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See how ideals of beauty around the world have evolved over the centuries in this kaleidoscope of images that changes throughout the site. |
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Ten people, 10 days
and the challenge to
the best experts in
the field: make these willing guinea pigs look 10 Years Younger. |
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Check this page regularly to find out what's making the headlines – be it health scares or new advances – in the world of cosmetic treatments. |
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· Standing proud and tall affects the way you feel, as well as the way you look. Stand straight, and you feel vitalised, confident, outward looking. Slouch, and you feel de-energised and pessimistic. And that's the way the world will see you.
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· Check how well you're standing in front of a mirror. Chin jutting out? Keep it straight. Shoulders rounded, or tense? Hunch them up to your ears, then relax, and let them drop down naturally.
· Don't drag yourself down with a hefty bag that's always slung on the same shoulder. Pare down what you carry, and wear your bag on your back. If you must have a heavy load, divide the weight between two bags and carry one in each hand.
· Spending hours in front of a computer? Make sure your chair has a firm seat and high back. Sit with your hips against the back of the chair, feet flat on the ground. The seat should support your knees at, or below, hip level.
· Keep a reminder stuck by the screen to: 'Sit up straight'. It's so easy to develop a vulture-like hunch without even noticing as you pore over your work.
· Want to learn perfect posture? Try the Alexander technique, which teaches you stand, sit and walk in perfect alignment.
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· A simple way to lose 5kg without a diet: stand up really straight, pull your tummy in, hold, and – magic – a new slender you.
· To make a bulging tummy flatter, imagine a spot 5cm above your pubic bone, and pull it in towards your spine. Any exercise that strengthens your stomach also helps prevent backache, as well as giving you a sleeker silhouette. Pilates is the best exercise for building these internal muscles.
· For an invisible muscle-firmer, whenever you're driving or sitting on a bus, consciously pull your belly button in towards the spine.
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· Sofa-slouching in front of the TV is disastrous for your posture, and can give you backache. Straighten up and support your back with cushions.
· High heels alter your centre of gravity and put a strain on the spine. Fine for parties, but day to day give your back a break, and wear something lower.
· Try this exercise for a straighter back. Stand up against a wall and press your entire spine on to it. Breathe in, then as you breathe out, tighten the tummy muscles as much as you can. Breathe in and hold the position. As you breathe out again, slowly peel neck and upper back away from the wall and roll forward as far as you can comfortably go. Hold, breathe in, then as you breathe out gently roll back again to standing. Repeat five times.
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Channel 4 Television takes no responsibility for the content of any third-party sites.
Links
Alexander Technique in the UK
www.stat.org.uk
Site of the professional body of Alexander teachers in the UK, which has a database of qualified members and explains the history of the technique and how it works.
Alexander Technique International (ATI)
www.ati-net.com
Worldwide professional organisation with details of ATI teaching members, workshops, books and videos, and a range of links.
Body Control Pilates
www.bodycontrol.co.uk
A reference source to find out more about the Pilates method; a database of qualified teachers and advice on how to train to be a Pilates instructor is also available.
Channel 4 Health – Complementary Therapies
www.channel4.com/health/microsites/C/comp_medicine/index.html
Part of Channel 4's Health site, this complementary medicine section covers Alexander technique, ayurveda, t'ai chi, yoga and many more therapies. Each section has a list of useful organisations and books.
The Pilates Foundation
www.pilatesfoundation.com/whatispilates/whatisindex.htm
Articles and general information on pilates, plus a list of accredited teachers across the UK and a section on useful books.
Yoga Directory
www.yogadirectory.com
Extensive resources relating to yoga, such as organisations, websites, courses, products and services from around the world. |
Books
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Official Body Control Pilates Manual by Lynne Robinson et al (Pan Macmillan, 2002)
Written by a leading specialist, this outlines the fundamental eight principles of the pilates method for fitness, health and wellbeing. Recommended for all levels.
Get this book from Amazon
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Teach Yourself Alexander Technique by Richard Craze
Describes step-by-step practical exercises and procedures along with advice on how to practice the Alexander technique under expert guidance or on your own.
Get this book from Amazon
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Yoga: the Iyengar way by Silva Mehta and Shyam Mehta
A practical guide to the Iyengar method which is the most widespread yoga and suitable both for beginners and advanced pupils. Features easy-to-follow instructions for home practice.
Get this book from Amazon
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