simple tips, a bogus VASER treatment will be easily identified,” says Dr Jain.

This week saw two programmes investigating the trend for those using cosmetic and medical treatments to ‘Westernize’ their appearance. Channel 4’s Bleach, Nip, Tuck on Tuesday explored ethnic minorities who go to great lengths to change their height, shape and skin colour to look more ‘white’. Meanwhile, BBC1’s Anita Rani looked into the sometimes risky skin-lightening products in Make Me White, discovering an in illegal trade and finding out why Western culture sees paler skin as the fairest of them all.

Learn more about skin lightening treatments on Wahanda and see our reading suggestions for links to the two programmes in case you missed them - would you have it done?

It’s been over ten years since everyone’s favourite rom-com, Pretty Woman, hit our screens. But it seems the film’s heroine Vivian was ahead of her time in the fashion stakes, with everyone from Madonna to Rihanna taking her lead and donning a pair of thigh high boots this winter.

Seeing the A-listers strut their stuff is enough to give anyone shoe envy, as their legs seem to go flawlessly on forever. But for us mere mortals the boots can look unflattering as they focus on the thigh and often cause excess fat to spill out the top of the boot.

Thankfully, it’s not just the celebs that have caught on to the trend - plastic surgeons have too. The London Medical and Aesthetic Clinic have pioneered a treatment which will transform your legs into the slim and shapely ones needed to pull off this look. And even better, the transformation only takes one session so you can slip into the new ‘it’ boots just in time for the Christmas parties.

Using the most advanced form of SmartLipo on the market- Cynosure SmartLipo MPX™, the treatment will tackle your calves, ankles or thighs by pulsing laser energy through a cannula which liquefies fat before it is removed from the body. The procedure takes place under local anesthetic and takes around an hour for each targeted area, and you can expect to be back at work in a couple of days.

With the procedure setting you back a lot more than the boots themselves (around £2000) this season’s trend may cost more than expected. But hey, you can’t put a price on looking fabulous…

When we were given the opportunity to try out the new revolutionary Acustaple, we jumped at the chance. It has been brought over to the UK from the States, and we were more than happy to test it out, especially if it helps us to lose a few pounds for those Christmas parties that are looming over the next few months.

Acustaple is a combination of auricular therapy, acupressure and acupuncture. Rather than having scary needles pin cushioned on your body, a tiny staple is placed on a pressure point in both of your ears. The staple placed on the pressure points help to target stress and curb those pesky cravings for that crafty cigarette or cheeky chocolate bar.

The Clinic

We headed off up to Crosby Physiotherapy Clinic, where we were met by a therapist who was very friendly and welcoming, and made us feel at ease straight away. The clinic itself is only small; it is very clean and professional. The treatment rooms are basic but comfortable. The therapist instructed us to sit down and then told us about the treatment and what to expect. She asked us what we wanted the staple for and if we were prone to any allergies, migraines or IBS.

The Treatment

We wanted to see if the acustaple would help us lose a few pounds. So once the pressure points were found, a tiny surgical piece of stainless steel was stapled to our acupoints in the middle cartilage of our ear. The staple provides a continuous pressure to specific points in the ear, and sends a signal to your brain telling it your stomach is full. If you want to stop smoking the staple apparently can even cause a strong distaste for tobacco.

Our therapist, Lyn did warn us that we would feel a little sharp pain once she staples the ear. It felt like getting your ears pierced - so good news for those with a low pain threshold, as it only lasted a second.

Lyn gave us a free cleaning kit to keep our staples clean and free from infection. You have to clean the staples daily with saline solution using a cotton bud, and whenever you have a shower you need to make sure you dry your ears using cotton wool. Lyn told us not to pull our staples and if they came loose they will reposition the staples at no charge. The staples can stay in your ears between three weeks and four months.

The Result

After a few days we found that our appetite had been curbed, and found ourselves drinking more water than usual and craving more healthy foods. We found ourselves feeling perkier and full of energy, and after just four months of having the staple, we lost 14 pounds and dropped a dress size - and this was without extra exercise. The main reason for the weight loss was thanks to the fact that we were constantly wanting to eat healthy foods rather than reaching out for a chocolate bar or burger – our mums would be proud. Whether you want to fit into that dress for a special occasion or quit smoking for good, acustaple could be your new best friend.

The very mention of alternative therapies is often met with a great deal of scepticism, but Wahanda are big fans of alternative treatments and it looks as though many of you are beginning to feel the same way. As complementary medicine becomes more and more popular, Bowen4Veterans have found that soldiers are now successfully treating their injuries with the help of the Bowen Technique.

The BBC's recent 'Wounded' programme followed two soldiers receiving alternative treatments to help them recover from their crippling injuries sustained whilst on duty in Afghanistan. It showed that alternative therapies such as Bowen Technique are proving to be more beneficial and are producing noticeable results, complementing existing rehabilitation programmes.

The Bowen Technique is a powerful but non-invasive form of body therapy that encourages the body to reset itself so it can restore its natural healing abilities, promote pain relief, and assist in the recovery of the energy and functionality of the body. It is the gentle softly-softly approach to this technique that is proving popular with war veterans as it’s suitable for getting their bodies into a good physical condition in order to meet the demands of other medical treatments.

Bowen practitioner and founder of Bowen4Veterans, Jo Lunn, says:

“When I've worked with people before and after surgery, their healing time has been quicker to the point that the consultants have commented on it.”

Lunn believes that this form of therapy has helped soldiers gain relief after the treatment, helping them to “come to terms with the severity of their injuries without in any way giving in to them. It is this combination of physical and emotional stimulation that is proving so critical to the recovery process”.

With a new-found respect for alternative therapies and what they can offer, it’s no wonder that a growing number of medial experts are now recognising the benefits of a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment.

Are you dreaming of a quick way to lose unwanted cellulite and inches from your bottom, hips and thighs without resorting to liposuction or six days a week at the gym? Well, we at Wahanda also feel your pain, and that’s why we jumped at the chance to try out the latest piece of fitness technology that is taking the exercise world by storm – the Hypoxi Therapy Trainer. Its aim is to target the fat stored in your hips, thighs and buttocks helping you to lose inches and reduce cellulite whilst firming your skin within a short space of time. Sound too good to be true? We went along to the City Point Club in Moorgate, London to put it to the test. Tempted to give it a go yourself? Why not book yourself in for a free session with our special offer?

What does it do?

Whether you’re struggling to drop a dress size, have tried to change your body shape but countless gym visits have shown no results, or you’re looking to achieve a great figure with very little effort, then Hypoxi could be for you. Its wondrous benefits claim to include:

• A noticeable reduction to the appearance of cellulite.
• A naturally toned lower body.
• Concentrated fat burn on the buttocks, hips and thighs that results in fast and effective weight loss.

It is estimated that around 90% of women are prone to gaining fatty deposits on the lower body thanks to poor circulation, and many find that numerous diets or visits to the gym do nothing to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the hips, thighs and buttocks, or shift the fat from those areas. The Hypoxi Trainer tackles those problem areas using a unique combination of gentle exercise and vacuum therapy within a short space of time.

How does it work?

As you gently cycle within the machine, a vacuum below you generates a low atmospheric pressure to the hips, thighs and buttocks giving you the feeling you’re being sucked into a hole, but this triggers an increased flow of blood to these areas. This helps break down fatty tissue as you exercise, and the fatty acids from the lower body only are then circulated around your body where they are burnt off as fuel for your muscles.

The increased blood, nutrition and oxygen supply to the lower body results in fast weight loss and reduction in cellulite from your hips, buttocks and thighs. It is recommended to incorporate this treatment alongside a regular fitness regime for maximum results.

Each session lasts thirty minutes, and it’s recommended that this is done 3 or 4 times a week to really see a difference. Once you have been weighed and measured before your first session, the amount you will need is determined by your consultant; however, the minimum number of sessions on the Hypoxi Trainer is 12 which can cost from £400 to £500. You will also be given a food recommendation plan to help prevent any weight you lose from returning when your sessions are over.

Don’t be disheartened if you can still see your cellulite after your first session as it is not a magic machine! However, follow their recommended healthy eating plan, and use the machine 3 or 4 times a week, and who knows what transformation your lower half will take? If it’s good enough for Cheryl Cole, it can work for you too!

Fashion and beauty go hand in manicured hand, so when Wahanda heard about the Sunday Times Style in the City event in Birmingham, we hotfooted up there to see what the stylistas were talking about in the land of beauty.

Dubbed a city-wide fashion and beauty festival, the event brought together the latest fashion trends fresh from the runways at London Fashion Week with innovative beauty treatments and products. The catwalk shows featured big, wispy crimped hair courtesy of the Francesco Group while makeup was set for the party season with glitz and glamour galore.

Our best beauty find was a sweet treat like no other: Collagen Marshmallows. The company behind them, Eat Yourself Beautiful, specialise in nutraceuticals – foods with added benefits – and have come up with a beauty tool in the form of everyone’s favourite pink treat, marshmallows. We simply had to find out more...

Branded as the ‘tasty way to look delicious’, their marshmallows have added collagen peptides so that instead of artificial injections and fillers, you can simply eat collagen instead. Taking collagen orally may help with plenty of skin and beauty woes including smoothing unwanted wrinkles and lines, reducing the appearance of cellulite, moisturising skin and even a healthier heart.

Collagen is the natural protein which helps with the body’s repair and growth, and as we age, we produce less. If going under the knife or needle is not up your street, then the humble marshmallow could be what you need for your makeup (or lunch) bag. They’re surprisingly low calorie and have an added pink grapefruit flavour to make them less sickly, so you can munch on collagen without feeling too guilty. Tempted? We were...

Good news, you no longer have to go back to the boring gym and pound the treadmills to keep in shape, as the new way to get fit is dancing. It’s sociable, exciting, different and perfect for making the hard job of keeping fit something fun to do.

The rise in the popularity of dancing lessons is largely due to the BBC’s hugely successful celebrity reality show, Strictly Come Dancing. Fitness fanatics are following in the dance steps of previous Strictly contestants such as Claire Sweeney, Darren Gough and Alesha Dixon to use dancing as a fun and energetic way of getting exercise without the monotony of treadmills and aerobics. Plus with the untimely passing of Dirty Dancing’s Patrick Swayze, dancing is in the spotlight more than ever before.

Dance studios offer Strictly-style classes by top trainers and award-winning dancers, boosting people’s morale on getting fit and creating a social atmosphere rather than a gym full of iPod-clad runners. From belly dancing to pole dancing, latin dancing to flamenco, Bollywood dancing to strictly ballroom dancing there’s never been so much choice.

Dancing queens… and kings?

Dance instructors in Leicester say class numbers can double in size when a Strictly Come Dancing series is aired as everyone gets that fever for dancing and signs up for the tantalizing tango or the sizzling salsa, and there even seems to be a rise in boys taking up dance lessons. The number of school pupils choosing dance has risen 83% in the last four years and a third of those pupils are boys. It could be the influence of Strictly contestants Darren Gough, Joe Calzaghe and Phil Tuffnell, who each have a background in sports.

Counting calories

The health benefits of dancing are tremendous, so now we know how Flavia Cacace always manages to look so bright and bushy tailed each week! Dancing the night away can burn on average 265 calories, which is more than traditional weight-trimming activities such as swimming or biking, plus there’s the added bonus of it being a whole lot of fun.

Dancing can also help reduce stress, increase energy and improve strength, as well as increase muscle tone and co-ordination. You might also find that you feel a bit more positive after a good old jig around the front room. Ballroom dancing in particular helps keep the heart in shape, develops the circulatory system, tones legs and body, helps with weight loss, and builds and increases stamina, while salsa dancing may also help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

So, if you’re already clearing the coffee table out of the living room to make space for the Foxtrot, well done - you’re a step in the fun direction to get fit and healthy. Engaging in social dance classes is a treat for the mind as well as the body, just be careful to not get carried away with the Johnny Castle look-a-like teacher.

At Wahanda we don’t think there’s anything wrong with men plucking and tweezing every now and then to tidy up unsightly bushy eyebrows, but when it comes to full-on waxing or threading to shape, define and create what’s now known as ‘guybrows’, we’re not so sure.

According to Debenhams, men now make up 40% of visitors to their in-store brow bars – that’s double last year’s figures. Probably taking example from celebs such as Russell Brand and Danny Cipriani, men are now catching onto the idea that a good brow shape can be beneficial to a face. Noel Gallagher, take note.

The most popular way of de-bushing those brows is threading, a very simple method that’s been used in India, Turkey and Egypt for years. It carefully removes unsightly fuzz in a quick and painless manner, ensuring that no stragglers are left behind to ruin that perfectly defined arch. But, while many women enjoy seeing a tall, dark stranger with a piercing stare (all you Twilight fans know it), there has to be a line before the new trend goes too far. Sylvester Stallone has already set the bar high for overdoing it, and we’re not sure Mr Darcy would have had the same effect without his manly mono-brow.

Many men are getting it right, managing that perfect mix of metrosexual style and shape but still looking manly enough without having to resort to hedge-trimmers. Slowly but surely the taboo around eyebrow shaping is fading, and men are beginning to take more notice of how their brows look. Ladies, we have beauty competition…

When it comes to Wahanda’s tried and tested advice, we’re only too pleased to don our spa slippers and robes all in the name health, beauty and wellness. So when we were offered the chance to try out Rookery Hall Spa in Nantwich, we stepped up to the mark and headed straight to the Cheshire countryside - it’s a tough job but someone has to do it.

If you fancy a day of pure luxury in scrumptious surroundings, Rookery Hall should be top of your Wahanda wish list. After all, it's where celebrity couple David and Victoria Beckham got engaged so if it’s good enough for the Beckhams it's good enough for Wahanda.

The Spa

Driving up the long sweeping drive in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, we already felt our stress and tension floating away and our excitement bubbling up inside us. The spa itself is located in the converted stable block, separate to the main hotel so whether you want to enjoy a day at the spa or push the boat out and include an overnight stay you're sure to find something tailored to your individual needs.

On our arrival, we were greeted by a friendly receptionist who checked us in and told us to take a seat in the comfy seating area whilst we waited for our therapist. After filling in a detailed questionnaire about our health our therapist handed over our spa robe, matching slippers and towel before showing us around Rookery’s extensive facilities. With its glass roofed swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, eight treatment rooms, and luxurious relaxation room with a stunning water feature, Rookery Hall is the perfect place for a spot of pampering.

Once we had swapped our everyday clothes for the more traditional spa uniform we headed back to reception to find out what time our full body massage had been booked in for. It was here that we were faced with our first snag. After some slight confusion over times, we quickly realised that we didn’t have long until our treatment and in that time we had to have lunch and make our way over to the Amber lounge.

Waiting in the Amber lounge, the perfect place to relax before and after treatments we helped ourselves to the complimentary magazines, newspapers and drinks, including ice cold water and herbal tea. Our keen eye managed to pick out another snag - twice we asked for the water holders to be filled up but on both occasions we were forgotten, leaving us to hunt down water for ourselves. This was soon forgotten though, as before long our cheerful therapist greeted us exactly on time and led us through to our luxurious treatment room.

Sitting in the centre of our dimly lit treatment room was a heated massage bed ready and waiting for us to hop on and make ourselves comfortable. Like any good massage therapist, our therapist asked us if we had any aches and pains on entering the treatment room and then left us to de-robe and slip onto the warmth of the massage bed.

The Treatment

Laying face down on the bed, our therapist started to work on our back by applying a blend of massage oils and gently massaging it into the skin. Once all our aches and pains had been eased away, the therapist moved onto the backs of our legs before flipping us over to repeat the process on the front of our body. After working on the front of our legs, the therapist then started to work on our arms and hands before finishing with a neck and shoulder massage.

When our entire body had been massaged, we were left alone in the treatment room with a glass of water to come round, get dressed and make our way back to the tranquil relaxation room. Sadly that meant that the 60 minutes were up, but the therapist had worked her magic and all tension had been eased away.

As we slowly made our way back to the relaxation room, we picked out our ideal spot next to the magnificent water feature, plonked ourselves onto the bed, slipped under the blanket and rested our sleepy head onto the pillow. With water constantly cascading down the wall and the tranquil music playing in the background we soon felt that we had been transported from the Cheshire countryside to the Amazon rainforest.

The Results

Not only was the whole day utterly relaxing and soothing, with great facilities, charming staff and fantastic spa treatments, but all our aches and pains had been soothed away. What’s more, we felt rejuvenated, ready to face the world again and left the place with the Rookery effect - a spring in our step.

Perfect as a spa day or spa break, Rookery Hall is a great place to relax, unwind and enjoy a spot of pampering. A word of warning though, this place is utterly addictive so after one visit you’ll be itching to go back again. Wahanda already are!

Complementary therapists such as aromatherapists can now register with the UK Complementary Healthcare regulator which is backed by the Department of Health. The voluntary register aims to protect the public and give them the knowledge that their complementary and natural healthcare practitioners now have to meet the national standards set by The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).

By registering with the CNHC, practitioners will be seen as meeting the ‘gold standard’ within their field and will be entitled to display the quality mark which is given to practitioners upon registration.

Reflexologists are now included in the register. Maggie Dunn, CEO of the CNHC said: "The public who use or are interested in using reflexology will be able to check whether the practitioner they're seeing is registered with the CNHC.

"Not only will people looking for a reflexologist have peace of mind but practitioners too will benefit through increased public confidence."

This is great news for those who are a fan of alternative therapies, as it will give the members of the public confidence in knowing that there are now standards of competence and practice to be met. Plus, it gives the general public a professional body in the complementary healthcare field to make complaints to about registered practitioners should they need to.

By the end of 2009 the Register will be opened to further disciplines including Yoga therapy, Shiatsu, Alexander technique, Bowen technique, Cranial therapy, Naturopathy and Reiki.

Forget that amazing non-surgical facelift, lunchtime liposuction and quick tummy tuck over the weekend, because there’s a new op in town. The announcement of a new two-in-one cosmetic surgery treatment has hit the news this week, making that ‘too good to be true’ idea of taking the fat from your hips and putting it back in places you’d much rather have filled out, a reality.

You can soon, in one single operation, get unwanted fat removed from parts of your body you’d like to be slimmed out and use it to enhance your breasts by up to three cup sizes the natural way. The new procedure hopes to overtake implants to dominate the cosmetic surgery market, providing a more natural looking and longer lasting breast enlargement while making women feel doubly confident by reducing fat from areas such as hips, thighs and stomachs.

First devised seven years ago, the op is due to be available from early 2010 and is expected to cost around £8,000. The Harley Medical Group are offering the two-in-one procedure at 25 clinics in the UK and 1 in the Republic of Ireland, but it won’t be available for those with low body fat or those who are happy with their body shape.

Utilising body fat of course raises some health issues from the sceptics; however the effects of the procedure are said to have roots in constructive surgery, and they provide a better and natural shape as well as being longer lasting than the traditional silicone implant which needs replacing every 10-15 years. Grafting the fat from the places you wish had a little less padding and using it to plump up your chest has been a want of many women for some time, so there’s no doubt that muffin-topped ladies will be queuing round the block to sign up as soon as it becomes available.

Celebrities are already flocking to get the natural enlargement operation, namely TV star Ulrika Jonsson. Spending £8,000 on mastoplexy has helped her get back in shape after the birth of her fourth child last July, saying it had given her back "the body I had when I was 16". Mastoplexy is said to cause minimal scarring, providing a completely natural breast enlargement without the silicone.

Turning back the clock doesn’t always have to mean going under the knife, thanks to the launch of a new range of non-surgical cosmetic treatments at Bannatyne Spas.

To celebrate the new-found friendship of Bannatyne Spas and the UK‘s leading provider of non-surgical treatments Collagenics, the cosmetic giant will be offering special clinics at the spa chain in the coming months. What’s more, with treatments being made available at nine sites up and down the country, including Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, Essex, Manchester, Mansfield, Solihull and York, you’re sure to find one close to home.

Treatments on offer will include skincare procedures such as skin rejuvenation peels and injectable treatments such as dermal fillers, line relaxing, thread vine removal and lip enhancements. So if it’s a line you need smoothing or your lips could do with some plumping the new treatments will sort out any concern you might have without resorting to drastic measures. And you can rest assured that you will be in safe hands as all treatments are performed by specially trained professionals.

It doesn’t end there though - as well as offering all the Collagenics treatments at the spa chain, Bannatynes.have a range of treatments to allow you to relax and indulge. On its menu are massages, facials, pedicures and self-tanning, so if you’re stressed and over-tired or just feel like treating yourself to a spot of pampering Bannatynes provides the perfect setting.

If you don’t like flying solo or you fancy spending the day with a loved one or friend, then why not take advantage of the dual treatment rooms on offer where you can enjoy treatments together. And with free parking facilities at most Bannatyne Spas, there’s no hassle in finding a free space.

Now there’s no excuse to lie about your age…

Here at Wahanda we’re always keen to bring you the very latest in all things spa so when we heard about the launch of a new beauty brand, at The Verbena Spa at the Feversham Arms in North Yorkshire, we just had to tell you all about it.

The luxury new brand by Parisian experts Anne Semonin, which is due to hit the Yorkshire based spa on 13th October, uses only natural ingredients at their maximum concentration. What’s more the cleverly designed brand can be combined to enable clients to put together their own beauty prescription according to their skin and lifestyle needs. Sounds good to us...

As part of the launch of the Haute Couture brand, clients can now enjoy a whole new range of spa treatments and beauty products, such as the ‘Verbena Black Sand Exfoliation Experience Massage’, ‘Bubbling Mud for Boys’ and the ‘Royal Miracle Ice Facial’, all set in scrumptious surroundings.

But it doesn’t end there - as well as soaking up the cosy surroundings of the spa, clients treating themselves to an Anne Semonin spa treatment will be able to indulge in the extra special touches that its founder is famous for. After enjoying a spot of pampering guests can enjoy a refreshing Verbena sorbet served at the end of the treatment.

One of the first products to launch at the spa will be the ‘Express Radiance Ice Cubes for the Eyes’. Part of a new generation of cosmetics known as neurocosmetics, the cubes help to calm the skin’s nerve endings and restore the skins natural balance. What’s more the skin will feel moisturised and cooled and help you to look 10 years younger with its tightening effect. Perfect for knocking off the years and ensuring that your make up stays put all day.

The brand, which was founded in 1986 by Madame Anne Semonin, has decided to join forces with the North Yorkshire spa, a year after it first opened it’s doors in October last year. It offers the spa the exclusivity of being the only spa in Yorkshire and the North to offer the Parisian spa treatments and beauty products on its menu.

All we can say is roll on October...

Here at Wahanda, we're always on the lookout for ways to bring wellness to your everyday life so why not start with the basics - the perfect posture.

Are you sitting comfortably? Or are you slumped over a computer trying to wade through the day’s work? This ‘afternoon slump’ posture could be causing underlying damage to your body in the long term, says GP Dr Debbie Street.

“Years of unconscious habits of movement place strain on our skeleton aggravating pain, anxiety and distress. The Alexander Technique empowers us to choose to alter these habits thereby eliminating the original problem.”

The Alexander Technique is a hands-on method that teaches people to become aware of their bad postural habits and how to correct them.

Dr Street’s Alexander Technique teacher Susanna Scouller says that by late afternoon many people begin to feel lethargic and slump at their desk.

“This is your body’s way of telling you that you need a break. Alexander Technique lessons will teach you to become conscious of when you are slumping and by learning to prevent it you’ll protect yourself against musculoskeletal pain and preserve energy so your are more productive at work.”

Susanna’s top tip to combat the slump is to adopt the semi-supine position when you begin to feel sluggish after lunch.

“Lie down with your knees pointing to the ceiling with books underneath your head so your neck is not arching backwards. This places your back in the most supportive position and allows it to release and lengthen. Try to stop all other thoughts and breathe slowly to give yourself a break. Ideally you should adopt the semi-supine position for ten to fifteen minutes, however even after five minutes you will feel lengthened, relaxed and revitalised.”

The semi-supine position is the best way to address the afternoon slump, however you can also try the following Alexander Technique tip at your desk:

• Take your eyes away from the computer screen
• Put your arms down loosely by your side
• Ensure that you are sitting well supported on your 'sitting bones' - the two bony bits under your bottom. Think of your neck aligning with your spine and your spine lengthening

The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT) is the oldest and largest professional body of Alexander Technique teachers in the world. For more information visit www.stat.org.uk.

Here at Wahanda we’re always keen to try out the very latest beauty treatments. We brought you the four hands massage and then the no hands massage, so when we heard about a revolutionary massage treatment, we were only too pleased to don our spa gear, all in the name of health, beauty and wellness.

If you fancy a massage with a little difference, the Lava Shell Massage at the City Point Club should be your first port of call. This new type of massage, which uses heat from lava shells, will not only leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated but will also soothe away aches and pains and leave your skin looking firmer and healthier – sounds good to us.

Wahanda customers can get great deals on lava shell massages at super spas nationwide including the luxurious HandPicked Hotels, with up to 27% off.

The Spa

The City Point Club is nestled in the heart of central London; as the third tallest skyscraper in the city it’s pretty hard to miss and is only a short walk from transport links. Entering at ground level, we were greeted by a friendly receptionist who instructs us to take a lift to the lower spa and head to its treatment reception area. It’s only once you’ve found your way down to the lower level spa that you feel that you are in an oasis of tranquility and the hustle and bustle of the capital seems a thing of the past.

After checking in with reception, we were sent to the luxurious changing rooms, to change out of our work clothes into the more traditional spa uniform of fluffy white robes and matching slippers. We then took a seat in the spa’s waiting area and helped ourselves to the complimentary drinks and magazines, before our therapist Hayley arrived to show us round the spa facilities. With its 20m Ozone treated swimming pool, jacuzzi, and separate male and female steam and sauna rooms, the City Point Club is the perfect place to take the weight off both your feet and mind.

Our therapist then led us through to a dimly-lit and tranquil treatment room, while explaining what the treatment involved and what to expect. She did pre-warn us to bear with her as it is tricky to control the temperature of the shells, they get hotter the more they sit and then cool off when they’re moved. Like any good massage therapist Hayley asked us what was going on with our bodies and then left us to undress and slip under the towel onto the warmth of the massage bed. It was this discreet and professional attitude of the staff that made us feel completely at ease, as we were always covered up by the sheets and our modesty was always kept intact.

The Treatment

Laying face down on the bed, our therapist started to work on our back by applying a blend of aromatherapy oils and gently massaging it into the skin. Once the oil had been applied the therapist then placed one to four shells in the palm of her hand and used light Swedish massage strokes to ease away any lingering muscle tension.

The shells, which have a smooth, polished side to deliver a deep and soothing effect, glided smoothly over our skin and felt extremely relaxing. They are transported straight from the shores of the South Pacific and can heat up to reach a whopping 120 to 125 degrees which can last for up to two hours. The heat is generated from a mixture of natural minerals including algae, and dried sea kelp which is blended together with dead sea salt and essential oils and placed inside the shell. This combination of ingredients, known as LavaGel, creates a chemical reaction that causes the heat.

Although the shells felt very hot at first, as soon as the therapist started to work her magic, the heat coupled with the touch of the therapist’s fingertips made for a truly wonderful experience. With our back done and us slowly drifting off to sleep, Hayley then worked on the backs of the arms, legs and feet repeating the same relaxing process. After all our tension had been soothed away on the back of our body, we then flipped over so the same could be done to the front of the body. After working on the front of the legs, Hayley then started work on the stomach, arms, neck and shoulders until finishing with a scalp massage.

The only snag of the experience was the hissing sound that came from the shells waiting to be used, which can be slightly distracting but the smoothness of the massage soon transports you away from any noise.

The Result

After our entire body had been massaged from head to toe, we were left alone in the treatment room with a glass of water to come round and bring ourselves back to reality. Sadly, this meant that the 75 minutes of pampering was over and we could no longer lie back on the bed, but the treatment had worked wonders. Our aches and pains had vanished, and we felt completely comforted and relaxed from the heat of the stones. The lava shell massage is a great alternative to the traditional hot stone massage, as not only is it deeply soothing but it also has the added bonus of being more eco-friendly than hot stone. Perfect for those of us who are stressed out and over-tired or for those who just feel like spoiling themselves, the lava shell massage is a true pamper treat.

Like the sound of lava shells massage? Wahanda customers can get great deals on lava shell massages at super spas nationwide, with up to 27% off.