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Red-carpet ready: Shape up like the stars

Posted: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 7:07 PM
Filed Under: , , , ,

By Kathy Kaehler

Awards season is in full swing, and Hollywood’s leading ladies have been getting themselves into tip-top shape for their gorgeous gowns. At the Academy Awards this Sunday, we’ll see actresses such as “Dreamgirls” diva Beyonce Knowles, “Volver” star Penelope Cruz and Oscar-winner and presenter Reese Witherspoon in designer dresses that show off shoulders and backs, legs and arms. Some may even go as far as peek-a-boo cut-outs that reveal sculpted six-pack abs.

 

But do celebs actually manage to get into such great shape in the short amount of time between when the nominations are announced and when the awards are presented?

 

No, not really. They work at keeping their bodies buff year-round, with some extra-special attention in the weeks leading up to these events.

 

If you’ve got a birthday bash, class reunion or other big night coming up, their tricks can help you get toned and lean for your special event, too.

 

To start off – as soon as possible – find a consistent exercise program that fits into your lifestyle and that you can do most days of the week. This will get you to the place where you are strong, fit and at -- or close to -- your ideal body weight.

 

Then, to drop a few extra pounds and really buff up before the special night, try these tips that I have used with some of my celebrity clients:

 

*Two weeks before the event -- Increase your workout time (adding 15 to 20 minutes to each session), frequency (hitting the gym at least five to six times a week) and intensity (really going for the burn). For your cardio workouts, increase the intensity by going up in levels on the machines or adding some sprints or hills to your runs/walks so that you are burning more calories and really getting a good sweat. For the strength part of your workouts (up to three days a week), focus on alternating workouts of heavier weights/fewer reps with lighter weights/more reps to challenge your muscles in different ways.

 

*The week before the event – Really watch what you eat. I tell all my clients to cut sugar, salt and alcohol. This will help you feel and look lean. You will also have amazing energy for your workouts. The day before the event, I recommend sticking with lean proteins and complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, and limiting fruit and veggies to avoid feeling bloated or gassy.

 

*The day of the event – Work out some more. My favorite exercise for the day of the event is a long brisk walk with hills. This tightens the legs and hips, and burns lots of calories. Go for at least 45 minutes. Follow this by holding the “plank position” for three sets of one-minute holds. A plank is a yoga move where you start off lying on the floor, tummy down. Next, support your body by lifting up on your forearms and your toes, keeping your body perfectly straight. Press your shoulder blades down toward your waist. Keep your abs pulled in, and your neck aligned with your spine. Hold for 60 seconds.

 

Do all this and you will look and feel fabulous for your special night on the town!

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Comments

I tend to make excuses to not exercise and I don't eat healthy and it shows. I know what I need to do but I can't seem to make myself do it. I want to look better and feel better for myself and my son. I found the comments more helpful than the article. If others can turn their lives around so can I. Thank you
They're movie stars - it's their job to look good. They aren't going to get alot of work if they let themselves go - that's a strong motivating force to diet and exercise! We all know staying fit is a way of life. Eat healthy, and get off the couch! It doesn't matter what you do - just do something! I've exercised my whole life but have had to stop running because of knee pain, now I practice yoga and walk on my lunch breaks. Don't listen to anyone else - do what works for you. Try everything until you find something you can stick with. And be realistic - most of us are never going to look like a movie star. Who cares? I think I look great for my age and that is all that matters! You go grapplin granny!
I am a mom of 2, work full time and do my own gardening/housecleaning etc.  I decided to do my first marathon at age 45 (I'm not athletic). Walking a mile was tough but I've reaped the benefits after 2 months of training (i.e, walking each day). I now walk 20-30 miles a week and feel so much better.  I guess I just need a goal and a deadline!
I lost 50 pounds by just cutting down my portion sizes (super size meal = super size you).  
I'm a mom, a wife, a personal trainer with a more than full-time business, and I work out twice a day! My butt is up every morning at 6:00 a.m. to do an hour of cardio before the house wakes up. At 9:30 a.m. I am doing my weights workout for the day and home by 10:30 to get to work while my son is in school. I work at night and I have given up TV to be able to keep up my own physical training, my own business, and my family. I think when you put your health first above all else all the little things that aren't important fall off the radar. TV, phone calls, and dinners with friends rarely happen but what a trade I made. I look great, feel great, and have quality time with my family because I no longer waste time.
Ultimately, it is a matter of CHOOSING to make the time.  Anything you want badly enough, you will do it.  Celebrities are slim, trim, and fit because they want (and have the resources) to look great.  Celebrities make sacrifices and choices to look a certain way.  Actually, we all have something in common with celebrities - that is the ability to choose.  We choose to be healthy, we choose to be obese, and we choose to "let" things keep us from our goals.  Make a choice to be healthy and be who you want to be.
I think you should all lay of fed up! every one has their priorities, I have worked out for years and yes paid the price. most average people do not have the genetics that most celebs have.    
wow.  all you fools are crazy.  log off and take a walk.
Women - do you have 15 minutes 3 days per week (or if you're enthusiastic 4 days)You just need a small pair of dumbells.  10-15 body weight lunges (alternating legs) bicep curls 8-12 reps and pushups. You do these 3 excersises one after another without stopping for 4 circuits.  In one month you'll be absolutely amazed.
This article was very informative and most of the responses were positive and encouraging. I am a mother, wife and run my own business and I go with the flow but always find an hour per day for me.  Whether its a workout before my morning shower or 45 minutes on the elliptical after the kids go to bed.  I always squeeze something in.  I start with the idea that I am just going to do 10 minutes, just 10.  By the time that 10 is over, I'm energized and ready for more!!!  Thanks everyone and good luck with your goals!!
The article wasn't saying "You can look like [celebrity name] if you follow these tips".  It was giving you tips and tricks to looking and feeling YOUR best.  

Confidence can do the most amazing things for your posture and appearance, no matter what your body type. Working out makes you feel good, and feeling good gives you confidence, a quality anyone can see!

Do you really not have "time" to take care of yourself? Have you done your research? Many gyms have child-care centers, or let children (of a certain age) work out under parent supervision.
I just started power walking. I get up before everyone 6:am, do a 2 mile walk. I am back before anyone gets up. Do my morning routine,and off to work go. Sometime for lunch I take a quick walk (1 mile)I get home by 6:pm whipp up dinner,clean the kicthen. Then go on another 2 mile walk at 7:pm. Back by 7:30pm. Sometime my boys go with, and ride there bike. We get home they take there bath, and are in the bed by 8 or 8:30. Make it a Familiy thing.It CAN be done, turst me.

Single Mom.....
all these comments are great.  i found that this info is exactly what i need to jump start myself in getting healthy yeah i've been putting it off...but NO MORE.  my goal is to lose 50 lbs. and getting support and making it a family thing will be very important in my success...so here's to a new beginning!!  
KitKat in L.A., Your views are supreme.
Celebrities have to look a certain way to get work and in many instances pay a price. Lay off of "FedUp." The Truth of the matter is, we never know what another person is going through or the circumstances that they face each day. I have no children, no husband, and a laid-back job, and at times it is still difficult to stick to a 6-7 day-a-week routine! We are all human, and at times can become physically or mentally exhausted with expectation. Exercise for your health and well-being, not to look like Beyonce.

Aside from Kitkat, you contributors from California are extremely arrogant and judgemental.
I walk on a treadmill while watching television.  I do a warmup of about 5 minutes, then stop for a few minutes to stretch really well to prevent injuries, then start walking again, briskly.  Every 5 minutes, I jog for 1-2 minutes, then walk again.  After an hour (and sometimes more if a good movie is on), I stretch again and cool down before stopping.

I manage to do this every other day, without much trouble, and it has done wonders for my health.  Some people listen to music or audio books, or read by using a book/magazine holder.  Whatever works for the individual, is what works.  The thing you have to realize is that no one is going to die if the house is not spotless, or if the laundry isn't done on schedule.  Trying to be perfect is unrealistic, a little dust is not the end of the world.

And to soldout, church hill, tn - a husband is fully capable of assisting in maintaining a home and family, and should be doing his share of the work.  Wives are not maids and cooks, they are partners.  Helping to keep things running smoothly is not a burden in a partnership, especially when most marriages today have both partners working.  It would be an unfair burden on the wife to expect her to work fulltime, and also take care of the home and children without assistance.  
I have to agree with the ladies who think that husbands can get their own meals and the children's meals sometimes. Husbands are not helpless. Mine get his own meals, does his own laundry. We both work outside the home. A year ago I made a commitment to me to make my life healthier. Since then, I've been taking the time for myself and working out four times a week and eating healthier. I feel stronger, look better, and feel better about myself. I dropped two pant sizes as well. Thanks for the tips, they'll help me continue to improve. :-)
I am a single mother of 2 8 and 10 There are things in life that you need to remember no one will do it for you. I do everything by myself and the kids do it with me. They cook, clean and also workout. They love the video i have at home called Iron Grip and we also are YMCA members they stay in the daycare or partivcipate in the activities they offer 2 nights a week. We also rollerblade, bike, hike and I coach my daughter ball team. My son plays ball too. You have to make time to be active and it you are not currentally then yes expect to be even more time till you adjust!
My kids love the family time we share and being in better shape with more evergy I can keep up with my kids. Some parents think I'm their sister or babysitter because i act younger and I'm mid 30's
Yes making new changes and routins can be hard and irritating but it's worth it. Being lazy is much easier but think of the future the longer you wait the harder it is. True that the celb's have dietitions and trainers and since we don't we have to be our own.
Take care to all and remember it's self motovation if you chose to be a complainer and say "I can't" like a child would then keep complaining and doing nothing and to those that take charge Great job I'm doing alot on my own and frequentally get asked: "how do you do it"? I just do I chose to!
I know it is hard to find the time to work out.  Sometimes it feels that there aren't enough hours in the day, but don't let that get you down.  set goals like trying to work out once a week than maybe up to 3 times a week and so on but don't try to let people who are famous get in your heads.
I enjoyed the article and the discussion. I'm a yoga teacher (www.capitalyoga.com) who early on made health and wellness a priority as I watched my family members suffer from lack of exercise and poor habits. I had a routine in the gym with my sister and that stopped a few months ago. The weather here is almost warm enough to run outside, but it's still close to freezing. I came to this site to get some inspiration and I got it! I'm off for a quick run before my daughter gets home from school...
Wow... I can't believe the backlash people recieve because they are busy taking care of their famlies and careers.  Yes you need to make exersize a priority.  I think most people missed the point from Fed up.  For most working mothers, it's hard enough to get in a half hour daily work out, let alone "Ramp" it up to get ready for an big event.  Lets face it the "stars" get paid to look good, it's their job to work out.  So of course they have time to hit the gym for hours at a time.  Those of us here in the real world have a hard time getting up to go for a walk.
As much as I have enjoyed your comments, I was disappointed in others. Do we not feel some compassion for drug addicts and alcholics, we must do because they have support groups to help encourage those people to kick their addiction so why can't we get that kind of support for our plus size citizens they are human beings as well with a problem and instead of trying to show support we tend to break down an already broken spirit. But I've learned that people that don't value themselves seem to find fault in others rather than looking in a mirror. Your weight is about how much you value your life and some of us never had value displayed to us. People let's think about that!
Children are no excuse. They're full of energy anyway so why not wear them out while you work out? Take them out for a walk around the block...Play with them instead of turning them into chores. And actually, many gyms have daycare facilities inside of them...so even if you're not into going outside,they still shouldn't be in your way. As for jobs and appointments? That's just time management. Using them as an excuse is just lazy and unmotivated. It's no surprise our country is so fat.
BY making small changes you can lose alot of weight and feel so much better. I stopped gettinga pastry with my morning coffee and switched from cream to milk in my coffee.I also started drinking more water and going to the gym for my lunch break. It keeps me from eating alot at lunch and I have more time for my daughter in the evening then. I also have started yoga and it really helps. I feel so much stronger and look leaner. I too am a single mom who works 2 full time jobs(one from home at night) and looks after the house and my daughter pets and aging grandparents. But since I took an iniative to help myself I have more energy to help everyone else. Small changes make a HUGE difference. Try it the only thing you have to lose is weight..
I enjoyed the article alot, gave me some good things to try. I am 51, I was always active, healthy and fit.I work, keep an immaculate home, have a husband who works shift work, and we have 5 children, grown now, but now 5 grandchildren. Two years ago I was diagnosed with fibromalgia and degenerative arthritis of my spine, and a few other things.After whining for awhile and allowing myself to wallow and not do anything for the past two years. I recently committed to getting back to where I was. I've only gained 7 pounds, but at my age even that and just the natural course of life events, I have not been happy with myself. I have used alot of the excuses given, and knowing they are all just excuses just caused the depression to get worse. Getting back to exercising, being active in sports, has been a struggle, but after reading all the comments, I'm heading straight out for a run when I get home from work, and remembering...if I don't take care of me, I can't take care of anyone else, and no one can do it for me. Thanks all for the motivation.
I've found that the only way to get my exercise in on a daily basis is to schedule it in my "daytimer", "calendar" etc. like I had an appointment!
An appointment with myself. For fitness. Good comments here.. If you over think it, you may not do it. Schedule it. Start with just 5 minutes today. Then 5 minutes tomorrow. (funny though, once you start you may want to do more) BE CAREFUL, don't do too much. Doing too much the first few times will turn you off.  Take it just a few minutes a day. You just might like it, and like the results. It becomes something that you really want to do each day! Good Luck. Make a date with yourself!
Wow Fed Up... I work out for 60 minutes in the morning before work.  It only requires that I lose 1 hour of sleep but the energy I gain from the workout makes up for it.
I agree, you can wake up a an hour before you normally would and get in a workout. These days you can bring your kids to the gym,in doing that you are promoting a healthly lifestyle to your kids, and we all know that kids are not getting enough outdoor time these days.
This is to all of you who chose to respond to 'fed up' and the others.  You all ignored the plea of a high school senior who asked the simple question:
"for younger ppl in like grade twelve does anyone have tips to make you loose like 11 pounds a month to go from 210 to 110 or is that big of a change unhealthy"
wish, manchester, united kingdom (Sent Thursday, March 08, 2007 6:30 PM)
Where is your compassion here?  Is it so easy to overlook/ignore a child's needs?  DEAR WISH, Losing 10 lbs a month is a bit too much, as it needs to be done gradually to be able to keep the weight off permanently.  You really need to speak to your doctor, nurse or health care worker to find a program you can handle.  You also need to be sure that there is nothing wrong with your metabolism, first.  At your age, you are really still developing (I am guessing you're in the range of 16-18), and gaining weight will still be natural.  I was a late bloomer, and finally 'graduated' to a size A bra cup when I was 21, and healthy - I was 5'8, and l32 lbs. I'm now 55, and certainly a far cry from that 132 lbs. Hormones, overall health, age and lifestyle activities all play an active part in your health. When you enter your mid-twenty's, your body tends to 'slow down' its burn rate, so you need to get a handle on it now, in order to minimize your 'maintenance work' later on.  Have your Body Mass Index evaluated first after your physical.  During the first month, 10 or more lbs. is doable but very difficult -(it's mostly water weight) but after that, you need only lose 1/2 to 2 lbs. per week to keep it off.  Watch what you eat (get guidance for that), and increase your physical activity if that's in your abilities.  Don't get anorexic or bulimic!  That only adds to your troubles and indicates deeper problems.  You need a SENSIBLE plan, with goals you can realistically see.  There is no fast-track way, no short-cut.  This is a lifestyle change, and if you start now, you can spare yourslf a lot of problems when you get older.  You'll also feel a lot better about yourself almost immediately, since YOU are doing things to make life better for YOU. Remember too, that as you build muscle, the weight will be redistributed, since muscle weighs more than fat, and that will be reflected in your BMI (as referenced above).  Do NOT get discouraged.  Do it for yourself, don't depend on or listen to other people.  Some may try to sabotage your plan, some will try to really help, but only you and your doctor/worker, will know what's right for you. With your goals set, you CAN do it.  Good luck!
Dear Fed Up:

I used to feel the same way, until I decided to make ME a priority.  Now I work out every day at lunch, I make meals that are healthy for the whole family and I cut out unnecessay sugars and fats in our diet.  I started doing this last year and to date I have lost 100 lbs and look and feel great.  

Start being a little selfish and treat yourself better
Judi, that's amazing! Congratulations!
I'm only 16, and last year i weighed 135 and now i'm down to 118. Sure, sports are a factor, but the biggest difference was making healthier meal choices, drinking more water, and watching not even 2 hours of tv a WEEK. People who dont have time to go to the gym can do excercises at home which tone and as a result burn fat. Magazines with these are everywhere coming out every month and there are always at least two or three moves that work. Everyday and high reps shows results.
Geez Luckie, you know people sweat when they workout. I'm not about to go back to the office like that...
Judi and Xtine, Congrats! I agree... Cutting back on bad eating habits is a MUST! I do not exercise much but in January of this year, i made a conscious effort to start eating right! I have seen results! My husband is blown away! i weighed 130lbs in january and i am now at 122lbs..... I look sleek and have have moved down a dress size. May be a small achievement for some, but its awesome for me. Even my 2 year old sees the change in me!!!
It can be done..Its determination!!!!! and basic workouts like dancing with the kids, doing the "stepper" with your kids' step stool.
Hey wish, you need to go to Dr. John A McDougall's web-site. Find out how following a low fat Vegan diet can change your life. It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle and a choice, but it's pretty easy to follow. The only hard part is dealing with people who don't understand why meat is bad for you.
And for Fed UP - I am a single working mother of 2 boys. When I was finding it hard to work in work out time - we went to a martial arts class 2x a week as a family. We had fun, and my boys got some positive male bonding out of it. Now, my teenager and I go to the gym together. Who cares if you don't look like Beyonce. Look and feel healthy, and a little bit of exercise would ramp up your seratonin levels so you could lose some of that bitter!
My grandmother always told me that it takes doing something 27 times for it to become habit.  I do not belong to a gym.  I can't afford it, but it doesn't cost anything to get my dog in his leash and walk briskly for an hour and a half each night.  In fact, exercising only makes me want to exercise more.  I get up early, walk in the morning, and I walk each night after work.  Rain or shine.  I do four miles in one hour.  Then I get home and do strength training.  I have two weights which cost me no more than $10, and I get creative with the rest.  Walking or running outside actually gives you a better workout than a gym anyway.  You have hills, uneven ground and wind as resistance.  You don't have that in a gym.  You'd be suprised too, a one hour walk in the gym seems like it takes forever.  Outside, time flies.  There's stuff to look at, and it's good "me" time.  There's always time.  My sister has a 2 year child, and ever since he's been born, she has walked with him.  It's good for kids to see and be involved in fitness at a young age.  
I agree with Fedup.  Who has hundreds of dollars sitting around to pay for a personal trainer to come into your home.  Who has exra money to have a private chef make your meals.  I'm sure alot of stars don't stand over a table dicing onions for dinner.  Besides look at them they are in their 20s.  Now in my case i'm 54, use to excersie religously until a ski accident MESSED UP BOTH MY KNEES and now I can barely ride a bike because of it.  Exercising can cause harm too.  Be careful people!
Thank you to the two people who got back to "Wish", however after such a long time she probably stopped checking. I enjoyed reading all the comments.  I, too, felt they were more helpful than the article.  I was just disappointed in how everyone ignored that poor girl desperately asking for help.  As for the ones who say there is no time - you have to dig down deep inside of yourself and find some time. You can do it!
Seems to me that no matter how you slice it, it alwasy comes down to diet. What you eat and when you eat it.
The studies show that people on a diet almost always put the weight back on. This blog gives you great solution to turn eating into  a healthy habit. No dieting required.
Ok, it's been a while since someone posted...
I have been through a great deal of weight issues, from having a friend who tried to push me into dropping some pounds, to thinking I can eat whatever I want.  Unfortunately for me, I found out a few months ago that I was diabetic.  If for no other reason than your health, it does not cost anything to park your car on the other end of the parking lot and walk a few extra steps to your job.  It also does not cost anything to take the stairs instead of the elevator.
To everyone who thinks that they absolutely don't have any extra time, try that.  For those of you who think that you can't do it, you can.  Since January, I have lost 20 lbs making very small changes in my diet.  If I can do it, so can every other person who works full time, has kids, goes to school, and has an internship.  Time for me is not a luxury, but I make time so that I can be around for my kids in 5 years.
I stumbled onto this site and I think the tips are  good.  They sound like they're able to be done with varying intensities.  My question is, where does one find the actual will power to get a realistic fitness program started?  Any tips as to what got some of you people moving?  Thanks
I have done this for a few of my clients and then some(see what else at my site... http://www.makingthebest.com <==shameful plug)

But I can attest to the fact that this does work!
Great article!
PLEASE! Stop trying to make yourselfs look like a celebrity. They have tainers, cooks, and are 99% of the time airbrushed in photos. Try and love you for you. Everyone is different for a reason. If we all looked like Beyonce this sure would be a boring life. I like the diversity. Also, who says that fat is ugly and skinny is beautiful. Everyone is beautiful in their own way. Im 5'9 200lbs and i dont think im ugly because im a little overweight. I could stand to loose about 40lbs because its unhealthy for me, but to say that im obease or ugly isnt right. I actually got called a fatty a few days ago by a group of young people. It hurt, but i brushed it off and kept going. I go to the gym almost everyday and i try to eat right. Its tough to stick to it, but if i get off track i get right back on track. Its not hard to find time to workout. You dont have to work out at a gym, you can do so much in your own home. If you have kids you can do a few push-ups or sit-ups while they eat or watch tv. Use your kid, throw them in the air a few times, drag them around in a wagon, chase them around the house for 10 min. The gym is not the only place you can loose weight. Think, "What do i have around the house that i can use?" Get a dvd of kids songs and dance with your kid while dinner is cooking. There are many ways and alot of time to where you can do something. If you dont think you have time for an hour workout, at least your doing something. You need to love yourself first. Like who you are. If it will help, take 10-20 min of you time. Give yourself a mani/pedi, take a bubble bath, read a book, or just sit down and think. Its never going to happen unless you make it happen for yourself.


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