1 The fresh-water swim
There is nothing more invigorating than plunging into fresh water. Kate Rew, the founder of the Outdoor Swimming Society and author of Wild Swim: The Best Places to Swim Outdoors in Britain, says, 'Swimming outside makes people feel childlike - in a good way. It puts you right in the present and you somehow emerge without any worries.' The OSS runs technique clinics throughout the year and fun (if freezing) events like its 'December dip'. Why not jump in and join them? The water's lovely…
2 The delivered-to-your-door diet
We all know the theory of how to drop the pounds, but the practice can be tricky. No excuses when you get all your meals, plus two snacks, delivered to your door daily. Quite how you can enjoy treats such as chocolate mousse (alongside main courses like Goan coconut chicken) and still only be on 1,300 calories - our tester's daily calorie allowance - is anyone's guess. But you feel full and stand to lose up to 2lbs a week.
3 The wardrobe rehaul
A personal stylist is not just for celebrities - post-baby mums and older women who feel they've lost the knack of dressing stylishly have benefited from the sage advice of Noni Ware. A former shopping editor at Harpers Bazaar, she edits your wardrobe in a friendly, non-judgemental way - uncannily sussing the outfits you feel great in and slinging those that are past it. Then she scours London for the replacements, getting you to try styles or shops you would never have thought of. She sticks to your budget and regular customers can be text-messaged when she spots just the right thing.
4 The haute-couture facial
You might have to fight off film stars to get an appointment with Linda Meredith, but gosh it is worth it. The approach is holistic but hard-core: your complexion will be visibly clearer, your skin plumped and lifted. Prepare yourself for showers of compliments.
5 The body-sculpting class
Claudia Schiffer takes Tenpilates classes, which made us keen to try them, too. The Australian physiotherapist David Higgins opened the first Tenpilates studio in London last year, and it's staffed exclusively by physio and sports-science graduates. They teach Higgins' high-intensity version of pilates, especially tailored to the female body, so you get rapid weight-loss and vastly improved muscle tone and flexibility. Best of all, though, you leave feeling happy and energised.
Reference: www.sterlingtiffany.com
