Health and beauty: Balm pot, fab abs and pillows

Guests at the Bafta awards went away with goodie bags containing one of these Bed of Nails pillows. They look like torture devices but, recline on them, and, say the designers, you'll enjoy a release of endorphins and oxytocin, to help you feel relaxed. It's also said

they can help back pain, headaches and tiredness.

30 for pillow, 60 for mat, Harvey Nichols (0131-524 8388) or www.bedofnails.org.ukBEAUTY

Balm pot

Rid yourself of any stubborn dry patches with Jo Malone's new Vitamin E Body Balm. It contains the aforementioned skin-friendly vitamin, as well as calendula and avocado, sweet almond, wheatgerm and apricot kernel oils. The thick buttery texture (more a rich cream than a balm) feels instantly soothing on parched skin, while the sugary smell is beyond addictive. Use liberally on elbows, cuticles, knees – or slather all over.

Vitamin E Body Balm, 50, www.jomalone.co.uk fitness

Fab abs

When it comes to doing your crunches, forget reclining on the grubby carpet. The Aussie Abs exerciser is designed so that you can work towards that six pack while sitting upright in a chair or standing. According to them, you should only have to do three sets of ten reps, six days a week, in order to see results. The kit also comes with a DVD that features a range of exercises so that your gut- busting routine doesn't get too boring.

Aussie Abs exerciser with DVD, 69.99, www.idealworld.tv

This article was originally published in The Scotsman on 27 February 2010