These Celebrities Have Healthy Workout Habits Worth Copying

Celebrity workout habits are not always the best place to look when it comes to figuring out the kind of exercise that’s right for you. (Stars! They’re not really that much like us…) Models, for instance, are already #blessed with a certain physique (that’s why they’re models, guys), and it’s generally not healthy to compare your beautiful, unique body to theirs. Meanwhile, actors often get caught up in trendy workout fads or have personal trainers on call working out with them for hours a day to get in shape for a role. (We’re guessing you don’t have time for that between meetings.) But some superstar celebs actually do show off down-to-earth fitness routines that can inspire you to incorporate more (and more effective) exercise into your life. And now that you can follow their lifting and lunging on Instagram, you can even imagine one as your new workout buddy. Because…why not? Check out the healthy workout habits of these five inspiring celebs, below, and then use that inspiration to recommit to a solid schedule next week (or to try something new!). Healthy Celebrity Workout Habits That Inspire Lea Michele Michele is truly passionate about healthy eating, fitness, and self-care, starting with an egg-avocado healthy breakfast every morning. And her workouts are all about cross training: She’s a regular at SoulCycle but also loves super fun dance-and-strength training workout Body By Simone and CorePower Yoga, which incorporates strength and core work into a yoga flow. Jennifer Aniston I mean, of course Jen knows how to get fit while also staying totally grounded. Aniston has been practicing an athletic form of yoga with teacher Mandy Ingber for years. Yes, she presumably gets VIP sessions we wouldn’t have access to, but she also attends public classes like it’s NBD and also mixes it up with running, spinning, and dance cardio DVDs on her own. RELATED: A 30-Minute Yoga Routine to Fight Stress and Build Strength Alison Brie Brie is a poster girl for the benefits of heavy lifting for women. She deadlifts well over her own weight and can do multiple sets of ten pull-ups. Um…seriously…that’s an insane number of pull-ups. She got there by lifting lots of heavy weight with trainer Jason Walsh. While you may not be able to afford Walsh, anyone can pick up a barbell and get to work, and Brie also and takes classes at Walsh’s Los Angeles studio, Rise Nation, where you could easily drop in for inspiration (and to even sweat alongside her). RELATED: How to Get Abs Without Doing a Million Crunches Kate Hudson Hudson’s fitness prowess is no secret; she’s got her own activewear line, Fabletics. When it comes to workouts, she loves switching things up regularly. But her go-to is Pilates, which she says challenges and changes her body like no other method. Gisele Bundchen The world’s most famous supermodel is no lightweight when it comes to fitness. She throws punches and kicks during Muay Thai sessions and balances out that intensity with Pilates and yoga. She also hits the gym regularly with her husband. Finally, she trains with Jill Payne, the creator of Spiritual Athlete, a method that incorporates mindfulness techniques like deep breathing and visualization into workouts. Payne’s program is available for us mortals online. (Photos: Instagram/@gisele, @leamichele, @katehudson)

Why You Should Add LISS Cardio to Your Workout Routine Now

Log onto your Instagram account, and you’ll see one #KillerWorkout after another. HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), CrossFit, Survivor Spin Classes, boxing…these super sweaty, heart-pumping, make-my-legs-shake workouts are effective and addictive. As much as I love those workouts, they’re not for everyone. Going from, “I need to start moving my body” to “I just did a 90-minute spin class” can be daunting. And if, at first, you aren’t slaying that killer workout, it can be frustrating. Or maybe your workouts have been super intense for a long while, and you feel like you need a break but still want to move your body? LISS cardio might be the answer for both the beginner and expert. What Is LISS Cardio? LISS cardio stands for Low Intensity Steady State cardio.  This means that you exercise at a low to moderate pace for a longer duration.  A “low to moderate pace” means working out at about a 4–6 in intensity on a scale of 1–10.  One being “I’m watching The Bachelor” and ten being “I’m chasing a runaway puppy down the street in heels.” You want to be able to carry on a conversation without huffing and puffing, and you feel like you could just go forever.  You’ll want to work out for 45-60 minutes at this pace without stopping. What Are the Benefits of LISS Cardio? LISS cardio is a great training option for a few reasons. First, it’s easily accessible to people at every fitness level.  Anyone can open up their front door and go for a long walk, and most people can handle a light jog. The intimidation factor is gone. Second, it’s safe. It’s rare to see injuries in someone doing LISS cardio. Finally, workouts are only useful if you actually do them, and some research has shown that people are more likely to stick to a LISS-based exercise routine, as opposed to one centered on high-intensity sessions. RELATED: 5 Ways to Find Workout Motivation When it Feels Impossible How to Do LISS Cardio The best ways to do LISS cardio include riding a bike, using the elliptical in the gym, or, my favorite, walking outdoors. (Bonus: Walking outside is a great way to build and maintain bone density!) For the beginner, open up the door and go for a walk. LISS cardio is the best way to start building stamina and aerobic capacity, two things that you are going to need when you start moving into higher-intensity workouts. You are also going to get a big boost of endorphins, which will motivate you to make even more healthy choices during the day. Aim for three to four LISS cardio sessions per week. RELATED: 5 Expert Running Tips to Prevent Injury For the expert, you can use LISS cardio as your “active rest day” exercise.  Doing high-intensity workouts day after day without rest and recovery can lead to burnout and injury. LISS cardio allows your body to recover while still including movement into your day. You’ll notice that your body will feel less sore, and you’ll probably sleep deeper on those days. To feel the benefits, trade out a high-intensity workout for a LISS cardio workout once a week. It’s so easy to add LISS cardio into your exercise routine, and you are going to love the change of pace, the feeling, and the results. About Cassie: Cassie Piasecki is a graduate of The Nutrition School and is a Pilates Method Alliance-certified Pilates teacher and personal trainer based in Newport Beach, California. With over 25 years of experience, Cassie has taught fitness to over 10,000 people! She now connects with clients both in the studio and online via her website, thewowlife.com. Her favorite quote comes from Joseph Pilates: “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” Follow her on Instagram at @SmartyCassie.

Dr. Jordan Metzl’s High-Intensity, Fitness-Focused Nutritious Life

Dr. Jordan Metzl’s mom had a motto that clearly stuck with him: “Rest means rust!” The esteemed sports medicine physician, popular fitness instructor, athlete, and best-selling author almost never stops moving, and his new book reflects that ethos. Dr. Jordan Metzl’s Workout Prescription: 10, 20 & 30-minute high intensity interval training workouts for every fitness level brings the science of high-intensity exercise to the busy masses, with workouts you can do quickly, wherever you are, no equipment required. To celebrate the launch, we asked Dr. Metzl to share how he lives his own most Nutritious Life daily, and he dished out the details on how he swims, bikes, and runs all over the town, the foods he eats for fuel, and more fun facts. How Does Dr. Jordan Metzl Live a Nutritious Life? If you had to name your healthy diet, what would you call it? “Dr. Metzl’s A Little Bit of Everything Diet.” I’ve done 14 Ironman triathlons and 35 marathons, and food is fuel to me. I love all different kinds of food, and the more efficient I make my body, the more foods I can enjoy. What’s the one food you always have in your fridge? Greek Yogurt. It’s simple, fast, and packed with protein. The one food you’d never buy? Peanut butter. I hate it! What do you eat before and after a workout? I like doing the “naked workout” once or twice a week—as in working out on an empty stomach. If I do eat before a workout, it’s usually some type of complex carbs like whole wheat bread with honey and coffee. Afterwards, if it’s been a serious training session, I usually go for the first thing I can get my hands on. Your favorite food indulgence? Ice cream. Other than water, what do you sip regularly? Coffee. How often do you exercise, and what’s your workout of choice? Every day. I try to never miss a day. I vary my workouts regularly. I run, swim, bike, and I’m obviously a huge fan of HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) that focuses on strength. My latest book is all about that. Which workout would you NEVER do? There isn’t a workout I wouldn’t try at least once. How do you stay active outside the gym? I’m hardly ever in the gym! I get around New York City on my bike. If I have a meeting or an event downtown, I’ll put clothes in my backpack and run to the closest Equinox. I keep it moving all the time. My mother always says, “rest means rust!” What’s your go-to tool for managing stress? Exercise, 100 percent. How do you express and spread love? I try and do it as much as I can. I smile and high-five every single patient I see and every person I interact with. I try to build that same idea within my IronStrength fitness community, too. We do a lot of partner workouts and supporting and cheering each other on. Which healthy habit do you wish you had more time for? Sleep! Lighting Round Meditation or massage? Massage. A hot shower or a soothing bath? Shower. Almond butter or peanut butter? Neither! Coffee or tea? Coffee. A long run outside or a dark spin class? Run. “How Do You Live a Nutritious Life?” is a recurring column. Featured guests complete a questionnaire and select answers are then chosen and edited to share, here. Are you a wellness pro interested in sharing how you live a Nutritious Life? Email lisa@nutritiouslife.com to be considered.

Travel Workouts: The Easiest Ways to Maintain Your Routine

Whether you’re getting ready for a road trip to visit family during the holidays, just snagged a new job that involves tons of business travel, or are planning your next vacation, fitting in travel workouts can be tough. But figuring out how to stay active while jet-setting is not as hard as it seems. (It’s way easier than doing burpees for a minute straight, for example.) Here are a few easy ways to sweat as often as possible while you’re on the go (just don’t forget to throw a few healthy snacks in your bag, either). 3 Travel Workouts You Can Do Almost Anywhere 1. Pack your running sneakers. Traveling involves a lot of stress, so don’t add to it by overcomplicating your workouts. Running is the simplest of exercises—all you need are your favorite kicks and any open road. Even if you’re more of a SoulCycle person, make an exception and hit the pavement. There are also a few great portable tools for resistance training on the road, like lightweight resistance bands you can toss in any bag or the TRX, which you can attach to a hotel room door or tree in a park to get in a full strength-training sequence. 2. Find a fast, free online workout. You’re going to be pressed for time, but good news: most recent research points to fast, intense workouts delivering the same benefits as longer sessions. YouTube is stocked with free workout videos that range in length from five to thirty minutes and don’t require any equipment at all. Or try this five-minute workout that happens to be one of our favorites. 3. Sign up for a digital membership (or try a new studio).  If you’re a boutique fitness junkie, many of the top brands now offer digital version of their workouts, so you can keep up your routine even when far from a studio. A few great options include Natalie Jill’s inspiring body-weight strength-training programs, Barre3 and Physique 57 for barre, AKT on Demand for dance and HIIT training, and My YogaWorks for yoga. Bonus idea: do a quick search for gyms and fitness studios in the city you’re headed to before you leave and book a few new classes to try before you even leave. Then you’ll be locked into sweat sessions before your trip even kicks off.    

Why Your Pelvic Floor Needs Strengthening NOW

Do you remember your mom telling you not to make her laugh because she’ll pee her pants?  Chances are she spoke to someone about that, and they told her to do Kegels. Doing Kegel exercises are the cookbook recipe that doctors prescribe when a patient complains of “peeing a little” when she sneezes, coughs, laughs too hard, or jumps rope. While Kegel exercises will strengthen the opening of the urethra, as a Pilates instructor, I want you to do a little bit more to strengthen the entire pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that provide support for the organs that reside in the pelvis, stabilize joints around the pelvis, and control the elimination of waste from the body. These muscles also help the body to have better orgasms. So yes, the pelvic floor is IMPORTANT! Things that weaken the pelvic floor are childbirth, being overweight, and continuous straining from constipation. (Eat your greens!) How to Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor To perform a Kegel exercise, you first have to know how to find the most superficial of the pelvic floor muscles. The best way to do this is to stop the flow of urine midstream. That’s a basic Kegel, and once you’ve figured it out, you’ll want to practice doing them with an empty bladder (continuously doing Kegels while urinating can cause an increased risk of bladder infections since the bladder may not be fully empty.) But the problem with the basic Kegel is that you’re only exercising the most superficial layer of the pelvic floor muscles. While you’re taking the time to strengthen them, you might as well work all of the layers. When working with my Pilates clients in the studio, I cue them to begin with a Kegel or to imagine that two elevator doors are closing (the doors being your labia) and then imagine that the elevator is going up towards your belly button, feeling it (the elevator) lift. That lifting of the elevator is exercising the deepest layers of the pelvic floor. It’s important to note that you should do this exercise in a few different positions. The contents of the pelvis – the bladder, the uterus, the intestines and the rectum – put pressure on the pelvic floor while standing, but the pressure is different when you are on your back, stomach or side. In the studio, I’ll cue clients to do the elevator lift while doing Pilates exercises in the varying positions. You can easily do this, too. Do the elevator lift when you are driving, standing in line, doing side-lying leg lifts in barre class, or when you get into bed on your back. Aim for three to five lifts each time you do them and try to do them every day. A healthy and strong pelvic floor may not be as satisfying as looking at six-pack abs, but there’s something to be said for enjoying a great belly laugh without having to worry about peeing on yourself like mom.   About Cassie: Cassie Piasecki, who is  Nutritious Life Certified nutrition coach is also a Pilates Method Alliance, Certified Pilates Teacher, and personal trainer based in Newport Beach, Calif. With over two decades of experience, Cassie has taught fitness to over 10,000 people! She now connects with clients both in the studio and online. You can find her on Twitter or her website, The Wow Life. Her favorite quote comes from Joseph Pilates, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.”