Try This Face Mask for Acne Prone Skin

Candyce Ross
Loving nugg beauty face pods! Charcoal review on @agirlsgottaspa As much as travelling is one of my favourite things in life, often the change in climate and environment is not always that much fun for my skin. Sometimes our skin needs a quick fix to get it back on track. For me, removing impurities and controlling shine is key, especially in humid climates. nügg has just released these fantastic pocket-sized face mask pods that are small enough to fit in your hand luggage, so they are very travel-friendly! No matter how many trips I've done, I always seem to bring everything except the kitchen sink with me and have a constant battle with the lid of my suitcase and the zip. (Sound familiar??) So, as you can imagine, any space-saving beauty product has me rejoicing. Charcoal face mask from nugg beauty via @agirlsgottaspa These face mask pods come in different targeted treatments. I recently tried the Black Charcoal Skin Detox face mask. This mask has a calming effect on the skin due to the soothing oatmeal; keep impurities at bay due to the tea tree oil and controls shine without drying out the skin. Charcoal face mask from nugg beauty via @agirlsgottaspa I was impressed with how much goodness is packed into each one of these tiny pods. Ten minutes is all you need to have fresh, clean and soft skin, so it's perfect if you're short of time and your skin needs a quick pick-me-up. nugg beauty charcoal face mask review via @agirlsgottaspa The mask has a gel-like consistency and the smell is divine - it smells as if you are at a spa having a facial. What’s best, is that it’s made from 97% natural ingredients so your skin is being fed with only the best! There are no parabens, synthetic fragrances or colours. nügg face masks are available in different combinations depending on your skin type and are available to buy in Beauty Mart, Selfridges, Selfridges.com, Fenwick’s, Beauty Bay and soon to launch in John Lewis. In the US, you can purchase them on Amazon. Have you tried them yet yourself? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Bath Time: Fizz & Bubble Bath Truffles

Gail Lewis
Oh-so-good bath truffles from Fizz & Bubble via @agirlsgottaspa Winter is most definitely not my favorite season as I have a serious love affair with everything summer. That being said, there are a few winter beauty rituals that I really do enjoy and actually look forward to, such as baths. During winter I love pampering myself with cozy warm steaming baths, using oils, salts and bath teas to make the experience as relaxing as possible. Thanks to Fizz & Bubble dessert-inspired bath products, my baths this winter have been both relaxing and incredibly decadent! Fizz & Bubble “foaming truffles” are just as indulgent as the name suggests.  They  contain an 8-oil blend and are "drowned" in shea butter which makes them super moisturizing. They also contain vitamins, and safe coloring that won’t stain tubs or your skin and are all handmade, all-natural and cruelty-free. The truffles smell incredible.  The scents are relaxing and soothing and not at all overly sweet or overpowering.  I am a sucker for beautiful packaging and love the fun, vibrant hot pink box that the foaming truffles are packaged in, it's perfect for gifting.  I will admit the truffles are so beautiful I didn't want to use them and they sat in my bathroom for a while just beautifying the place. I was, however, tempted to take a bite, but thankfully I managed to restrain myself. Fizz & Bubble truffles are available at ULTA stores nationwide and online at www.FizzandBubble.com. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Home Workouts to Lose Weight and Keep Fit

Candyce Ross
Let the gym class come to you with Flex TV! @agirlsgottaspa We’ve all had those mornings. We press snooze on our alarm clocks at least four times and convince ourselves through a series of excuses that we don’t have to/shouldn’t go to the gym or leave the warmth of our bed for anything other than breakfast. The thought of leaving your bed for an early morning workout to start the day isn’t everyone’s cup of tea…after all sleep is important, right? Thankfully FlexTV has solved the problem of ‘endless snooze button hitting’, allowing you to fit in a workout in the comfort and privacy of your own home. From Pilates to barre classes, HIIT to meditation, FlexTV gives you access to over three hundred live classes a day. There are even specialist sessions in pre & post-natal fitness so that pregnant and new moms don't have to worry about one more thing to juggle with their new addition. FlexTV is perfect for busy people who struggle to fit gym classes and workouts into their day to day lives. Classes are scheduled around the clock and range from ten-minute yoga classes to hour long cardio circuits, so you can tune in whenever you have a moment and from wherever you are. Schedule in an easy (but challenging) workout at home with FlexTV via @agirlsgottaspa After logging into your account online, you can schedule classes to fit your daily routine. Tailoring your workout timetable means that you can plan your week in advance and you receive an email straight to your inbox to remind you of upcoming classes. A handy chat box also allows you to talk to the instructor, ask questions and engage with other class participants so you don’t miss out on the social aspect of fitness. My favourite classes are ‘Empowering Yoga with Lucia’, ‘Kundalini yoga for circulation and focused mind’ and ‘Kettle Bell Barre Fusion’. If you thought that a home workout couldn’t challenge you - think again! FlexTV is an inexpensive way to stick to your exercise routine, especially during the winter months when waking up at the crack of dawn in the dark is your idea of torture. It’s an easy way to fit in a workout – I usually just roll out my yoga mat and set up my iPad in front of me and the instructor talks you through the workout whilst doing the exercises with you. For more information visit www.joinflex.tv - there is even a 30-day free trial! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Do I Need to Get Vitamin B12 Shots?

Gail Lewis
Do you need a Vitamin B12 shot? via @agirlsgottaspa Lack of exercise, too much to do and not nearly enough sleep will leave you always feeling exhausted.  (Can anyone relate??) I try to get back on track by cleaning up my eating habits, exercising and getting enough sleep, and eventually I feel more energized. But finding the energy to get back on track is a battle in itself, which is where a Vitamin B12 shot proves to be an absolute miracle. Vitamin B12 is known to provide sustainable energy within the body, it can also increase mental focus, and improve sleep quality in addition to assisting as a therapy for depression.  What people don’t realize is how many of us are actually B12 deficient. We simply write off fatigue and other ailments to stress or as being normal. Do you need a Vitamin B12 shot? via @agirlsgottaspa So if you're like me and you're feeling sluggish and not getting enough quality sleep, then a shot of B12 may be just what you need! B12 injections are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are discovering all of its amazing benefits. For my B12 shot, I saw the amazing team at Beautox Bar in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Since not all B12 is equal and can be given in different doses,  you want to be certain you are getting what you pay for, so finding a team of people who very experienced and knowledgeable was very important to me. Do you need a Vitamin B12 shot? via @agirlsgottaspa Beautox Bar has a team of experienced certified registered nurses on staff to not only administer injections, but to also educate you on the benefits (and side effects) of the different options of shots available to you. Their team will also explain how often you need one and since everyone's level of deficiency is different, some may need it more or less frequently than others. The night after my B12 shot (which was fast and pain free), I immediately slept better.  I had no issues falling asleep and slept through the night.  There was a very noticeable spike in my energy level which was the boost I needed to get back into the gym.  Based on the fact that I noticed a difference immediately following my B12 shot, I realized I was definitely deficient! The cost of a B12 shot at Beautox Bar is $35 and well worth it! Have any of you had B12 injections? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Mandara Spa Aboard Norwegian Cruise Line

Candyce Ross
Mandara Spa on Norwegian Cruise Line, London review via @agirlsgottaspa Picture this – You’ve just started your holiday. Before you know it, you're whisked away to a luxury spa and are being pampered with the view of the open sea in front of you and not a worry in the world! Everything is being taken care of and all you’re in charge of doing is sitting back and relaxing because it's only smooth sailing from here. Literally - because you're on board a Norwegian Cruise ship and being treated like a princess in their Mandara Spa. Mandara Spa is on board every Norwegian Cruise ship and I was given a taste of this experience when I recently escaped winter for the afternoon at the Mandara Spa at Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge in London. View of Big Ben in London from Norwegian Cruise ship via @agirlsgottaspa Mandara Spa review via @agirlsgottaspa As I sunk into the massage table and enjoyed a Balinese massage and mini facial, I closed my eyes and imagined watching the vast deep blue as if I was cruising. My therapist carefully chose the most suitable Elemis products to hydrate my skin, which needed a little boost after being exposed to the cold winter weather. Mandara Spa, London via @agirlsgottaspa The spa uses signature Mandara, Elemis and Bliss products and has an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, manicure and pedicure area. In addition, there is also an amazing salt grotto which is surrounded with layers of body cleansing salt crystals and is said to help skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as colds, allergies and respiratory ailments. Spa treatment at Mandara Spa in London via @agirlsgottaspa Norwegian Cruise line has been voted the World’s Best Cruise Spa by the World Spa Awards so you know that you’re in the right hands when it comes to choosing a holiday focused on a little “me” time. What I like about the idea of cruising with a luxury spa on board is that you can have a week (or two!) of trying different treatments, seeing different destinations and you only have to unpack once! Foodie indulgence aboard Norwegian Cruise ship via @agirlsgottaspa Norwegian Cruise ships also have a large selection of entertainment and restaurants on board to cater for all interests and taste buds. From waterfront bars to specialty restaurants, you are spoilt for choice. There are also many healthy dining options available, so for those who are worried about returning from a week of indulgence looking like a house – fear not! What better way to see the world than replacing stressful flights with days spent looking out to sea. Beach hair, sun kissed skin and a trip to the spa to top it off...dreamy! Have you had the chance to spa at sea yet? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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The FLOAT Therapy Experience

Shannon Smyth
Flotation therapy via @agirlsgottaspa @lodgeatwoodloch Sensory deprivation doesn't necessarily sound like a very glamorous or indulgent spa treatment. Maybe the thought of being enclosed in a tank or a windowless room feels a little (or a lot) claustrophobic to you. But let me tell you, it is the most amazing thing ever! Floatation therapy, if you don't know just yet what it is, is unlike any other spa treatment you've ever had. Most spas offer it in a pod-like tank or a tank similar to some sort of ice chest. The tank is filled with warm water, not very deep at all, and epsom salt. You then close the tank door once inside and typically there is not a ton of room for you to move, and you simply float. You can choose to have soft lights on or off, music on or off, and you are left alone for 50 minutes. Sensory deprivation or ligh therapy in the float tank via @agirlsgottaspa @lodgeatwooloch What is sensory deprivation? Blocking out most of your senses - sight, sound, smell, taste and touch, creates an amazing wellness tool. You suddenly aren't concentrating on anything other than your own breath. The weightlessness of your own body allows every muscle to relax and release tension. Since the water is as warm as your skin, and due to the high concentration of epsom salt, you literally cannot feel the water you are floating in. All of this is supposed to also help you relax your mind, and for those of you like me who have 50 tabs open at any given time on your computer while holding your phone in the other hand, talking your kids through their homework and holding a toddler on your lap all at once - it is a very welcomed opportunity! The Lodge at Woodloch, an amazing destination spa in the Pocono Mountains, now has a FLOAT Therapy treatment that I was able to experience for myself. You can either go in alone for 50 minutes or 75 minutes, or you can float with a friend for the same time intervals. Thankfully for people like me who tend to get claustrophobic in small, enclosed spaces, their sensory deprivation tank is acutally a room with a pool in it. There is no cover that lowers down on you, but instead has a very large door that you shut to the room. The pool room also has very high ceiling and wide walls. @lodgeatwoodloch FLOAT therapy room review via @agirlsgottaspa How does FLOAT Therapy work? At The Lodge at Woodloch, you are escorted to the FLOAT room where a spa professional asks you a series of questions (do you have any health issues, large cuts, communicable diseases, etc.) She explains to you how the float room works, that you'll need to shower prior to and after your session, that you'll need to remove any makeup you may have on, as well as any jewelry. She then leaves you alone and only comes back (and just waits outside of the room in the hallway) once the floatation system tells her that your session has ended. You then put in silicone ear plugs (theirs are from Leaping Lizard and pretty amazing as NO water got in at all), proceed to shower using their body wash from head to toe and then step into the pool...completely naked. I had brought my swimsuit thinking that this would be my attire, but nude is what you wear for 50 minutes. Once you hit the button to adjust lighting (you can turn it off, have a white light, or have colored lights) or sound (on or off, loud or soft), an automated voice comes over the sound system telling you that your FLOAT treatment is about to start, this sets the time for 50 minutes. There was a neck floatation that I used to keep my head above water and they have a small hand towel that you can use to drape the exposed part of your chest and stomach since the air is a bit cooler than the water (although I found it all balanced out rather quickly once I shut the tank door.) I highly recommend saving the towel for when you may need to wipe your eyes instead. Trust me. I accidently rubbed my eye after my hand had been in the water and was able to rub the stinging salt out right away. Can you image if that towel had been salty and wet? Yikes. I tried every variation of the lighting and no lighting and music and no music. I couldn't get my mind to stop with complete sensory deprivation (no sound, no lights), but I did like low music and no lights. It was quite soothing and relaxing. It felt like floating in space. When the 50 minutes were up, another announcement came on and let you know that you are done and that the sanitation process will begin shortly. My short two steps to the shower were all it took for the salt to begin to crystalize on my skin. You then use the body wash to cleanse your skin again. I was amazed to see salt all over the shower floor. In case you were wondering, the high level of Epsom salt won't dry out your skin. It contains Magnesium Sulfate, which is absorbed through the skin. This typically helps to soften dry skin and can sometimes help treat eczema. I asked if it would strip hair color and if you have recently color treated your hair, it is not recommended to use the FLOAT Tank (if it does not come off on a towel, it should be thoroughly set.) It can remove tints of hair color, though. Overall, it is safe to use on color treated hair. If you have a Keratin Treatment, it would not be recommended. The sanitation process itself is pretty cool to watch.
When I opened the FLOAT room door, someone was there to greet me and bring me back to the Women's Retreat, where I showered again because there was salt in places there should not be salt. Enough said. What amazed me most about this float experience is that my entire body felt as relaxed as if I had just had a one-hour massage. Being all alone in the tank made it even better because I wasn't worrying myself about snoring, what I looked like, and any other thing that comes to mind when someone is giving you a facial or massage. I could just purely RELAX. It was heaven. I can't wait to do it again! Have you tried floating yet? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Best Fake Lashes (and they're cruelty free!)

Shannon Smyth
Best fake lashes! @georgiebeauty Belle invidual cluster lashes, lash adhesive and lash applicator via @agirlsgottaspa The best things come in small packages, and indeed this is true for these false lashes from Georgie Beauty! I've tried several types of fake lashes before from different brands and could never quite get them to work the way I wanted them to. Either they felt heavy, weighing down my natural lashes, or the band would have to keep being re-adjusted because I couldn't get it to lay right above my lash line or they kept poking the corner of my eye somehow. Then there was the lash adhesive. I had heard people rave about a popular brand and made my way down to my local CVS to pick it up. It was affordable and it had a brush applicator to make it easy to apply to the lash band. Unfortunately, it didn't stick well and sometimes within an hour the lashes began to lift. Was it due to the heaviness of the fake lashes I was wearing or did the adhesive just not work as well as it should have on its own? I couldn't tell, but it was frustrating as a faux lash amateur. Then there was applying them... fingers got sticky with glue, so then I tried tweezers, poked myself in the eye (that was fun.) I basically decided that fake lashes just weren't in the cards for me. It was disappointing to say the least. Then I saw this really great review from a fellow blogger, Our Little Everything, and it gave me hope that maybe Georgie Beauty could work for me. Wispy fake lashes from @georgiebeauty and the best lash adhesive via @agirlsgottaspa When I saw how natural Georgie Beauty's Belle Faux Lashes looked on Lauren, I decided I needed to try them for myself. Belle is three rows of clustered wispy flares that range from small (top row), medium (middle row) and large (bottom row.) Small for the inner part of your eye, medium in the middle of the lash line and large for the outter corner. These wispy lashes have between 4-6 lashes per cluster depending on the size you choose. You apply them just above your own lashes, but not so much that it's obvious. I found that they blended really nice with my own lashes that by the end of the day when I went to take them off before bed, it was hard to tell which were fake and which were my own. Seriously! And that's what I loved, really, is that these lashes are naturalistic, they simply do not look fake once applied. I don't know about you, but at 42 years old, I would rather have faux lashes that enhance my own and make them look amazing, rather than wearing lashes that absolutely look fake. I've heard many people say that Georgie Beauty's non-toxic lash adhesive is simply the best. They were not lying! Wow, what a major difference between the one I was using before and theirs. No joke. I use their Lash Applicator to hold the lashes while I put a small dab of lash adhesive on them. Wait about 30 seconds and then place them. You still have a small window before it sets to make any adjustments as necessary (which I did have to do a few times since I'm not really a master at applying lashes yet.) The lash adhesive eventually dries clear (they also have a black lash adhesive for you pros out there) and does not interfere when applying your eyeliner. Georgie has a creme gel eyeliner (which I haven't tried), but I used a liquid liner and it worked perfectly. So the best part? The adhesive never faltered throughout the 10 hours I have been wearing these lashes each time. Not once! The lashes didn't lift, they didn't move, and I even rubbed my eye on accident and they remained intact. I was amazed! This lash applicator from @georgiebeauty makes applying false lashes super easy! via @agirlsgottaspa Let's talk about Georgie Beauty's Lash Applicator. I sometimes see people refer to it as "tweezers," but it far from that. First, it is twice the size of tweezers (see top photo.) It's stainless steel, making it easy to clean off any adhesive. Since it's so big, but not awkward big, it makes visibility of what you are doing super easy. And lastly, the curved design means you will not poke yourself in the eye or lose a grip on your lashes. When taking off the Belle faux lashes, I didn't have to tug the lashes off and none of my own lashes came off in the process. The Lash Applicator was really easy to use to remove them. Additionally, since you can re-use these lashes 5-6 times if you remove the adhesive, I simply pinched the cluster flatly between my index finger and thumb and used the Lash Applicator the gently remove the adhesive from the end of the cluster and then placed them back in the box in their designated slots. Easy peasy! This is obviously the longest post you've gotten from me in a long time, and that should be evidence enough that I am completely wow'ed! If you haven't tried Georgie Beauty yet, I highly, highly recommend them! (PS. they are vegan and certified cruelty free too!) Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Exzo Clenzo Detox Teatox Review

Candyce Ross

*This post is sponsored by Exzo. Opinions are my own.*

Review of @exzohealth Clenzo Detox Teatox via @agirlsgottaspa

January – the month that starts off with you dragging yourself back to work, the realisation that you’ve eaten your weight in turkey and mince pies over the festive season and the mild onset of depression when you realise that it’s finally time to sort yourself out like you kept telling yourself you would as you were throwing back the mulled wine and pouring on the brandy sauce throughout December. The start of the year can, however, also bring with it a renewed sense of motivation to introduce healthy habits into your lifestyle and a detox is an ideal way to jump-start the process. The benefits of detoxing include increased energy, a stronger immune system, and improved skin as the body releases toxins, clearer thinking and improved sleep. I recently tried a 7 day Exzo detox teatox cleanse in December as a way to avoid the pre-Christmas bloat that is often brought on by the excessive amount of festive dinners and drinks in the lead up to Christmas. I wanted to see whether Exzo’s Clenzo Herbal Blend Tea would actually make me feel different during the busiest and most indulgent month of the year (you know, since most detox teas require you to eat nothing but kale and claim that the tea is the reason you’re feeling on top of the world after 7 days.) @exzohealth Clenzo Detox Teatox review via @agirlsgottaspa I also tried not to read up too much about how I ‘should’ feel when I take the tea, because I didn’t want to unintentionally be influenced about how the tea made me feel. Yes, this may seem like an unconventional approach but I wanted to really test the tea and I’m happy to say that I was seriously impressed with the way I felt! Usually at the end of December I feel worn out, bloated and generally unhealthy. And with a trip to Mauritius at the end of the month, I wanted to see whether using Exzo would make the idea of wearing a bikini in just a couple of weeks’ time, feel a bit less daunting. I did however try to avoid alcohol and refined sugar, but in all honesty the tea banished cravings and helped keep me on track. The first thing I noticed about the Clenzo blend was the taste – it was delicious! Unlike some herbal blends it didn’t taste like grass, but instead had a refreshing, lemongrass flavour with a hint of goji berry and ginger. I genuinely looked forward to my next cup (recommended 3 times a day during a 7 day cleanse.) @exzohealth teatox via @agirlsgottaspa The second thing I noticed was how calm I became, I felt so relaxed. This surprised me because I remember when I tried a different detox tea years ago I began feeling a bit dizzy and anxious. After the teatox when I researched the ingredients, I learned that this was due to the high GABA content, which is a neurotransmitter that naturally calms the body and helps reduce stress. I felt alert – even though December was packed with late nights, during the week that I tried Exzo tea I noticed that I concentrated more on tasks I was doing and was not as easily distracted. Exzo banished all cravings for sweet or unhealthy food and stabilised my blood sugar. It made me feel lighter and full of energy and the thought of a fatty meal or junk food was the last thing I felt like. I noticed that my usual 3pm trip to the office pantry was replaced with a trip to the kettle – the tea is not designed to be a meal replacement, but I noticed that I began snacking less. Clenzo is also not a laxative, meaning that you are guaranteed no damage to the digestive system and any weight loss you notice is real instead of the dehydrating and mineral eliminating laxative effects that come with other detox teas (which can contain harmful ingredients, such as Senna.) @exzohealth Clenzo Detox Teatox review via @agirlsgottaspa The great thing about Exzo is it can be used whenever you like and alongside any diet – you don’t have to use it purely for a 7, 14 or 21 day cleanse. Whether you want to avoid packing on the kilos in December or start the year off a bit lighter, Exzo is the perfect solution. It is packed with energy boosting and bloat busting ingredients making it the perfect addition to any healthy lifestyle. These natural ingredients include Oolong, dried ginger root, nettle leaf, goji berries, liquorice root, fennel seeds, lemongrass, ginseng and garcinia cambogia. Exzo herbal tea is also eco-friendly (yay!) and contains no harmful ingredients. I would highly recommend Exzo and I personally can’t wait to start another 7 day cleanse to kick start 2017 with a healthy bang…and to make up for all the curries and noodles I had whilst on holiday… Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Bootcamp Pilates - Dynamic Reformer Pilates

Candyce Ross
Bootcamp Pilates via @agirlsgottaspa If you’re looking for something to snap you out of your exercise (or lack of) rut, then I can highly recommend Bootcamp Pilates. This is a no-nonsense approach to a workout – trust me when I say that your legs, your arms, your core, your everything will burn! (In a good way, of course!) Bootcamp Pilates is the perfect mix between free weight training, resistance training and pilates. The workout is performed on a pilates reformer bed, which if you haven’t seen one before, involves a flat moving platform (the carriage) and straps connected to springs of various resistances and a foot bar at the end. Pilates studios in London - Bootcamp Pilates via @agirlsgottaspa Dynamic Reformer Pilates, a revolutionary workout introduced to the UK from the US, involves the pushing and pulling of the carriage with the assistance of the straps against the pull of the springs' resistance. Bootcamp Pilates combines these exercises as well as light weight repetitions to build strength, define muscles and burn fat. Nutrition at Bootcamp Pilates via @agirlsgottaspa The most notable benefit of the pushing and pulling motions against the resistance of the springs and carriage is eccentric muscle contractions, which is when a muscle lengthens as it resists force. This helps strengthen and lengthen muscles. Reformer Pilates includes all the benefits of normal pilates including improved balance, coordination, strength and flexibility. On top of this, Bootcamp Pilates involves the use of light free held weights for some exercises, which gives an extra boost to the strengthening benefits of the pilates practice. Tea time at Bootcamp Pilates via @agirlsgottaspa The studio only takes 10 people so you get the attention that you need and you're not peering over another 25 heads trying to see the instructor. Our instructor, Martina, was incredibly attentive, patrolling the room with eyes on everyone and not allowing a single limb to move out of place without correction and assistance. Whether you’re struggling to control your core through the movement (or taking a cheeky break to catch your breath), she was there in a flash helping the class keep up those reps. Our workout consisted of various core strengthening exercises, push-ups using the foot bar, lunges and squats using the resistance of the springs to intensify the movements and some free weight arm exercises. The weights aren’t very big (1-2 kg) but trust me, combined with the pushing and pulling against the springs, this is harder than it first seems! Health, wellness and fitness at Bootcamp Pilates via @agirlsgottaspa There are six Bootcamp Pilates studios and I attended the Fullham studio, which is located just 5 minutes from Putney Bridge tube station on the Fulham High Street. There are different classes ranging from beginners to standard classes, 45 minute express classes, cardio pilates and there is even a Mums and Babies class. Apparently, the babies just love it and often fall asleep whilst the mummies workout. Eat healthy at Bootcamp Pilates via @agirlsgottaspa The staff at the studio were extremely friendly and I got the impression that this is a very personable environment, where clients and staff know each other by name and encourage each other to live a healthy lifestyle. Banana facts - Bootcamp Pilates via @agirlsgottaspa To the left, as you walk into the Fullham studio, there is a health café where smoothies can be pre-ordered and waiting for you once your class has finished. The café also sells organic ready-made food, organic protein powder and healthy snacks, so not only is it the perfect pre or post workout catch up venue, it's also great to pop into on your way back home from work and pick up some dinner ingredients. Give them a look at www.bootcamppilates.com! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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thriveosity - Subscription Care Package for Cancer Patients

Shannon Smyth
Thriveosity Cancer Care Box for Women via @agirlsgottaspa Subscription boxes are the perfect way to try out products you may not have tried otherwise. There are literally so many types of boxes from beauty to fashion to food, that you may feel all markets have been exhausted. But I just came across a box that really meets a need beyond this body lotion is awesome, you've got to try it! Meet thriveosity, a subscription box start-up that has innovative subscription care packages specifically for caregivers to gift a loved one who is battling cancer. As you may (or may not) know, when you are going through chemo and radiation, your whole lifestyle has to change. That lotion you used to love now irritates your skin. The chemo treatments are now flaking or peeling your skin and you need to find something that will treat it - but it needs to be free of toxins. You also need to build your strength, and eat healthily to sustain what chemo does to the body. This is where thriveosity comes in. Launched by Dr. Ritu Trivedi-Purohit, a clinical psychologist working with people impacted by a cancer diagnosis, thriveosity provides the tools thrivers need along their way to recovery. Thriveosity Cancer Care Sub Box for Girls via @agirlsgottaspa Each month, the thriveosity box includes products across these five categories: Skincare, including personal skin care products formulated to provide a little luxury and promote self-care while helping to combat some of the symptoms from the treatment of cancer, like rashes, flaking and peeling. These items are natural and/or organic; Cognition, including brain games and intellectual stimulation designed to strengthen and sharpen essential skills while helping to combat isolation and boredom through fun and play; Aromatherapy, including delightful—though not overwhelming—scents and essential oils formulated to please the senses while stimulating improvement and supportive care of physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing; Nutrition, including healthy and delicious artisanal food products from the best growers/producers that please the palette while nourishing the body with the nutrients it needs to stay strong during cancer treatment; Basics, including natural, holistic and organic products, free from toxic chemicals using only the purest ingredients, expertly tested and designed to promote self-care, health and wellbeing; and that meet a variety of needs of someone living with cancer. thriveosity has boxes for women, men and children. And I absolutely love the idea of it. If you've ever wondered how you could help someone with a cancer diagnosis, this is a good place to start. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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