Thursday, July 14, 2011

Amore's Signature StretchFit Class

Posted by Royalette at 3:50 PM 0 comments

Advertorial:

I used to work out regularly, going to the gym to lift weights and also classes such as Kickboxing and Pilates at least twice a week. But ever since school started, I hardly ever get enough sleep, let alone have the time to exercise.

So after hectic weeks of having school, assignments and projects, I've finally managed to squeeze in the time to attend a fitness class at Amore Fitness.

After work ended, I headed to my favourite outlet at City Square Mall to attend a class.

For the benefit of those who have not been to Amore before, when you first arrive at the outlet, you would need to drop your membership card into either the class or gym box, at the counter (depending on which you are attending). Fresh towels are available at the counter.

Since I haven't been exercising regularly, I decided to attend a more slow paced class such as Stretchfit, which is one of Amore's signature classes. Stretchfit fuses unique multi-regional stretching exercises and regular breathing techniques to develop a serene mind, a flexible and strong body. Achieve a better range of motion for daily activities, improving coordination and strength, creating a sense of balance.

I know what you guys are thinking.. Huh? A stretching class?! So boring and useless! But I beg to differ!

Although stretching is the most basic form of exercise, it actually helps to reduce muscle tension, increase range of movements in your joints, and improves blood circulation to various parts of the body, which in turns, causes an increase in energy levels!

While waiting for the class to begin..

Before the class starts, the instructor would usually ask around to check if there are any newcomers (unless the class is specifically an intermediate class). This is to allow the instructor to keep an eye on you and ensure your safety, preventing any unnecessary injury throughout the class.

If you are a newcomer, it is very important to remember that safety comes first. Always remember that everyone has their own limitations and if you do not feel comfortable with any movement or positions, do not attempt them and risk injuring yourself.

Moving on! Like all other classes, it would begin with a warm up. Some breathing and light stretching..











I went into the class thinking, "It's just stretching, nothing I can't handle!" Boy was I wrong.

I did face some difficulties in class, since I have a lower back problem and really tense muscles, which makes it hard for me to stretch. But as always, I pressed on without admitting defeat!















Ahem.. Can you see my muscles? *raises shifty eyebrows*






I am utterly embarrassed that this is my best plank position *facepalm*


And.. I can only hold it there for 2 seconds because I was afraid of injuring my lower back!





20 minutes into the class and I was already begging for it to end!











Aching arms!! :p
















Working on our abs! :D






















This picture is priceless I swear. Check out my expression! I couldn't stretch in the same way that was demonstrated because my muscles are too tight and not flexible!



I pulled my lower back muscle here.. Which left me lying there for quite awhile.. But I managed to stretch the pain away! :)








Just before the class ends, the instructor will take about 5-10 minutes to lead everyone in a cool down session.

With the hottie instructor, Claudia! She was very encouraging throughout the class and gave alternative moves for the newbies and those who were confident on taking it to a level higher.

It is very important to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle because not only does it improve your overall quality of life and well being, exercising helps you to sleep better at night. You would not only look, but feel better!

I always stress that looking your best, comes with hard work! There is always no easy way out. If you are fat, it is solely your fault because you are lazy and I will have no pity for you! Complaining does not help you lose weight okay?

As I've mentioned earlier, everyone is different and have very different capabilities and limitations. At the same time, you need to look at your fitness goals and objectives. Thus, I would advise that you find the right combination of exercises that works best for you!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Shopping Date with Sarah

Posted by Royalette at 12:58 PM 0 comments

Met up with Sarah for a shopping date last week,
after I had my 3rd cervical cancer jab! :)
(Ahem, thanks Sarah for holding my hand through the jab!)

I love shopping with Sarah because she really helps me pick out the best stuff!
The bad thing is, she encourages everything! But still, mad ♥ !

Got my hands on a few dresses, rings and two awesome hats!
Been obsessed with my hats for the last week, lol.

I went to Metro with an intention to stock up on my make up stuff,
but couldn't find some brands at the outlet in Paragon.
But here's some stuff that I got from Metro with my gift card!

I've been looking around for a good loose powder and
Sarah recommended me to check out Laneige.

I'm not really picky about my loose powder, except that
the current one that I'm using from Kate is little coarse.

We went to the counter and the sales assistant explained quite
abit about the product and the application; and I was sold!
The powder was very smooth and it smelt really good!

Aside from that, I got my hands on the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack!
I've heard many people rave about this and well, it's just convenient!
Been using it daily ever since. Haven't seen any difference yet though..

The sales assistant was really nice and provided us with free samples!
Haven't had the time to try them out yet, but maybe I will today!

Also, I had to get my hands on the OPI Shatter nail polishes!

I actually popped by Metro at City Square Mall to get my
Revlon Photoready Foundation! But I got it in the wrong shade,
and now I've to make my way back to get it changed! ^%@*&

Next up, popped by Watson's to stock up on my Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion
and the Hado Labo Hydrating Masks! Products that I swear by!

Ever since I've been going for facials to treat my acne,
my skin type has changed from oily to dry!

So to kinda balance out the drying treatments that I've been doing,
I've incorporated hydrating products into my daily skincare regime! :)

Gotta thank Sarah for the awesome company!
I miss having her around daily!!

For our next shopping date, Sarah and I are gonna conquer Bugis! Can't wait!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Purus O2 Derma-Lift Light Radiance Treatment

Posted by Royalette at 3:58 PM 0 comments

Advertorial :

As I've mentioned in my previous facial entry, my complexion has more or less healed and my main problem with my complexion at the moment is to treat the scarring. Based on my research, I could either do a chemical peel, get a subcision or do an IPL treatment.

I've always wanted to try doing a Light Radiance Treatment and Amore was very kind to have sponsored me with 2 Purus O2 Derma-Lift Light Radiance Treatments!

The Purus O2 Derma-Lift Light Radiance treatment combines the renowned light technology and O2 advanced technology, which is an award winner in Japan for 2 consecutive years. Basically what the treatment does is, it speeds up skin regeneration, recovery and balances moisture level and oil sebum. It allows the skin cell to absorb a high percentage of the natural ingredients to stimulate the production of skin cells renewal while it helps to increase the oxygenation level and stimulate the production of collagen to redefine the skins' structure.

About 2 weeks ago, I headed to Amore Fitness Boutique Spa at City Square Mall for my first O2 Derma-Lift Light Radiance treatment!

I love going to Amore because it is my form of escapism and relaxation. I like the rustic feel and the scent of aromatic oils in the air. It gives you the impression and feeling of being in a resort spa, far away from the hectic lifestyle and buzz of living in Singapore! I especially love going to the outlet at City Square Mall, because it is located away from the buzzing city.

When you first arrive for your appointment, you would be required to fill in a quick questionaire before taking you into the changing room.

Here, they provide you with a sarong, robe and slippers to change into. After which, you may keep your belongings in the lockers provided.

The therapist will then lead you to the treatment room! :)


After nicely tucking you under the warm covers, the therapist will begin the session with aromatic oils. After rubbing the aromatic oil in between her hands, she would then place her palms over your face for you to breathe in and relax, before going on to massage your head.

After which, the cleansing begins! The therapist will do a double cleansing, to remove all trace of make up and dirt before starting the facial treatment.

I was a little apprehensive because I've heard that any treatments involving the light technology does tend to hurt a little. Someone once said that treatments involving the light technology feels like rubber bands snapping on your face! Fear factor + 5 But, I've always believed that beauty is nothing without pain! FIGHTING! :D

Now, the O2 Derma-Lift Light Radiance treatment is different from the other treatments that I've tried out at Amore. For this treatment, there is no steaming and extraction process.

Instead, the therapist will apply a coat of cold gel onto your face. As it was my first time, the therapist had applied the cold gel to only half my face first.

She then covered my eyes, before starting up the machine! Honestly though, the machine sounded as though it was calling out for storms and typhoons O.O Fear factor + 5

So.. She started out with the first shot! Which startled me and made me twitch a little :/ But, it was bearable!



In fact, not much pain actually! It feels like a needle prick or like, mini electric shocks. On more sensitive areas like around my hairline and forehead, it was slightly more painful.

But honestly speaking, in comparison to the pains from extractions on my previous treatments, this really didn't hurt as bad!

The therapist mentioned that for an average person, it would take about 30 shots for each side of the face.

After she had completed the treatment on half of my face, she went on to the other side!


Upon the completion of shots on my entire face, the gel was then removed.

She goes on to apply the mask for this treatment, which bites or causes the face to itch a little! I usually like this part because I subconsciously convince myself that the biting feeling is eating up all the impurities and dead skin on my face! ^^V


While waiting for the mask to dry and while I drift in and out of sleep, the therapist goes on to give me a nice and relaxing shoulder massage! Now if you're a noob to massages, it can hurt quite a bit. But it's really damn relaxing!

After about 20 minutes, it's time to remove the mask! A foamy, mousse is applied over the mask, to ease the removal process. I like this part because you can feel the mousse bubbling on your face and it can be quite ticklish!

After which, she cleanses my face again to ensure that everything is removed!

And tadah! The end of the treatment! :(

I don't if you guys can tell though, my complexion looks alot brighter and whiter! In fact, it's not even dull! Although Val did mentioned that all I'd have to do now is IPL my eyebags, to remove the prominent darkness under my eyes -_-"

After the treatment, it's back to the changing room! They have a dresser there with supplies like tissue, comb, hair dryer etc, in case you need to doll yourself up! I usually don't bother at all because it is not recommended that you pile on anything after a facial, to give your skin some time to breathe and recover!

All done and satisfied as I usually am! :)

After changing up, the consultants would then serve you with dessert and tea, while sharing with you their latest available promotions.

Aside from a brighter and lighter complexion, I have not seen much differences in my complexion yet. I believe that the key to healthy skin is maintainence. Just like my previous treatments, results are not obtained over night, but over a course of time.

I am excited for my next treatment, but before that, I will be blogging about my experience attending a signature class at Amore Fitness! More about that soon! Do look out for it!

In the mean time, if you have any questions, do feel free to drop a tag, twitter or email me! I will try my best to answer them from my personal point of view, based on my own experiences and research! Of course, it would be best to consult experts for the best advise! :)
 

Chasing Winds & Bullet Dreams Copyright © 2012 Design by Antonia Sundrani Vinte e poucos