_{Wednesday 21st April 2010}

With the summer fast approaching, let’s not cheer all at once, it’s that time of year that we start looking at ourselves in the mirror and fear looking like a beached whale by the pool. Fear not here are some quick fixes for those ads/legs/bums/bingo wings that should have you looking fabulous on your well deserved getaway.

The Power Plate works by transferring vibrations to the muscles in the body causing them to contract in a natural reflex action up to 60 times per second. When used as part of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise on a Power Plate machine can help to improve muscle strength, tone, fitness and well-being. As well as keeping fit, you can now get a Power Plate machine to match your mood or decor. For more information visit www.powerplate.com. Prices start from £1,495.

The Shake Weight (left) is a revolutionary new dumbbell that tones and sculpts arms and banishes bingo wings. The new Dynamic Inertia technology helps to create 240 muscle contractions a minute for a more concentrated arm and upper body workout than you get from your average dumbbell. For an effective work out you only need to use it for six minutes a day. Wealth & Living has been trying out the Shake Weight for the past two weeks, with great results. We think in two more weeks, there will be no embarrassing bingo wing action when hailing a taxi again. The Shake Weight is available for £29.95 from retailers across the UK and online at www.highstreettv.com.

The ErgoRace is the latest in synthesis outdoor racing cycles. The new and improved design of the ErgoRace means it’s the ultimate cycle ‘buddy’ for the serious fitness fanatic.  It isn’t for the faint-hearted and offers high intensity cardio workouts for those in serious training.  The biomechanically researched ergometer measures calibrated performance to the highest level of accuracy once you’ve selected a workout from a total of 48 programmes, including five which are pulse-controlled. Performance is monitored by ear clip and chest belt with detailed information to view regarding speed, distance and pulse rates.  For added entertainment you can output the computer display to a plasma screen and follow the TourConcept™ training software (optional accessory, RRP £179) with interactive 3D maps – a racing bike experience in virtual reality.  Prices start from £1,399 and is available from www.kettlerdirect.co.uk.

Beautcamp uses exercises designed to strengthen, tighten and tone the body quickly and safely using the famous Systeme Dynamique which is designed to emphasise strength training and cardio elements not inherent to Pilates. Muscle definition is achieved faster than with traditional Pilates and/or weight training alone. Beautcamp is not only for the ladies as it is now offering men only classes designed for the male muscle groups. Beautcamp is a great alternative for those who quickly get bored of the gym and not only promotes weight loss and full body muscle toning, but also defines abs and increases body flexibility. For further information on classes and locations, please visit www.beautcamppilates.co.uk.

AbPump (right) is a new fitness tool that aims to make your core workout that little bit easier. Not only will the AbPump improve your core training, it will also give you a cardio workout with very little effort.  Just attach the Powerbands and you can twist, pull and press yourself fit.  The Powerflex rods provide a smooth and consistent toning resistance and varying levels. It is claimed that you can strengthen your core muscles via the twist board and if it is used for just 20 minutes, three times a week, gaining you visible results fast – usually in just three weeks. The AbPump is priced at £99.99 and comes with an exercise chart and DVD. Available from selected branches of John Lewis.

If you want to get body beautiful but don’t want the effort involved with exercise, then there are plenty of quick fixes available at private clinics across the world. The Private Clinic has bases in London, Birmingham and Manchester in the UK and provides a range of minimally invasive treatments targeting those problematic areas. VASER® Hi Def is a highly developed procedure that literally sculpts specially-selected fat pockets, carving around muscle groups to create a highly defined physical shape equivalent to months of gym training – from defining the stomach through to slimming the hips and thighs and even shaping the breast area. Coupled with Macrolane to fill and lift any sagging areas, one session can produce a toned, athletic and beach fabulous body.

Other treatments from The Private Clinic include: Velashape™ which is the first and only technology that combines powerful energies to reduce the volume of fat tissues and the appearance of dimpling where cellulite occurs. In addition, Carboxy Therapy is an all natural medical procedure which uses Carbon dioxide to increase metabolism and oxygen perfusion and the production of collagen. Small amounts of carbon dioxide are injected just beneath the surface of the skin which stimulates the production of collagen and oxygen which improves skin texture, contour and firmness – eliminating excess fat and stretch marks in just 5 sessions. Treatments start from £150 for small areas, but prices vary depending on how many areas and how big the areas to be treated are. For more information contact The Private Clinic on 0800 599 9916 or visit www.theprivateclinic.co.uk.

So what are you waiting for? Summer is on its way so get your ultimate bikini body in perfect shape.