It’s been over two months since I started leading a healthier lifestyle. If you read my previous fitness update post, you already know why I started working out and which program I use. Basically, it’s a healthy mix of strength and cardio exercises that helps train the heart as well as slightly build up muscle mass, and I currently do the routine four times a week.
I’m happy to report that after coming to a lull a few weeks into the program, the number on the scale is finally moving again! For those of you who are already on a fitness path this is probably not a surprise, but I’ve never been into working out, so for me this experience is new. For a while I wasn’t even sure if this whole thing is working for me, it almost felt like I was doing it all for nothing, but as soon as I saw that number budge, the spark was once again reignited.
At this point I lost 6.5 lbs, and it does seem like a rather slow process, especially when I compare my results with people who spend a lot of time in the gym or have a very restricted diet, but you know, I’m still happy with what I’ve achieved. I’m okay with this gradual progress, and hopefully that means I’ll end up developing some good habits.
Anyhow, last time I said that I’ll be discussing the supplements in my next update, but instead I came up with a more exciting topic. After reading countless articles on weight loss I came across some personal stories that mentioned the overall loss of skin firmness as those pounds went away. While some very extreme cases could only be corrected through a surgical procedure, most of us can actually help our body adjust to these changes and minimize potential skin sagging and stretch marks.
Two words: massage and moisturize. Some people will tell you that certain lotions and potions are better than others to help the skin look firmer, but I personally think that all of them work just fine. I do prefer plain cocoa or shea butter, just because they make my skin feel good and have a pleasant aroma, but even on days when I use a random lotion off my beauty shelf, be it a fancy-schmancy Caudalie, or one of my drugstore favorites from Lubriderm, my skin just drinks it up. As long as you do it daily, that boost of moisture should help the skin bounce back and wrap your body tighter, preventing stretch marks and sagging.
Now, the massage part is trickier. Most of us have no idea how to do it properly, and trying to learn from online tutorials can take hours of practice. I much prefer handheld devices for the task, like the one I’m currently using: it’s made by Instrumental Beauty and called Cellulite Massager System. It delivers hundreds of pulsations every minute, and is best used in tandem with a slippery lotion or oil. I find these slightly pinching motions very pleasant and relaxing, and always use the device when I get out of the shower after the workout, while my body is still warmed up.
My kit came with a tube of chlorella-infused massage lotion, and if there’s one thing I learned from infomercials it’s that algae is really good for combating cellulite, or something like that. True or not, I am loving the results! As I slowly go down in dress sizes, my body is looking firmer and tighter, so my clothes not only fit better, they look better, too.
You can buy Instrumental Beauty Cellulite Massager System for $59.99 at Rite Aid pharmacies across the country, or online. At the time of this blog post Ebates offers 10% cashback at riteaid.com, so if you plan on hauling some drugstore goodies, this is a sweet deal to consider!
Have you tried any handheld body massaging devices? Do you have any tips on how to prevent stretch marks and increase skin firmness as those pounds go away? Let me know in the comments below!
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Moisturizing is definitely crucial to healthy, toned skin!
You know it, Erika!
Congrats on your weight loss & exercise program!
Thank you Allison!
Moisturizing is great for so many reasons. I have a brush/paddle type thing that came with a cellulite cream that I use on occasion. I like this little machine!
Brushes are fabulous! I used to dry brush my skin daily, but switched to this device since I got it 🙂 I think you’ll like this one!
I love to moisturize! Right now, I’m doing constant lunges and squats to firm things up.
You go girl! I haaaate squats, but do them anyway, since my upper legs and thighs are really out of shape.
I think I’d like a room size one of these. Congratulations on your weight loss.
Haha, wouldn’t that be great? I could use a nice full body massage 🙂 And thank you! It’s still a work in progress, but I’m determined to keep going.
Wow, I want to try the device! I lost 30 lbs a couple years ago but still have some saggy skin!
Wow, what an achievement! I’m super proud of you! This device is definitely helping me with sagging skin.
omg, I need that device. We don’t have Rite Aid here but it sounds worth ordering.
It’s a great device, and it feels soooo good!
Need this device pronto. Sounds promising!
It’s a great one to try, Kath! I think you might enjoy this one.
Ooh this looks fabulous!
Glad you like it!
Girl, even with going to the gym, losing the rest of my baby weight is a freaking slow process! I’m such an impatient person!
You can do it, girl! Keep at it and I’m sure you can achieve the results you want 🙂 It’s super slow for me too, but sooo satisfying.
Sounds like a nice device. I used to do a lot of body treatments in Asia, it was so relaxing and affordable.
I used to get a foot and back massage almost every day during my two months in Thailand. Great service and super affordable! I wish it was as affordable in the US 🙂
how interesting! I just hit 5 lbs loss, so I need to start thinking about things like this.
You go girl, good for you! High five, and let’s keep at it together!!
Wow, this sounds nice! I would need a VAT of that cream though!
While that massage lotion sure is nice, I’m sure you could use just about any slippery oil or cream 🙂
There are few things I like better than a massage! I think that one looks neat, too.
Mmm, a good massage is just heavenly! I thought this device would be too rough, but it’s just perfect.
Wow – that’s an interesting looking device but I kinda like how it looks haha
It does look pretty neat, doesn’t it? 🙂