Ning Baizura joins Sweatspa™ to spread message of Health & Beauty through Sweating

With all this El-Nino heat wave going on and schools closing left and right, the last thing on my mind is 'how to sweat' so it really caught me by surprise when this piece of news came up on my desk - "Sweatspa™, reveals actress and singer Ning Baizura as their spokesperson and ambassador"!

Sabrina Tang, Founder of Sweatspa™ welcomes Ning Baizura as their spokesperson and ambassador

Sweatspa™ is a wellness centre utilising medical grade Sunlighten™ Full Spectrum Infrared Therapy to detoxify the body. Through appointing Ning Baizura as their spokesperson, the centre aims to help people gain health and beauty through sweating.

Ning, who is pretty famous in Malaysia for her award winning music, appearance in movies and whom some people think looks like me :p endorsed the centre by saying "Sweatspa™ is the place for me to relax and rejuvenate before I start my day,” she added, “I love Sweatspa™ because I get to sweat out toxins effortlessly. After each session, I feel so revitalized. I could not stop talking about it. So when Sweatspa™ asked me to represent the brand, I was more than delighted to accept the offer because I was already a firm believer of this therapy having seen the difference in my skin, quality of sleep, stamina, and overall health.”

Kak Ning sitting pretty in the Sweatspa™ cabin. To recreate this look make sure you use waterproof makeup ok!!

Yes, I hear  you say that you can very well hit the gym for that same effect but lazy bums ..show of hands please!

So is Sweatspa™ like a sauna? Well, apparently it is totally more than that! Each cabin utilises medical grade Sunlighten™ Full Spectrum Infrared Therapy with emphasis on safety and comfort, to detoxify, relax and rejuvenate the body.

You have probably heard of Infrared Therapy before but Sunlighten™ Full Spectrum Infrared Therapy is in another league by itself. At Sweatspa™ the infrared rays can be controlled for specific treatment.


Infrared Red Ray - Types & Functions

Near Infrared Rays : wound healing and increased immune functions

Mid Infrared Rays :  increasing circulation and promoting muscle relaxation

Far Infrared Rays :  primarily for detoxification


When a customer visits Sweatspa™ they we will be given a body scan; and after each session, a Body Composition Analysis (Inbody) system will read the changes. This way, the customers can track their progress.

Ah if only the weather had the same effect on us as this cabin!

At the moment, the centres open at 10am. If unlike Ning you are unable to wait till 10am to rejuvenate and start your day, you may be happy to know that the Sunlighten™ cabins are available for sale for you to use in the comforts of your own home with two lines available – the Signature series and the mPulse Series. If not, you can still pop by on appointment any time between 10am till 8pm or 9pm depending on the outlet.

Here are some interesting points I got from their website:
- In every single session within 30 minutes, you are burning 500 – 600 calories, so you may lose from 0.5kg to 2kg
- It helps ease period cramps
- Suitable for breastfeeding moms! 
- Children above 10 are allowed to use the sauna (at home) under strict rules

It is interesting how my initial thoughts of this treatment has changed upon learning more about it and hey! I think I might try it someday.

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Website : http://sweatspa.com/

Branches:
Bangsar Shopping Center
Telephone : 603 2011 6088

Atria Shopping Gallery
Telephone : 603 77318248 / 6012 5306 088

Gamuda Walk
Telephone : 603 5525 8788 / 6012 8388 322

Plaza Gurney
Telephone : 604 229 1088 / 6012 475 2088

[Fitness] Country Club Fitness FTX Launches Its First Fitness Centre in Malaysia - Bukit Bintang

With the popularity of hashtags such as #bbg #fitness #weightloss and the likes growing everyday, it is no surprise that the demand for fitness centres continue to grow as well. The latest fitness centre to hit Malaysia is Country Club Fitness FTX which just opened its doors here in Bukit Bintang on 3 February 2016. 

Mr Rana Daggubati, Mr Y Varun Reddy, Datuk M. Saravanan, and Mr Y Rajeev Reddy sharing a light moment with the media at the launch

The brand that originates from Hyderabad, India aims to get Malaysians to be fit and healthy, with their unique technology from Australia, and a 45-minute functional training exercise for optimal benefits. To demonstrate this, Rana Daggubati the current sensation and heart throb - of the highly acclaimed Bahubali movie fame was invited to launch the event alongside Datuk M. Saravanan, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Y. Rajeev Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director, Country Club Group and Y. Varun Reddy, Chief Operating Officer, Country Club Group. 

Rana, the spokesperson and ambassador of the brand who sported a well-toned body with very defined six packs, delighted over 200 fitness fans who came to meet him at the Country Club Fitness’ 45-minute HIIT workout demonstration at the launch. “I am glad to be here in Malaysia to witness the launch of this fitness centre, as well as to share my workout demonstration with all of you. Maintaining my body figure is part of my job. Because of my time limitations, I am very glad to have discovered this 45-minute functional training, which can give great results while make the most out of my time in the gym,” said the actor voted as #1 Most Desirable Man in 2014 by Hyderabad Times.

During his speech, Mr. Y Rajeev Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director, Country Club Group described his first visit outside India which was to Malaysia at the age of 20 as love at first sight! "Malaysia and India historically have shared strong trade relations and similar socio-economic values and cultures. Thus, it gives me great pleasure and happiness to be back in Malaysia! Country Club, today, has over 475,000 members across India and the rest of the world. We are the pioneers in the field of specialty services including holiday destinations, clubbing, social events, health and fitness. Our footprint spans over 50 cities across India and over 25 destinations internationally,” he added.

Datuk M. Saravanan, Mr Rana Daggubati, and Mr Y Varun Reddy were demonstrating the proper workout method during the ceremony.

According to Mr. Reddy, the high level of awareness of the FTX Fitness brand and the excellence that the brand delivers is reflected by industry accolades that they have received such as being one of the 30 brands recognized by Pacesetters in the UAE for achievements, contributions, and excellence in entrepreneurship and named as one of the Top 50 inspiring entrepreneurs by The Economic Times of India.

Mr. Reddy, who is confident that everyone will love the FTX Fitness centre which is strategically located in the city, thanked Datuk Saravanan for gracing the occasion and hopes to forge stronger ties with Malaysia and its government.

So, what can we expect from this gym or rather how does it differentiate itself from the rest? According to Mr. Reddy, Country Club Fitness FTX is the first exclusive functional training studio in  Kuala Lumpur which offers a radically different fitness method to burn high calories, cut fat rapidly, build stamina and endurance, improve body balance, enhance joint mobility, tone your muscles, and to shape a person’s body in an efficient manner. This functional studio is the first of its kind and combines technology with HIIT – Hi Interval Intense Training. 


Country Club Fitness FTX is located at 
4th Floor, Patent House, Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Country Club Fitness FTX Contact Number
60 3-2110 3823

Website
www.countryclubmalaysia.com/
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About The Country Club Hospitality and Holidays Limited 
Country Club Hospitality and Holidays is a 25-year-old India-based company operating primarily in the Middle East and in India with presence in Europe and Asia. Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange, the club currently has over 475,000 members. Country Club owns and operates over 100 properties comprising of clubs, hotels, resorts, and fitness centres. Their unique family membership offers members access to all its hospitality verticals. 

Country Club has its own mobile application, which can be downloaded from the Google play store and the Apple app store - however it is NOT a fitness app.  The app allows users to browse and locate updated Country Club properties and events (Resorts, Hotels, Clubs and Fitness centers) all across the globe.

About Country Club Fitness FTX Sdn Bhd 
Country Club Sdn Bhd was established in 2015 to set up, grow, and manage the Country Club Fitness FTX in Malaysia.

Celebrity Fitness - 20th Club Launch with 20 Celebrities doing a 20 min Workout

3 November 2015, Celebrity Fitness proudly opened it's 20th club in Malaysia and this time in Quill City Mall. What better way to celebrate the opening then to invite 20 celebrities and media and challenge them in a 20 minute Celebrity Fast Fit workout?!

I need to tone up. My goal is Victoria Secret Model body hehe

I was very excited to get invited and at the same time a bit nervous. Nervous because I wasn't sure if I will make it through the challenge but I gave myself a pep talk and told my self that I'm gonna win it! Yes, I am!

Killer motivation

I set out early as hadn't been to this mall before. It was actually pretty easy to get to and located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's business district. I suppose it is very convenient for those who want to work out before and after office. There are also 'ladies parking' bays with guards constantly walking about, so although I reached early it did feel safe.

PT Area - Set Up and ready for the Fast Fit Challenge to begin

Once I reached the centre which is located on the 4th floor, I had to chill out for a bit while I waited for the others to arrive. I silently wished in my heart they would give me a prize for being early =p

I was then handed a white t-shirt with the hashtag #everydayIgetBETTER which somehow made me feel better already. As I sat there waiting eagerly, I watched the trainers setting up the Fast Fit stations for the challenge that included Dynamax Ball Burpee, the Kettlebell Swing, the classic RMT Squat among others.

Hooi Mei Sim on Bosu Lateral Plyo Jump

Once everyone arrived the highly qualified and experienced abang sado instructors and personal trainers were at hand to guide us. We got to try out, practice and ask questions about Fast Fit. I learned that Fast Fit is a full-body functional training workout that improves stamina, muscle strength and helps to tone. That means it makes sure you use every function that your body was designed to do. Meaning as a human you were designed to more that just walk or do jumping jacks right? So through this training you will work every muscle in your body.

Frederick Lee doing the RMT Squat

We then gathered back for the official launch by Celebrity Fitness Vice President, Ryan Cheal. “Celebrity Fitness constantly works to improve our quality of services, in line with our philosophy #everydayIgetBETTER,” said Ryan. “This year, we had the founder of ViPR, Michol Dalcourt and  MMA champion, Martjin de Jong visit us to share their fitness knowledge and expertise with our Celebrity Fitness trainers. November is also a month with much to rejoice as we are celebrating the 11^th anniversary of Celebrity Fitness’s first club in Malaysia at 1 Utama on 11 November as well as the anniversaries of three other clubs, Celebrity Fitness, Nu Sentral, Celebrity Fitness, Wangsa Walk and Celebrity Fitness, Endah Parade.”

The humble and friendly Amaris on ViPR Ice Skater

We were divided to 2 groups for the challenge and took turns to have a go at the stations. Before that we did a group warm up session. One of the trainers by the name of Ratnam gave me a very good analogy about warming up before a workout. He described the body like pasta, "cooked pasta is very flexible whilst uncooked pasta easily snaps," he said while holding out his hand in two fists and mimicking pasta snapping.

Vinodh and Yours Truly doing the Kettlebell Swing

Fast Fit is actually quite fun, especially if you have a short attention span and despise doing the same action over and over again for a long time. Through the Fast Fit workout, your body continues to burn fat even the day after! So running on the treadmill for hours on end is quite a waste of time if your goal is weight loss.

Themodelmom doing the Dynamax Ball Burpee. Honestly the reason why the instructor is doing it with me is because he was motivating me to do it as I really sucked at it haha

The challenge that was judged based on form, technique and performance was won by Hansen Lee who is no noob to fitness (he even has his own workout TV show) and blogger Elana Khong who really stood out among the girls and was better then some of the guys too! 

Hansen Lee, Challenge Winner - Male

Selfie with Female Challenge Winner - Elana Khong

If you are interested to try out this workout or get Celebrity treatment checkout the centre in Quill City Mall or log on to www.celebrityfitness.com or http://facebook.com/CelebrityFitnessMalaysia.

Since we all shed sweat and tears and completed the challenge, we are all winners! Yeay!

IsMé Beauty & Cafe

IsMé  Beauty & Cafe, Empire Subang

IsMé  Beauty & Cafe recently launched it's own skin care range named IsMé Professional Beauty and Skincare. It combines both cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, or simply Cosmeceuticals with biologically active ingredients. IsMé Beauty & Cafe claims that this range is personally tested and selected by their team of beauty professionals and skincare experts. Made in the USA, the range promises to treat skin conditions, prevent premature aging and protect skin health and beauty. 

IsMé  Beauty & Cafe - Bar

If you haven't already been to one of the 3 cafe's and have no idea what a beauty cafe is I don't blame you as this concept is new in Malaysia. In fact, IsMé  Beauty & Cafe is the first of it's kind in the country, focusing on beauty and health both from within and on the surface. Just like the old saying "You are what you eat".

Wow! This is how low cal food looks like now

IsMé  Beauty & Cafe Signature drink

Some product testing  and skin analyis

I was privileged to be invited to a briefing and product testing with their expert consultants along with two other bloggers. We were all given different products based on the expert's analysis of our skin to take home and try. My skin is generally healthy, combination skin so I was recommended the O2 Bubble Cleanser. 

How to apply O2 Bubble Cleanser

1. Dot the required amount of product on your cheeks, forehead and chin. 

2. Gently scrub in a circular motion, add a bit of water as you go

3. Once soap suds form, stop and cleanse with water (if you over scrub, the impurities that were lifted off your skin by the soap suds will go back on to your skin)

4. Repeat Steps 1-3 (but you can skip adding more water) to double cleanse. Trust me, your skin will feel noticeably smoother.

O2 Bubble Cleanser. 3 branches in Malaysia

The product is made in USA . Connect with IsMe Beauty & Cafe

The product is clear. You get this size with one pump..

The texture is light, between gel and water and not sticky

Just add some water and gently scrub in circular movements. It's not as bubbly as you would expect.

My thoughts on the product

I like how the product is fragrance free and colourless. The texture and consistency makes it easy to apply. I actually use 2 pumps although you may actually require less. I also like the size of the bottle so that you can use it longer without having to repurchase in a short time.

I recommend that you get their Gentle Foam Milk too. Use the Gentle Foam Milk to remove make up first followed by the O2 Bubble Cleanser and you get a velvety soft feel, You won't stop touching your face (but you should as it may cause breakouts),

I also learned from mi hermana Salma Hayek that you should skip washing your face in the morning to preserve the natural oils that give your skin youth. She always just washes her face before bed. (Yay? Nay? Let me know in the comments below!)

My thoughts on the cafe

I love how everything in the cafe is low in calories, Personally, when I am on a diet, I tend to avoid catching up with friends as it usually involves eating and drinking and being exposed to many temptations, Now, I can meet up with friends in a 'safe' environment! lol 

The ambiance is very cosy too, Perfect for a girls day out.

Perfecto