Fluffy Friday: Celebrity Workouts that WORK!
Today is the opening for Sucker Punch. I could not care less about this movie BUT I’m thrilled to see Shape published one of Vannessa Hudgens workouts AND it doesn’t involve 5 pound dumbbells. In fact, they recommend using “Two 12- to 24-pound kettlebells or dumbbells (they should feel very heavy)”. Did I read that correctly? “they should feel VERY heavy” (emphasis mine) Someone pinch me. Finally, awesome advice from a mainstream fitness mag. These are the same type of workouts that I do with my clients and MYSELF.
Check it out the functional movements like goblet squats and push presses. Way to go Shape!
(I was going to say they shouldn’t have her in cushy tennis shoes but on second glance I think those are The Nike Frees, while not the best, are better than standard tennis shoes for kettlbell training. She would reduce her likelihood of injury and get even stronger using kettlebells in flat soled shoes like Converse Chuck Taylor’s or, better yet, barefoot.)
Not only does she have a hardcore workout but there is a video where she is talking about her diet which includes lots of “proteins and vegetables” and if she gets a carb craving she goes for “Ezekiel bread”. I don’t know about you but I find it refreshing to hear a celebrity talk about what they are really eating to maintain a killer body. Unlike the typical celebrity who lies says they eat cheeseburgers and cakes as if they are on the brink of famine despite looking like they live off of celery and water. For most people, a CONSISTENT (ahem) diet of veggies, protein, and slow digesting carbs like Ezekiel bread will not only feed your body the nutrients it needs to optimally function but will also help shed fat and feed muscle.
I know a lot of women feel bad when they look at pictures of celebrity bodies. Personally, it doesn’t usually bother me. Celebrity or not, I find the sort of discipline it takes to have a lean strong body like Vanessa’s (the article said she did 500 box jumps) inspiring. It makes me want to keep working out hard and eating healthy because while feeling my best is AWESOME, I think looking my best is pretty awesome too. Shallow? Maybe. Honest. Yes.
Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn
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This is my (almost) sane quest for insane health. Let's 
I’m mean, cause Vanessa bugs me. She’s like 20 so her metabolism can probably handle the cakes. I appreciate her honesty about her diet, but it makes me sad shes that obsessed with health foods. But yay to kettlebells. The need the good PR.
PS, is it me or does the name “Sucker Punch” sound like a terrible lollypop
He he! No I didn’t think about it but it totally sounds like a lollipop!
Interesting perspective re: getting sad about her healthy diet. Do you think that is because you come from an ED background? I think it’s wonderful that she seems excited about the health foods! Had she looked emaciated then I would see it differently. There are SOOOOOOO many overweight/obese people even in their 20s (and younger) that she might inspire someone to make a few dietary changes. The obesity epidemic is a real problem. Hospitals are FILLED (I have many nurse family members) with people suffering from preventable diseases. I hate to think of the healthcare costs but not only that but the heartache. The sooner people learn to love healthy foods the better. I struggled waaaaay more with my weight in my 20s than I do now in my 30s because I learned to enjoy health foods and eliminate refined sugars. Thanks for the different perspective!
Yea, I do feel my opinion on her “no cakes” diet come because I had an eating disordered background. I never starved myself, but I was a “health food” junkie. I never allowed myself cakes and burgers and it totally sucks because I totally deprived myself. Yes, its ok I guess cause she not emaciated. But I dont think a cake or a slice of pizza is going to make you obese. Of course there are loads of overweight people in US that eat unhealthfully. PLus, “healthy” is a vague term. For me healthy is balance. Some cake, some burgers, some ezekiel bread or whatever, and of course, so kettlebells! But I’ve also worked in the Hollywood industry and it just makes me sad that they are only obsessed about how their body looks. So yea, I’m a little biased.
So funny I was just replying to Debs comment about balance and about whether not we can even label her “obsessive”.
Sorry if my post was confusing…she didn’t say anything about cake. The cake comment was mine referring sarcastically to an old post (which I linked) where this super thin celebrity goes on and on about how much crap she eats and stays lean which I felt was manipulation (and disrespect) on the publishers part.
I’ve been involved in the industry (in my 20s, I was trying to be actress had an agent and all that), as well as, have friends who are and I don’t think it’s fair to say “they are only obsessed about how their body looks”. Maybe only “partially” obsessed with how their body looks. 😉 Seriously though, I completely agree that the pressure the industry puts on people is sad which is why I really liked what Vanessa had to say. To me she seems to have a healthy outlook regarding food and workouts. Of course, that is a matter of perspective!
I don’t struggle with “food guilt”, I was more of the type who says I’ll “start tomorrow” and happily inhale an entire large bag of chips. My problem was tomorrow never came and finally I realized if I didn’t change my lifestyle I was going to end up with health problems, and not to mention, all that junk contributed to my depression. Nowadays, I try to keep it at a few indulgent meals a week with no guilt attached and leave it at that. Before every meal was an indulgence and I needed to find a little more conviction to be where I wanted to be which was at a healthy weight and, aside from having bad days, be happy. Anyhoo…that just how I feel. I can totally see your point though.
Like I said to Debs, I hope I’m not coming across snarky! NOT my intent. I actually love that you are taking the time to thoughtfully reply to my post and comments! xoxo
Love the work out and watched the video. Hate ezekial bread, it tastes like cardboard. Sorry, Vanessa, but it isn’t “ohmigod, soooo good”.
Ha ha ha!! You kill me! I actually love Ezekiel bread but she was a bit OTT about it! He he!!
I think that’s interesting what Eden said about her having and obsessively healthy diet. I would have to agree in a certain way, except that it’s the way that I try to eat, so that officially makes me a hypocrite. I am also aware that my eating is ‘not normal’ in that my normal friends think I eat like a health freak. I wish that I could have a croissant or cheeseburger just because I damn well feel like it and have no guilt at all, but alas that is never going to happen, ever. As is often the way, balance is key. And while I commend her on her healthy eating (and the kickass workouts), I guess there’s a part of me that wishes she said that she occasionally eats the cheeseburger. Just occasionally. Does that make sense?
Here are my thoughts. First of all, I think it’s actually presumptuous to label her “obsessive” from a two minute video clip filmed for a “health” magazine. Of course, she is going to talk about healthy foods and al she said was that she eats a lot of protein, veggies, and when she gets a carb craving she eats cinnamon raisin Ezekiel bread. I just don’t hear anything “obsessive” about that…tons of people I know “happily” not obsessively eat the same way. Not to mention, we really don’t know what she said or even what she meant to say b/c it was edited by someone other than her. She may or may not said she enjoys a cheeseburger or funnel cake for all we know from time to time. From what I can tell, she seems a little overly excited about Ezekiel bread but I don’t think that is enough to label her. Secondly, I think balance (and moderation) is overrated (heretical I know!) which is another blog post entirely. Balance is highly relatively and is only helpful to the degree an individual practices it in a way a that is beneficial to their body. I personally believe the key to health is conviction and purpose coupled with a healthy dose of forgiveness for when we stray from that conviction. Lastly, I think “normal” is also highly relative. It really depends on the context. Among some groups of my friends I eat very normal but among other groups I’m a health nut.
Hope this isn’t coming across snarky! NOT my intention at all. Love the conversation it’s bringing up and respect different opinions! Who would have thought “fluffy friday” would end up being not so fluffy! xoxo
Hee- not snarky- you are just opinionated, which is great- you know what works for you and that is what you stick with.
I agree that it takes major conviction to be healthy- at least it does for me! And normal is totally relative. But I do know that when I make a million special requests and people look at me funny, I personally do not ‘feel’ normal- I feel odd.
And I would have to agree with her on the raisin Ezekial- I dream of it nightly and keep a loaf in the freezer so that I can have it when MY cravings hit! It always tastes too good to me to really be a ‘health food’!
I love the snark, dont apologize for it even if it wasn’t intentional
He he!! You’re funny! I’m totally the apologetic kind of person and since I am also opinionated I end up apologizing a lot. 😉 <3
I hate goblet squats! They are evil, evil.
But they looooveee you!!!
So agree! And I don’t think it is shallow at all. It is so nice to see that publications are finally starting to learn about female weight-training!
Thanks. Sometimes I feel conflicted about wanting two things to feel good and look good. Part of me thinks that only feeling good should matter but I’d wouldn’t be honest if I said that I didn’t care about looking good.
As a total aside: The movie is crazy fun. Nonsensical, maybe, but still fun!
After I wrote this I starting thinking that it might be a fun one! (Love the costumes) Good to know you think so!
Oh yes, the costumes are fantastic. The movie is definitely worth seeing, I think. It is ridiculous, yes, but is so visually appealing, has a great soundtrack, and… well, I can’t wait to see it again, frankly!
I need to get w/ kettlebells b/c I hate working out w/ shoes on – except running. I too wish celebrities wouldn’t lie and say they eat everything and anything they want. We’re not stupid. Anyhoo, I totally want to see Sucker Punch but will wait til it’s available on Netflix!
Barefoot! The best part about kettlebells!
So did you see Suckerpunch?? I’m glad too that Vanessa is honest about the work it takes to maintain her (also genetically gifted) killer bod. But I’ll admit it does make me feel bad about myself to look at too many celeb bodies. Or even real life perfect bods at the beach. I’m a chronic comparer…
No I didn’t see it.
Charlotte, you look amazing. Truly!
Great post, and I love all the comments!
I think it’s great that Vanessa says that she eats healthy foods to look the way she does. Celebs who say they eat cheeseburgers and cake and are super thin make me mad. Also, I like that she points out that she works out a lot and does lots of different things.
I think the line between being healthy and being obsessive is very, very, very fine. From experience I know that it’s really easy to tell yourself that what you do is “normal” and “healthy” but it really isn’t. And that can go both ways (too healthy or unhealthy). A year ago, I focused a bit too much on being “healthy” and I don’t think it was good for me. Yet, I totally told myself (and everyone who questioned me) that I was doing what was best for my health…
It’s certainly a relative question and what may be healthy for one person is unhealthy (mentally…which affects physically…speaking) for another. I’m so happy that you found your healthy “sweet spot”. From what I’ve read on your blog, I think you are a great example of health!!!
I love all the comments too!!!
Can I put my two cents in, as another former actress?
You can bet that she is surrounded by people who hound her about her diet. Her agents, managers, publicists, etc. all rely on her staying “hot” in order to earn a living. As long as she’s working, they’re working. When she becomes less successful, they stop getting their commission. And the fact that she’s 20 and is the image of the “ideal woman” also speaks volumes about Hollywood’s obsession with female youth and its disdain for more mature women. (Notice how many 40-something leading men are paired romantically on-screen with 20-something women.)
I would go so far as to say it is impossible to be a woman in the industry and have a truly healthy body image.
Of course, your two cents is always welcomed!
I’m sure she is under an extraordinary amount of pressure to maintain a certain degree of leanness. As it is presented by Shape, it sounds to me like she is doing it in a realistic and healthy way whether or not she has body image issues. Even if she does, (which you are probably right, have body image issues) I think it’s great that she is maintaining with these sorts of workouts and food choices. In fact, almost any woman (without underlying health issues) can maintain a low BF% by lifting heavy, some cardio, and eating lots of proteins, veggies, and complex carbs like Ezekiel bread if and that is the key, they want to make those choices consistently.
“Hollywood’s obsession with female youth and its disdain for more mature women. (Notice how many 40-something leading men are paired romantically on-screen with 20-something women.)” So true and yes I comment on that all the time. “He’s old enough to be her dad!” It’s sad. I wonder if people stopped paying to see those type of movies would Hollywood cast more realistically? It seems to me mainstream Hollywood makes what sells?
Love your thoughts!!!!
Yikes! Re-reading my post, I’m just realizing how harsh I sounded!
It does seem as if Vanessa H. is going about things in a healthier way than many of her peers. And it IS nice to hear someone get real for once about how hard she works/watches her food intake to look the way she does, as well as seeing a woman lifting heavy!
And, yeah, Hollywood will always follow the money.
I didn’t think you sounded harsh at all!! I also think you are probably right about women in Hollywood and body image. I was just wanted to make sure the intention of my post, (Shape was giving some great practical weight loss advice that was part of a celebrity’s plan) was clear but always welcome additional thoughts especially from thoughtful people like you!!!! Your opinion is welcome and respected anytime!!! 😀
I really want to learn how to use kettlebells properly. Flat soled shoes? I had no idea. I need to check out this article, clearly.
I’m inspired when I see articles like that in fitness magazines. She worked hard for that body!
Flat (and thin soled) shoes provide stability and allow you to lift heavier. It would be fun to do a small blogger meetup someday for kettlebells on the beach!
I found your website through Helen from Doing a 180 and I like it very much! Will be back for more.