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62 DAYSPA | JUNE 2014 Targeting Cellulite COACHING THE JOURNEY The fact that cellulite is on the rise—despite the unchang- ing nature of our bodies' cellular function—serves as standalone evidence of the crucial role lifestyle plays in its management. "All clients have always been at risk," notes Rita Teixeira, a national trainer for Silhouet-Tone, "but the tendency of people in the 21st century to be more sedentary than ever before—combined with the fact that food is increasingly pumped with preservatives, fats and sugars—is taking its toll." Experts uniformly agree that cellulite operates, to some extent, as a physical refl ection of society's overall lack of emphasis on physical activity and nutritional balance. And countering such a signifi cant factor requires a lifestyle overhaul. Moreover, it calls for commitment. "You must stress the importance of this to all clients," advises Eliza- beth Murchison, education director for Guinot. "Explain the various types of cellulite, and plan a course of action to address each specifi c case—but be sure to clarify what your spa can do, and to spell out and defi ne the vast re- sponsibility resting with the client." But how does one even initiate this conversation? Eva Kerschbaumer, co-owner of EsSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare, with locations in Pennsylvania and Florida, incor- porates a lifestyle evaluation into her spa's pre-treatment intake session. "With every client, we discuss diet, ex- ercise, sleep, stress and other lifestyle choices," Kersch- baumer says. This process, she says, forces guests to truly consider their lifestyles. "I am always amazed by how little knowledge many people have regarding their own eat- ing, work and social habits. Pinpointing potential problem areas with a spa pro opens the dialogue for the expert to make specifi c recommendations," she explains. Assuaging clients' possible embarrassment is an impor- tant component of this conversation. "The best method is to simply listen to guests' concerns and let them under- stand that you are right there with them, going through the same things they are," Kerschbaumer says. Honesty goes a long way when it comes to sensitive discussions like these. "Be forthright and open and fi nd out as much as possible so you're best positioned to suggest solutions for each negative habit your client men- tions," suggests Teixeira. "Position yourself as a cheer- leader and motivator for them to get regular treatments, monitor their food intake, cut back on stress and exercise regularly." This is where the crucial pro/client partnership pact comes in. "Make it clear that although you're there for her, you can only work externally. The internal, the day-to-day habits, are up to her." Stacy Cox, owner of Los Angeles spa Pampered People, reminds people that cellulite lives in the deep- est dermal recesses, and is therefore not likely to qui- etly vamoose. "It takes a concerted effort—a village if you will—to generate enough momentum to create change," Cox asserts. "So, while you shouldn't make lofty promises, let your clients know that teaming up with you to tackle the cellulite conundrum will turn things around more swiftly and effi ciently." ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM " W i t h e v e r y c l i e n t , w e "With every client, we d i s c u s s d i e t , e x e r c i s e , discuss diet, exercise, s l e e p , s t r e s s a n d o t h e r sleep, stress and other l i f e s t y l e c h o i c e s . " lifestyle choices." T a r g e t i n g C e l l u l i t e P t 3 . i n d d 6 2 Targeting Cellulite Pt3.indd 62 5 / 1 / 1 4 3 : 3 3 P M 5/1/14 3:33 PM