Blake Lively's Leg Workout Is Surprisingly Doable
At 29 years old, Blake Lively has a flourishing career, charming husband and two beautiful [...]
At 29 years old, Blake Lively has a flourishing career, charming husband and two beautiful children. In fact, it's nearly impossible to scroll through one's social media without coming across her or hubby Ryan Reynolds' names.
Known for her killer acting chops, wit and beauty, Lively has one of Hollywood's most sought-after physiques. I mean, have you seen those legs? Lively's trainer, Don Saladino, knows how exercise can make or break a hot bod (more on that later), but he also knows the importance of a clean and healthy lifestyle.
While Saladino allows Lively to follow the 80/20 rule (eat clean 80 percent of the time, cheat 20 percent of the time), those cheat days must be of high quality. For example: Craving a burrito? Find an organic option.
#FitnessFriday current mood. @donsaladino gives me reason to hide!....
A photo posted by Blake Lively (@blakelively) on
Lively is also not allowed to eat "white foods" (like sugar, table salt, white flours like wheat, and dairy). Inflammation abounds in white foods, which is a total no-no for a slim figure like Lively's.
As for exercise, Saladino shared the workout that shapes and tones those stems of Lively's. And we must say, it sounds surprisingly doable! Check it out:
Glute Bridge: 1 set, 15 reps
Lie on your back on an exercise mat or the floor in a bent-knee position with your feet flat on the floor. Place your feet hip-width apart. Gently contract your abdominal muscles to flatten your lower back into the floor. Exhale. Keep the abdominals engaged and lift your hips up off the floor, squeezing the glutes. Press your heels into the floor for added stability. Avoid pushing your hips too high, which can cause hyperextension (arching) in your low back. Keeping your abdominals strong helps to prevent excessive arching in the low back. Your body should make a straight line from your knees to your shoulders! Hold, return to the starting position and repeat.
Banded Side Walks: 1 set, 10 reps on each leg
Stand with the band secured under both of your feet, standing hip-width apart. Pull the band tightly so there is no slack. Exhale and lift one leg out to the side and off the floor. The standing leg will be slightly bent to help your balance and protect your knee joint. You'll feel this in your outer thigh and butt of the lifting leg. Return it under the body, but don't put all of your weight on it – instead, send it out again for another rep!
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Split Squats: 2-3 sets, 10 reps
Stand with your legs staggered, your rear foot elevated on a bench or step. Descend into a lunge, keeping your front knee behind your toes. Driving through the heel, extend your knee and hips to starting position.
Romanian Deadlifts: 2-3 sets, 10 reps
Hold two dumbbells so they're resting on your thighs, palms facing you. Shoulders should be back with your back slightly arched and your knees a slight bend. Lower the dumbbells down to your shins by pushing your your butt back as far as you can, keeping your weight in your heels. Keep dumbbells close to your body, gaze forward and keep shoulders back. Return to starting position in a slow and controlled motion, driving the hips forward to stand tall. That's one rep.
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Cardio: 2-3 sets
If your gym has a sled push option, go for it. If not, try running or another form of cardio. Go as hard and fast as you can for 15 seconds, then rest for 45.
Farmer Walk: 2-3 sets
Holding a kettlebell or dumbbell in one hand, walk for 25-50 feet. Switch arms and walk back.
That's it! Think you can keep up with Lively?
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