Last week, I visited the latest business to join Richmond High Street, FACEGYM, a company (as the name suggests) dedicated to 'facial fitness'.

After opening last month, FACEGYM invited me to experience one of its famous facial workouts, which the brand says helps to naturally lift, sculpt and tone the face.

As I entered the studio, my initial feeling was that the place appeared much like a gym in its décor, with a big red digital clock, although different as it has a row of eight chairs instead of a barbell rack where you do your "workout".

It is also worth mentioning that I have never experienced a facial massage before, so I was a bit clueless as to what to expect.

However, once inside I was greeted by franchise owners James Culley-Harris and his husband, James, who helped me fill in a quick and easy medical form before beginning my session.

Once in the chair, I was in the safe hands of trainer Amanda, who explained the different stages of the 'Signature Sculpt', which was the workout I was about to receive.

The 35-minute workout involved cleansing my face to start the detox process before what FACEGYM calls cardio movement, where Amanda used quick strokes with her fingers to stimulate collagen and cell turnover.

Then the main stage of the Signature Sculpt began, whereby Amanda utilised a gua sha (a smooth-edged, handheld instrument used in facials), followed by FACEGYM's patented EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) technology with the FACEGYM Pro.

The device performs EMS around the face, which the clinic says strengthens muscle fibres, tones the skin, boosts circulation and improves firmness.

Finally, the last stage of the session saw Amanda cool down my face and talk me through potential skincare products and serums I could use going forward.

The million-dollar question: did my face feel and look better? Honestly, it was hard to tell if my face looked better, although Amanda and the two Jameses reassured me it did, but it definitely felt better.

There was a clear glow on my face from the moisturiser Amanda used, but the most notable thing was how much less tight and slightly less puffy my face felt.

As I said earlier, I have never experienced a facial massage before, so the process was novel to me, yet I found it relaxing and enjoyable, even when I was getting hit with little electromagnetic currents to my facial muscles.

Trainer Amanda was comforting and knowledgeable, talking me through every step of the way, as well as asking me about my skincare routine and whether I was prepared to use certain tools and products on my face.

Overall, FACEGYM's facial workouts feel less like an intense gym session for your face, although they could come across as such, and more like a spa treatment with bespoke tools and techniques.

To find out more about FACEGYM Richmond and its workouts, click here.

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