celebrity workouts

A New Way to Shed the Baby Weight

October 5, 2011 at 12:29 pm
By Colleen Moody

Here’s a fun fact: October 5 is one of the most common birthdays in the U.S. In fact, you’ve probably noticed that there is an influx in birthdays in general between the months of September and October because a large amount of babies are conceived around the holidays.

But with birthdays comes the baby weight. Everyone has it and everyone loses it differently. For those not a fan of logging miles on the treadmill or strength training with dumbells we chatted with Sheila Kelley, creator of the pole dance workout the S Factor to get a new approach to dropping the baby weight and getting your body back faster. Read below to see why this routine might be right for you.

What are some of the biggest body woes women have after having a baby that you’ve seen with your clients?

The biggest woe is that women lose their shape. Having a baby changes your body (along with everything else!). Your hips and your stomach, the way you walk, even your feelings about sexuality. By trying S Factor, you can reconnect with your body inside and out.

Read more

---

The Dish on Glee: Cover Girl Heather Morris Spills

September 15, 2011 at 10:22 am
By FITNESS Editors

Calling all Gleeks! Heather Morris (known to Glee fanatics as Brittany) gave FITNESS the behind-the-scenes scoop on your favorite show.

Heather’s inspiration for playing Brittany: “She’s like a little kid who says, ‘I don’t get it.’ It’s funnier to me to play Brittany as not super-stupid, but really innocent.”

Why Heather thinks Glee is such a hit: “People love the music and the characters — everyone can relate to someone on the show, because everyone’s felt like an outsider at some point in their lives.”

Biggest OMG moment on set: “The Britney/Brittany episode. It was surreal. I was like, ‘Wow, I’m just hanging out with Britney Spears as Brittany the character. We’re doing a scene. I’m singing her songs.’ I was such a fan of hers! I was in a seventh grade talent show and I did her whole MTV Video Music Awards performance [from 2000] when she was in the sparkly skin-tone outfit. After the Britney/Brittany episode, she sent me flowers with a note that said, ‘Good Job, Love Britney.’ I’ll never forget that!”

Biggest oops: “While doing the ‘Singing in the Rain’ number, we were in a tub of water and after about the eighteenth take it was just disgusting. Water mixed with sweat and makeup, and it was gross. I was doing a dance move, and when I kicked, a whole puddle went all over Matt Morrison. I felt so bad!”

Heather’s favorite on-screen number: “MC Hammer’s ‘Can’t Touch This’ in the school library. There were a lot of sweet moves in that one.”

Read more

---

Safety Tips for Runners and Cyclists

September 9, 2011 at 3:35 pm
By Colleen Moody

Poor Reese Witherspoon! According to this NBC LA article the actress was hit by a car running on a road in Santa Monica on Wednesday. Witherspoon was struck by an 84-year-old woman who failed to slow down at a pedestrian crosswalk. Luckily, Witherspoon only suffered minor injuries and after a quick trip to the hospital is said to be resting comfortably at home.

Unfortunately the chances of getting hit while running or cycling is greater than we often think. But that doesn’t mean you have to bring your routine inside. Instead, keep these precautions in mind the next time you head out.

For Runners:

• Always carry ID! Whether it’s your actual license or an identification tag like Road ID, it’s important to have something on you in case you do get hurt and need assistance.
• Run facing traffic, not with it. And always run on the outside of turns if possible, not on the inside where cars are likely to whip around before seeing you.
• Keep your music low. Blasting Lady Gaga might make you run faster, but it’s also going to make you miss a car’s horn or warning call.
• Wear reflective clothing, especially late at night.
• When you can, run with a friend. You can be on watch for each other!

For Cyclists:

• As opposed to running, make sure to ride with traffic, not against it.
• Make sure your brakes are in top condition in case you need to stop suddenly.
• Know the traffic laws! Many states have cycling laws riders have to abide by in addition to traffic laws that all riders should obey as well.
• And we have to say it — wear a helmet! Not only will it protect your noggin, it will help cars recognize there is a cyclist on the road.

Now tell us: Are we missing something? What’s the best outdoor safety tip you’ve ever received?

More from FITNESS:

• Try Reese Witherspoon’s Arms and Shoulders Workout
• Best Celebrity Bodies After Breakup
• More Celebrity Workout Routines

---

Get Fit Like Chelsea Handler: Tips From Trainer Mark MacDonald

August 16, 2011 at 5:57 pm
By Karla Walsh

Chelsea Handler is known for her witty jokes, fit friends (how fun would a gym date with Jennifer Aniston be?) and her party-loving attitude. So how does the comedian and talk show host look so fabulous while seeming so carefree about her healthy lifestyle? We turned to Mark MacDonald, her trainer and the CEO and creator of Venice Nutrition to find out.

“Reaching your health goals isn’t the easiest thing. But it’s possible if you make your health a priority and develop a rhythm with your eating and fitness routine. It’s really freeing once you set that foundation,” says MacDonald, who has worked with Chelsea since 2003. He and his medical board, including a registered dietitian and an osteopathic doctor, help non-celebs optimize their well-being through customized diet and exercise programs as well.

Mark stopped by our offices to share four tips that have worked for Chelsea—and can work for you too:

• Don’t skip breakfast. “Eat within one hour of waking up,” MacDonald recommends. “Egg whites with oatmeal or Greek yogurt with nuts and berries are great choices. Aim for a mix of protein, fat and carbs and eat every three to four hours for the rest of the day. You never want to be starving or too full.”
• Prepare a “mobile readiness food kit.” “Stock items like turkey jerky, fruit, edamame, string cheese and nuts in your car or desk in case you get stuck in traffic or in the middle of a busy project when meal time rolls around,” Macdonald says.
• Eat enough protein. Dietary protein helps your body maintain and repair tissue, which is especially important for those who lift weights and are constantly breaking down and rebuilding muscle. MacDonald’s favorite sources? Chicken, turkey, cottage cheese and eggs.
• Sip alcohol with meals. “Chelsea eats really clean and trains hard [Pilates is a favorite, but she also fits in cardio like incline walking or running] so she can enjoy a couple of nights a week at a restaurant with a vodka cocktail or two,” MacDonald says. He suggests a meal of protein and veggies, like grilled salmon and asparagus, to go along with your beverage of choice (in moderation, of course).

To learn more about MacDonald and his book Body Confidence, visit venicenutrition.com.

More from FITNESS: Shape up like another funny lady, Christina Applegate, with this tummy-toning move.

---

Who Is Your Top Celebrity Body Role Model?

August 2, 2011 at 2:29 pm
By Karla Walsh

LA Fitness recently asked 2,000 members to nominate an individual for the “body of the year.” So who came out on top? None other than stunning 66-year-old Dame Helen Mirren! In fact, the age-defying actress (who has appeared in ads promoting Nintendo’s Wii Fit video games in the U.K.) beat out fellow frontrunners who are decades younger, including Elle Macpherson and J. Lo, according to Sky News.

Of course, this all depends on what you consider to be a “hot” body. Being FITNESS, we’d love to hear who you believe is the top fit, healthy role model in Hollywood. We think it has a lot to do with confidence! So sound off in the poll below, or share other picks in the comments.

Then tell us: Do celebrities inspire you to “work on your fitness” as Fergie says, or do you find your motivation elsewhere?

---

How Chef and Swimmer Marisa Churchill Stays Fit

June 8, 2011 at 2:54 pm
By Marianne Magno

When making dessert is your job, staying fit can be a challenge. We recently sat down with swimmer and competitive chef (she was on season two of Top Chef and Food Network Challenge) Marisa Churchill to discuss the launch of her new cookbook, Sweet & Skinny: 100 Recipes for Enjoying Life’s Sweeter Side Without Tipping the Scales. Though she’s around tempting desserts all day, Marisa is in amazing shape and even competes in swim meets. Here’s how she makes that possible:

What’s your workout routine like?
I try to exercise at least five days a week. I swim three times, completing about 6,000-8,000 yards weekly, and strength train twice a week.

Aside from swimming laps in the pool, what’s your favorite way to work out?
Since the launch of Sweet & Skinny, I am on the road a lot traveling for my book tour. Therefore, I’m all about “exercises on the go.” Here are a few of my favorite ones that you can do just about anywhere:

• Squats and Lunges: These are perfect for when you’re on the go because you don’t need a lot of space or equipment. You just need your body! You can easily do either exercise in a hotel room or hallway. I do three sets of 15 squats and three sets of 20 lunges.
• Sit-ups and Push-ups: Any style works. It doesnt matter what type of sit-up or push-up you perform, as long as you get it done!
• Planks: Drop down and hold for 30 seconds! I aim for four sets.

What do you eat to fuel up for a tough workout or swimming competition?
I cut back on sugar the week before a competition and make sure I eat well-balanced meals with lots of fruits and vegetables. I also drink a lot of green tea to keep me energized.

Stay tuned for healthy cooking and eat-right tips from Marisa in an upcoming issue of FITNESS!

---

Surf Secrets Behind The New Blue Crush 2 Movie

June 6, 2011 at 9:48 am
By Karla Walsh

Tomorrow, the follow-up to the popular surfing movie Blue Crush hits stores on DVD! We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek (which made us dream to have those surf skills) and meet with the film’s stars (who seem to be great pals in real life). We asked the ladies for their best surf tips for beginners, and to top it off, we had them team up to create a killer beach playlist!

Blue Crush 2 Starter Surfing Hints

• “Be safe and have fun! Know your boundaries when it comes to the ocean, but don’t be scared to get out there and give it a go!” —Sharni Vinson, also seen in Step Up 3D (Tara in the film)
• “At first you’re going to fall a lot. But keep getting back up! And always wear your leash—never get into the water without it attached. Have fun and watch your body transform. It’s such a great workout!” —Elizabeth Mathis, also seen in Unstoppable (Pushy)
• “Relax! Even if you don’t stand up on your first try, you can still enjoy being in the ocean. A lot of surfing has to do with muscle memory, so if you are relaxed and keeping in mind how you are feeling on the board you will learn a lot faster.” —Rosy Hodge, ROXY pro surfer from South Africa (Catherine)
• “It’s very daunting and scary to go into the ocean at first, but I got the best advice from our free diving coach Hanli Prinsloo: When being tossed and turned underwater or held under, instead of being frightened, just smile and acknowledge that the ocean is ‘playing with you.’ It’s easy to feel very small and powerless when you first surf, but if you switch your mindset it changes your experience drastically.” —Sasha Jackson, also seen on One Tree Hill (Dana)

Blue Crush 2 Star’s Surf-Friendly Playlist

• “Islands,” XX
• “Land Down Under (Acoustic),” Jason Mraz
• “The Lazy Song,” Bruno Mars
• “Pure Shores,” All Saints
• “Sun is Shining,” Bob Marley & The Wailers

Now tell us: What sporty movie inspires you to get up and move?

---

4 Things I Learned About Celebrity Fitness

May 25, 2011 at 4:11 pm
By Karla Walsh

Recently, thanks to ASICS , I was lucky enough to spend a few days living (and training) like a celebrity in L.A.! A team of writers were treated to six workouts over the course of two days—and each was hosted by a different celebrity trainer. Along the way, I had four “aha! moments” about exercising like a star:

1. Variety is the spice of life. We tried a beats-driven spinning class at Equinox, a zen yoga session with Kirschen Hagenlocher (who traveled to India with Julia Roberts during Eat, Pray Love!), a sculpting class with Jennifer Garner’s pal Valerie Waters and more. Each workout challenged our bodies in different ways and proved to us that exercise can never get boring.
2. Improvise with what you’ve got. Surprise! Many celebrities don’t have home gyms and squeeze in their workouts outside or at their homes using furniture like coffee table for step ups and swap in bands for heavy equipment. Christopher Ross Lane, who has helped whip Valerie Bertinelli and Sara Rue into shape, showed us how to tone up outdoors with the Pro Gym in a Bag, which he uses with his clients. They also slip in plyometrics and neighborhood runs for some cardio. (Christopher also trains our pal Jillian Michaels—trainers need to be pushed by trainers too!)
3. Take advantage of your surroundings. Have a beach nearby? Run on it! A ladder or swing set? Climb it! Just because it’s not considered “exercise” doesn’t mean it’s not a fabulous workout. This was exhibited during our amazing, fast-paced hike in Temescal Canyon, led by Michelle Lovitt, trainer to Courtney Cox, Eve and Yvonne Strahovsky from Chuck. We didn’t run once, but our heart rates were pumping the entire time. The amazing views didn’t hurt either!
4. Victoria Beckham is more adventurous than I thought! We couldn’t stop laughing (or sweating) during our workout with Paul Vincent and his team at the Training Adventure. We flipped on mats, climbed over walls as high as our shoulders and maneuvered the monkey bars. I could picture Tom Cruise doing this to prepare for a film role (he has), but had a harder time imagining Posh Spice completing the stunt workout! But Paul claims she comes, with family in tow, and knocks out similar workouts to the Olympians he also trains. Hardcore!

Now tell us: If you could train with any celebrity, who would you pick and why?

---

Spotlight On…Celebrity Trainer Harley Pasternak!

May 18, 2011 at 12:07 pm
By Karla Walsh

Personal trainer Harley Pasternak’s client list reads like a “who’s who” of Hollywood elite. He and his 5-Factor program have been featured on countless TV shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, America’s Next Top Model and NBC’s Today show. Check out some of the hot bodies he’s sculpted and shared routines for:

• Alicia Keys
• Jessica Simpson
• Halle Berry
• Lady Gaga

And thanks to a neat promotion from Centrum multivitamins, your muscles could be next on Harley’s to-tone list!

To enter to win an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles to train with Harley, simply text the word “CENTRUM” to 89800 by June 22.

Now tell us: If you could have any celebrity as your workout buddy, who would you choose?

---

How Ashlan Gorse of E! News Stays Red Carpet-Ready

May 17, 2011 at 2:44 pm
By Karla Walsh

Ashlan Gorse has one sweet job: Covering the red carpet festivities at events including the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Golden Globes. She’s also a correspondent for E! News, reporting on movie premieres, breaking entertainment news and the latest in fashion, beauty and fitness.

Now that the 2011 red carpet season has slowed down and Ashlan has had a chance to catch her breath, the down-to-earth journalist took time to tell us about staying chiseled for those couture gowns and the music that keeps her moving.

How do you get in shape for red carpet season?

Red carpet season is always so exciting. I watch what I eat for two weeks prior to each show and kick up my workouts. At the same time, I try to remember that it’s supposed to be fun and try not to stress about a pound or two!

What does a day in your diet diary look like?

I always eat breakfast—even if it’s just a protein bar or a hard boiled egg. I have to be at work at 6 a.m., so breakfast is at my desk. Lunch is a some sort of salad and dinner is filled with either protein or veggies. I’m trying to cut down on how much meat I eat and try to eat organic and local. It’s good for me and good for the environment. But I admit that I do indulge!

Read more

---