New Year New You - featuring the best PT in Essex and fab products to make your skin glow

By the time this goes to print we will be well into January and the only signs of Christmas will be the 70% off sale stickers in shops. So before I begin this feature I’d like to wish all my readers a very happy and healthy New Year!

As usual I’d made the same resolution to give up chocolate for 6 months, and as usual I’ve not got off to a good start (I’m tucking into a Curly Wurly as I type).   However, one resolution I’m determined to stick to is to treat my body with more respect in terms of exercise.  As a sufferer of spondylitis it’s imperative I keep my muscles strong to support my joints but I do somewhat lack the willpower to stick to strength training. 

Over the past few years, I’ve been very lucky to have access to one of Essex’s top Personal Trainers (PT) Murray Fullarton – it is without a doubt his many years of study and expertise in sports rehabilitation that has kept me moving.  Recently he has moved to a new gym in Brentwood Ab Salute Gym and I decided to follow him there.

Now I have to admit I get very intimated when it comes to ‘body-building’ gyms and make no mistake, Ab Salute is not a pampering leisure gym.  This is where the professionals go, those intent on making every second count – you won’t find people reading a newspaper on the bike here. However, whilst it has a ‘suburban New York’ feel, this family run gym is incredibly friendly. No-one gives a monkey on what you’re wearing, but will happily chat to you about the latest protein bar. Nutritional advice is given by the highly qualified staff who will even cook your meals to suit your diet. Many of the PTs have studied for years and hold Sports Science Degrees and the large range of new equipment enables the best workout for beginners to advanced athletes. However, the main attraction is without a doubt the price – there is no joining fee nor contract but a simple ‘pay as you go’ of just £5 or £25 for a months membership, which in turn makes it one of the cheapest in Essex.

Ab Salute is offering Askmollybeauty readers a free day pass – call 01277 218826/www.absalutegym.co.uk for further details. Murray is also offering readers a complimentary consultation with training contact 07759 048385 or check out Twitter @mfptraining. Offer to be taken one month from publication.

When I’ve not been lunging, squatting and planking, I’ve been testing lots of lovely products ideal for a pick-me up in blah January – here’s my pick!

Dr Lipp Nipple Balm £11.50 stockist Space NK – yes you did read that correctly, this 100% Lanolin is perfect for dry lips, chapped skin, dry cuticles, cheek shine in fact anywhere which needs a bit of hydration. Veiled as the ultimate SOS balm, it’s small size is ideal for your bag.

Philip Kingsley Weatherproof Hairspray £6.95 www.philipkingsley.co.uk protects hair from UV Rays so ideal if you’re heading for some winter sun and holds your style without leaving any stick residue.

Heaven Total Detox Body Wash £26.20 www.heavenskincare.com - whilst this is expensive it will last literally months and smells divine. Containing Sandalwood - a natural anti-inflammatory, Soapwart – anti-bacterial so excellent for spotty prone backs, this shower gel is ideal for anyone who loves their sports or wants a refreshing experience.

Clinique Superdefense SPF20 Daily Moisturiser £39 is new for January and boasts a huge cocktail of ingredients such as Sea Whip Extract – anti-bacterial/anti-inflammatory, Caffeine to calm the skin, Barley to protect and Wheat Germ to moisturize, skin is left supple all day long. The Superdefense SPF20 Eye Cream £30 targets visible signs of aging with similar ingredients to the moisturiser – a tiny amount fakes 8 hours sleep, banishing tired eyes with a sheer veil of luminosity. Available Clinique Counters Nationwide.

Men protect your skin with Dermalogica Daily Defense SPF15 £36. Extracts of Liquorice, Wheat Germ and Vitamin E calms redness, protects skin from pollution and with Hyaluronic Acid gives intense moisturisation leaving your skin feeling soft and protected in the chilly wind. www.Dermalogica.com

If you’ve been piling on the products over Christmas treat your hair with a shampoo designed to eliminate build-up. JOICO K-Pak Clarifying Shampoo £13.95 removes chlorine, salt water and any residue from products without stripping the hair.  If you’ve given your hair a battering with heated appliances then feed it with JOICO K-Pak RevitaLuxe £16.95 a deeply intensive conditioner which hydrates and strengthens weakened locks. It won’t weigh hair down but your locks with look shiny and revitalised. www.joicoeurope.com

Clarins new launch Extra-Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream £25 is ideal for the cold weather. Enriched with skin softening Mango Extra, nourishing Shea Butter and Moringa Seed a well-known ingredient which eliminates traces of pollution, ensures skin is cleansed efficiently without stripping the natural barriers. Ideal if you work in the City, where smoke, fog and fumes cause the skin to be weakened! Available Clarins Counters Nationwide.

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