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Hilary Duff's High-Energy Prenatal Piloxing Workout

Self — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:39:32 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar!

Some women may take it easy during their last trimester, but Hilary Duff isn't the type to let her workouts slide just because she's eating for two. The singer-actress may be seven months pregnant, but according to her trainer of eight years, Vivica Jensen, she's still staying fit with biweekly Piloxing sessions. "Piloxing is the first fitness program that blends the best of Pilates, boxing, and dance into a high-energy, hour-long interval workout," says Jensen, who created the hybrid class. "I put a lot of focus into balance and alignment, which can be thrown off when you're pregnant. You also get a great cardio workout, and the boxing element tones your arms and legs."

Although Jensen has tweaked Duff's workouts to accommodate her pregnancy, she's quick to point out that the mom-to-be is no slouch in the gym. "Since Hilary was already in good shape, she's able to do everything but at her own pace with a few modifications like taking more breaks to drink water and catch her breath when her heart rate goes up and not doing advanced ab exercises," says Jensen.

As her due date draws near, the former Lizzie McGuire star is also preparing her body for the hardships of labor. That means plenty of arm, leg, chest, and core exercises. "For now, I'm focusing on her core muscles because I want those muscles intact so she has an easier delivery," says Jensen. Just don't expect Mrs. Comrie to stay bedridden for very long since "Hilary loves being healthy and has always been very active. Once she gets the OK from her doctor, we're really going to kick it up a notch," says Jensen. "She's tough with amazing form, so I'm able to work her hard and really kick her butt!"

Want to stay fit throughout all nine months of your pregnancy (or even if you're not eating for two!)? Incorporate four moves into your regular workout routine to get buff like Duff. Read on for the moves.

Tips and Workouts For a Strong and Fit Pregnancy

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 01:50:13 PST

If you're pregnant or planning on having children in the near future, it's good to know the facts about what's safe and appropriate when it comes to working out. Check out the posts below to ensure you stay active, fit, and strong during your pregnancy.

Momma-to-Be Strength Training Routine

Hip and Back Stretches For Mommies-to-Be

Expecting? Dos and Don'ts of Working Out

How Pregnancy Ruins Workouts (and Ways to Deal)

Running With a Bun in the Oven

Kerri Walsh's Strong Mama Pilates Routine

Postnatal Yoga Poses For New Moms

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:43:34 PST

After giving birth, a new mother not only has a beautiful bundle of sweetness to love, but she's usually left with a sore lower back, tight hips, and tense shoulders as well. Here's a relaxing and rejuvenating yoga sequence that's sure to bring relief.

Running With a Bun in the Oven

Jenny Sugar — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 18:30:06 PST

When I became pregnant with my first, it was important to keep up with my healthy lifestyle. Running was always a big part of my exercise routine, so if you were an avid runner who now has a baby on the way, here are some tips for keeping up with your running routine.

As soon as you find out you're expecting, talk to your OB about continuing with running. Chances are your doc will encourage you to stick with it, but it's always good to be cautious when it comes to your growing baby.
Don't expect to do what you used to do pre-pregnancy. You'll probably need to slow down your pace, take it easy on hills, stick to even terrain to prevent falling, take breaks often, and decrease your distance.
Along the same lines, don't push yourself too hard physically. This is a time to maintain your fitness level, so signing up for your first full marathon isn't the best idea.
Listen to your body from day to day. Throughout your pregnancy, there may be days (or weeks) when you may not be feeling well or energetic enough for a four-mile run, so wogging - doing a combination of jogging and walking - may be a better option. Run (or wog) on days you feel like it, and walk on days you don't.
Your body is going through many changes physically with all the growing and expanding it's doing, so while running, stop if you feel a pull, twinge, pain, or cramp.

For more tips on running while pregnant, keep reading.

Selma Blair Not Worried About Her Baby Weight

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:23:48 PDT

The pressure in Hollywood to bounce back and lose the baby weight sometimes seems like a competition, but one new mom is not playing the game. Selma Blair, known for the movie series Hellboy, my personal fave Legally Blonde, and her latest film Dark Horse, says she didn't have time to hit the gym after having her son, Arthur Saint Bleick, in late July. She told Us Weekly:

"I actually haven't lost any weight since the day I left the hospital. I still weigh the exact same number. I haven't really been focusing on that at all, because I've been running around to different things like Toronto [International Film Festival] and Venice [Film Festival]."

She still looks pretty darn amazing for having had a baby almost eight weeks ago. Her secret? The 39-year-old actress says, "I've been following Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Diet. It helps with my clarity and endurance. In a few weeks I think I'll start getting into [the gym] when things slow down a bit - it'll be Pilates in L.A.!"

I find Selma's attitude refreshing. I don't know about you, but this makes me feel better about wearing my maternity jeans until well after my daughter's two-month birthday!

Jessica Alba Hit the Gym Shortly After Giving Birth - Did You?

FitSugar — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:29:06 PDT

Just two weeks after giving birth to daughter Haven, Jessica Alba is already back at the gym. Last night Jessica tweeted: "I did my first day of wrkout [sic] since I had the baby, just cardio for 40 min. - it's a start. Anyone else starting a fitness regimen?" Jessica went on to tweet that her doctor gave the OK to resuming a fitness routine. Jessica is keeping it light though by sticking to the stationary bike and elliptical machine. Jessica debuted her postbaby body a few days ago, and it looks like she's having no problems dropping the baby weight.

When it comes to exercise after pregnancy, it varies from woman to woman depending on her birthing experience. After delivery, always check with a doctor before resuming any exercise program and make sure to approach it with caution and moderation.

Guess Which Celebrity Is Working Off the Baby Weight?

FitSugar — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 03:14:01 PDT

Can you guess which famous twin is working out?

How Pregnancy Ruins Workouts (and Ways to Deal)

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 01:49:32 PDT

It can be difficult to embrace that pregnancy makes things like running or yoga hard to do. When I first found out I was pregnant, I was so excited to grow a gorgeous belly and become a momma. Innocently, I had no idea how intense the ~~crappy feelings~~ symptoms of pregnancy would be. If you recently discovered there's a bun in your oven, or you're planning on becoming pregnant in the near future, check out how you can alleviate some of the issues pregnancy brings up that might get in the way of your workouts.

Urinating often: In a 30-minute workout session, you may have the urge to pee three different times. Work out close to a bathroom so you can quickly relieve yourself and get back to your workout.
Feeling overheated: Head indoors where the AC is flowing, and make sure you're wearing comfortable workout clothes made of breathable wicking material. If you love being outside, move your workouts to a pool or lake.
Round ligament pain: As your belly expands, the round ligaments that support your uterus are getting stretched out, so it makes sense that you'd feel intense cramp-like pains in your lower belly. Wearing a supportive compression band that's specifically designed for prenatal exercise might help. If you feel a sharp twinge during a sweat session, reduce the intensity of your workout, and if that doesn't bring relief, take a break.

Keep reading for more ways to continue exercising while pregnant.

Hip Openers and Hamstring Stretches For Expectant Moms

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 01:00:37 PDT

Yoga is great during pregnancy. Not only is it good strength and flexibility training, it can help you mentally and physically prepare for labor. Yoga also helps you hone your sense of balance, which is ever changing as your belly grows. Here's a yoga sequence that incorporates standing poses to strengthen your lower body while increasing the flexibility in your hips and hamstrings. Complete the entire 12-pose sequence on one side and then switch to the other.

Remember to talk to your doc before starting an exercise program when pregnant. And be sure to ease into the poses since the hormone relaxin is making your joints loose.

Hip and Back Stretches For Mommies-to-Be

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 04:00:59 PDT

It may not be the safest idea for an expectant momma to train for an ultra-marathon, race through the lake waterskiing, or hit the trails mountain biking, but she can and should still do moderate exercise. During my pregnancy, prenatal yoga was my saving grace. It strengthened my muscles, increased flexibility and balance (which I lost as my belly grew), and helped me mentally and physically prepare for labor. I've already led you through a sequence to open tight hips and hamstrings, and here's another one that will stretch your hips and back, which should alleviate some of the lower back or pelvic pain many pregos complain of.