Multitudes of options for finessing your figure
You’re only given one body on this earth—it makes sense to take great care of it. From exercising to getting enough sleep to indulging in the occasional medspa treatment or even cosmetic surgery, it’s important to show your body how much you really care.
“My theory is this: self care is self love,” said Alexandra Janelli, hypnotherapist, life coach, and owner of Modrn Sanctuary, a luxury spa in New York known for offering cutting-edge alternative treatments for optimal health. “When we love ourselves enough to take care of our incredible bodies, we can feel more confident and in charge of our lives, and show up for the people in our lives in a much more powerful way.”
Get Moving
You knew we were going to say it, but exercise truly is important! You don’t have to spend a fortune on gym memberships or take two hours out of your day just to work out. “Minimalism here is the key—while expensive gyms and fancy equipment can be enticing, what matters is that it gets done,” said Dani Singer, CEO and director of Fit2Go Personal Training. “So rather than getting distracted by the flash, focus on the key simple exercises that will actually change your life.”
Singer developed the P.A.U.L. method (fit2gopt.com/the-10-minute-home-workout) that takes only 10 minutes to do and involves plyometrics cardio, abs, upper body, and lower body exercises. Think jumping jacks, planks, squats, pushups. Simple, right? Who doesn’t have 10 minutes a day to exercise?
Just Breathe
Oxygen powers our bodies. It detoxifies the blood, strengthens the immune system, displaces free radicals, enhances vitamin absorption, and so much more.
“Oxygen is the essence of life! There is a reason we say ‘take a deep breath,’” said Janelli. “Not only does it feed our body oxygen, but it creates flow and relieves tension.”
At Modrn Sanctuary, you can breathe deep in the mild hyperbaric oxygenation therapy room. Celebs and elite athletes like Madonna and Michael Phelps have incorporated this treatment into their wellness routines and for good reason. “The hyperbaric chamber helps deliver oxygen to the body through a pressurized system, thereby helping to do the work for you to simply breath deeper!” Janelli explained.
Sleep More
With science continuously proving the many negative effects of sleep deprivation—from major hormonal imbalances to increased weight gain—it’s no wonder obesity rates are climbing. You have the ability to combat these issues by getting regular rest. Worse, sleep deprivation “not only causes weight gain but also accelerates the aging process and causes wrinkles, memory loss, weakness, gray hair, and diminished libido,” said Dr. David Friedman, author of Food Sanity: How to Eat in a World of Fads and Fiction.
Dr. Friedman suggests following these tips to achieve restorative, healing, and deep sleep: make sure your room is completely quiet and dark, with no TV or smartphone use in bed. Keep your room cool (between 65 and 72 degrees), and don’t consume food or alcohol two to three hours before bedtime.
Splurge a Little
There are times when all the exercising and dieting in the world can’t eliminate stubborn fat deposits tenaciously holding on to thighs, arms, chins, and tummies. Thankfully, you can opt for non-invasive medspa treatments such as CoolSculpting or Vanquish to blast fat. CoolSculpting freezes fat cells, while Vanquish uses radio-frequency energy to heat fat cells to 120 degrees, killing them.
What about cellulite? “Cellulite is not something people just need to ‘live with’ anymore,” said Dr. Peter Capizzi, double board-certified cosmetic surgeon at the Capizzi MD practice. “There are treatments available that can be tailored to your individual needs and goals. Having cellulite can do a lot of damage to someone’s self-esteem, so it’s important to know you have options.”
Dr. Capizzi recommends options like Syneron Candela Profound, Oraser Cellulite Control, and Sculptra, an injectable that can fill in particularly stubborn dimples in your mid-to-upper derriere area, for cellulite reduction.
Consider Cosmetic Surgery
Sometimes, nothing can get you the results you want without going under the knife. Tummy tucks, arm lifts, breast augmentations, mommy makeovers, Brazilian butt lifts—there are plenty of very popular surgeries. If you’re considering surgery, it’s important to have realistic expectations and to take precautions when choosing your physician, like checking for board certification and experience. Do your research and follow your post-op instructions for optimal healing.
Have Patience
“Whether it’s changing your diet, taking up jogging, joining a gym, or opting for plastic surgery to improve your figure, the key to success is to be patient!” said Dr. Friedman. “You didn’t get out of shape overnight and won’t get back into shape by tomorrow.”
Remember, baby steps are better than no steps when it comes to caring for your body. If you simply exercise 10 minutes a day and make sleep a priority, you’ll be feeling and looking much better in no time. Go ahead and splurge on a medspa treatment or two or even surgery if you want to. Just don’t quit. Don’t give up. Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live!
By LaRue V. Gillespie
