secretcelebritydiets.com
  • Celebrity Fitness
  • April15th

    No Comments

    Victoria Beckham has it all … or so we think. Beckham followed her career with the all-girl pop group The Spice Girls by establishing her own fashion line and multimedia ventures. She is also married to football icon David Beckham with whom she has three sons – Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz. However, the former Spice Girl really wants a daughter and is working hard to attain that goal.

    Doctors have advised Victoria to put on some weight to facilitate her bid of having another baby. She normally has a fat-free diet consisting of steamed fish and vegetables, but this type of diet is not ideal for conceiving. Instead, she has switched to a high-carbohydrate diet to give her more energy. Pasta, potatoes, rice, and bread are now huge parts of her everyday diet. The addition of these high-carbohydrate foods will certainly add some weight to her frame, but Victoria has been trying some new techniques in order to stay healthy.

    Yogalosophy is a new fitness program that combies yoga with philosophy. This exercise program can be done at home and is a great way to stay both physically and mentally fit. Victoria has purchased the DVDs and works out atleast four times a week. Yogalosophy was created by personal trainer to the stars Mandy Ingber.

    A sample regimen consists of two 30-minute yoga routines and a 55-minute pose exercise session. One of the tenets of Yogalosophy is to use one’s emotional energies to motivate the self. This is done by incorporating hybrid motivational techniques into the exercises to hit motivational triggers. Developing a relationship with the self is important in order to become a fully-formed human being. It can be described as a union of energies, the Yin and the Yang as stated in Chinese Philosophy.

  • April6th

    No Comments

    Kelly Ripa’s family has always been mindful of their cholesterol levels. That’s why healthy eating and regular exercise are parts of their everyday routine. In an interview with Fitness magazine, Ripa raved about a new fitness training regimen she discovered while in New York. It’s called Physique 57, and Ripa says “It has transformed my body in ways I never thought possible.” She notes that she feels longer and leaner after just five days worth of classes.

    The Physique 57 gym was founded by Tanya Becker. She was trained in the exercise regimen by renowned ballerina Lotte Berk and her orthopedist. Becker has adapted the training she recevied into a steamlined exercise program that focuses on adding more strength and stamina building, exercise variety, and customized music.

    The Physique 57 method is a two-part cardiovascular program that combines isometric exercises with orthopedic stretches. The process is called Interval Overload, and the goal is to use isometric interval training to target and overload muscles after which it is stretched to provide relief. An isometric exercise is a type of strength training where static contractions are involved. For example, Physique 57 uses your own body weight to provide resistance. This serves to increase strength in a specific body part (joint angle).

    Ripa has seen many benefits after taking regular classes. The benefits of the Physique 57 program are a sculpted physique, improved cardio, increased strength and flexibility, and better core conditioning. Physique 57 recommends taking 3-4 classes a week to see significant results. It is normal to have sore or stiff muscles after the classes. These are alleviated through the ortophedic stretches, but is entirely normal. It just means that the program is effective at targeting your muscles.

    Physique 57 also carries its own line of exercise apparel and merchandise. Some shopping is a perfect way to relax after a hard day’s worth of exercise!

  • April1st

    No Comments

    Kelly Osbourne has tried many different diet and exercise regimens in order to lose weight, but it was in the hit reality show Dancing With The Stars where she learned how to change her lifestyle and gained a healthier mind and body in the process. The ABC dance competition is very demanding, and Osbourne’s dance partner Louis Van Amstel made sure both of them were in top form.

    The duo practiced six hours a day as they finetuned their routines and developed the form and endurance needed to stay competitive. And compete they did. Van Amstel and Osbourned placed a respectable third in the competition.

    Osbourne has since lost over 40 pounds. She maintains the weight loss using the Bar Fitness Training Method. These yoga-like classes last a full hour and is known for its targeted body-sculpting. Practicioners sculpt the body and burn calories using a workout that combines the best of strength training and aerobic exercise.

    The Bar Method is different from stretching exercises such as Yoga and Pilates in that there is a greater focus on fitness. It targets the major muscle groups through a series of stretching and contraction exercises. The result is a strong and shapely body – lean as opposed to bulky. Core conditioning is also an important part of the process. It gives the body extra stability needed for most everyday activities that we do. The important muscles are the back and abdominals.

    Bar method classes can be taken at bar method studios around North America. For best results, 3-5 classes are recommended. A typical session will start with a warm-up period. Students then use free weights and the ballet bar to strengthen and stretch. The Bar Method is a full body workout, so there are exercises for the upper and lower body. Some users comment that they feel the burn in muscles they never knew they had!

  • March26th

    No Comments

    In order to develop a trim figure for her role as an exotic pole dancer in the movie The Wrestler, Marisa Tomei turned to an old childhood pastime – the hula hoop! “I hula hooped a lot, which is my favorite part of my routine. You’re using your core muscles,” says Tomei.

    But unlike the hula hoops of old, this hoop has a modern flavor to it. Tomei used a weighted hoop called the Hoopnotica, an adult-sized design that comes in different sizes and colors. The added weight in the hoop enhances the workout experience by enabling the hoop to spin longer. The added resistance is also great for toning muscles and burning fat. Tomei demonstrated this to great effect at the Ellen DeGeneres show where she taught hooping-newbie DeGeneres just how easy and fun it is to hula hoop.

    Tomei uses a variant of the Hoopnotica called a travel hoop. It can be twisted in half making it easy to pack and carry around with you as you travel. The ease of assembling and disassembling it makes it an ideal travel add-on. Hoopnotica also has instructional DVDs that show how best to use the hoop.

    Tomei is working with a fitness company to produce a hula hooping workout video entitled Core and Curves. This is the same company that popularized yoga as part of a workout regimen. Given time, this fad might just turn out to be the next big thing in the fitness world. First lady Michelle Obama has been spotted hula hooping at the White House front lawn.

    The best part about hula hooping is that its fun. There’s a reason why it was such a popular pastime before. By incorporating fun into your exercise routine, you can stay more focused and motivated as you achieve your weight loss goals.

  • March19th

    No Comments

    There was a time when Cindy Crawford was the most well-known supermodel around. Those times may be long gone, but the sexy Crawford still has that supermodel figure. Crawford notes that she goes hiking a lot near her Malibu home. The new Power Plate is a device that Crawford uses to break up the monotony of her exercise routine. “I was hoping you could just stand on it but it doesn’t work that way,” she jokes.

    The Power Plate is a vibration device used for exercising. The machine is equipped with a vibrating platform that vibrates 25-50 times per second. The vibrations seek to facilitate the effectiveness of your exercise routine. Traditional exercises such as push-ups and squats can be done on the platform. The vibrating motion makes it harder to accomplish this as the force of gravity is increased. This results in exercise that is effectively worth up to 6 times the duration.

    The driving principle in the Power Plate is the patented Acceleration Training. By stimulating the body’s natural response to the vibrational motion, muscle contractions occur resulting in a more effective workout. Other benefits include: improved blood circulation, increased muscle strength, better flexibility, and faster recovery.

    Many scientific studies have been done on whole body vibration. One of the studies pertains to hip bone density. The tests performed on 90 women showed an increase in the hip bone density among those who trained using whole body vibration. By improving bone density, the risks of bone diseases such as osteoporosis can be lessened.

    Other studies show the results of better posture, increased muscle performance, and overall conditioning. The Power Plate is fast gaining popularity among athletes as a means to improving their performance in their respective sporting fields.

  • March8th

    1 Comment

    Sophia BushSophia Bush sees herself as a role model for teenage girls everywhere. The actress is most known from her role in the CW series One Tree Hill – a show that skews to a large teenage girl demographic. Bush is not a fan of crazy weight loss methods and instead focuses on living a healthy lifestyle. That healthy lifestyle is achieved through one of her passions – Boxing!

    Bush and her personal trainers Jason Walsh and Harley Pasternak work together around four times a week. The boxing exercise regimen is composed of exercises such as heavy-bag training. The heavy bag is of course one of the major tools used by boxers in preparation for fights to develop punching power. It is a stuffed bag weighing between 40 to 100 pounds. The weight makes punching the bag a very strenuous exercise!

    It’s not all about punching, though. Footwork is a critical component to any boxer’s arsenal. It allows the boxer to evade punches and get into position to deliver a punishing blow. Circling the heavy bag while delivering a combination of punches will develop that skill. For regular joes, it serves as a great full-body cardiovascular exercise. Coordination and core stability are also developed.

    Perhaps another benefit to punching a heavy bag is the opportunity to unload some stress! After a taxing day at the office, it might just be time to unwind by unloading all the pressure you’ve accumulated on a willing target in the heavy bag. Just remember to observe proper technique and safety precautions. Warm up with light punches before going all out. Punching too hard too much will lead to hand injuries!

    It is also a good idea to enlist the help of trainers just at Bush does. They will show the proper form and technique to achieve maximum results. Punching with the proper form minimizes the risk for injury and also aids in developing coordination. You’ll be floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee in no time at all!

  • February26th

    No Comments

    Uma ThurmanThe Kill Bill movie series solidified Uma Thurman’s appeal as a badass femme fatale, and it helped her shed her post-pregnancy weight as well. Thurman became pregnant during filming and director Quentin Tarantino was adamant that she remain the lead character as it was written specifically for her. A combination of martial arts and swordsmanship training allowed Thurman to prepare for the role and regain her pre-pregnancy form.

    The high energy workouts afforded by the training allowed Thurman to lose around 25 pounds in 6 weeks. Thurman also participates in other types of training sessions, Wushu, yoga, pilates, and outdoor sports.

    Martial arts is a serious discipline. It is not only physically demanding, but it also trains your mind to be mentally stronger. Discipline is instilled in every student, and that can greatly help in your weight efforts. After all, controlling your portions and finding the energy to exercise are some of the most common stumbling blocks to weight loss. Being in the right frame of mind can make controlling your decisions much easier.

    Another benefit of martial arts training is that it improves your cardiovascular fitness and endurance. This means that it becomes easier to exercise the next time around. You’ll get tired less often, leaving you with enough energy to do your everyday tasks to your maximum potential. Flexibility is also improved as that is a major component of most any martial arts discipline.

    This type of training has become ubiquitous in recent times. There are many training dojos around the country, and, if working out at home is more your thing, there are plenty of martial arts training videos available on DVD. This type of exercise is also relatively inexpensive compared to hiring a personal trainer or enrolling in a gym. This makes it easier for you to give it a try!

  • January26th

    No Comments

    Gabrielle AnwarGabrielle Anwar has studied yoga for years but soon found the need to try something a little more active. Enter Yoga Hop, an entirely different way to enjoy yoga. Says Anwar in an interview with Shape magazine, “Two years ago, I discovered Yoga Hop, a superenergized twist on traditional poses. I’d do the mix of stretching, cardio, and strength training everyday if I had the time.”

    Yoga is a physical and mental discipline characterized by its mellow meditative poses. Yoga is ideal for improving one’s overall health. Yoga Hop adds a new twist by incorporating high-energy music featuring the best of hip-hop and rock music. Trainers are often seen wearing microphone headsets as they direct a class of students with the music blasting in the background.

    Yoga Hop is fast gaining popularity among the Hollywood elite. Reese Witherspoon is another known practicioner of Yoga Hop. It worked wonders for her strength and stamina levels.

    A typical class Anwar and Witherspoon might take lasts 90 minutes. The first 60 minutes is a whirlwind of activity as students move from pose to pose while holding the postures for a few seconds. The last 30 minutes brings a change of pace, with more emphasis placed on stretching exercises. Pushups are also common throughout the workout.

    The mix of eastern practices and western sensibilities have allowed many to enjoy yoga in an entirely different way. One of the reasons many people grow tired of exercising is the feeling of repetitiveness. A good way to avoid boredom is to mix things up, and Yoga Hop might just be the choice if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy yoga.

  • January19th

    No Comments

    Shanna MoaklerShanna Moakler was having marital difficulties when her problems were compounded by seeing an online photo showing her to be in less than stellar shape. The former beauty queen gained excess weight while taking care of injured ex-husband Travis Barker. Says Moakler in Us Weekly, “He was eating 22 cookies a day, and I ate everything with him.”

    Moakler responded to the photo by doing hourlong circuit training sessions with personal trainer Alicia Marie. Her efforts proved successful, as she regained her shapely physique. Credit the circuit training, which studies show to be one of the best ways to improve cardiovascular health and muscle endurance.

    Circuit training is composed of a group of high-intensity exercises. The term “circuit” is derived from the regimen itself, where completing one set each of the prescribed exercises constitutes a circuit. The process is then repeated until the target number of circuits have been achieved.

    The primary goals of circuit training is to generate fat loss and improve heart-lung fitness. Studies indicate that circuit training is more effective at helping women stay physically fit than other traditional forms of diet and exercise. The study further mentions that the regimen has just the right amount of intensity and oxygen consumption as set by the American College of Sports Medicine.

    One of the advantages of circuit training is its customizability. Participants can work in small groups and small areas. With the help of a personal trainer, you can also choose the exercises that will give you a full body workout OR target specific muscle groups.

    Here is an example of what exercises Moakler might do in a typical circuit training session to target specific muscle groups:

    1. Arms – pull-ups
    2. Abs – sit-ups
    3. Legs – step-ups

  • January12th

    No Comments

    Halle BerryHalle Berry is well-known as an award-winning actress, but few know that she is also a Type 1 diabetic. Berry went into a diabetic coma while in a taping for the TV sitcom Living Dolls, and was diagnosed with the condition shortly thereafter. Judging by the success she has attained as an actress, most notably for winning the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Monster’s Ball, it is clear that she has not let the condition envelop her life.

    Berry has a healthy diet made up of fruit and vegetables, and lean meats. She supplements it with food rich in fiber – such as beans. Eating plenty of fresh produce is extremely beneficial as the natural sugar in it is a better source of carbohydrates compared to refined sugars. The sugar is absorbed slower, reducing the occurrence of sugar spikes.

    Regular exercise is also important for diabetics. It decreases body fat and improves the body’s ability to store glucose. Berry herself exercises 5 times a week, doing a combination of cardio and strength training.

    Berry confesses that butter pecan ice cream and salt and vinegar chips are among her favorite snacks. She eats them in moderation to ensure that they won’t endanger her health.