THERE'S A LARGE machine with rollers that manipulate and roll the blubber as you lie there and read the latest gossip magazines. Then there's the science fiction radio-frequency machine that allegedly melts away body fat. Many people believe such hi-tech equipment are an easy alternative to exercising, but are they really the answer?
There are weird and wonderful solutions from numerous belts to the M6 Endermologie machine, the most popular choice with more than 140 million treatments performed in 90 countries. It also is one of the most scientifically tested, with approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for the temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite.
'The technology is to knead you into shape. It kneads your skin and this will actually firm you up,' says Connie Kung, head of slimming at Phillip Wain Fitness and Beauty.
The M6 Endermologie machine has a mechanical head, which is applied directly to the skin to increase blood flow and help eliminate fluid, giving a more even look to the skin and 'better' contours to the body. Essentially a deep tissue massage and thus not too painful, it helps to temporarily eliminate toxins and any abnormal fluid retention in the cellulite (better known as the dreaded 'orange peel' look on the skin - a condition present in 90 per cent of women past puberty, so you are not alone).
But while the M6 machine may sound tempting, it is not for weight or fat loss. Instead, it only aims to improve the appearance of cellulite and just temporarily. So don't whoop for joy because, as the M6 manufacturers say: 'Just as we go to have our hair cut on an ongoing basis, we need our cellulite treated regularly as well, otherwise it will come back'.
And this body treatment is not cheap: a 55-minute session costs $3,080. Manufacturers say the average person will only start to see results after six sessions, followed by monthly maintenance sessions.
