Cheryl Ladd’s Trainer Shares How He Keeps the Star In Shape
Cheryl Ladd’s go-go-go life makes it crucial that she stay strong and fit. “I do light weights because I like to keep my muscles toned up,” she says. And for the best exercise to keep her slim and sculpted, she turns to her trainer, Alec Penix. “This routine strengthens the entire body to help you look and feel younger,” he cheers. Complete this 10-minute workout four times per week to help firm jiggles and melt stubborn fat — in record time!
And check out Alec’s book, Seven Sundays: A Faith, Fitness, and Food Plan for Lasting Spiritual and Physical Change ($12.99, Amazon), for more tips to simultaneously nourish the body and soul.
Tush Tightener: Squats
(Photo Credit: Rowan Daly)
Simple squats are all it takes to tone the backside of this angel! Penix explains that squats call on the hamstrings, quads, and gluteus maximus — the muscles that work together to firm and lift the tush. The payoff: a sculpted lower half.
To Do: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and lower your butt as if you were sitting down in a chair, taking care to keep your heels on the ground and your knees behind your toes, then return to standing. Do 20 Reps.
Tip: Swinging your arms forward as you squat will help you go even lower.
Shoulder Sculptor: Overhead Presses
(Photo Credit: Rowan Daly)
Pressing weights up overhead is one of the best exercises for toning and sculpting the shoulders. “You’re really strengthening all three parts of the shoulder muscle — the front, middle, and rear deltoid,” explains Penix. The result: Beautifully defined shoulders that will make the upper body look instantly slimmer.
To Do: Sit in a chair or on a bench and hold 5- to 10-pound weights at your shoulders, palms facing forward. Keeping your back straight and tall, press the weights directly overhead, then lower back down. Do 15 reps.
Tip: Sitting during this exercise reduces strain on the lower back.
Back Toner: Single Arm Rows
(Photo Credit: Rowan Daly)
Rows engage the rhomboids and latissimus dorsi, the muscles that cover the upper back and work to eliminate bra bulges. “These muscles are often neglected because you don’t see them in the mirror every day,” notes Penix. “But they’re key for maintaining good posture as you get older.”
To Do: Hold a 5- to 8-pound weight in your left hand. Step back with your left foot and rest your right hand on your right knee. Pull the weight straigh tup into your armpit, then lower back down. Do 10 reps, then switch sides.
Tip: Try to keep the weight as close to your body as you can.
Belly Flattener: Reverse Crunches
(Photo Credit: Rowan Daly)
This move is Cheryl’s secret to avoiding a dreaded menopot! Penix explains that it targets the hard-to-reach lower abs, working to tuck in a belly bulge and strengthen the core to help prevent pesky lower-back pain.
To Do: Lie on your back with your arms at your sides and legs straight. Keeping your back flat on the ground and your legs as straight as you can, lift your left leg until it is perpendicular to the ground, then lower back down. As you’re lowering, raise your right leg up. That’s one rep; do 10 total.
Tip: If you’re struggling to keep your back flat, place your hands under your tailbone.
Grab your own copy of the latest issue of First for Women on news stands now to learn more about how Cheryl stays sunny, slim, and energized!
(Photo Credit: First for Women)
Photographer: Rowan Daly, Hair/Makeup: Carmé Tenuta, Stylist: Linda Medvene, Shot at the Sheraton Universal Hotel
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