When it comes to testing out anything fitness, performance, health or nutrition related, (as long as it has some credible science behind it), I’m always up for a self experiment. Most of the fads out there however, do not have any solid scientific backing and I’m always sceptical about any of them that claim to take the quick and easy route. Some are middle ground. In theory, the science sounds good….in practice who knows?

Without wanting to sound like a broken record, you can’t beat the basic rules of nutrition and training for optimum results (and if you focus on those then your desired body composition will be a bonus side effect). There are no short cuts and the rules have to be applied long term.  Sorry, I don’t make the rules, I just know them.

But this post is not about the basics, it’s not about the rules, its not even about something that I know works.  In fact, it’s not really about health, fitness or performance! What is it about then?  It’s about trying something that was developed by a sports scientist that does have a logical theory behind it, something that many people have claimed has worked (again I’m always very sceptical of this unless I personally know them), a new experience and a chance to see what all the fuss is about!

Those of you that read my cryotherapy blog, know I’m intrigued by the technology of body science and am always looking for things to inspire my next experiment. I also am a big fan of the most benefit for the least amount of effort and not because I’m lazy because I am anything but! I’m all about efficiency and nailing the minimum effective dose (which is still a fair amount but not as much as people think).

A certain amount of stress on the body is good, in fact essential for it to get stronger and work better but too much stress and of the same type, is damaging and aging to the body and that’s something I always aim to balance out.  This experience is a more technological one and also just to see how it feels.  I’ve never focused my training or nutritional decisions on the way my body looks so this is a first in that department too.

What is HYPOXI?

This diagram represents my perfect combination to achieving results.  The exercise and nutrition variables are more under my control as after about 10 years of self experimenting with both, I know what works for me and what doesn’t.

The technology bit is always a bit hit and miss so that’s what I’m here to test out.  Of couse results are not going to be evident immediately, so I’m just going to explain what HYPOXI is, how it supposedly works and describe the process of what actually happened during my first session.

‘HYPOXI combines vacuum and compression with low impact exercise and nutrition to target cellulite and optimise fat burning in problem areas like the stomach, hips, buttocks and thighs.’

The (very simplistic version of) ‘Science’ behind HYPOXI

‘HYPOXI Training increases blood circulation in problem areas where circulation is poor through vacuum therapy and then removes the fatty acids from these areas during the compression phase.  Light aerobic exercise stimulates the metabolism thereby burning fat more effectively than conventional exercise.’

My first HYPOXI session

Before the session at HYPOXI Studio East I was reminded to bring a long pair of loose fitting sports bottoms, a long sleeved top, socks and trainers.

The entire session took about 1 hour and included 20 minutes on the HYPOXI Dermology machine (which claims to reduce the appearance of cellulite, reduces water retention, toxins and aids skin firming), followed by 30 minutes on one of the targeted fat loss trainers (moderate cardio training on a HYPOXI upright cycle which increases circulation in the targeted areas using vacuum and compression therapy.)

HYPOXI Dermology (20 mins)

After the explanation of the effects that improved blood circulation would have on my body, I was helped into my all in one spacesuit style outfit. Once I was lying down I was attached to a number of tubes that would provide the suction for the high and low pressure of the treatment.
As soon as the machine was turned on I felt I was being sucked into one of those vacuum bags you use to store clothes or duvets in, but as the session continued it actually felt a little like bubble wrap popping inside the suit and a mixture of suction and release of air.
20 minutes is quite a long time for me to lie still when I’m not sleeping so I did keep glancing at the clock to see how long I had left but I felt pleasantly relaxed.
The purpose of this stage of HYPOXI is to cause the blood to be enriched with nutrients and oxygen which has the effect of stimulating your metabolic rate, to force undesired toxins out of the tissue and improve the lymphatic system and circulation.

HYPOXI Training (30 mins)

The second phase involved having a heart rate monitor strapped to my chest and climbing into something I would get into a canoe in to stop the water leaking in. Then I sat in an enclosed egg shaped pod which was sealed by the rubber skirt and instructed to pedal on the exercise bike for 30 minutes.  The screen in front monitored my heart rate and lower body temperature and I was told to keep my heart rate between 60-80 bpm. The 30-minutes passed more quickly than the 20 minutes lying down and it was not difficult at all.

                

The verdict

The purpose of this blog was not to give my opinion on whether I think this treatment works, just simply to describe the process and the theory behind why it might be successful.  Overall, I did enjoy the experience and felt like I was walking on air as I walked out of the studio, and for a long time afterwards.

The recommended amount of sessions to get optimum results is said to be 12, spread over 4 weeks, but this will be different in every individual case depending on nutrition and other lifestyle factors.

Let me know if you have tried HYPOXI and how successful you found it.  Or give it a try (I had a free trial)  What have you got to lose? Maybe, a lot!

bex@my360lifestyle.com