Thursday, May 17, 2012

title pic Power Plate

Posted by dulwichmum on Fri 28 August 2009

power plate

Name of product: Ultim8 Vibration Plate Pro

Price: £1499 or from £26 per month on a rental agreement

The blurb: If you are short of time the Ultim8 Vibration Plate is the ideal solution, as you can compress a 90 minute workout into 15 minutes. As well as burning calories quickly, this machine tones, reduces cellulite, improves circulation, increases metabolic rate, speeds up recovery from injuries due to the natural stimulation of growth hormone and also increases bone density. The list goes on but we cannot recommend this power plate machine enough. We also guarantee that this machine is very powerful and as strong as the market leader. The plate also has large rubber feet and shock absorbers to reduce the noise transfer to the floor.

First impressions: This is an enormous, professional looking, powerful machine.

Ease of Use: It couldn’t really be any simpler. You just read the booklet provided and jump on!  Actually, you could just jump on and follow the instructions on the poster!

Pros: This machine worked incredibly well! I was completely re-energised immediately following each session, and considering the fact that I worked out in the evening after my supper, is really rather an achievement! My muscle tone considerably improved in just four weeks, and I also lost over 10 pounds (this could also be due to the fact that I became more diet conscious during this time). I should imagine that if weight loss was an issue, this machine could one to gather the momentum to take up a diet and some aerobic type exercise too!  I really couldn’t comment on metabolic rate or bone density, but quite frankly, do I care about those things? (yawn)…

Cons: Unless this machine is on a concrete, ground floor, the entire house could vibrate. I can genuinely say, I would not contemplate having this machine on an upper floor. Although the workout is incredibly quick, to say that it can be carried out in as little as fifteen minutes is a slight exaggeration – it took me at least 30 minutes four times a week, although, there is not really any hardship in half hour, is there (sigh). The strong vibrations also caused me to spill rather a lot of my gin, and that was incredibly inconvenient…

Value for money: I think that this machine represents excellent value for money. I hate the idea of exercising in a gym full of sweaty people. I am such a private person… As I am so very tiny and pert already, the rental arrangement suits me very well, as I can pick and chose which equipment to rent and not clutter up my home gym with things I do not actually use!

Dulwichmum verdict: ★★★★★

Stockists: Hire Fitness

title pic Brightening Face Mask

Posted by dulwichmum on Wed 19 August 2009

facial-glowName of product being tested: Elemental Herbology Facial Glow – a radiance peel masque.
Price: £35.72

The blurb: “A skin-brightening radiance peel, ideal for skins suffering from prolonged exposure to sun, pollution, central heating or wind. Designed to exfoliate dead surface cells and create a healthy, glowing complexion. This unique facial glow peels off the skin easily, leaving behind a renewed and awakened complexion.” In essence, this product was developed for city skin like mine!

First impressions: Simple, unglitzy packaging. This product has a creamy, slightly grainy texture and smells pleasantly of fresh orange peel.

Ease of Use: Very simple. Apply one teaspoon full of the cream, once a week, to clean, damp skin of face and décolleté (I adore that word!) and massage. Do not scrub. Leave for four minutes and wipe off with a damp flannel. Easy peasy!

Pros: This product is seriously effective and extremely impressive. I am a top level premium skincare junkie, with an established skincare regime and seriously addicted to facials and treatments. I am not easy to impress, but this is a highly effective, yet gentle mask that delivers amazing results. My skin looked healthy and glowing, and the fresh glow lasted for about three days.

Cons: I initially received this mask from a PR company last year, but I have bought another pot since. This product is genuinely addictive…

Value for money: This is a genuine must have. No, seriously, and yes, I consider it good value for money.

DulwichMum Verdict: ★★★★★

Stockists: SpaceNK

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