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The Grayshott Inch-Loss Programme
At this time of year lots of us resolve to shed a few pounds and get back into shape. Sometimes it is easier to book some time out and really focus on those weight loss goals as one of our Club Members, Jacqui Aldridge, did recently at Grayshott on our Inch Loss spa break.
Here are her highlights from the 6 night programme – if it inspires you, the next programme is on the 8th February!:
Monday – Introductions
Although I have been to Grayshott many times over several years I have never been on an organised break and I was really looking forward to this Inch Loss break as a chance to finally address my failing commitment to losing weight. It was to be a full programme with many components dealing with several different aspects of the Inch Loss regime.
My first appointment was with a fitness instructor to assess my body composition – this was measured on a machine and it sadly confirmed that I was overweight and I was carrying most of the extra weight around my middle – this I already knew! However the positive news was that I was well balanced and had very good upper body strength. I was also then assessed on my fitness – again no surprises.
The next appointment was with Rebecca Dorta the nutritionist and another machine looked for allergies intolerances and imbalances. This was quite painless, involving sitting and holding two small metal rods. I need to take yeast and sugar out of my diet for a while –that’s no red wine but apparently I can drink champagne!
A welcome dinner brought together the nine of us on this break all with similar feelings and goals. We were joined by Eve Kelsey the hypnotherapist.
Tuesday – Exercise, Nutrition & Self Control
Time for personal training in the gym – now I realised just how unfit I really was. This session was on the weight training machines and will enable a programme to be put together for future use.
At lunch we were introduced to the Grayshott plate which is colour designed to enable us to take from the buffet the correct food group mix. This and several of the meals were supervised by Rebecca in order for us to ask any questions in regard to what to choose.
In the afternoon we had a two hour session with Eve where we were introduced to the emotional freedom technique which is a tool to help ease emotions and tensions. The time flew by and by the end not only was the stiffness from the exercising receding but I also had no desire to eat the test bar of chocolate sitting in front of me!
A Grayshott Massage followed by dinner – straight to sleep.
Wednesday – Trying the amazing Power Plate
I was definitely feeling the exercise this morning but that was inevitable after not exercising for so long.
Today’s session with Eve was all about hypnosis including a group session of trance which was incredibly relaxing. We then discussed goals and the future.
The afternoon saw the first of my included spa treatments - a Mineral Bath. This gave me the most amazing soft skin but was not my favourite experience – in water and in the dark not for me.
Next was another new experience and a chance to meet our third expert Ravi - a former Olympian athlete. I tried the Power Plate, an amazing machine which gives a whole body work out in 15 minutes. It vibrates as you take up different positions on it - Ravi says you either love it or hate it – I love it!
After this came another included treatment - Lymphatic Stimulation. This was a great massage but I think all the new moisturised skin provided by the mineral bath was removed by the body brushing!
Rebecca gave us a talk on food groups this evening.
Thursday – Refining the training programme
Personal training again this morning but I am so stiff I can’t seem to move and I think I could draw a map of my muscles! I decide to try some foot tapping and by the time I finish my breakfast (delivered to my room) I feel much better – it works.
After having my gym programme fine tuned there is a talk from Ravi on total fitness. What I really like about all the talks is that although they contain some bits we may already know and some common sense this is put into perspective with new information and all 3 experts interlink the underlying purpose of this break.
This afternoon was my one to one with Eve – that’s personal but she’s great.
Friday – Learning to Detox and Eat Healthily
A talk today from Rebecca on menus and detoxing and then a second go on the Power Plate. This afternoon I took a couple of hours to relax. Over dinner we are still wondering if this wonderful food is going to allow us to lose weight this week.
Saturday – The moment of truth
This morning I took advantage of Rebecca’s drop in session to clear up a few questions and then she gave us a talk on food labels and eating out.
Then was the moment of truth – a second time on the body composition machine – it’s 5 days since my first one and i’m not sure what to expect.
- Have I lost any weight?
Yes, 1 kilo
- Have I lost any inches?
Well yes but of course it’s in centimetres – I have lost 2.5cm from my waist and 3cm from my hips and overall I have lost 10cm so I am happy.
My last included spa treatment is an Algae Body Wrap. I am covered in seaweed wrapped steamed and moisturised plus given a scalp massage – lovely and my soft skin is back!
I can’t help wondering if my Inch Loss might have been a little more if it had been measured after my wrap and that’s really my only disappointment with the break. At dinner those of us who have been re-measured compare notes and we’ve all done well.
Sunday - Arranging the reunion
A group breakfast and Rebecca and Ravi are there with us. We have a small fun quiz and then it’s time for last weigh-ins and treatments.
I just had time for a facial before our last meal all together. We have all got on so well as a group and everyone has seen results. It’s been great to meet up with others who know how you feel and who too are now all fired up to continue the good work at home.
E-mail addresses have been swapped and most of the group hope to return in February for a follow up weekend. Unfortunately not all of us can make it (including me) so we will organise a reunion (light) lunch in the New Year and at some stage we will be back at Grayshott together.
It’s been a great break and I am so glad I did it. As I leave I am thankful that the atrocious weather we have had all week has cleared for those of us with long journeys - I am lucky that I only have 20 minutes to drive home - and that of course is why I can keep up the good work at Grayshott and finally make a proper use of my membership!
The next Specialist Inch Loss Programme at Grayshott runs for six nights from Monday February the 8th. If you would like to know more please contact Michael Burford who would be delighted to discuss the programme with you.
