Fitness gurus and celebrity personal trainers are some of the most educated and trained professionals working in the fitness industry. And while there really are no shortcuts or secret methods to getting in shape, these trainers are able to provide their clients with personalized programs that motivate as well as maximize the time they spend working out, so that desired results are reached in optimal time. It takes a bit of dedication, but as these pros show, fitness is attainable.
Dumbbell Straight Leg Dead Lift
Celebrity trainer and author Joe Dowdell's list of clients includes Kate Hudson, Natalie Portman and Claire Danes. "Women's Health" magazine reports that Dowdell employs the practice of making workouts progressively harder from week to week, yet at the same time, they also become shorter. One of his favorite moves is the Dumbbell Straight Leg Dead Lift. Hold a dumbbell in each hand in front of your thighs, weight dependent on your fitness level, while standing with your feet hip-width apart. Slightly bend your knees while leaning forward and bend at your hips to lower the dumbbells toward the floor. Stop when your torso is parallel to the floor. Return to starting position. Complete 8 to 10 repetitions.
Squat with Bicep Curls
Michael George, also a celebrity trainer and author, who trains Reese Witherspoon, recommends maximizing your workout time by strengthening two muscle groups at the same time. An example of this is the squat with bicep curls. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and a dumbbell in each hand, weighing 5 to 10 pounds, depending on your ability. Bend your knees and lower down into a squat; stop when your thighs are parallel to the floor. As you are lowering down, bend your elbows and bring your hands toward your shoulders. To reverse, push through your feet to stand back up straight while slowly lowering your hands. Complete 10 repetitions.
Single Leg Shoulder Press
Jeanette Jenkins, celebrity trainer, author and owner of the Hollywood Trainer, recommends trying most strength training exercises on a single leg. Adding the tricky balancing move will make your body work harder, burn more calories, increase your agility and strengthen your core. To do a shoulder exercise on one leg, start by standing with your feet together and a five- to eight-pound dumbbell in each hand. Balance on your right leg and lift your left leg in front of you; the left leg may be bent if it is easier to balance. Bend your elbows and place your hands next to your shoulders. Press both hands up toward the ceiling and slowly lower back down. Complete eight to ten shoulder presses and repeat while balancing on your left leg.
Rowing Machine
Gunnar Peterson, who trains Penelope Cruz and Gwen Stefani, recommends cardio workouts that engage the entire body. One of his favorites is the rowing machine, which can burn approximately 344 calories in 30 minutes, according to "Fitness" magazine. Peterson favors the rowing machine for its ability to burn fat while also strengthening your legs, glutes, core, back, shoulders and arms.
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