Earlier this summer, Emily wrote a guest post for Under the Big Oak Tree telling us about her work-from-home job and how we can join her It Works! team and earn a paycheck while working from home and working the hours that fit each of our families' schedules.
When talking with Emily about the guest post, we also discussed me trying one of the It Works! body applicator wraps and sharing my thoughts with all of you. Since Emily is local to me, she dropped off the wrap and some single serving Greens for me to try. (Review for the Greens to come later!)
It took a while for me to give it a try because I really didn't want to face myself in the full-length mirror for the "before" photo. I mean, it's one thing to know that I am overweight but to actually see myself in my undies in a full-length mirror...it was just more than I was willing to handle! Plus, there was that whole..."avoid soda" for three days recommendation that was really tough for me!
Finally, I knew I put it off too long and just had to bite the bullet and get it done. After a late dinner one night, I gathered up the supplies I would need to apply the body applicator wrap: the wrap/body applicator and measuring guide, a permanent marker, full-length mirror, measuring tape, scissors, plastic wrap, and of course, the camera.
While Grace and Joe played and watched TV, I took a very long shower.
When I was done showering it was time for the "before" picture. Sorry everyone, but those are not being shared here! Not today, not ever! haha! I also recorded my measurements before applying the wrap. When taking measurements, it's recommended to mark the spot with a marker or dark eyeliner in order to measure the exact spot again later.
After facing the horrible truth about the shape I am in was over, I cut open the package and removed the body applicator. Before unfolding the applicator, I cut 2 really long pieces of plastic wrap. At that point, I was ready to apply the wrap! I was happy I closed our bathroom window before my shower because that wrap was COLD! And any little breeze coming through the window would have had me shivering!
I don't know about you, but I always struggle with cling wrap! Even the smallest bit of leftovers is a hassle to cover in plastic wrap! So covering the body applicator and my belly with two long pieces of cling wrap was no easy task! I'll definitely try using an ace bandage next time!
By the time I was done, Joe already had Grace tucked into her bed and he was out in the garage getting some stuff ready for work the following day! I was happy to have the living room to myself so I could turn of the air conditioner! Because I was still cold from the lotion on the applicator!
So, I had the evening to myself. I popped some popcorn (no butter or salt), grabbed a bottle of water and curled up on the couch to watch some TV while wearing the wrap.
Wraps can be worn anywhere from 45 minutes up to 8 hours. It's suggested that first time wrappers start with a 45 minute session. If there aren't immediate changes noticed and no adverse skin reaction to the wrap, you can reapply and wear for a longer period of time (up to 8 hours). Drinking water, while avoiding soda and fast food, helps flush toxins from your body. A single wrap works for 72 hours from the time of application.
I was feeling fine, so I decided to just keep wearing it until I was ready for bed. At about the 4 hour mark, I was back in the bathroom to brush my teeth before going to bed and remove the wrap. I didn't absorb all of the lotion from the applicator, so I just rubbed the lotion into my skin. Even after removal, the wrap continues to work.
Results vary from person to person and additional applications may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
For me, I didn't see a loss of inches and I blame myself for that. I know I didn't drink enough water (the more you drink, the more you shrink!) while wearing the wrap as it was too close to bedtime or the following day since we spent a lot of the day in the car. I also wasn't as strict with myself and even ate a small order of fries when we picked up Grace's weekly happy meal!
But while I didn't see a change in my body shape, I did see immediate results in the texture of my skin where I applied the wrap! My skin looked and felt tighter and smoother upon removing the wrap and over the course of the 72 hours, I saw a change in my skin over the rest of my body and face! This is definitely something I want to do again!
I also saw a change in my mood. I often suffer from depression and feel blue a lot of thetime. But, I'm always in good spirits when I treat myself to a bit of pampering. Something that I rarely take the time to do for myself these days. But, I suspect that the release of nasty toxins from my body had a big hand in lifting my mood! For me, that is a big deal and an all-natural product that can do that for me is a keeper! Note: I am not a doctor, I am just relating how the product made ME feel during and after use.
If you would like to learn more about the It Works! Body Applicators or about joining Emily's team,
you can visit her website where you can also place your orders for It Works! products.
Emily is also having a giveaway on her facebook page running until September 22, 2013, where you can win a 5-day supply of Greens!
And, if you are local (Pennsylvania), you can attend her It Works! Wrap Opportunit-Tea!
A relaxing, no-pressure tea where you can try a wrap, sample some products while sipping some herbal teas and enjoying some snacks.
* You don't have to be local to place your orders with Emily, enter her facebook giveaway or even join her team!
Disclaimer: I was given an It Works! Body Applicator at no charge to me in order for me to try the product for this review. I was not compensated in any other way for the review of this product. All opinions are honest and my own.
