I popped into the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills L.A. this week, to take advantage of a gift-voucher some very kind friend and given me, for a full body massage. Now there are massages, and then there are massage experiences, and this was certainly one of the latter! With all the time I’ve been spending on planes and in cars lately, I was having some real neck-muscle problems, and needed to get rid of the kinks.

The hotel charges close to $400 bucks for a full day but you can still access a more reasonable menu treatments at the day spa with prices starting at $95. Try a Pineapple-Papaya Enzyme Scrub to help stimulate circulation and exfoliate the skin. The Green Tea and Ginger Seaweed Body Wrap starts with a citrus herbal body scrub, then a seaweed wrap for detoxification and finally a moisturizing cream massage. The Spa is on the garden retreat rooftop surrounded by ten private cabanas a jacuzzi and 60 foot lap pool.

All in all, it sure did the trick!

Check out the Peninsula Hotel

“Reflexology. Ancient Chinese Stress Buster!”

You see you probably underestimate the power of your feet! Did you know for instance that there were over 7000 nerve endings in your feet and that there is an ancient Chinese technique that uses pressure-point massage (usually on the feet, but also on the hands and ears) to restore the flow of energy throughout the entire body?

It’s claimed that the selective application of pressure sends signals to each and every gland, organ and part of the body, encouraging the body to biologically correct, strengthen, and reinforce itself, to reach balance. For more info check out this link, or just Google ‘Reflexology.’

We know that reflexology is a great way to unblock energy and relieve stress, and don’t forget that a great pedicure can give you a little foot reflexology at the same time as making your feet la little more socially acceptable too!

Am I suggesting that you stuff your face with fries and pizza in order to add a bit of bulk? Heck, no. Those kinds of ‘wobbly’ pounds we can all do without. No, I’m suggesting that if you don’t already do so, it’s time to add some weight-training to your regular workout routine.

The advantages are almost too numerous to list — and become even moreso as we grow older. Weight training helps minimize normal, age-related erosion of muscle mass. It also can dramatically improve our quality of life because it allows us to do more of the things we love doing, longer, and with fewer aches and pains. There’re real therapeutic benefits too, as weight-lifting strengthens bones, reduces the the risk of osteoporosis and other diseases, and increases metabolism to stave off weight gain (another common age-related symptom).

Women in particular are often concerned that they’ll get ‘bulky’ and muscular, but unless you’re become a hardcore body-builder, that just ain’t going to happen–and even then you’d struggle to ‘bulk-up.’ No, what will actually happen is the uncovering of a sleeker, more chiseled you. Lifting weights is not only a body-booster, it’s a mood booster too providing a feeling of vitality and energy — and a consistent routine will sculpt muscles to look toned and strong. The best thing? To gain all these benefits, you need only lift moderately heavy weights a few times a week. You don’t even need to go to a gym or to buy expensive equipment a few sets of free weights, a mat, and a step platform will do the job.

Don’t forget drop me a note and let me know how it’s goin’!