STAFF at Personal Best have the motto: 'it's all about you'. This might mean helping you make the most of your presentation (providing you with a new hairstyle or a nifty new image) or it might be tackling some of the underlying lifestyle issues that could be affecting how you feel and function.

An internal and external audit:

NEED to lose weight? Want to tone up your body? Nursing a secret desire to run a marathon? A one-to-one session with health coach Chris Beck is all about defining your desires and working towards your goals.

"Everything is geared 100% to the client's needs," said Chris who, after training in sports coaching at university, added a whole raft of qualifications in nutrition, exercise and personal training to his portfolio. "I have worked in gyms in the past but I didn't find they treated people as individuals."

After a lifestyle assessment Chris will give you ideas based around your everyday life to help you reach your desired goals. He likes to give the kind of help, support and encouragement you might associate with a life coach with the expertise of a personal trainer, sports coach or nutritionist.

Special packages have been devised for brides-to-be (or anyone with a special event looming) — a 12-week programme getting you shipshape for the big day. There is also a detox and nutritional package — a good one for the new year.

The reward, says Chris, is seeing people achieve their goals: "If people are setting targets and they hit those targets, it's very rewarding. It's very satisfying."

Stress busting:

MY own stress busting bonanza at Personal Best included a relaxing reflexology session with Suzanne Hazelden, an invigorating Swedish massage with John Spurr and a French manicure and hand massage with Zoë Williams.

Having tons of attention lavished on your tootsies is incredibly relaxing — it really does feel very decadent to have those little pinkies massaged. Of course, reflexology is used for a wide variety of therapeutic reasons too and Suzanne believes it can help the body heal and restore itself. Interestingly, she offers reflexology to ladies through pregnancy and labour.

"Reflexology during pregnancy is extremely beneficial to both mother and baby," she said.

"It is completely safe and can help many pregnancy-related ailments, such as constipation and backache.

"Throughout pregnancy significant hormonal, physiological and emotional changes occur and reflexology aims to rebalance and maintain a natural equilibrium. It will also help your body get ready for the impending delivery of your baby."

A Swedish massage with John also comes highly recommended. John likes to tailor-make the massage to the client's needs and, in my case, his percussive technique had a somewhat energising effect. In fact the result of letting go of tension in the neck and shoulders left me zinging for the rest of the day — almost.

I have to say 'almost' because, I have to admit, I completely collapsed — in a positive relaxed kind of way — after a soothing hand massage with Zoë who obviously has a talent for seeking out tension while she makes your nails look pretty. Zoë also offers the benefits of full massage to ladies during pregnancy — for those wanting to become pregnant, right through to the due date and afterwards.

Pampering pod:

FOR even more relaxation rhapsody head to the Relaxation Pod — an infrared sauna.

"It takes the safe part of the light from the sun and safely warms the body rather than the air," said Chris. "It's very therapeutic and can benefit muscular pain."

The cosy, warm pod — unlike a traditional sauna you can sit inside it in your clothes — comes complete with soothing music and relaxing lights. There is also an optional SAD (seasonal affective disorder) light — ideal for those who suffer with the blues during the winter months.

Rescue and relaxation packages are available at Personal Best aimed at re-generating, restoring and reviving you. For instance, for £70, you could enjoy a two and half hour session including a Swedish massage, multivitamin regeneration facial, use of the relaxation pod and refreshments. Packages can also be tailor-made for your needs — helping you be your perky best.

●If you are stuck with what to buy your loved one this Christmas it is worth knowing that Personal Best does gift vouchers. Contact: Personal Best, 55 Cooks Cross, South Molton EX36 4AW. Phone: 01769 579156.