Ford modelling agency, well-known and highly regarded with clients such as Cheryl Tiegs and Christie Brinkley, was sold outside the Ford family for the first time since its inception in 1946. New owners, Magnum Sports and Entertainment have not made many changes, but their sporting influence has taken Ford beyond the runway and into the health field with its new division, Ford fitness. The health-conscious beauties occasionally share information on how to get a fabulous figure. Consult your physician before beginning a new exercise program.
Lorie Baker
Lorie Baker, one of Ford's fitness models, is known for her work for Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger, Vanity Fair Lingerie and other advertisers, in addition to appearing on the cover of "Cleo" and "Ultimate Beauty." She shares her workout tips that keep her wearing a size 4, including elliptical workouts and Pilates.
Benefits
The American Council on Exercise sponsored a study regarding the efficacy of Pilates exercises in 2005 that confirmed Pilates workouts are beneficial for strengthening your core, increasing your flexibility and adding muscle tone. The study also revealed that beginner workouts do not increase your heart rate enough to consider the routine aerobic, but as you advance and are able to do the movements more fluidly and continuously, you can to burn calories more and increase your heart rate.
Straight-Leg Stretch
Baker begins by explaining your focus is on your core or stomach muscles throughout the regimen. Move fluidly from one exercise to the next without stopping. Lie on an exercise mat for straight-leg stretches: with your shoulders and head elevated, bring one leg straight up, keeping the other leg straight near the floor, toes pointed. Grab your leg as far down as is comfortable -- your ankle if possible, your knee if needed, and pull your leg towards your body two times. Switch legs and pull two times; repeat 10 times on each leg.
Single-Leg and Double-Leg Stretches
Bend your right leg to your chest with your right hand on your ankle, your left hand on you knee, keeping your left leg straight as it hovers above the floor with your chest and shoulders off the mat. Pull your knee firmly to your body. Alternate legs, totaling 20 repetitions. Don't drop your legs. Next, bring both knees into your chest, pulling with your hands. Extend both arms and legs straight out, creating a V-shape with your body, balancing on your tailbone. Exhale when you pull your knees in; repeat for a total of 10.
Lower Leg Lifts and Cross-Over
Lie down with your upper body flat on the mat and your legs straight up. Keep your hands pressed down on the mat at your sides. Use your abdominal muscles to left your legs up so your tailbone comes off the floor. Exhale as you lift. Repeat 10 times. Then perform a bicycle maneuver by bending your left leg, keeping your right leg straight and off the floor; take your right elbow across your body to your knee. Switch sides. Move slowly for a count of 20, exhaling as you reach your elbow across.
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