TAKE ON ME

We signed up to The Four Week Challenge at Dessange after our wardrobe was no longer proving forgiving and, quite frankly, we had ran out of excuses to not exercise whilst waiting for that overnight miracle. Here we reveal the trials and tribulations of our first two weeks and why we won’t give up.

I sat in the carpark, absolutely terrified. My palms were sweaty, my heart was racing, my brain was going crazy. After ten minutes, I finally mustered up some courage, yelled at myself, got out of the car, and walked through the double doors. It’s important to add that there’s valet parking alongside a whole host of private parking spaces - probably just as well or I may have turned back. I was getting ready to try something I had always wanted to do but had been too scared. I attended my initial health assessment and an hour later, I left a sweaty mess…a sweaty mess with a giant smile on my face.

After too many deliveries from Talabat and falling hook, line and sinker to the infamous ‘Bahrain gain’ I decided to take the plunge in the hope of shedding my muffin top.

It is said that the hardest part is just getting started, and that is definitely the case for me. When I decided that I wanted to be healthier and lose weight, I knew that exercise was a big part of that. I just didn’t know where to start.

The measurements came out and I was literally measured from head-totoe, it wasn’t intrusive in the slightest and it concreted my will of wanting to lose those extra inches that I’d allowed myself to bypass for so long. We discussed my diet and my need for water. It was very educational and simplistic - they don’t expect you to overhaul your regime overnight - but rather refreshingly realistic. I left the room thinking, no, knowing that I could do this. I was escorted over to the power plate for a trial session. Now, I’m not going to lie to you as this isn’t a walk in the park, but, it was a lot of fun! This latest fitness device is being used by athletes and celebrities alike and for those interested in losing weight and building muscle, the plate provides vibration therapy which can offer the same benefits as an hour in the gym undergoing traditional training as the vibrations accelerate your workout. Perfect for us ladies on the go when our time is precious. I’ve found that the personal trainers here are very supportive and adapt to your capabilities with the right amount of ‘pushing’ to enhance your workout.

I have collected a variety of lumps and bumps over the years and none more than the dreaded orange-peel effect that has currently taken residence across my lower body. This is where LPG Endermologie comes to the rescue! A noninvasive treatment where one session typically lasts no longer than 35 minutes. It’s generally not painful; like a deep tissue massage and can even be soothing. During treatment, a mechanical roller is applied to the body in a meticulous fashion consisting of a variety of structured strokes. Simultaneously, a suction device tugs on the cellulite-affected area. This device increases blood and oxygen to cellulite-afflicted areas of the skin, after which fluids from the cells are removed during urination, therefore drinking up to eight glasses of water a day while undergoing treatments is advised to prevent dehydration. After three sessions I’d noticed myself gazing at my derriere in a more favourable light! I found myself enjoying a selection of group fitness classes too, but, my favourite so far has to be ‘Fit Dance’ with personal trainer Manahel. The choreography allowed for a full body workout to be delivered effortlessly with the music selection played. This particular class brought me back to my former days of dancing and I began to feel nostalgic. The community vibe and engaging atmosphere amongst the ladies attending of all ages, shapes and sizes displays is truly a testament to Dessange itself. One common denominator is displayed throughout… support.

Perhaps you have only just decided to get healthy or you have been on this journey for a while, but just focusing on food. What you eat is really important, but so is staying active! Exercise can be so many different things. I allowed myself to fall into the ‘trap’ of thinking that because you are unfit (and trust me I am), you are unable to do any exercise, or you see people running marathons or doing 100 push-ups in a row and think just because you can’t do that then you can’t exercise at all. Dessange have allowed me to see and more importantly supported me into actually doing something! Any form of exercise is better than no exercise at all… now, I didn’t think I’d ever be writing that!

For more information please contact Dessange on 1771 3999 THE FOUR WEEK CHALLENGEWHAT IS IT?