For a self confessed lazy bones like myself, the idea of quick fix toning is just my kind of exercise.  Biannually I visit the gym, go for about three weeks, tend to eat more because i have ‘earned it’, and give up because I have a hang-over and cant be bothered to go.  As I am naturally thin, in my twenties this was fine, but now I have hit the big three-o, gravity (and vodka) has taken over and it is definitely a case of ‘now or never’.   If I choose the latter I will just wobble my way through life, so I decided to try the new exercise that has taken Hollywood by storm – Power Plates.

With a list of celebrities such as Madonna (who has one in her own house), Rachel Wiess and Courtney Cox Arquette as devotees, Power Plates uses high speed vibration training to give you a whole body work out in just 25 minutes.  So you can pop down in your lunch break, and have time for an M&S sarnie!

How does it work?
The Power Plate is a vibrating machine that stimulates the body’s muscles in a high-speed workout by making them relax and contact.  In normal life your muscles contract about once or twice a second, but when standing on the machine, the vibrations cause the muscles to contract 30-50 times a second.  The fact that many muscle groups are activated at the same time, it is claimed that a normal Power Plate session of 25 minutes will have the same results as 60 minutes heavy training in the gym.

Ive got the Power..
I visited The Power Plates Institute (previously Movers and Shapers) in Wyndham Street, Central for a trial session.  The studio has four machines, two changing cubicle and lockers.  There are no showers, but you wont need them, as generally you don’t sweat (well no more than the usual brow and top lip bead from pounding the streets of Hong Kong).  Because there are only four plates, it means that there is only ever a maximum of four people in a session.   Small classes are great for things like Power Plate as the exercises are simple but they need to be performed correctly to get the full benefit – as I have been told by the trainers – ‘It’s very easy to do some of these moves wrong, meaning it wont pull, stretch or hurt at the time, but it also means you don’t get any benefit.’

The Workout
I was told to stand on the machine, hold onto the bars, squat and stand still for 45 seconds to warm up.   It takes a few moments to adjust to the bone-rattling and teeth jarring. Not to mention the instantaneous desire to pee, but my body soon adjusted and I was ready for the workout.  For the first session the trainers are kind to you, but we still worked on a number of moves such as deep squats, reverse lunges, tricep dips, sit ups, planks, and also included medicine balls and weights in some exercises too.  Each exercise takes 30-60 seconds, but as your muscles are contracting at such high frequencies, you start to feel muscle fatigue far sooner than with regular exercise.  Now for the best bit, the ‘massage’.  After your ‘greuling’ 25 minute work out, you are treated to a vibrating massage.  This comprises of you lying on the floor, and placing various fatigued body parts on the vibrating pad, while your trainer gently applies pressure.  Its worth the workout just for the massage!

No pain. No Gain
We are used to the old saying, so in my mind I was still sceptical as to whether Power Plates can actually make a difference to a lard arse like myself.  I left the studio feeling surprisingly un-wobbly, but very ‘worked out’ and rosy.  The next morning I woke up with muscle pain in my entire body.  I was amazed that I had obviously subjected myself to a complete body workout, which I was generally too lazy to complete in the gym, and in only 25 minutes!   Parts of my body ached that I didn’t even know I had worked on.  In a word I was amazed.  The first session was free, as it is for all first time attendees, but I immediately signed up for a paid ten session blitz.

One month later
I have now used eight of my ten sessions.  Unfortunately I had the horror Hong Kong flu for 10 days in the middle, so I may not have had quite the result that I was looking for after ten sessions, but I can definitely feel the difference.  For one, my strength has increased.  Exercises that I found tough in the beginning are getting easier, and I can feel muscle for the first time since I was 18 under my flabby belly.  I also got commended for my slender toned arms the other day.  I burst out laughing, but then flexed and was astonished, there was a lump there, which could only be described as a muscle!

Pros and Cons
I am a complete convert to Power Plates.  It works for me, but it also has to be said I am not an energetic person.  I am also plagued with medical problems, for example I have broken both my knees, and I also have a rather sever curvature to my spine.  I laugh about my laziness, but there is also an element of truth that I am not able to do a lot of exercises that most people can.  That combined with the fact that I am naturally slim has made me tend to do nothing.  So a machine that I can use, that tones me, but does not harm me is a revelation.  I was told by the trainers that many of their clients are just like me, with some like of medical condition that limits their exercise.  They have a lady with polio who comes in a wheelchair, who I was told has movement and some muscle tone for the first time in years.  They also have a 85 year old man that is a regular toner.   One thing that the Power Plates cannot do is a cardiovascular work out.  In some sessions, you definitely do raise your heart rate, but it cannot be compared to a regular cardio session in the gym such as spinning, or running.  So although the Power Plate is handy for those who want a quick workout, or for medical reasons or age cannot exercise normally, I would suggest it is better combines with other types of cardio workout for a complete exercise regime.

Power Plate pros

• Quick results
• Easy to fit into your day
• Good for people with some limiting medical conditions
• Suitable for some older, less energetic people
• Increased metabolism
• Increased muscle strength
• Reduced Cellulite
• Pain Dampening
• Improved Flexibility
• Improved fitness
• Activated circulation
• Improved co-ordination
• Increased bone density

Power Plate cons

• Not good for people who get queasy on moving surfaces
• There are better cardio machines available
• Cannot use when pregnant.

As always you must divulge any medical conditions as Power Plates may not be suitable for you.

How Much? BBHK SPECIAL OFFER AND COMPETITION ALERTS
The team at The Power Plates Institute have teamed up with BBHK to create a fab offer and competition:

The normal price is as follows:
Group Sessions
Single session:    $300
12 sessions:         $3080
24 sessions:         $5880

Personal Training
Single session:    $500
12 sessions:         $6000

A consecutive 12 session course within 6 weeks is recommended to experience the benefits of vibration training.

COMPETITION
From now until the 30th August all BBHK readers can get a 10% discount on packages. Just mention BBHK and your arse will thank us later!

And now for the best bit – the competition!  You can win 3 free personal training sessions at The Power Plates Institute valued at $1500.  All you need to do in send an email to win@beautybuzzhk.com with the title IVE GOT THE POWER, recommending a friend to look at Power Plates and BBHK.  Both you and your friend will be entered into the draw.  The more friends you recommend, the more chances you have of winning., and of course your friend can also invite people!

Terms and conditions apply.  Competition finishes on August 30th.

The Power Plate® Institute
12th Floor,
The Centrium Building,
60 Wyndham Street, Central.

For your free trial session, telephone +852 3621 018

The lovely and very talented super Borneo based fashionista designing duo, Sereni and Shentel are sharing some love and independence happiness by creating three super cool limited-edition headbands for the 4th July celebrations.  Flying off the virtual shelves by the name of Block Party, they are available in red, white and of course blue from their website and are a steal at just $15usd plus postage.  Get one (or all) while you still can! We heart them lots and lots.

www.sereniandshentel.com

To commemorate American Independence day we are celebrating all things American this week on BBHK.  From the top beauty treatments, surgery procedures and cosmetics, competitions, where to stay when you pop over there to get ‘things done’ and where you can get the same treatments here in HK.

Enjoy and let the pampering begin!

With Mothers Day coming up on Sunday 9th May, what better way to be treated like the queen that you are,  than being sent for a royal pamper day at the Spa.

BBHK has teamed up with The Victorian Spa in Disney Hong Kong to offer you a chance to win the ultimate Mothers Day gift:

A FREE Royal Family Mix & Match Spa Journey for 1 adult and 1 child (aged 6-15) valued at $1400, with two treatments each from the following:

• Bliss Out Back Massage
• Relaxing Foot Massage
• Neck & Shoulder De-stress
• Refresher Facial
• Nourishing Milk Bath

This competition is now closed.  Congratulations to Yummy Mummy Ruth Benny who will be ejoying this prize with her little daughter.

We know how hard it is sometimes to get someone to look after your little ones while you try to go for that much needed manicure or massage. The Victorian Spa in Disney have the answer, they are completely child friendly, whilst still managing to maintain an adult serene environment.  They also offer many packages that cater to both you and your child, so you can share a special day of indulgence together.

I went to The Victorian Spa recently with a visiting girlfriend, for an afternoon of decadence.  The magic begins as soon as the Disney MTR train pulled into Sunny Bay.  I couldn’t tell if I was more excited that the multitude of children by the Mickey Mouse shaped windows, and the Pinocchio star wishing music blasting through the carriage.  The walk up to the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is a fairytale in itself. High trimmed hedges pass you by the gates to the theme park, princess fountains and onto the Victorian themed hotel, whilst playing all the musical Disney classics we grew up with.

The hotel is a absolute gem. Only 35minutes from Central, you find yourself in a elegant 5-star hotel, set in lush tropical grounds over looking the sea in Lantau. I couldn’t help ask myself why I had never been there before? The spa is situated downstairs, adjacent to the magnificent indoor and outdoor pools, which you have full use of when you visit the spa. It is worth it just for that in itself. After a lovely lunch in the sunshine by the pool, we adjourned to the spa to start our afternoon of pampering.

The Victorian styling is quite surprising.  I expected to see a  Minnie Mouse receptionist, and Disney iconry everywhere, but it was classic and modern at the same time, without a pair of ears in sight.  Being British myself, I felt quite at home in the Spa, reminding me of visiting stately homes in the UK, albeit with a Disney twist.  The only hint of Disney is the waiting room, which plays non-stop cartoons on a discrete plasma TV, which again is perfect for children.

The modern Victorian theme continues into the different scented treatment rooms.  Our treatment took place in the Rose room, in which we had a Dream Journey Massage and Refresher Facial.  As with a Mother and Child package we had a double room, which I really think adds to the joint enjoyment of the treatment, plus in the case of having your child with you, you know they are safe and happy.  Both massage and facial were fabulous.  The therapists were absolutely lovely, and intuitive.  My friend and I had the same treatment, but the therapists tailored them slightly to our individual needs.  After being lulled into a state of complete serenity and relaxation, the treatment sadly ended.  But the journey continued into the beautiful large jacuzzi, and steam room in the ladies area.  After a further hour of lolling, steaming and chatting we decided we had to get back to the reality of Hong Kong.  The whole afternoon was truly sublime, and I was left dreaming of being a Disney Princess all over again.

In addition to the super competition, The Victorian Spa is offering an exclusive discount to BBHK readers on the following Disney packages:-

Royal Family Mix & Match Spa Journey (for 2: child aged from 6-15)
2 treatments each from the following: bliss Out Back Massage, Relaxing Foot Massage, Neck & Shoulder De-stress, Refresher Facial, Nourishing Milk Bath
Special price: HK$1,200
Original price: HK$1,400

Other Mother & Daughter packages available at Victorian Spa (child aged 6-15yrs):
* Queen & Princess Magic Manicure or Pedicure 
   30mins   $480
* Queen & Princess Foot Message 
   25 mins    $720

Other great Mother’s Day offer at Victorian Spa
* Spa & Tea (for 2: adults or children)
Includes a Dream Journey Massage or Elemis Skin Specific Facial
$1,780 (Mon – Fri, High Tea)
$1,980 (Sat, Sun & PH, Tea Buffet)

The Victorian Spa

Level 1, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
Lantau Island

Tel: +852 3510 6388
Email: victorianspa@schinac.com
www.victorianspa.com.hk

Daily 9am-10pm

This promotion is currently closed, however if the current state of the angry volcano is anything to go by, Hong Kong may have more extra-time visitors soon!  If you are stuck in town, the offer will still stand…

Staying yet another night in a hotel?  Feel like you are outstaying your welcome as guests? Missing your best friend’s wedding or the business meeting of a lifetime? 

Thanks to the Icelandic Eyjafjallajokul volcano eruption disruption, the chances are you’ll be hanging around in Hong Kong for another week or so at least.

And that’s no bad thing! Trust us – we’re the experts in all things chilled in HK.

While the airlines do their best to bring the world at 40,000 feet back to normal, BBHK has the perfect addition to an extended break with exclusive spa deals in the top joints around town for stranded fliers.  Turn a negative into a positive, and feel your stress float away with discounted pampering all over Hong Kong.   You will be relaxed and destressed quicker than you can say Eyjafjallajokul. Boom.  Its a win-win situation.  Hurrah for BeautyBuzz I hear you say!

Take along your eticket, showing your cancellation and mention the volcano promotion to receive discounts at the following fabulous HK spas.  Don’t forget to join the BeautyBuzz members club for free, to be the first to know about exclusive offers.  Join here now.

WANCHAI
Iyara in Wanchai are offering 20% off regular priced services at Iyara Ship Street any weekday. Monday to Fridays only.   Show your eticket and mention the volcano special when booking the appointment

Iyara Wanchai Day Spa
1A, 53 Ship Street
(Inbetween Star Street and Hopewell Centre off Queen Road East)
Wanchai
Tel+852 2545 8637 / +852 2545 8663
Iyara1@biznetvigator.com
www.iyarabeauty.com

CENTRAL
All the Sense of Touch Spas in Central are offering 20% off facial, massage, signature treatments and waxing.  Show your eticket and mention the volcano special when booking the appointment

Sense of Touch Lan Kwai Fong Spa
1-5/F, 52 D’aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central
Tel: 2526 6918

Sense of Touch Hollywood Road Spa
83A Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 2517 0939

Sense of Touch Arbuthnot Road Spa
Lower Ground Floor, The Ovolo, 2 Arbuthnot  Road Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 2869 0939

SOHO
DK Aromatherapy are offering 20% off all regular priced services.  Show your eticket and mention the volcano special when booking the appointment.  Read DK Aromatherapy review here.

DK Aromatherapy
G/F, 16A Staunton Street, Soho,
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 2771 284

TSIMSHATSUI
The Mira Spa in the Mira Hotel are offering 20% off from Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm.  Show your eticket and mention the volcano special when booking the appointment.

The Mira Hong Kong
118 Nathan Road
Tsimshatsui
Kowloon
Hong Kong
Tel +852 2368 1111
www.themirahotel.com

REPULSE BAY
The Retreat is offering 15% off all services.  Show your eticket and mention the volcano special when booking the appointment.  See The Retreat reviews here and here

The Retreat
1/Floor, 33 Beach Road
Repulse Bay
Hong Kong
T: (852) 2803 1860
www.the-retreat.com.hk
info@the-retreat.com.hk

DISCOVERY BAY
The Sense of Touch Spa is offering 20% off facial, massage, signature treatments and waxing.  Show your eticket and mention the volcano special when booking the appointment

Sense of Touch Discovery Bay Spa
140A-1, 1st floor, Block C, DB Plaza, 
Discovery Bay, Lantau Island. 
(opp. Sunshine Kindergarden)
Tel: 2987 9198

All salons have the right to change or cancel the offers at their own discretion,

WIN a Retreat for a King treatment worth $1,860 free, courtesy of The Retreat and Beauty Buzz HK. Email your name and contact number to win@beautybuzzhk.com.

Trust me chaps, join my post-7s wolfpack

“Once you step into Repulse Bay, your mind is settled,” proclaims Antonia Lai, Spa Manager at The Retreat. The newly-converted dairy farm and haven from the city.

I sure hope so, I think to myself having spent much of the last three days surrounded by Lady Gagas, fat boys in morphsuits and Alan wolfpacks,

So how would Retreat for a King, The Retreat signature men’s treatment fare in helping rid my sins, and cure me of the demons pulsing through my head and bloodstream? There’s a lot of wrongs to right.

Carol, my therapist gets straight to work. A swift but very pleasant foot wash kicked things off as I’m handed a clipboard with some very basic but embarrassingly telling questions. How is your skin? How do you feel? Do you have a headache? How much do you drink? (Uh oh, on current form I run the risk of falling into the ‘degenerate alcoholic’ category).

I’m as honest as I feel I need to be. “Just look at me,” I say to myself as I take my position on the table for my treatment. At two and a half hours long, this would be the longest I’ve been horizontal for several days. And oh my God, am I ready for it.

A further examination of my skin helps Carol decide what product she’s going to use to put me right. Today is an Elemis day across the board. I’m a huge fan of Elemis for the attention it pays to its wide and diverse men’s range, and so, it seems, is The Retreat which uses Elemis across many of its treatment offerings. It’s oils, creams and heaven knows what else, combined with Carol’s experienced hands find their way to the spots that needed them most. The brochures promise the deep tissue treatment will both increase circulation and soothe muscles. As Carol softly tells me she’s done, I have no arguments – two ticks in two very much needed boxes!

Time for my Skin IQ facial. The Retreat for a King treatment’s second phase. Appropriately named, I’m comforted by a five minute close examination under the strongest light I’ve ever had thrust in my face. “A little dry here, a little oily there, this part’s very nice, a couple of lines here,” just a handful of Carol’s observations as she assesses which of Elemis’s delight’s she’s going to employ to relax and repair my weary face. “A mixed bag then,” I mutter as Carol smiles back at me. “Better than a bag of spanners” I think to myself!

This, my first ever experience of a facial was really rather pleasant. I must admit I have always had reservations. I’m not a great fan of rubbing things on my face unless I’m in the shower and they can come straight off. But the four-phased treatment (cleanse, tone, exfoliate and mask) certainly re-energized my face, which notwithstanding the onslaught of the weekend’s fun and frolics, suffers a polluted beating day in day out, courtesy of the streets of Central Hong Kong.

Gentlemen, I urge you to give this place a go. If you felt like a member of The Hangover cast as I did on Monday morning, Retreat for a King will sort you out. And here’s a thought: Retreat for a Queen – the fairer sex equivalent reviewed by BBHK just last month – is a perfect excuse to make up for whatever it is you’re still apologizing to the lady of your life for, some four days on! Gentlemen, this is a wolfpack worth joining.

Drew Mills – Male grooming editor

The Retreat
1st floor, 33 Beach Road
Repulse Bay
Hong Kong
Tel:  +852 2803 1860
Fax: +852 2803 1862
info@the-retreat.com.hk
www.the-retreat.com.hk

Competition Terms and Conditions apply.

The fabulous team at Elemis have come to BeautyBuzz with an exclusive special offer.  Visit Elemis at Lane Crawford Pacific Place from February 22^nd to 28^th for an exclusive preview of their next generation Elemis Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser where they will be giving away FREE samples plus FREE skincare kits worth HK$500 and FREE 30 minute Elemis Spa Pod facial’s with every Pro Radiance Cleanser purchase while stocks last!

Seems like a lot of FREE to us!  Scientifically formulated to defend skin against daily pollutants, this luxurious, deep-cleansing cream gently dissolves make-up and grime to purify, moisturise and reveal a radiantly youthful looking complexion.

If you would like to book your Elemis Skin Lab analysis and consultation in advance, or would like more information about Elemis promotions, please call 2918 0818 mentioning BeautyBuzz now.

BeautyBuzz review on the Elemis Pro-Radience Cream Clenser and facial coming soon…

Hurrah for Girl Power!  The Fleming have introduced a Ladies Only floor at their fabulously funky Wanchai hotel.  For those of you who don’t know about The Fleming (tut tut), I’m sure you soon will.  The new kid on the Wanchai block has already been voted ‘One of the best new hotels in the world’ by Conde Naste Traveller, and finalist as Best Boutique Hotel of the Year  in the SCMP/Harper’s Bazaar Style Awards.  Always one step ahead, The Fleming have joined forces with brand new home massage company Xi Shi to offer a premium in-room spa service for their special female guests.

Being a lady that likes massages and fabulous hotels (typical huh?), I thought it would be criminal not to give it a try.  My first impression of The Fleming was ‘Discrete Urban Chic’.  Tucked away in a Wanchai side street, its easy to miss, however once inside the simplicity and clean, uber modern decor wowed, and I felt immediately transported to NYC.  My deluxe room was a fair size, again very crisp and modern, with all the amenities that I could need, high thread count bed sheets, goose down duvets, plasma TV, kitchenette, and a great bathroom (with a bath. whoop whoop!).  I felt quite at home, which in my opinion is one of the best qualities a hotel room can have, especially with all the traveling most of us have to do, after all there’s no place like home.

A little tap at the door welcomed my therapist, avec massage bed and soothing music.  It was all set up in a jiffy, while I slipped into the provided paper knickers and hotel robe. The therapist, (who was an absolute darling by the way) was on the right side of professional and friendly without being too familiar.  I opted for a detox massage, oh lordy do I need one!  The treatment basically centered around your lymph nodes, which are our very clever body’s filter system.   It was a gentle and relaxing massage, in which all the toxins are pushed to the lymph nodes (we have lots of them, mainly behind our shoulder blades, stomach, knees and under your ears), after that your body does the dirty work, and filters out all those Cosmos!  She also worked on a few nasty knots, so all-in-all it was a very enjoyable, intuitive massage, that my body was in desperate need for!

My ONLY gripe, which is more of a silly pet hate rather than a serious problem was her toenails.  When you are faced down on a massage bed, looking through a little hole, with only feet to look at, I like them to be really tidy.  Unfortunately they were a tad chipped and gnarly.  Not a biggie, and definitely not a reason to not seriously recommend the fabulous service.

Now the best part – the price!  The Fleming are offering a fabulous package, which includes a night stay, a 60-minute massage by Xi Shi, plus breakfast, and 4-course set dinner at signature restaurant Cubix. All for HK$1,380-2,180 depending on room category. Treats also include complimentary aromatherapy oil, flowers and fruit, welcome mocktail and L’Occitane bath amenities, as well as usual extra like free broadband and access to nearby California Fitness gym.  Now that’s a bargain if I ever saw one!

Perfect for Hen parties, just think, a fabulous room in Wanchai, stunning four course meal, massage, freebies and Dusk Till Dawn.  Gold.

The Fleming
41 Fleming Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3607 2225
Email: sales@thefleming.com
www.thefleming.com.hk

Xi Shi Home Massage
Tel: +852 2892 7399
Email: contactus@xishi.com.hk
www.xishi.com.hk
Monday to Friday 12 pm – 6 pm
Saturday 9 am – 12 pm

Hen Party Special at the Fleming

……….

Specials at Body Concious – till mid Nov.

Radiant Skin Package
An Aromatic Body Scrub +Glycolic Facial
90 minute treatment HK$850 Originally HK$1300

Lymphatic Facial + Ear Candling
90 minute treatment HK$890 Originally HK$1375

Body Concious

10F The Centrium
60 Wyndham Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: 852-2524-6171
Mobile: 852-9138-9474
Website: www.bodyconscioushk.com