Robbie Williams swears by it, and the makers claim users can achieve three times the lower-body circumference loss than they could via regular exercise. Welcome to Hypoxi — the new fitness fad taking Australia by storm.
What it is: the brainchild of Austrian sports scientist Dr Norbert Egger, Hypoxi was designed in response to Egger's clients' need for a targeted fat loss and body shaping solution that required — you guessed it — minimal effort.
The Hypoxi ''pod'' is an airtight chamber in which the user pedals, while vacuum technology is used to increase blood circulation in the waist, butt and thighs, accelerating fat metabolism (as proven by the University of Salzburg) and diminishing the appearance of cellulite.
After discovering Hypoxi in London (and shedding almost 18 kilos after 28 sessions) Surry Hills-based former lawyer Ariana Hendry teamed with her sister Anthea to bring the technology to Australia in 2006.
How it works: after changing into loose-fitting gym clothes, your measurements are taken, heart rate and body temperature monitors are strapped to your chest and thighs, and a wetsuit-like Hypoxi ''skirt'' is zipped around your waist.
Lying on your back with your lower body in the pod, your feet are strapped into pedals and the pod roof is sealed shut around the skirt. The technician sets the air pressure according to your goals (centimetre or cellulite reduction) and fitness capabilities (I was instructed to pedal at 65 revolutions per minute, for half an hour), and the air around your lower body is sucked out at intervals, creating slight resistance.
Difficulty: I barely broke a sweat, and spent my appointments reading magazines as I casually pedalled. (At the Surry Hills studio, you can also occupy yourself with Sex and the City DVDs). People with minimal fitness may find it slightly challenging, but many won't find it harder than taking a brisk walk. In fact, the toughest part of the program is finding time to schedule three sessions into each working week.
Target market: ''Hypoxi is suitable for people of all shapes and sizes, but most of our clients are women aged 25-55, and we've seen great results in post-natal women,'' says Ariana, who stresses that clients should not rely on Hypoxi as a sole method of weight loss. ''You need to make the commitment to improve your lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly,'' she says.
The catch: apart from making those lifestyle changes, other Hypoxi ''rules'' include avoiding carbs and cardio training four to six hours after Hypoxi, and eating dinner before 7pm. It is also recommended Hypoxi users drink at least two litres of water per day, and limit alcohol, sugar, fat and caffeine.
Verdict: I didn't walk out looking like Giselle, but after six sessions I'd lost a whopping 25cm (combined) from my waist, hips, backside, thighs and knees. My skin felt firmer, too. I'd recommend Hypoxi to women who need extra help firming up after childbirth or shedding those last few kilos before a special occasion.
Cost: $600 for 12 sessions (the recommended program).
Contact: Call Ariana and Anthea on (02) 9281 2033 at Hypoxi's corporate head office in Sydney, or visit www.hypoxi.com.au
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