Photo: Tracy Courtney, Chi Machine

I headed to the Launa Stone Day Spa in Calabassas, Calif., for a Diamond Microdermabrasion Facial, which was certainly amazing, but I ended up crawling into a suntan-like horizontal bed called the Chi Machine which is supposed to create a repetitive, oscillating motion on torso, legs and feet. In addition to smoothing cellulite bumps, the Chi Machine is supposed to:

• Provide a lymphatic massage and remove toxicity
• Correct poor posture and relieve back pain
• Increase blood circulation and bone marrow activity
• Increase energy and mental focus
• Reduce nerve pain and muscle fatigue
• Improve insomnia and constipation

For sure, you might experience some effects if you do the Machine regularly; it runs anywhere from $60 to $100 per session at a spa near you. But I made several mistakes when I hopped onto the 14-speed contraption.

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Beer packs plenty of carbohydrates, so if you like the hops but not the belly flab, the bars you frequent may make a difference.

A new study, published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, found patrons at bars with loud music drank beer more quickly and in fewer gulps. This study observed the golden target group of beer marketers -- males aged 18-25. When bar music went up, the average time it took to down a beer dropped from 14:51 minutes to 11:45 minutes. Patrons also ordered more drinks in a jammin' joint -- 3.4 versus 2.6.

Who knows why, researchers speculate less conversation may trigger more swigs. Choosing a quieter establishment may help you lose that beer belly and save your hearing.

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