HigherDOSE Microcurrent Body Sculptor Review

Sharing my full review of the HigherDOSE Microcurrent Body Sculptor. If you want to try it out, or any of the HigherDOSE products, use my discount code FITNESSISTA15 here. 

Hi friends! I hope you’re having a lovely morning! I’m catching a Pilates class with a friend today and then it’s calls pretty much all day.

HigherDOSE Microcurrent Body Sculptor Review: My Honest Experience

For today’s post, I wanted to share my thoughts on the HigherDOSE Microcurrent Body Sculptor now that I’ve had a chance to use it for a while. This at-home microcurrent device is basically like a total body gua sha, including the benefits of red light and microcurrent. I tried it mostly for recovery and lymphatic support, and I’ve been blown away by my skin’s texture.

What Is the HigherDOSE Microcurrent Body Sculptor?

This is a cordless, handheld device combining microcurrent + red light (650nm) + near-infrared light (850nm). It was designed after traditional body planers, which have been used for centuries. It’s designed to target fascia as a fascia release tool, lymphatic flow, muscle recovery, and improve skin elasticity. You can order it as a ritual set with Sculpting Activator Gel and Transdermal Magnesium Spray. You need the gel no matter what and the magnesium spray is a bonus – I love magnesium spray before bed!

The Technology Behind It

Microcurrent:

It includes low-level electrical current with four intensity settings. This can be used for muscle activation and temporary relief

Red + near-infrared light:

These can help to support skin appearance and circulation. I notice that when red light is a part of my recovery routine, I have way less muscle soreness, even after hard workouts.

How I Use It (My Routine)

I use this 2-3 times per week, usually before bed and before I take a shower. It’s important to find out what time of day is best for you, because you may find it to be more relaxing, or more invigorating. I find that it’s super relaxing, but I only use it on the 1 or 2 setting. (3 is too much for me and forget about 4 lol.)

I just add a little bit of the sculpting activator gel. This is what helps it glide smoothly across your skin. And just like a gua sha or a dry brush, I focus on long sweeping movements towards my heart. I do about 3 long movements per area before moving on. It takes maybe 5 minutes. Make sure that the little gap between the two metal blades stays clear of the gel because this can block the microcurrent.

I use it on my stomach, following my natural contours. It’s important to avoid your neck, thyroid, any delicate areas, face, and chest. Think of it as stomach, legs, glutes and arms, and press lightly.

Pros:

Portable and cordless – easy to use while watching TV or on the go

It automatically shuts off after 10 minutes

Multiple intensity levels – this is nice because you can start gentle and work up if you’d like

It’s super relaxing

I notice a huge difference in my skin with texture – it feels smoother and less crepe-y – and with recovery, especially in my glutes and legs. It also helps a ton when my stomach looks puffy

Cons:

I think this is one of the most intimidating HigherDOSE devices, but don’t let that scare you! I received it and was so excited to try it, but it took me a while to actually DO it. (But I’m also the person who will keep her new phone in a box for two weeks before setting it up.) I didn’t want to use it incorrectly, even though I really wanted the benefits. The reality is that it’s super easy to use and I’ve noticed a huge difference within just a couple of months.

Cost – like any quality wellness devices, it’s a lil pricey, but you can use my code FITNESSISTA15

How to Use the HigherDOSE Body Sculptor Safely

Start on the lowest setting and increase gradually as tolerated

Use gliding, upward strokes for lymphatic support; circular motions for fascia

Pair with the gel for glide and the magnesium spray for hydration

3-5x per week is the general suggested cadence

Medical Disclaimer: Do not use on broken, damaged, or irritated skin. Avoid use if you have a pacemaker, are pregnant, or have any known circulatory issues or conditions – check with your doctor first if you’re unsure. Always test on the lowest setting before increasing intensity.

Is It Worth It?

I think this is an amazing tool for anyone who is looking to improve their skin texture and recovery. It’s small and easy to transport and works extremely well. I think it’s totally worth it.

Where to Get It + Discount Code

You can get yours here and also use my code for any of the HigherDOSE wellness devices (excluding bundles).

Use code FITNESSISTA15 at checkout for 15% off.

FAQs:

Does microcurrent body sculpting actually work?

Yes, it can be an amazing tool for lymphatic support, fascia health, recovery and circulation.

How often should you use it?

3-5 times a week is recommended. I usually use it 2-3x per week.

Can you use it on your face?

No, skip your face. I like a regular stainless steel gua sha or a little suction cup for my face.

Is it safe to use every day?

Just like anything else, I think it’s important to go for the minimum effective dose that’s working for you. If you see results using it 3x a week, there’s no need to add in extra sessions.

So tell me, friends: have you used any microcurrent devices? What’s your fave?

xo

Gina

Check out my review of the HigherDOSE sauna blanket here.

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current hair routine

Hi friend! Here’s a list of all of my hair care faves and the full routine! While I try to choose natural and organic options as much as possible, with my hair care, I’ve kind of swung a little in the opposite direction. Below is a mix of the most natural organic stuff you can find… and the opposite. Balance, baby.

Wash routine:

I used to only wash my hair once a week. After visiting the Korean head spa and having my scalp scanned, I’ve changed my ways lol. I wash it twice a week now.

Shampoo and conditioner: Nexxus

I have thick hair and I’ve been using this Nexxus shampoo and conditioner for years. I want a THICK conditioner, not one that feels like water.

*Once a week, I use my products from Korea, but I’ve been trying to make them last. Everything is linked here.

Every other wash, I add in a mask. This mask and this mask are my two favorites. If I’m feeling extra, before my shower, I’ll mist my hair with water, add in the mask, and Saran Wrap it around my head for 30 minutes or so. I’ll wash and condition like usual

After washing:

Leave in hair treatment

Add in hair oil (either Moroccan oil or the oil from Trader Joe’s)

Let air dry, and use heat protectant before styling with the Shark Flex Fusion

Daily hair care:

I use this healthy hair set from HigherDOSE once a week, including their serum and brush. After I add the hair serum, I wear my HigherDOSE baseball cap for about 20 minutes

Avoid tight, high buns – I only wear them for workouts and take my hair out afterwards

Diet and supplements: 

For many years, my hair wouldn’t grow. Long-time blog readers will remember that for many years I had hair just below my shoulders.

I ALWAYS wanted it to be longer, but it was like it would get to this point and just break. Now my hair is down to my lower back, happy and healthy!

Here are some of the biggest gamechangers:

I started eating red meat again when I was pregnant with P. I have red meat a few times a week now (and am SO glad I added it back)

Focus on healthy fats: chia, hemp seeds, daily Omega 3 supplements, avocado, butter, nuts/seeds

Gut and mineral testing. When I finally replenished my missing minerals and healed my gut, this made the biggest difference. If you’re interested in functional lab testing, you can always email me TEST to gina@fitnessista.com and I’ll share some options with you.

xo

Gina

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9.11 Friday Faves

Hiiii! Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? We have a family dinner, Liv and I have a volunteer event for NCL, and I’m subbing a barre class. I hope you have a lovely and relaxing weekend ahead!

Some pics from lately:

Lola in the dryer….

(Whenever I do laundry, she runs into the laundry room to hunt for more socks to eat. She’s eaten two.. that we know of. So, I’ve been watching her like even more of a hawk than usual. This dog, I tell ya.)

A javi sighting!!

We always say it’s good luck when we see javelina, and one night driving home, we saw 12! We sat in our cars and watched them eat for a while.

Fishing with the fam at Tanque Verde Ranch. EJ was the only one who caught a fish (a tiny one!) but it was a very exciting moment.

Pool day with P and a friend at La Paloma:

For now, i’s time for the weekly Friday Faves roundup! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love hearing about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

(Friendly reminder that affiliate links are included in Friday Faves! Thank you so much for supporting the blog)

9.11 Friday Faves

Fashion, beauty, random:

LOVE this leave-in hair mask. 

I really want these flats.

If you don’t have these leggings from Vuori yet, they’re some of my all-time faves. They have a drawstring, the fabric is amazing, and they have a ton of colors.

Read, watch, listen:

We pulled our kids out of private school.

This was a short listen in the car one morning and I loved it. It was positive and empowering; the perfect way to start the day.(Also, if you haven’t read You Can Heal Your Life it’s one of my my top books ever.)

What do you want to learn this year?

This is an incredible podcast episode.

Fitness, health, and good eats:

RUN to Whole Foods for these mini pumpkin spice rice cakes. They are delectable.

My hack for a party dessert when you’re rushing around and don’t have time to make anything: grab some desserts at Whole Foods, cut in half, place on a platter, boom.

Organifi launched beauty gummies and mine are on the way! This link auto-applies my code to all of their products.

More reasons to eat berries and grapes. 

An exact copycat of the Whole Foods lentil dal soup.

Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

xoxo

Gina

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9.4 Friday Faves

Hiiii! Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend?

The Pilot is home from a trip (YAY), and we’re just hanging out this long weekend. We’ve been traveling a ton lately (and were honestly looking forward to another short trip this weekend!) but I’m looking forward to a low-key weekend at home with the crew. Our friends are having a housewarming party, we’re going to see the new Spiderman movie and the kids are planning on swimming with friends. I’d love to hear what you’re up to!

(Fun Farm Rio skirt from my last RTR shipment!)

I owe you guys a huge update, but I’ve been hard at work behind the scenes on my new coaching program. I’m completely revamping everything, adding in new support options and layers, and can’t wait to share it with you.

For now, i’s time for the weekly Friday Faves roundup! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love hearing about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

(Friendly reminder that affiliate links are included in Friday Faves! Thank you so much for supporting the blog)

9.4 Friday Faves

Fashion, beauty, random:

Labor Day weekend sales! There are SO many good sales this weekend.

Here are some of my top picks:

Farm Rio. Always the Farm Rio. I usually buy dresses when they have sales, like Labor Day and Black Friday. I have my eye on this, this, this and this. It’s up to 50% off sale and extra 20% with code EXTRA20

Oganifi! Spend $150, Get FREE Red Juice + 10% off with my code FITNESSISTA here.

Lumebox is 45% off for Labor Day! If you’ve been wanting one, now is the chance. Check it out here and your discount will automatically be applied. I use this every.single.day for so many things: skin, healing, aches and pains, headaches, my neck, just when I need a lil mood boost. You will love it.

Melalight! This is a new product and they sent it to me this week. I absolutely love it. If you also hate white and florescent lights at night, this is the answer. It’s perfect on your nightstand for a little nighttime mood lighting while you relax or read, or if you need to wake up during the night, you can turn this on instead of an overhead light or traditional bright lamp.

Blue light negatively impacts our body’s melatonin production, so red light can encourage deep, restful sleep. Check it out here! They’re 20% off for Labor Day but after the weekend, my code is FITNESSISTA20 for 20% off.

(Also wanted to mention here that I’ve *known* the founder of this brand through the online world for many years, so I’m so excited to support this endeavor. If you want to support a NEW female-founded wellness brand and get an amazing product, this is it)

Aviator Nation. We all love AN but it’s a million dollars so a sale is always appreciated. I got this hoodie

OneSkin. My favorite peptide skincare. Use the code FITNESSISTA here. I highly recommend the tinted SPF moisturizer, lip mask, and the body lotion. They have a new product coming out this month that is INCREDIBLE. I’ve been able to test it over the past week and can’t wait to post about it when it’s out.

My holy grail lip product:

HigherDOSE. If you’ve had your eye on a sauna blanket, PEMF mat, red light cap, or a healthy hair set, this is one of top wellness brands. I own so many things from their collection and use HigherDOSE products every single day. Check out the goods here. 

This nail concealer is amazing in a pinch. It fills in all of the ridges and makes your nails smooth, and it also adds a bit of protection.

Read, watch, listen:

Downloaded this book and was quickly reminded why Lisa See is one of my favorite authors.

Are you excited for the DWTS pairings? I’m READY.

What school books have stuck with you?

My Lupus markers came back. Here’s why I didn’t panic this time.

Why rest should be a priority and not a reward.

Fitness, health, and good eats:

Went to a Pilates class for the first time in forever. I’m excited to add it back to the routine since Liv also enjoys reformer pilates.

I also took a line dancing class with a friend this week and it was SO much fun. I’m definitely going back. This is weird, but in the moment, I can totally learn and do the dances. But, the next day, I can’t remember a THING. Friends who line dance: how do you actually remember the dances long-term? Do they just get stuck in your brain eventually? Tell me your secrets

Pinch of Yum meal for the win. (I always make tofu when the Pilot is out of town because he likes meat but the kids and I adore tofu)

Thank you so much for stopping by today, friends! The blog world has been totally wacky this year so just in case I don’t say it enough: it means the world to me that you’re here. I love hanging out with you here on the blog.

Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

xoxo

Gina

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Whole Foods Red Lentil Dal Soup (copycat recipe)

Sharing my version of the amazing Whole Foods red lentil dal soup, which is one of my very favorites. It’s gluten-free, dairy free, and a plant-based source of protein and nutrients. 

Hi friends! How’s the week going so far? I’m in content creation mode for something new I’m working on and doing the usual school and sports scramble with the crew. Fall is officially in the air (jk it’s going to be like 100 here until November) but I like the pretend with a cozy bowl of soup.

I have a mental list of quick grab-and-go meals that I can swoop in a pinch, are healthy, and that I really enjoy. Thankfully, Tucson has a lot of amazing healthy restaurants, which makes it pretty easy. If I find myself in a bind and hangry in between picking up kids and running errands, it’s nice to know I have some faves I can easily pick up.

Whole Foods Red Lentil Dal Soup (copycat recipe)

This is one of my favorite easy healthy pickup meal options. I’ve had this lentil soup so many times this fall season already, I knew I needed to try to recreate it at home. The result is a super hearty, flavorful soup, with lots of nutrients, and is great with a large salad for lunch. It also freezes beautifully.

Here’s the recipe if you’d like to give it a try!

Ingredients:

One yellow onion, diced

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 ribs of celery, diced

3-4 cloves of garlic

1 knob of ginger, peeled and grated

2 cups dried red lentils, rinsed

1 can diced tomatoes

32 oz vegetable broth

Juice of 1 lime

Good pinch of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon curry powder

Turmeric

1/2 bag of spinach

1 can coconut milk

Salt and pepper

Instructions:

Step One

In the Instant Pot on saute setting, saute the onion, carrots, garlic, and celery for 2-3 minutes in olive oil, until softened and fragrant. Add in the tomatoes, ginger, lentils, and spices. Season well with salt and pepper.

Step two

Stir in the broth, seal the lid, and cook on soup setting for 20 minutes.

Step three

Allow the pressure to release naturally, and then stir in the lime juice, spinach, and coconut milk. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Top with some dairy-free yogurt and cilantro if you’d like!

Note: Allow to cool completely before storing in the fridge or freezer.

Here’s the full recipe. Please let me know if you decide to give it a whirl!

Print

Whole Foods Red Lentil Dal Soup (copycat recipe)

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

A delicious and hearty vegan soup that’s packed with protein and nutrients.

• Author: Fitnessista
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

One yellow onion, diced

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 ribs of celery, diced

3–4 cloves of garlic

1 knob of ginger, peeled and grated

2 cups dried red lentils, rinsed

1 can diced tomatoes

32 oz vegetable broth

Juice of 1 lime

Good pinch of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 bag of spinach

1 can coconut milk

Salt and pepper

Cayenne if desired

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In the Instant Pot on saute setting, saute the onion, carrots, garlic, and celery for 2-3 minutes in olive oil, until softened and fragrant. Add in the tomatoes, ginger, lentils, and spices. Season well with salt and pepper.

Stir in the broth, seal the lid, and cook on soup setting for 20 minutes.

Allow the pressure to release naturally, and then stir in the lime juice, spinach, and coconut milk. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Top with some dairy-free yogurt and cilantro if you’d like!

Notes

You can definitely make this on the stovetop. Just bring up to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Cook at a low simmer for around 45 minutes or until the lentils are cooked and soft. Then add the coconut milk, lime juice, and serve with desired toppings.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @fitnessista on Instagram

Have a wonderful day and I’ll see ya soon!

xo

Gina

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8.28 Friday Faves

Hiiii! Happy Friday! How are you? I hope you’ve had a lovely week. It’s been a busy one over here. Behind the scenes, I’ve been working on a new program (more to come soon), subbed a barre class, and have the wrangling the crew. The girls are busy and thriving with school and their extracurricular activities, Lola is… on her doggy period (joy lol), and the Pilot has been traveling a lot.

We were able to get in a brunch date this week at the Hills, which was amazing. They have great food and a cozy vibe.

The rest of the weekend will be spent poolside, prepping for a content shoot on Monday, NCL event, and my dad’s bday dinner.

It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves roundup! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love hearing about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

(Friendly reminder that affiliate links are included in Friday Faves! Thank you so much for supporting the blog)

8.28 Friday Faves

Fashion, beauty, random:

Girls’ night! The perfect night of wine, chatting, and creme brulee at Fleming’s. The funny thing is that I hated creme brulee for YEARS and now that I’ve been gluten-free for three years and it’s usually one of the only gf desserts on the menu, I’m now a huge fan.

(skirt is old from Anthro but shoes are here!)

Another Olive & June nontoxic gel mani for the win. (It only lasts about 5 days but perfect in a pinch)

Fishing with the cousins. They came over for swimming last weekend and we went fishing at a nearby lake afterwards. It’s apparently stocked with bass, catfish and trout, but we didn’t catch anything. It doesn’t matter; the kids still loved it.

Don’t Say Good Luck on Netflix. I don’t know if I can call it a fave because I cried like a baby, but it was beautiful and well done. Liv loved it, too.

Read, watch, listen:

I’m reading this book after one of the mediums at Miraval recommended it (after our past life regression!) and it’s blowing,my.mind.

On the same note, this was an incredible podcast episode.

Ok friends, who are you cheering for in Dancing with the Stars: the Next Pro? I’m team Adele but think that all of the finalists are insanely talented.

Unpopular trainer opinion.

Fitness, health, and good eats:

Your dog told me it would like some of this healthy homemade dog food.

This fruit tart is always a hit. I need to make one this weekend for the fam!

Interesting study about beta-glucan. 

Thank you so much for stopping by today, friends! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

xoxo

Gina

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8.21 Friday Faves

Hiiii! Happy Friday! How are you? What’s going on this weekend?

We’re finally finding our groove with the kiddos back in school and the Pilot’s travel schedule. Liv is back in dance, P is taking a break from basketball to play soccer, and we’re already looking forward to fall break. This week, I’ve been diving back into work stuff (some exciting things on the way!) and also met up with some friends for lunch and juice which was a nice lil treat.

Last weekend, we went to KCON in LA! Our two K Pop fans wanted to go, so we took a trip to LA for the weekend. It was pretty cool: SO many bands performing on various stages, food and beauty vendors, and a huge arena concert featuring the headliners from each day.

The lines to get in were the craziest lines I’ve ever seen. There were thousands of people still lined up when we arrived, which is reason to skip it next year or get the Express Access pass.

Once we got inside, it was a lot of fun. Liv was able to see so many groups she loves, and P enjoyed walking around with us, checking out the vendors, eating all of the tasty food, and popping into the mini concerts throughout the day.

I knew she’d been tired from an early flight, so I only booked two tickets for the arena concert Saturday night. Liv would want to rally and P would want to chill, which was fine with me lol.

The Pilot took Liv to the concert, and we were pleasantly surprised to find out that I accidentally bought VIP executive suite tickets. I was just trying to buy tickets that weren’t in the nosebleed section and got them from a resale site.

After waiting in line for so long earlier in the day, I was so pumped that they were able to walk right in! They also had awesome seats for the concert. While they were watching the show, P and I were back at the hotel in jammies wearing face masks, watched Great British Baking Show Juniors and playing dress to impress on her iPad.

This guy is such a good sport.

Aaaaand check out my K beauty haul from the weekend! About half of this was free and I maybe spent $60 for the rest of it. So many new things to try!

It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves roundup! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love hearing about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

(Friendly reminder that affiliate links are included in Friday Faves! Thank you so much for supporting the blog)

8.21 Friday Faves

Fashion, beauty, random:

Wore this to meet a friend for bfast. Looooove all things Polo bear. (This top is sold out but there’s a similar one here!)

Another shirtdress moment The fabric is amazing on this one and true to size.

This week we celebrated our 19th anniversary. We went to dinner at the Flying V and it was perfection. I feel like we’ve lived so many lifetimes together since the early days (and I’ve been blogging for almost all of it!) and and grateful and proud of the life we’ve built together.

New HigherDOSE red light shower filter. We’re remodeling the bathroom after the mold remediation and I told them I wasn’t super picky about the design; I just want to include this shower head! It’s HUGE and has 10-step filtration, plus the benefits of red light. I can’t wait to take a shower in the dark with the red light going. Bliss. Check it out here and use FITNESSISTA15 sitewide.

Read, watch, listen:

I wanted to invite you to join me over on Substack. I’ve been posting over here for the past few months and am loving it! If you’d like to check out some of my posts over there (like what the Miraval psychic told me, my past life regression, and identity crisis) meet me over here. I’d love to see ya

7 ways to make back to school fun.

Are you watching Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro? I’m so glad I started watching it a few weeks ago and it’s starting to get exciting. I can’t wait to see who wins and am definitely team Adele.

The magic of following joy.

I think we need to plan a spring London trip.

Fitness, health, and good eats:

P and I got Doordash while the Pilot and Liv went to KCON early Sunday morning. (We slept in and wanted pancakes.) It was my first time trying Honey Hi and it was sooooo good. I can’t wait to try it again and am so glad I also ordered half a loaf of gf sourdough to bring home in my suitcase.

Power of a good multivitamin. This is the one I use and they have a new flavor!

Thank you so much for stopping by today, friends! Have an amazing weekend and I’ll see ya soon!

xoxo

Gina

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