As a mother of five children (all under the age of eight) I was desperate to reclaim my sanity.  I was becoming increasingly forgetful, could barely hold an intelligent conversation, and was more irritable than usual……does that ring any bells?  

I needed space for my own thoughts and not just the demands of little people overcrowding my mind. What I craved was a mental, physical and spiritual release.

I dropped the children at school on Monday morning in Clapham and in under an hour was sitting on a bench in the sunshine in the glorious grounds. Immaculate lawns gently undulating down towards fields, rabbits grazing on the grass and apart from the faint sound of a Thai Chi lesson taking place under the shade of a tree, absolute peace and quiet pervaded. I could feel myself instantly relaxing as my mind unravelled.  Any thoughts of home were fading very fast as my whole body started to give way.  The great thaw had started already.

Grayshott provides two overall services: its health programme and its spa.  The team of highly trained professionals offer advice on health issues, diet, nutrition, sleep, exercise and recuperation to name but a few.  The list of treatments in the Spa is extremely comprehensive and I felt relaxed just reading them.

Being a glutton for treatments I filled my days very quickly.  Several reflexology sessions balanced and energized me.  A rejuvinating facial using Murad products left my face glowing and hydrated.  A fabulous “Blissful Slumber” massage with aromatherapy oils did exactly as it promised and delivered my best night’s sleep in years.  I felt drunk with relaxation as I swayed and tottered my way back to my room wondering how on earth I would get ready for dinner. 

The meals at Grayshott are light, healthy and delicious: a vast selection of salads at lunchtime and mouth watering menus in the evening.  My dining companion was my book – as was most peoples’ – and what a luxury not to have to talk to anyone. The one conversation I struck up with a fellow guest affirmed my belief that I was not losing my mind; just in need of some time out… she was a mother of seven and a regular visitor.

Grayshott offers a unique, uninhibited environment to readdress the balance of your life and certainly puts you firmly back in control and in such a short space of time.  I shall certainly be a regular visitor from now on too!

Finally Friday and we deserve a special pamper for all our hardwork. We also need something that will nurture our bodies and remove the toxins of the week. 

The original  Micronized Marine Algae Body Wrap is rich in minerals, vitamins and micro nutrients. This amazing treatment is also part of the 4 Night Detox Break  as minerals play a part in the correct water balance of the body, give a boost to the immune system and help to detoxify in a slimming or anti- cellulite programme.

This treatment activates circulation, increases metabolism and relieves aches and pains. Excellent for general well-being and total relaxation.

65 minutes £85  

Add a dry float to this to give yourself an extra treat.

With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to make the most of the light mornings and long evenings. If you’re looking to kick start a new keep fit regime then take a look at Grayshott Spa’s tips for making the most of the longer days.

Take a walk after dinner

As sunset in the UK is currently around 8.40pm, why not take a stroll after dinner and stretch your legs. Take a brisk walk and you may find you sleep a little better as well as hopefully feeling refreshed.

Swim before work

The sun currently comes up at around 5.15am which may make the mornings a little easier to deal with. If you’re waking up early and fancy doing something a little different then why not head for a swim before work. You’ll be then ready to take on whatever the day throws at you knowing you started the day in a positive way.

Try something new

Or, for something completely different, why not find out if there are any evening dance classes taking place near to you, and you can then Salsa your way into summer feeling healthier and more confident.

To find out how you can start a new fitness regime and live a healthier life then check out what’s on offer here at Grayshott Spa.

Bank holidays are the perfect time to recharge your batteries.

Late nights, hectic weeks and stress can really take its toll on your body, and mind.

If you do want to get away and make the most of the long weekend, then let us show you some of the ways we can help you unwind. .

Whether you’re looking for relaxation or you’re keen to kick-start a new healthy regime for summer, then make sure you visit our website for some fantastic offers especially for May.

Book your bank holiday break now

Summer is looming and we all know what that means; It is time to start thinking about your holiday body. Never fear, here are Ravi’s top exercises for targeting problem areas:

To flatten your stomach
Solution: Sit ups

Lying down, with knees bent and hands either side of the head, pull the torso upward toward the knees using only the abdominal group. (Raising slowly only part way works the abdominal muscles best).

To tackle bingo wings
Solution: Dips 

Using a chair/bed, place a hand behind you on either side, feet on the floor, slide your behind off the bench and lower yourself down and push back up until arms are straight (the further apart your legs are, the harder the exercise). Straighten your legs but keep your back close to the chair/bed.

To tone up bottom and thighs
Solution: Ski Squats

Place a Fit Ball behind your back to do this exercise. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, about two feet out from the wall, and lean your back against the ball. Bend your knees to a half-squat position. After a pause (1-5 seconds), lower two inches down. After a pause, lower another two inches down. You should be about thigh parallel by now. Use another two lower positions, with the final position being about as far as you can bend at the knees.

(For each exercise – try as many repetitions as you are comfortable with). Remember to keep your stomach hollow and tucked in throughout.

Next time you are visiting Grayshott Spa why not book a training session with one of our gym team, who will develop an exercise programme to suit your needs.

At Grayshott Spa we pride ourselves on our natural therapies, holistic approach to wellbeing and fitness and delicious, nutritious food.  As many of our therapists have been working here for over 20 years, we feel well equipped to ensure expectant mothers receive the pampering and care they deserve during their visit to Grayshott Spa.

The Maternity Reflexology is one of our most popular treatments.  Our therapist will gently press her fingers into different areas of the feet to identify and release tensions in the body.  This is ideal for reducing the stress build up in the body and help to maintain equilibrium during the changes to the pregnant body, especially in the final stages of pregnancy.  We have also been told this treatment is particularly good at aiding blissful sleep (as are our very comfortable beds!).

Joanie, our Health Consultant, gives her top tips on how best to enjoy your visit to Grayshott Spa:

1 - On arrival you will be asked to fill out a health intake form or new patient form upon arrival, and you will need to indicate that you are pregnant

2 - Don’t do anything you wouldn’t normally do (ie playing tennis or swimming)

3 - Do not use the steam or sauna – or the hydrotherapy pool

4 - We have marked all suitable treatments for the 2nd and 3rd trimester with a pink dot in our Treatments Brochure and online and will advise if we feel certain treatments are not suitable (ie use of essential oils)

5 – Don’t bother with lengths in the pool, just stay in the shallow end and pretend to be a sea lion!

Kimberley Smith from Made For Mums recently visited Grayshott Spa with glowing results, click here to read about her stay

Director of Fitness at Grayshott Spa, Ravi Viethivaloo, turns marathons into a Sunday stroll with his top tips for making it to the finish line.

1. Rest and relaxation. To prepare yourself physically and mentally the day before a marathon you should rest and try to relax. You will have trained for many months in the lead up so think over the highs and lows of your training and reflect over the lessons you have learnt. At this point, it is as much a mental test as a physical test.

2. Mind what you eat. Food is fuel for your body so what you eat the day before and on the day of the marathon can influence your performance for better or worse. Have a small meal high in carbohydrates three hours before the start to top up glycogen levels in the liver, which can only store glycogen for up to 12 hours. Glycogen is what gives your body energy and it will be necessary to tap into this store later in the run. Try whole-wheat breakfast cereal or wholemeal toast with honey. Do not introduce any new foods into your diet as this may upset your body and avoid alcohol and smoking.

3. Warm up the right muscles. Warming up increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the soft tissue and widens blood vessels allowing muscles and tendons to become more supple. You should avoid jerking or bouncing movements. It is important to warm up the muscles that are going to be used to activate the energy systems you will be using during the run. Your warm up should include side stretches, upper body twists, quad stretches, calf and Achilles tendon stretches, abductors and adductors.

4. Maintain your pace. During your run you should aim to feel as natural and at ease as possible. The best way to test this is to check how you are feeling. Are you out of breath? Do you feel strained? If so, you are over working yourself and you should ease off otherwise you will get to the first corner, have a stitch and pack it in. You know you are running at an ideal pace if you can hold a conversation. Most importantly, do not let other people influence your pace.

5. Hydrate small amounts often. From the moment you get up you should be drinking water to replace fluids lost while sleeping. For maximum effect sip small amounts often and avoid tea and coffee which can act as diuretics. Tailor your fluid intake according to the weather, you may need to increase fluids on hot days.

6. Push through mental fatigue. One of the biggest obstacles marathon runners have to overcome can be mental fatigue, so start the run by visualising yourself winning. Remember your training and the techniques you have used to push through pain barriers before. Think back to the vision of you winning as it will help you to focus and draw strength. Do not be distracted by other runners, just run your own race at your own pace.

7. Prevent post-marathon stiffness. To ward off soreness and fatigue after the marathon you should do gentle stretches in the days following to help ease stiffness. If you are travelling a long way home in the car or train, it is important not to sit on one side and to keep moving or stiffness will set in and you may not be able get out of your seat!

Why? Because if you are putting on muscle and losing fat you will probably be heavier on the scales. Your clothes and your reflection will tell you what you need to know – not your weight. 

Instead, the best thing to do would be to take a note of your measurements, once a week in the following places:

Arms – measuring around each arm - chose an area mid-way between the elbow and shoulder

Chest – under the breast

Waist – the smallest part

Hips – the widest part 

Thighs – just below the buttocks

Legs – around both calf muscles

We love to hear your feedback and thought we would share some of the best comments we have received.  Do let us know what you think of Grayshott Spa either on our blog, Facebook page or twitter feed.

“Thank you very much for a fabulous stay. Coming for a recuperation break following the recent death of my wife was never going to be easy, but I found the positive support given by everyone was a big benefit. In simple terms I felt very safe and able to begin the difficult journey of adapting my life to a huge loss. Again, thank you so very much”
May 2012

“Whether you stay for a few days, or for a week, you are guaranteed to look and feel totally rejuvenated and ready for action on the day of departure. I have been going to Grayshott for 30 years, and I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else”.
March 2012

“If you want an up to the minute spa, or a riotous weekend, this is not the place. But if you would like to be looked after and made to feel wonderful, in the most relaxing surroundings, with the most delicious (and healthy) food, I recommend Grayshott”.
March 2012

“From the food to the staff, the therapists to the personal trainer, I love it. The range of therapies is second to none. Thank you Grayshott, you are the best!” February 2012

“I loved every minute of my stay. I felt peaceful, relaxed and truly looked after. I’m already dreaming of going back”.
February 2012

“Grayshott is cosy and the staff so nurturing. Food excellent and makes you realise that healthy eating can be delicious. Leave off the make up and heels – you simply won’t care….just a couple of nights can make you feel brand new”.
January 2012

“As soon as we stepped through the doors, straight away I started to relax. Why? I think it’s down to the warm atmosphere and the welcome Grayshott offers. All staff are very friendly and polite and go every step to make sure you are happy”.
December 2011

“I came here for some down time after a lot of stress at home and it provided just the getaway I needed. The setting in the countryside is lovely and peaceful, cut off from the rest of the world”.
October 2011

“We have been to other award-winning spas, but it is the informality and friendliness that brings you back to Grayshott. It’s a place to relax and unwind and not one of those spas where ladies wear full makeup throughout their stay”.
August 2011

Click here to read the full review…