One size smaller in 90 minutes!

Breakthrough strategy uses a $ 6 foam roller to release trapped fat— and melt inches with shocking speed

Buzz is building about a “secret web” inside us that can radically transform the way we look and feel. Called fascia, it’s a kind of sheath that “wraps around each of our internal organs and connects them to our muscles and bones,” explains renowned women’s health expert Christiane Northrup, M.D. “Fascia is largely responsible for the shape of our bodies.” Think of it as inner Spanx. One problem: Inactivity and inflammation can cause fascia to bunch up and form knots of scar tissue, creating tightness and sore spots; the knots also slow blood and oxygen flow, zapping energy and stalling metabolism. Once you fix the problem, “you feel graceful, invigorated, unstoppable,” insists fascia expert Lauren Roxburgh, author of Taller, Slimmer, Younger. Plus, healthy fascia cinches you in and amps up fat burn. “Women drop a full pant size after a few quick fascia-smoothing sessions!”

By all accounts, targeting fascia works wonders— so why haven’t we been hearing about it for years? Well, while ancient healers and modern-day sports medicine pros have long manipulated the sinewy stuff to increase mobility and ease pain, no one realized its slimming potential until recently. Rumor has it an athlete’s girlfriend accidentally

discovered his fascia-smoothing device made her cellulite disappear. (Turns out, when fascia becomes smooth and strong, it’s very good at flattening dimpled fat!) She spread the word, and the concept caught on fast. Stunning before-andafter photos of women using fascial exercises appeared on social media. Celebs hailed the approach as game-changing. One devotee even enthused: “My legs

got smoother and smaller right away. It’s like magic.” No wonder fascia treatments went viral!

“Popping” fat cells

As women rave, science has begun to back them up. European researchers confirm that fascia treatments reduce cellulite. And a study conducted by former University of Tampa professor Jacob Wilson, PH.D., found that improving fascia reduces body fat and boosts metabolism. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv University scientists are conducting tests to see if applying pressure to fascia actually “pops” fat cells, allowing their contents to spill out and be flushed away. More research is needed—but experts agree there’s no need to wait since our overall health benefits greatly when fascia is in optimal shape.

Smooth moves

There are many ways to smooth and rejuvenate fascia. Some best bets: Roxburgh’s foam-roller exercises (examples, below); T-tapp Fascia Fitness videos (at Ttapp.com) and targeted yoga techniques like the ones used in DDP Yoga. Dr. Northrup also suggests checking out the MELT Method’s Youtube channel. All these approaches use a combination of pressure and stretching to loosen and iron out fascial kinks. “It’s enjoyable, you can do it at home and it only takes about 20 minutes a few times a week,” promises Roxburgh. And did we mention benefits happen fast? “You can release superficial knots on your first try, which instantly improves mobility, circulation and even your ability to take deep breaths,” the pro says. That ups metabolism from the get-go. As more knots release over time, posture elongates and some women gain up to an inch of height. And the stronger and flatter your fascia becomes, the more it streamlines your figure.

For best results, experts advise eating to reduce fascia-damaging inflammation. That simply means skipping processed junk, dairy and gluten in favor of lean protein, produce, healthy fat and smaller servings of unprocessed starch. Also smart: Drink plenty of water to help keep fascia hydrated and supple. Paired with fascia-healing movement, these strategies help women free themselves of joint pain, eliminate cellulite and shrink by up to 18 inches in 14 days!

Real-world wow

“Within two sessions on the foam roller, the hip pain that woke me up every night was gone,” reports Ohio jewelry designer Gai Russo, 53, who swears by Roxburgh’s moves. “And as for fat loss, nothing compares. I lost about 10 pounds of pure belly fat. I finally have a waistline!” Gai sped off three sizes—and her husband says she glows from head to toe.

Then there’s Lisa Miller, 55. Her sister suggested DVDS from exercise physiologist Teresa Tapp, with routines that use targeted muscle contractions to systematically work each layer of the body—including fascia. “In two weeks, I felt energized, more flexible and I’d lost 15 inches!” Lisa recalls. The Michigan crossing guard stuck with it and shed an astonishing 100 pounds and 50 inches. “If you want to feel ageless and vibrant, take care of your fascia!”