FitSugar

Get the Bod: Jessica Biel

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 12:31:27 -0800

Jessica Biel's trainer, Jason Walsh has recently revealed to People what this starlet has been doing for the past 8 months to be looking so darn buff.

Jessica Biel’s Workout:

Stretch: One of her favorite warm-ups is the walking lunge. “This stretches the larger leg and glute muscles,” says Walsh. How-to: With feet together, lunge first with right leg. Bring left foot alongside right. Lunge with left. Do 8-10 per leg.
Cardio: “It’s the cardio that leans her out,” says Walsh. After a ½-mile jog, they hit the track for two 200-meter, 150-meter and 100-meter sprints.
Core: “Hanging leg raises don’t build a six-pack, but they flatten,” says Walsh. “Jessica hates them, but she powers through!” How-to: Hanging from a high bar or rings, pull knees up slightly above waist. Do three sets of 15 repetitions.
Plyometrics: “These hurt,” says Walsh of stair jumping. “Even athletes hate them. After Jessica did these the first time, she would’ve punched me if she had the energy.” How-to: Jump from the bottom step of a flight of at least 20 stairs to the third. Keep going, skipping a stair each jump.
Weight Training: “We tend to use lighter weights and do more reps,” he says. “We keep moving, so it becomes a cardio workout too.”
For the waist: They do the Russian Twist. Sit down and lean back slightly. Hold a 5-lb. medicine ball and twist from side to side, 15 twists per side, three reps.
For shoulders/biceps: Stand with knees slightly bent. Hold 10-lb. weights in each hand. Curl to chest. Rotate hands, palms face outward. Press overhead together. Do 3 sets of 10-12 reps.

Want to find out about Jessica's diet and new year's resolution too, then read more.

Jessica Biel’s Diet:

“Clean foods”- those that aren’t processed-are on the menu Walsh created. “She eats complex carbs at the beginning of the day,” he says, “and tapers off by the end.”
Breakfast: 1 cup of oatmeal with handful of berries.
Snack: 1 slice whole wheat toast, 1-1 ½ tbsp. of almond butter and sliced bananas on top.
Lunch: Salad with 5-6 oz of chicken, vinaigrette dressing.
Snack: A banana, apple or strawberries.
Dinner: 6oz. of fish, plate full of veggies, 1/2 cup of low-glycemic basmati rice. Sweets A couple of pieces of dark chocolate.

Jessica Biel’s New Year’s Resolution:

“Stop eating cheese and start eating kale. I eat way too much cheese. Kale is good for you and delicious with a little garlic.”

Check out this great workout created by Jessica's trainer: Circuit Workout by Celebrity Trainer Jason Walsh as well as ways to get Jessica's arms.

Source

Reality Check: Victoria Beckham Now Works Out Daily

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:05:32 -0800

When Victoria Beckham came out as a gym addict earlier this year, people were more than a bit incredulous. Well Posh's fitness routine is once again in the news. It seems she didn't feel her old regimen of running eight miles six times a week was enough to prepare her body for her recent Emporio Armani ads with hubby soccer-stud David, so she implemented daily workouts. The 35-year old said, "I wanted to look at those pictures in 20 years' time and say 'Wow, look - after three kids - I didn't look bad.'" Mrs. Beckham didn't want to rely on retouching either.

One would think posing in gorgeous undergarments would give a gal a boost of confidence, but friends close to the former Spice Girl revealed that their gal pal's "not the most confident of girls." Sources close to Victoria told Us Magazine that she has had three breast surgeries, two enhancements followed by a reduction done earlier this year. Considering her fame and hot hubbie, does her lack of self-confidence surprise you?

"Unfit Brit" in People Magazine: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0700

In a recent issue of People magazine, I came across an article titled "Britney Spears: Body Makeover." The write-up details Britney's weight-loss methods: returning to her gym-rat ways, giving up fast food, and healthy meals delivered to her door. For the past three months, she has been working with a trainer, doing a lot of cardio as well as lots of dancing. People declares that Brit is "back in the zone."

While I think it is great to see press about Britney mending her ways and going healthy, but then there's the caption on the "before" photo? "An Unfit Brit." I wouldn't say she was unfit, just not as fit as before having two kids and a nervous breakdown; to me she this singer looks normal, healthy, and not underweight. Don't get me started about "Britney's New Body Checklist." It's like a grocery list, where they dissect her body into parts. Flat Tummy? Check. Toned Arms? Check. No Double Chin? Check. With articles like this, no wonder so many women have issues with their weight.

What do you think? Is it cool to comment on how Britney's looking more fit and toned now? Or is it uncool to comment on how bad she looked before, when she looked normal?

Sheryl Crow Is the Picture of (and on) Health

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:00:53 -0700

When I think of breast cancer survivors, Sheryl Crow is one of the first people to pop into my mind. Three years ago, she was diagnosed with the disease and is now happy to say she's cancer-free. These days, this down-to-earth, single mom is a breast cancer advocate, and in a candid interview with Health magazine, she talks about ways she's taking care of herself to stay healthy. Here's what she said about her diet.

"When I first got diagnosed, I went to this great nutritionist who specializes in disease prevention and well-being, and I still incorporate her tips like eating omega-3s - I eat salmon or other fish at least three times a week. I eat a lot of walnuts, almonds, colorful vegetables, and prunes, which get such a bad rap but are loaded with antioxidants. I also drink pomegranate juice and keep a vat of tomato soup around or some kind of tomato sauce, because it has lycopene. And one big thing I learned was that so much of wellness depends on your body getting rid of waste. So I eat a lot of Fiber One, which has 14 grams of fiber per serving."

Getting your fill of omega-3s, antioxidants like lycopene, and fiber have all been found to help prevent breast cancer, so following Sheryl's advice is a great way to put prevention into your own hands.

To hear what Sheryl said about her exercise plan, read more.

"I try to do something every day that’s sports-related, and I like to be outside. I love riding my bike, and playing tennis, and paddle surfing. I don’t love going to the gym, but I’ll do it if it’s rainy."

Research has shown that vigorous exercise (running, fast jogging, aerobics, bicycling on hills, etc.) can reduce the risk of breast cancer by about 30 percent in normal-weight women, so get moving like Sheryl to help prevent this disease. The singer also tries to rid her life of stress, lets out her emotions rather than bottling them up, and doesn't deny herself one of her favorite guilty pleasures - Lay's potato chips.

Why We Overeat: Lack of Sleep

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:47:24 -0700

We know that healthy portion sizes are the way to go if we're trying to slim down or maintain a healthy weight. So why is it that we're so quick to overdo it when it comes to eating? Health magazine suggests one reason may be that you're not getting enough Zs. When our bodies don't get the proper amount of sleep, two weight-related hormones are affected - leptin and ghrelin. These hormones are responsible for controlling your appetite and making you feel full. In a recent study, participants who slept for only fours hours had an 18 percent decrease in leptin, the hormone that tells the brain you've had enough food. On the other hand, ghrelin, the hormone that triggers hunger, showed a 28 percent increase. That means if you're not getting enough sleep at night, chances are your appetite will be increased when you're awake, so you'll end up eating more than you would if you were well-rested. The problem is sleep-deprived people tend to reach for sugary, high-carb foods for quick energy and comfort, which translates to weight gain.

So break the cycle and be sure to get at least seven hours of sleep a night. If you're feeling tired during the day, reach for a food that contains high-fiber carbs, such as oatmeal, whole-grain bread, and whole-wheat pasta. Eat it with protein to feel full longer and have sustained energy.

Speak Up: Jillian Michaels Sheds Light on Motivation, What's Yours?

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:30:38 -0700

I have said it before and I will say it again, celebrity trainer, Jillian Michaels is a bad ass. This motorcycle-riding fitness fanatic has helped so many people lose weight and get fit, so it's no wonder that she's often asked what the secret is to staying motivated. In a recent video posted on Self magazine's website, Jillian shared how to maintain your motivation to stick with your healthy lifestyle. She said:

The only person who can inspire you is you. So what you need to do is think about all the reasons that you want to change. What is it that you're looking for? Do you want to look hot in your bikini? Do you want to make your ex sorry that he cheated on you with your best friend? I mean, let's be honest. Whatever your reason is, whether it's really profound and you want to see your grandchildren graduate from college, or something a little more shallow like the things I mentioned earlier, there's no reason that's the wrong one.

I completely agree because being unique individuals, we're all inspired to be healthy by different reasons. So tell me, what motivates you to work out and eat right?

Exercise No Good For Weight Loss?

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:30:17 -0700

A couple of years ago the Cardio Free Diet introduced popular culture to the concept that exercise and weight loss were incompatible. Recently we learned that exercise doesn't boost fat-burning. Now Time magazine's new cover story investigates the seemingly detrimental relationship even further. A thumbnail sketch of the article: exercise makes you hungry, so you eat more and don't lose weight.

Should you give up the treadmill forever? Learn more.

Get Twitter Fitness Tips Like Lauren Conrad

FitSugar — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:00:44 -0700

Staying fit and healthy is something you have to think about every day. So get a little help with daily Twitter fitness tips and advice. According to People magazine, Lauren Conrad loves tips from Hollywood personal trainer Jarett Del Bene. You too can follow him on Twitter and hear tips such as these:

A great power snack before a workout is a sliced apple with all natural peanut butter!

Constantly switch up your workout routine . . . don't get stuck doing the same exercises because your body will plateau. Trick the body!

Not only is it free, but little tips here and there are great inspirations for continuing your healthy journey. You can also follow FitSugar via Twitter.

Valerie Bertinelli Believes in Her Amazing Body

FitSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:00:48 -0700

2009 is the year of firsts for Valerie Bertinelli. Back in March she appeared in a bikini on the cover of People magazine after losing 50 pounds, and this weekend she completed the Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half-Marathon. Valerie crossed the finish line in 2:12:19 and commented, "I am in amazement. I can't believe what a body can do if you believe in it."

She had her boyfriend and workout buddy Tom Vitale with her every step of the way, and she ramped up her training regimen during the months leading up to the race. That meant more running, ab-work, and upper body workouts. Valerie is still on a high from finishing the half-marathon, but her trainer thinks she's going to do a full marathon before she's 50. She said, "I have till April. I'm not committing yet! I haven't wrapped my head around it. We're negotiating."

It seems to me that if Valerie puts her mind to something, her body will follow. Her achievements prove that having faith in yourself can work wonders.

Olympian Kerri Walsh Is Sick of Being Skinny Soft

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:51:23 -0700

Olympic beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh gave birth to her first child last month, and of course everyone's interested in her post-baby body. Kerri told People magazine, "36 lbs. is the official number. I just didn't want to hit 40 because that would be 200 lbs. But I feel pretty silly now that I see Joey."

As a professional athlete, Kerri's sense of body image goes beyond the numbers on the scale. She admitted that a lot of the 36 pounds came off during the first week after giving birth, but commented, "Now I just need to build my muscle because I'm skinny soft, which is the worst thing to be."

Kerri knows that a slender appearance does not imply a fit body. The benefits of exercising go way beyond looking good. Summer is the perfect time to work out in the sand; go for a walk, a run, or get inspired by Kerri and organize a group for a fun game of beach volleyball.