Healthy Hollywood: Get Movin’ Monday – Holiday Workout Game Is On!

It’s the Monday after Thanksgiving and Healthy Hollywood is feeling a bit on the bloated side! After a weekend of feasting – who isn’t?

Now, is the time to burn off those calories and get your workout game back on track! There’s no excuse to put exercise on pause, just because it’s the season of drink, eat, and be merry. “One way you can increase your chances of staying on the wagon during these months is to pre-plan your exercise schedule for the entire season, allowing for parties and shopping,” states Burr Leonard, founder of The Bar Method. Burr also adds, “If friends say, ‘Come have a holiday drink with us!’ tell them, ‘Okay, but I’ll be late because working out is on my calendar.’”

Burr created The Bar Method, which is a full body workout that combines Pilates and ballet moves. It’s the perfect regimen during the busy holiday season – and beyond. In a short amount of time, these moves will leave you with a firm butt and a well-toned body, the ideal results to shimmy into that snug-fitting holiday party outfit. “Celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Ricki Lake love the workout because it safely puts them “into the muscle” right away, which gives them quick, efficient results,” adds Burr.

“One great feature of the Bar Method is that it’s a quick “in-and-out” workout. You’re finished in an hour, and you usually don’t sweat so profusely that you have to start your day from scratch,” reveals Burr. “The workout is very calming and serves as a great antidote to holiday-induced stress. All in all, the Bar Method on a regular basis is a perfect gift to yourself while you’re gift hunting for others.

Burr shares with Healthy Hollywood a few of her favorite – most effective – toning moves.

1. The Bar Method Parallel Thigh with Legs Apart (slims thighs & inner leg muscles):
Face your bar or a stable piece of furniture. Stand about half an arm’s length from it and hold on with both hands. Stand with feet hip width apart and parallel to each other. Raise your heels to a comfortably high position. Maintain a vertical torso and relaxed lower back. Bend your knees forward and come about a thigh of the way down in height from your standing position. When you start to bend your knees a little more and a little less, maintain the high-heel position of your feet! Do 50 small down-ups at medium speed (move one inch down and one inch up by slightly bending and unbending your knees).

2. The Bar Method Diamond Thigh (tones and narrows thighs, lifts butt):
Start this exercise by facing a bar or a stable piece of furniture. Stand about a half an arm’s length from it and hold on with both hands. Then get feet into position by turning feet into a wide V – turn out hips and keep heels together. Raise your heels high but only to the height where your feet still feel comfortable. Next, grip your glutes and draw in your abs. Bend your knees until you are about a third lower than you were when you were standing. Repeat.

3. The Bar Method Standing Seat (overall body toner):
Stand comfortably a few inches away from your bar or piece of furniture and hold onto it with both hands. Place your feet in a narrow V shape so that your heels are together and your big toes are three inches or so apart. Soften your knees. Roll your hips under and firmly grip your glutes. Press your chest slightly forward, square your shoulders, and straighten back. Now lift one leg (your “working leg”), point your foot, and rest it on the floor about six inches behind you. Raise your work foot a few inches off the floor. Tuck again. Lift your chest again. Begin to rhythmically exhale and pull in your abs.

For more information on The Bar Method (or to check out if classes in your hometown), head to www.barmethod.com.

Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read More

The Best Gym Shoes and Sneakers for 2024