Shortcuts to Slimness

Sometimes we need to see results sooner than can be delivered by dieting and exercise. So we try all sorts of shortcuts. Here are a few I've tried.

1) Slendertone / Ultratone, it comes in many incarnations, but offers faradic muscle exercise via pads and electronic impulses.

Years ago I bought a Slendertone "Gymbody 8," which was a set of pads you had to laboriously position, wire up and warily lie back while your muscles jumped around like Frankinstein the Monster on his slab. If the muscles didn't jump around, you'd placed the pads incorrectly and it could be quite painful. Well the kit wasn't very user friendly, so I eventually sold it. Slendertone then introduced their belt versions, and I've got the shorts that are supposed to tone your bottom and thighs, and the belt for the abdomen. The shorts version is just hideous to use. You have to grope inside the damn thing to peel off the protective pads; they're forever beeping, and it's all too much effort. The abdomen version is more successful in terms of usage, but I can't say I have noticed any results.

In the salon I tried Ionithermie, which provides the additional bonus of a clay mask in addition to the muscle toning. This works well, temporarily. A good quick fix if you wanted to slide into a tight dress for a party.

2) Creams and lotions
There are lots of creams that claim to firm the skin. Recently I tried Clarins Super Restorative Refining Body Care for waist & abdomen. Now this seems to work. I can't say I lost an inch round my waist, which some users report, but it definitely improves the appearance and tone of the skin. The only drawback is that it doesn't last long and it costs £45. Another product worth trying is Decleor Tonilastil Aromessence, the oil and balm. This helps tighten stretched skin and I found it good on the thighs.

3) "Magic Knickers"
These were 'outed' by Bridget Jones and by Trinny & Susannah, and have become more acceptable. In previous incarnations they were known as panty girdles! I've tried several different brands and to be honest, none of them are great. The Nancy Ganz slip, with built in bra, is awful and rides up all the time, plus the bra never sits in the right place. I have a hideous looking all-in-one by Annette, which comes down to the knees, in a skin colour. It's actually quite a good body shaper but it has a tiny opening for...er...going to the loo, and it's just not practical. I've got a black Miraclesuit which also has cycling short legs, and stops just below the bra with the aim of controlling a spare tyre (midriff bulge). The problem is, it starts to slip down during the night and you end up with a strange shape at the back.

The only type I would recommend are the straight forward cycling short variety as they minimise VPL and hold in the tummy slightly. But don't get too tight a pair because otherwise your stomach bulges over the top and the bottoms can be seen through your trousers. Miraclesuit & Annette can both be bought from http://figleaves.co.uk