Mild temperatures, spring flowers poking through the ground, robins frolicking in the yard—spring is finally on its way. And that means it’s time to shop for a bathing suit. For many, the thought of parading down a beach in a swimsuit triggers feelings of dread. Rather than blame poor store lighting and inadequate mirrors for a less than ideal reflection in the dressing room, learn from the fitness trends popular among celebrities as they get their bodies ready for those revealing swimsuit shots. And you’ll be working it with the best of them.
Strength training
Whether you’re looking to build bulk or just trying to tone, strength training is an excellent way to improve your physique. The American Council on Exercise recommends working with heavier weights and performing fewer repetitions to build muscle. To promote endurance or tone, use lighter weights and do more repetitions. Moderate-intensity cardio is recommended 30 minutes five times a week (or vigorous cardio three times a week) to keep the heart healthy and lower body fat percentage, which makes it easier to se e those sculpted muscles.
Whether you’re looking to build bulk or just trying to tone, strength training is an excellent way to improve your physique. The American Council on Exercise recommends working with heavier weights and performing fewer repetitions to build muscle. To promote endurance or tone, use lighter weights and do more repetitions. Moderate-intensity cardio is recommended 30 minutes five times a week (or vigorous cardio three times a week) to keep the heart healthy and lower body fat percentage, which makes it easier to se e those sculpted muscles.
Women can benefit from strength training without the fear of “getting big.” Sarah Jessica Parker did bench pressing exercises to prepare for the Sex and the City movie and recent hype over Michelle Obama’s arms proves that a woman can be strong and feminine at the same time.
Diet bracelets (also known as the abacus diet)
According to Marie Claire, celebrities like actress Kate Beckinsale and Australian songbird Delta Goodrem use beaded bracelets to help them keep track of calories throughout the day. Each bead represents a set number of calories, depending on the number of beads. As you eat, you slide the beads to keep track of the number of calories you take in.
According to Marie Claire, celebrities like actress Kate Beckinsale and Australian songbird Delta Goodrem use beaded bracelets to help them keep track of calories throughout the day. Each bead represents a set number of calories, depending on the number of beads. As you eat, you slide the beads to keep track of the number of calories you take in.
Weight Watchers sells a “points counter” bracelet that is based on a similar concept but incorporates their point system rather than calories. Copyright and patents on this product may make it difficult to find online, but it’s fairly simple to make your own.
Train for a race
Ryan Reynolds, Oprah, Katie Holmes, Sean “Diddy” Combs, George W. Bush and even Will Ferrell have gotten into shape by training for a marathon. If 26.2 miles seems like a long shot, start smaller. Not only will the experience give you a goal to work toward, it will also give you something to celebrate when you cross the finish line. Visit the Running in the USA site for a list of races in Michigan.
Ryan Reynolds, Oprah, Katie Holmes, Sean “Diddy” Combs, George W. Bush and even Will Ferrell have gotten into shape by training for a marathon. If 26.2 miles seems like a long shot, start smaller. Not only will the experience give you a goal to work toward, it will also give you something to celebrate when you cross the finish line. Visit the Running in the USA site for a list of races in Michigan.
Kettlebells
The American Council on Exercise found that kettle bell exercises are making a comeback. According to a press release from exercise equipment product manufacturer GoFit, Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz, Lance Armstrong, Mariska Hargitay, Sylvester Stallone, Claire Danes, Kim Cattrall and Matthew McConaughey use kettlebells as part of their workouts. View kettlebell exercises.
The American Council on Exercise found that kettle bell exercises are making a comeback. According to a press release from exercise equipment product manufacturer GoFit, Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz, Lance Armstrong, Mariska Hargitay, Sylvester Stallone, Claire Danes, Kim Cattrall and Matthew McConaughey use kettlebells as part of their workouts. View kettlebell exercises.
Tracy Anderson Method
Stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna credit the Tracy Anderson Method for their lean frames. The goal of this method is to train the smaller muscle groups to “pull in” the larger muscles by using a combination of Pilates, strength training (with low weights) and working out in 80 degree temperatures. Anderson requires clients to work out two hours a day six days a week. Oprah recently featured this method on her talk show, and a clip can be viewed on her Web site. Note: this approach to fitness has caused controversy in the fitness industry as some trainers believe it promotes an unhealthy body type.
Stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna credit the Tracy Anderson Method for their lean frames. The goal of this method is to train the smaller muscle groups to “pull in” the larger muscles by using a combination of Pilates, strength training (with low weights) and working out in 80 degree temperatures. Anderson requires clients to work out two hours a day six days a week. Oprah recently featured this method on her talk show, and a clip can be viewed on her Web site. Note: this approach to fitness has caused controversy in the fitness industry as some trainers believe it promotes an unhealthy body type.
Boot camp
Boot camp approaches to fitness have appeared on Biggest Loser and Desperate Housewives. This type of fitness class is predicted by American Council on Exercise to be one of the leading fitness trends of 2009. They incorporate both cardiovascular and strength training exercises, burning up to 600 calories a session. Contact a fitness center near you for a list of classes.
Boot camp approaches to fitness have appeared on Biggest Loser and Desperate Housewives. This type of fitness class is predicted by American Council on Exercise to be one of the leading fitness trends of 2009. They incorporate both cardiovascular and strength training exercises, burning up to 600 calories a session. Contact a fitness center near you for a list of classes.
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