FaceGym LA is located in West Hollywood, set amongst some of the strip’s coolest and most iconic haunts. It offers innovative, results-driven facial workouts that celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Aniston, Kaia Gerber, Cara Delavigne, Chelsea Handler and Paris Hilton swear by. In fact, they ensure they have a treatment prior to major award ceremonies like The Golden Globes and The Oscars.
Shonagh Walker stopped by recently and was blown away by the results.
I recently found myself in Los Angeles, after a whirlwind two-week road trip through California. Early mornings driving and catching buses merged into late nights sampling the state’s incredible food, wine and cocktails. As fun as it was, it left my skin lacklustre, to say the least. It was time for a major skin pep-up, and more than a few friends advised that FaceGym would deliver. They were right.
FaceGym on Sunset
I stayed at the sublimely-cool Tommie Hotel in West Hollywood. FaceGym is only a short uber ride away, so I went straight from the rooftop pool to the studio. Its sleek space features barber-style chairs lined up ready for your ‘workout’. Unlike normal facials, you’re out in the open, with other clients treated within earshot. But this isn’t a facial… it’s a workout for your skin. So, you won’t give the communal vibe a second though. Promise.
Founder of FaceGym, Inge Theron, explains the idea behind this revolutionary skin work out studio.
“I’d been thinking about the body and the gym and the endless benefits we see for our muscles and skin when we regularly work out,” Theron remembers. “And I thought, ‘Why don’t we do the same for our faces too?’ Our face is made up of more than 40 muscles. If you train the muscles in your face consistently, it can help to prevent sagging. I want people to realise that the face muscles are the same as the muscles in your body. You need to adopt a facial fitness routine just like you do in the gym.”
It makes perfect sense, and I was eager to see the results for myself. I sat in the chair, not really knowing what to expect, and instantly felt relaxed — that chair was the most comfortable thing I’d been in for a long time. I booked for the new FaceGym Facephysio™ workout and my trainer quickly talked me through what was going to happen.
She revealed that a series of unique facial workout methods would manipulate and stretch out the fibroblasts in my skin. These effectively wake them up and stimulate them to get back to work on healthy skin. Sceptical? Don’t be. More and more studies are proving that facial massage techniques can help to promote collagen production in the skin.
FaceGym Facephysio™
This is a truly extraordinary experience. The treatment involves a combination of deep tissue massage, Buccal massage, dynamic muscle sculpting, and cutting-edge Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technologies to lift, sculpt and firm the skin.
It takes 45 minutes and like most facial treatments, it begins with cleansing, which is the start of massage heaven. After cleansing, my trainer rolled a large, firm red ball over my face and neck. It smooshed my face in directions it wasn’t used to going, and it was so relaxing. I didn’t realise how much tension is actually stored in the face.
More massage followed, using flicking, kneading and threading movements over my face and neck. After this, came EMS. It actually felt so lovely, not at all freaky. And then came the buccal massage, which is always challenging, but I somehow managed to fall asleep!
I left on a cloud and could barely even text. When I got back to my hotel, I was so relaxed. My skin was glowing and my face appeared more sculpted and refined.
What else is on offer?
FaceGym LA offers a host of facial workouts, all of which will leave you glowing. Here’s a round up.
Electric Lift
The Electric Lift treatment focuses on stimulating facial muscles using state-of-the-art EMS technology. A carefully crafted sequence of micro-currents and sculpting techniques imparts an instant lift and enhanced definition to the facial contours. It’s invigorating and it leaves the face looking and feeling revitalised, with a more toned and sculpted appearance.
Yoga Face
For a holistic approach, the Yoga Face workout combines facial exercises and massage techniques. This treatment improves circulation, promote natural radiance, and enhance facial muscle tone. It’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking a comprehensive and rejuvenating facial experience.
Cardio Sculpt
The Cardio Sculpt treatment elevates the heart rate through a high-intensity facial workout. This dynamic session promotes increased blood flow, contributing to a healthier complexion. It’s ideal for those craving an active and energising facial.
EMS Gym
The EMS Gym treatment harnesses electrical muscle stimulation to target and tone specific facial muscles. This innovative technique leaves a refreshed, rejuvenated look. Don’t stress – your trainer will address your particular skin issues on any given day, ensuring you leave illuminated and satisfied.
Skin IV
For a nourishing infusion, the Skin IV treatment delivers essential vitamins and nutrients directly into the skin. This hydration boost leaves the skin looking radiant and refreshed.
Now in Sydney!
Great news! Now, you actually don’t have to fly all the way to Los Angeles to reap the benefits of FaceGym. The complete skincare collection plus the incredibly nifty facial sculpting tools are available at Mecca stores here in Australia. Even better news, you don’t actually have to fly to the USA to have a workout. There’s now a FaceGym studio in the Mecca flagship store on George Street in Sydney!
