The dress? Check! The skin? Check! Check! But wait…why not firm up that tush while we’re at it? Hola!
I decided to call in professional help for us on this one. I put my body into the hands of these hardcore trainers below on a daily basis, but sometimes we all need extra push to get slurped up…and fast!
Rique Uresti, instructor at SoulCycle NYC
Leslie Coakley, owner of Pure Barre NYC
Keoni Hudoba, trainer at Barry’s Bootcamp NYC
MB Regan, instructor at SoulCycle NYC
Between SoulCycle, Pure Barre and Barry’s Bootcamp trainers giving us extra tips on how to get toned quick, I think we will be good to go y’all!
All four of them were sent the same questions so we could have multiple opportunities to get Slimmin’, Trimmin’, Grinnin’ this Valentine’s!:
Are there any simple “miracle” exercises that are quick and effective that one can do to immediately tighten up and slim down within one week?
Rique: Don’t we all wish for “miracle” exercises? However, you can get pretty close. First, a lean body is made in the kitchen so when gearing up for that hot date {or that photo shoot or event}, cut out or limit your alcohol and sugar intake significantly, stick to natural glucose {like grapefruit, etc}, and up your fitness routine by focusing on exercises that involve your core, such as stair climbing with weights, cycling or circuit training with an emphasis on core powered drills {knee-in push ups, plyometric lunge jumps}.
Leslie: If you are looking to create that “ledge” and lift your seat, Pure Barre has the PERFECT tabletop position that will have your backside shaking in no time. Come down onto all fours, extend right leg behind you, 3/4 bend that leg and flex your foot. From here simply lift it up and hold it. Continue this until you get that shake in your seat and then switch to the other side!
Keoni: As for miracle exercises, I don’t think those exist! But, there are classes in New York that will make you feel like a million bucks {even if you only have time to take them once a week!} that are readily available. A few classes I take here are DRENCHED, SoulCycle and Barry’s Bootcamp.
MB: There are no miracles…but, you can eat low carb foods and focus more on weight training!
Is there a body feature that you think is the most crucial for us to focus on? Arms? Backside? Stomach?
Rique: Again, your core is the power source for any real athletic performance and physique enhancement. Strengthening your core will empower all of your other workouts by 60%, allowing you to do better and more in less time.
Leslie: I think arms are often overlooked, while women focus on other parts of their body. Wearing a cute sleeveless dress or shirt makes SUCH a statement if you have rock hard arms. Try to add arms to your daily work out routine {even if you had 5-7 minutes} and you will see a difference in no time! It is all about being toned!
Keoni: I feel like everyone has their own personal goal, and find different body parts sexy. I love long lean beautiful muscles myself…arms, legs for sure!
MB: Over all you want to keep everything in check, but belly fat is the most dangerous because it increases your risk for diabetes and heart disease.
What should the ideal menu be for someone who wants to firm up fast and “lose the bloat”?
Rique: Ideally one should stick to what they can handle, but the obvious things to get rid of are alcohol, sugars and dairy! The first thing my clients do or ask is: “what is a good substitute?” Well…cut it out and condition your body! Teach it to crave good foods and eliminate the “childish” cravings…they are not worth it. Also, moderation is key, but elimination opens the door…so you figure it out…use common sense, salty, sugary or syrupy…probably not gonna look good on your body…mushy food, mushy body.
Leslie: WATER WATER WATER. It’s a common misconception that water adds to bloating. Try to cut out the majority, if not all of the salt in your diet for a few days, and increase your water intake to at least 2-3 liters a day. It’s a simple fix that works wonders!
Keoni: The ideal menu for someone who wants to firm up fast would be a LOW SODIUM living. Steamed vegetables, chicken, etc. is a must!
MB: It’s all about low-carb eating, low sugar and water, water, water!
Do you have any tips on how to stay clear of the land of red boxed chocolates and sweet treats during Valentine’s?
Rique: YOU DON”T HAVE TO EAT THE WHOLE BOX!!!!!!!!!!!
Leslie: The trick to getting rid of the constant cravings is to not deprive yourself. Everything is okay in moderation. Try to stick to dark chocolate if you have the option and keep your portions to one piece a day! {shockingly, dark chocolate contributes to being heart healthy as well…double bonus!!}
Keoni: If you have worked this hard, I believe you should treat yourself to a chocolate!
MB: Don’t buy chocolates…if you get them, eat the dark chocolate! Also, you can just pour ketchup on them so you are not tempted and then throw them in the trash asap. I know chocolates are romantic, but you won’t feel romantic after you eat a whole box!
Any suggestions on what we should do the day of Valentine’s Day to look extra glam? Not eat? Eat? Cleansing?
Rique: Try a good bowl of corn the day before and watch what it does to your skin. Always go to bed with globs of moisturizer and STAY HYDRATED…drink water!
Leslie: Why not jump start Valentine’s together earlier this year? Come over to Pure Barre for a special “bring on the men’ Valentine’s class…it’s only $40 a couple!
Keoni: EAT for sure, but I wouldn’t recommend eating too heavy. You don’t know what the ending of the day/night will be!
MB: Treat yourself to a nice day of pampering. Maybe a spray tan, facial, sleep late and have no agenda. Go with the flow, be spontaneous and try a workout that you have never done before. Maybe a STREB class in Brooklyn?
My picks to work out in for the toned Valentine’s bod?:
lululemon Scoop Neck Tank, $52
lululemon Distance Pullover, $118
lululemon Inspire Crop II, $86
Last thing {ahem, ahem lovers out there!}. If you plan on bringing chocolates to your love {and know they have been working out a lot to look extra fine for you!}, why not bring one of these lovie dovie Valentine’s boxes instead?:
Heart Box with 3 Low Rise Signature Lace Thongs, $54
Vincent Longo Amaretti Diamond Collection, $44
Who doesn’t want their “ba-donka-donk” looking fine on Valentine’s? Merci + Gracias to all of these trainers who have perked mine up! I highly suggest taking all of their classes in NYC! B+H
Post a Comment