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If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@celebwell.com.

Fitness Expert Gabby Dawn Allen’s Secrets to Getting in Shape

Here is the formula to her hot body.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 13, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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gabbydawnallen/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 13, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fitness & Workouts

Gabby Dawn Allen is a fitness influencer with over one million followers on Instagram. Her mission? “To make fitness fun” – and efficient. In a new social media post she reveals the ultimate secret to her insanely fit figure – and it might surprise you. In the Instagram post she flaunts her six-pack, before revealing her hack. Here is everything you need to know about her secret weapon.

Doing “Endless Cardio” Won’t Get You “Shredded”

Gabby explains that doing “endless cardio in the hope to get ‘shredded’ and hoping for your abs to appear, you are living in 2020!!!” She adds that during that time “all we had access to was at home live workouts with tins of beans and bottles of wines to offer any resistance.”

She Suggests Gym Workouts

Gabby_Dawn_Allen_gabbydawnallen1gabbydawnallen/Instagram

“Good times huh! I loved teaching the daily lives but we have moved onwards and upwards so get with it! Gym workouts or heavy at home workouts hit different!” she continues.

Related: I Stopped Doing These 3 Things and Lost 40 Pounds

Her Body Is the Result of Strength Training

Gabby_Dawn_Allen_gabbydawnallen3gabbydawnallen/Instagram

Gabby reveals that lifting weights is key. “Strength training is what has given me the body I have today- a strong body, a versatile body, a healthy body and a body I am confident in,” she reveals.

Resistance Training, Nutrition, and Cardio Are Key

Gabby_Dawn_Allen8gabbydawnallen/Instagram

She adds that “a resistance training programme, consistent good nutrition and enjoying cardio alongside is what is going to get you the results you dream of. Fat loss, weight gain, muscle gain, tone up, lean up, shape and sculpt - you name it, it is ACHIEVABLE.”

She Calls This “Hybrid Training”

Gabby_Dawn_Allen10gabbydawnallen/Instagram

Her favorite approach? “Hybrid training,” she adds, “as it’s so universal. Everybody can follow a a structured plan and use cardio as a tool to stay athletically competent and of course burn calories if you want to!”

Related: I’m a Fitness Trainer and These Are the Simple Habits Responsible for My Six-Pack

She Also Stresses the Importance of Consistency

Gabby_Dawn_Allen9gabbydawnallen/Instagram

There is a form of cardio everybody can do- running, bike, stepper or my classes,” she continues. “It’s all about CONSISTENCY. We build sustainable routines and bring enjoyment to exercise- which is half the battle anyway.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Most fitness experts agree that a combination of cardio, strength training, and healthy eating is the most efficient way to lose weight and build muscle.

More For You

Fitness & Workouts

Fitness Expert Gabby Dawn Allen’s Secrets to Getting in Shape

Gabby_Dawn_Allen12
gabbydawnallen/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 13, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Gabby Dawn Allen is a fitness influencer with over one million followers on Instagram. Her mission? “To make fitness fun” – and efficient. In a new social media post she reveals the ultimate secret to her insanely fit figure – and it might surprise you. In the Instagram post she flaunts her six-pack, before revealing her hack. Here is everything you need to know about her secret weapon.

Doing “Endless Cardio” Won’t Get You “Shredded”

Gabby explains that doing “endless cardio in the hope to get ‘shredded’ and hoping for your abs to appear, you are living in 2020!!!” She adds that during that time “all we had access to was at home live workouts with tins of beans and bottles of wines to offer any resistance.”

She Suggests Gym Workouts

Gabby_Dawn_Allen_gabbydawnallen1gabbydawnallen/Instagram

“Good times huh! I loved teaching the daily lives but we have moved onwards and upwards so get with it! Gym workouts or heavy at home workouts hit different!” she continues.

Related: I Stopped Doing These 3 Things and Lost 40 Pounds

Her Body Is the Result of Strength Training

Gabby_Dawn_Allen_gabbydawnallen3gabbydawnallen/Instagram

Gabby reveals that lifting weights is key. “Strength training is what has given me the body I have today- a strong body, a versatile body, a healthy body and a body I am confident in,” she reveals.

Resistance Training, Nutrition, and Cardio Are Key

Gabby_Dawn_Allen8gabbydawnallen/Instagram

She adds that “a resistance training programme, consistent good nutrition and enjoying cardio alongside is what is going to get you the results you dream of. Fat loss, weight gain, muscle gain, tone up, lean up, shape and sculpt - you name it, it is ACHIEVABLE.”

She Calls This “Hybrid Training”

Gabby_Dawn_Allen10gabbydawnallen/Instagram

Her favorite approach? “Hybrid training,” she adds, “as it’s so universal. Everybody can follow a a structured plan and use cardio as a tool to stay athletically competent and of course burn calories if you want to!”

Related: I’m a Fitness Trainer and These Are the Simple Habits Responsible for My Six-Pack

She Also Stresses the Importance of Consistency

Gabby_Dawn_Allen9gabbydawnallen/Instagram

There is a form of cardio everybody can do- running, bike, stepper or my classes,” she continues. “It’s all about CONSISTENCY. We build sustainable routines and bring enjoyment to exercise- which is half the battle anyway.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Most fitness experts agree that a combination of cardio, strength training, and healthy eating is the most efficient way to lose weight and build muscle.

Fitness & Workouts

Fitness Guru Whitney Simmons Reveals 6 Secrets to Her Flat Belly

Whitney_Simmons
whitneyysimmons/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 15, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Whitney Simmons is flaunting her flat tummy while trying to motivate her followers. In a new social media post the fitness influencer flaunts her washboard abs in a sports bra and workout pants prior to a workout. “LEGS GET IT 🌶️💥🍓✨❤️‍🔥 GLUTE focused leg day today,” she captioned the series of Instagram snaps, revealing her booty workout. What exercises does she do to keep her booty fit – and what are the other lifestyle habits responsible for her amazing figure? The Body Network has all the details.

Weight Training

“I love weight training. Weight training is my go-to. I feel so strong and powerful [when I do it!]” she told Life & Style. She previously did mostly cardio to stay as “skinny and small as possible.” However, lifting weights was a game-changer. “When I discovered weight training, that’s when my entire transformation began, not only for my mental health but obviously my physical as well. My life has changed so much. I just want to be strong! Like nothing makes me feel more empowered than taking an hour to myself every day in the gym, chucking weights around, and taking that time for myself. You leave the gym on this rush, you just feel so good after a session like that!”

She Plans Her Sessions

Whitney_Simmons2whitneyysimmons/Instagram

“Always go into the gym with a plan,” she suggested. “There are so many free workouts online. I provide a new workout every single day, and there are so many women pushing so many amazing workouts online. Go into the gym with a plan, and start with something that’s dumbbell only.”

Related: What to Eat in a Day for Fat Loss, Says Fitness Coach Who Lost 30 Pounds in 3 Months

90% Healthy Diet

Whitney_Simmons4whitneyysimmons/Instagram

“I’m all about living a healthy lifestyle, so I believe if you eat 90% healthy in the day, it’s okay to have a chocolate chip cookie at the end of the day,” she said. “You’ve got to have that balance, otherwise you’re just going to go crazy. The mental health is what started my entire fitness journey, and if I ate just protein shakes all day everyday I would lose my mind. It’s all about balance. It’s okay to treat yourself — you have to!” says Whitney.

Breakfast

Whitney_Simmons3whitneyysimmons/Instagram

Whitney is a breakfast person. “I love starting my morning with oatmeal, it’s a good source of complex carbs in the morning to give me that energy that I need, especially before the gym,” she told Life & Style. She will also add protein, like scrambled eggs.

Smoothies

“I love to make a smoothie at home, where you can’t even taste the protein because there’s so much fruit and amazing antioxidants,” Whitney told Life & Style. “I just toss in spinach and fruit and pop in one scoop of protein.”

Related: The Rosenberg Sisters Show Off Flat Tummies During “Full Body Burn” Workout

Glute Workout

Whitney_Simmons6whitneyysimmons/Instagram

Here is Whitney’s glute workout:

1️⃣ 4x8 barbell RDL

2️⃣ 3x10 KAS glute bridge

3️⃣ 3x8 bulgarian split squat

4️⃣ 3x10 glute dom back extension

💪🔥Body Booster: Even if getting “smaller” is your goal, opt for weight training over strictly cardio. It won’t get you “big” and is more sustainable for fat loss.

Fitness & Workouts

Kelsey Rose Flaunts Washboard Abs and Reveals 3 “Secret Sauce” Moves

Kelsey_Rose3
Copyright thekelseyrose_/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 03, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

A new year, a new you! Are you hoping to make 2025 the year you achieve all of your weight loss goals? “Start now,” encourages one fitness guru. Kelsey Rose is a fitness trainer who has hundreds of thousands of followers on social media. In one of her first posts of the year, she reveals “how to transform your body in 2025” by doing three simple things. “Re-Align in 2025 — let’s make this your best year Yet! And I’m here to help,” she writes.

Join Her Program

Before she goes into detail, she explains that if “you’re ready to feel your strongest, leanest, and most confident self,” you should consider joining her 7-Day Power Reset (Jan 6th) followed by an 8-week re-align program (Jan 13th). “We’re focusing on strength, Pilates, and nutrition to help you hit your goals. Here’s exactly how we’re making it happen step by step,” she writes in her post.

Mix Strength Training and Pilates

First, mix strength with Pilates workouts 3 to 5 times a week. “This combination is the secret sauce for building lean muscle while staying mobile and injury-free. Strength training helps you sculpt and tone, while Pilates improves flexibility and strengthens stabilizing muscles. Plus, incorporating daily deep core work will tighten your waistline, flatten your tummy, and give you that strong, balanced core we all love,” she says.

RELATED: This Coach Lost 100 Pounds Without Dieting by Focusing on These 4 Basic Rules

Then, Walk for 15 to 30 Minutes

“After every strength or Pilates session, set aside 15-30 minutes for walking,” she says. “This isn’t just about burning extra calories—it’s about keeping your body in fat-burning mode while improving recovery. Pair that with hitting 10k steps daily to keep your metabolism thriving and your energy high throughout the day. Small actions = BIG results.”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Nail Your Nutrition

And last but not least, focus on nutrition. “You can’t out-train a poor diet—so let’s focus on hitting 30g of protein per meal to fuel muscle recovery, support fat loss, and keep you full for longer. Minimize sugar intake to stop cravings in their tracks and prevent energy crashes. Remember: abs are made in the kitchen, and this step will truly set you apart,” she says.

Her Program Is Sustainable

“This January, our challenges will guide you every step of the way with tailored workouts, mindfulness routines, and recipes designed to make these habits sustainable and fun. Don’t wait to start—your future self will thank you! Xx,” she concludes.

RELATED: 4 Strength Moves to Transform Your Body in 30 Days, Says Expert

You Can Also Try Her 15-Minute Workout

In another post, she unveils her 15-minute walking workout. “This is your sign to STOP skipping your post-workout cardio and squeeze in a quick 15-minute treadmill workout for best results!!💦✨ It’s easy to feel like cardio needs to be a long, intense session to matter, but even a short burst after strength training can make a big impact,” she says.

It Helps Burn Fat, Increase Endurance, and Rev Metabolism

“By adding just 15 minutes on the treadmill, you can boost fat burn, increase endurance, and rev up your metabolism—all without draining yourself. Cardio is also a great way to wind down, reset, and give your body some extra love post-workout,” she says.

Here Is the 15 Minute Workout

“My Cheat Code Treadmill Series,” she says.

  1. 5 min steady walk at incline 8, speed 3.0—get the blood flowing!
  2. 5 min intervals: alternate 30-sec fast run (speed 6.0-8.0) + 30-sec walk (speed 3.0) to elevate your heart rate and maximize calorie burn
  3. 5 min cool down with incline 5, speed 3.0—ease into a steady pace and let your body relax.

RELATED: Build Lean Muscle Fast With These 9 Dietitian-Proven Protein Switches

Do It After Your Regular Workout

Do it after your regular workout, she recommends. “Just 15 minutes, and you’re done! Try it out as a finisher for your next workout and see how it feels to add this extra boost. Let’s make cardio simple and effective!” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Fitness & Workouts

Becky Greenan Reveals 5 Exercises That “Hit Every Muscle in Your Upper Body” 

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky5
built.by.becky/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 09, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Having children and getting older is no excuse when it comes to fitness. Becky Greenan, a 37-year-old mother of two, is living, breathing proof that you can get into the best shape of your life after having kids. The fitness trainer and influencer has built up a following of nearly one million on Instagram, sharing effective, at-home workouts.

This week she dropped a new one that will change your body. “Upper & Core that will hit every muscle in your upper body with just 5 exercises,” she writes in the caption. Find out how to do the workout and see her amazing 10-year transformation on The Body Network.

Here Is the Workout

“I’m holding 10lbs and 5lbs,” she notes, suggesting 12 reps per exercise and 3 to 4 total sets.

  1. Lean backs with front raise
  2. Skull crusher with alt. leg raise
  3. Alt. curl into press
  4. Kneeling lateral raises
  5. Push up into superman

Her 10-year Transformation Is Shocking

Becky also shared a shocking transformation photo on Instagram this week, “ 27 years old vs 37 years old with 2 kids,” she wrote in the caption. “My transformation didn’t take me 10 years to see results. But my progress hasn’t been linear either - especially with 2 pregnancies.

Related: I Lost 75 Pounds While Jumping Rope and Push Ups

Be Consistent, She Says

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky4built.by.becky/Instagram

What is one of the secrets behind her transformation? “One thing I’ve always been is CONSISTENT. I’ve always kept going and I’ve never given up on myself,” she says.

For Building Muscle, Lift Weights, Not Cardio

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky3built.by.becky/Instagram

“If you want to change your body composition by getting lean and adding curves - LIFT WEIGHTS. If you want to build confidence - LIFT WEIGHTS. Cardio isn’t going to give you the shape you’re looking for,” she points out.

Her Workouts Can Be Done with Resistance Bands and Dumbbells

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky6built.by.becky/Instagram

She adds that the majority of workouts on her fitness app only require resistance bands and dumbbells, and can be done at home. “YES it can be done and it’s what I’ve been doing for years,” she concludes.

Related: 15 Proven Ways to Sculpt Your Dream Body by An Expert Coach

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

Becky_Greenan_built_by_becky7built.by.becky/Instagram

As for diet, Becky consumes “2000ish calories and 120ish protein,” per day. “Full day of meals on a rest day for this 37 year old mama of 2. Each meal contains carbs, protein and fats. I did an estimate of my calories and protein intake for you all. I usually eat more on lifting days because I’m hungrier,” she writes in a post.

  1. 2 eggs, 2 egg whites and feta toast with butter

    400 calories / 25 protein

  2. Apple with peanut butter, protein shake

    450 calories / 35 protein

  3. Chicken thigh and leg, sweet potato and broccoli

    450 calories / 45 protein

  4. Bun with turkey, and orange

    350 calories / 15 grams protein

  5. Cucumber salad and cookies

    400 calories

💪🔥Body Booster: For a successful transformation, be consistent. Never give up on yourself and keep going.

Fitness & Workouts

6 Fat-Burning and Muscle-Toning Bodyweight Combos From Trainer Grace Albin

Strength in teamwork. Two young attractive female athletes exercise on the beach doing squats with a sunrise and ocean in the background. The focus is soft and dreamy.
Shutterstock
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothApr 17, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you want to do a full body workout with just six exercises? Grace Albin is a fitness expert and influencer who shares diet and exercise tips and tricks with her hundreds of thousands of followers. In a new post, she reveals some combo moves that work multiple muscles at once.”Six fun, #bodyweight combos for fat-burning and muscle-toning,” she captioned the post. Here are the exercises – as well as a few other of her go-to fitness and diet tips.

Here Is the Workout

Grace_Albin_fitstylegrace1fitstylegrace/Instagram

“Do each combo 10-20 times, then move to the next combo. Rest one minute at the end of the round. 2-4 rounds total,” Grace instructs.

  • jump squat into triple-pulse squat.
  • twist squat with knee lift.
  • triple-pulse lunge into kick.
  • cross cross squat.
  • reverse lunge into plank.
  • floor tap lunge into knee lift.

Do Pilates and Strength Training

A young woman in sportswear does Pilates on a reformer, lifting her leg up.Side view.Pilates, a pilates reformer class.Healthy Lifestyle Concept.High quality photoShutterstock

Grace encourages “a fusion of Pilates technique with traditional fitness,” she told Naluda. “So we use dumbbells and resistance bands and do squats and curls. But always with the underlying philosophy of posture strength, elegant movement, and muscle lengthening.”

Why is Pilates a good workout? According to the Mayo Clinic there are lots of benefits to the workout, as it “strengthens the body's inner core while increasing its flexibility resulting in improved overall health.”

It can also promote longer, leaner muscles, injury prevention, relief from stress and back pain, enhanced athletic performance, and heightened mind-body awareness. And, the Mayo Clinic explains that strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

Stick to Workouts You Love

Grace_Albin1fitstylegrace/Instagram

What is the absolute best workout, according to Grace? One you will actually do. She recommends trying “a lot of different formats and you’ll find the one you love enough to stay motivated and keep going,” she told Naluda. “It might be something social and structured (and free) — like a running community training for a 10k that has each weekly jog planned out to the exact mile and meets at the same time every week. Or something flexible like joining a fancy studio that offers different modalities and allows you to toggle between yoga and boot camp. Keep experimenting and you’ll hit upon the fitness routine that matches your vibe and gets you coming back.”

RELATED:5 Exercises for Wrinkle Reduction

Snack on Protein and Fiber

Marinated,Grilled,Healthy,Chicken,Breasts,Cooked,On,A,Summer,BbqShutterstock

Grace snacks but keeps it healthy. “There are several bags of frozen edamame in my freezer at all times. It’s incredibly high in both protein and fiber. It’s quick and easy to fry or bake with a splash of olive oil, salt and pepper. You can also change the taste of it with any type of marinade or seasoning mix, so it never gets old,” she told Naluda.

Related: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Get Your Steps In

Grace_Albin2fitstylegrace/Instagram

Grace also recommends getting your steps in. How many should you aim for if you want to lose weight? According to a 2018 study published in the journal Obesity, walking 10,000 steps a day was linked to weight loss and weight management.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you don’t have a lot of time to work out, try doing combo moves to work multiple muscle groups at once.

Fitness & Workouts

Can You Pass This Simple Squat Test?

Dr. Kelly Starrett The Ready State thereadystate
Copyright The Ready State/instagam
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackFeb 19, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

When was the last time you effortlessly sat on the floor to play with kids or tend to your garden? For most of us, these simple movements have become increasingly difficult. I remember the day I realized I couldn't comfortably sit cross-legged through my daughter's entire tea party – that was my wake-up call. But according to Dr. Kelly Starrett, a distinguished Physical Therapist and three-time New York Times bestselling author, this loss of natural mobility isn't permanent. As the founder of The Ready State, he developed the 10-Minute Squat Test—a simple assessment that not only predicts longevity but could help you move like your younger self again. Ready to discover if your body still has its youthful potential? Take 10 minutes and try this test with me.

What is the 10-Minute Squat Test?

"When we originally put this out, we did it because we were beginning to establish what everyone should be able to do," Dr. Starrett explains in his video. The test is remarkably simple: can you maintain a comfortable, deep squat position for 10 minutes? No equipment needed – just you and gravity working together to assess and improve your mobility.

Why This Position Matters

According to Dr. Starrett, this isn't just about exercise – it's about reclaiming our natural human capacity. "Over two and a half million years of evolution, how did we evolve in order to maintain function, maintain position, maintain shape?" he asks. The answer lies in our ancestral movement patterns, where ground-sitting positions were a regular part of daily life.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

The Science of Squatting and Longevity

"The research is very strong," Dr. Starrett notes, "that your ability to get up and down off the ground without using your hands is an excellent predictor of your mortality and morbidity." This simple test doesn't just measure flexibility – it assesses your overall movement health and potential longevity.

Your Personal Starting Point

"Don't obsess about what my feet are doing," advises Dr. Starrett. Whether your stance is wide or narrow, the key is finding a position that works for your body. "We don't believe that there's a single squat position for you," he emphasizes, encouraging practitioners to explore what feels natural for their structure.

The Hidden Connection to Back Health

Here's a surprising fact: The World Health Organization reports that low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. "Your femurs are attached to your pelvis, which is strangely attached to your low back," Dr. Starrett points out, highlighting how hip mobility directly impacts back health.

Making It Work for You

Not ready for 10 minutes? That's perfectly normal. "Maybe for you it's nine minutes, maybe for her it's 12 minutes," says Dr. Starrett. The goal isn't perfection – it's progress. You can hold onto a wall or use supports while building your capacity.

RELATED:10-Min Walking Workout Burns Fat at Home, Says Coach

Modifications for Every Body

If you have specific conditions like a herniated disc, modifications are available. "If you're flexion intolerant, you may need to do something that looks like this," Dr. Starrett demonstrates, showing how to maintain the benefits while respecting your body's current limitations.

Modern Life and Movement

"We're seeing a really big disruption between environment and organism," Dr. Starrett observes. Our modern lifestyle of prolonged sitting and screen time has disconnected us from natural movement patterns. The good news? These patterns can be restored through consistent practice.

RELATED:Here's How Long Your Incline Walking Workout Should Be To Shrink Belly Fat

Getting Started Today

Begin with whatever time feels manageable in a supported squat position. "Start building towards that 10 minutes, start to see the magic and capacity of your body," encourages Dr. Starrett. Focus on relaxed breathing and maintaining heels on the ground. With patience and practice, you'll be amazed at how your body remembers its natural movement patterns. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Fitness & Workouts

Transform Your Body at 40 with These 6 Habits

Reggie Macena good_for_life_training
Copyright good_for_life_training/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 19, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to get in the best shape of your life after 40? Many experts maintain that modifying a few health habits is all it takes. Reggie Macena is a fitness coach who helps “high performers clean up their eating habits and build lean muscle with macronutrient-focused nutrition and coaching programs,” he writes in his social media bio. In a new post, he reveals a few transformative core habits for anyone post-40. “If I was over 40 and trying to get my health back on track, this is what I’d start doing today,” he writes.

This Is What He Did to Get His Health on Track

“I can remember the first time my blood work from the doctor came back… less than perfect. I usually had everything in range but as I got older that changed. I had to start watching what I ate and how I exercised closely. I didn’t have the luxury of just eating whatever I wanted. If I wanted to be ‘healthy’ I had to take it seriously. Here’s what you do when you want to get your health on track,” he writes in the post.

1. Stop Grazing All Day

Habit number one has to do with diet. “Stop the grazing and snacking all day. Your eating needs to be tracked. You need some system for regulating what you eat. The freestyle approach will slowly add inches right to your midsection,” he writes.

2. Cut Back on Alcohol

Next, don’t drink your calories. “Booze will ruin a lot of your hard work. Alcohol seems like a good idea until the next day. Cut back temporarily and see how you feel. That is game changer,” he writes.

3. Drink More Water

Amp up your hydration. “Boost your water intake. Most of us are poorly hydrated. If you keep a water bottle in plain sight you will drink it. Aim for a couple of liters of water a day. It’s easier than you think,” he writes.

4. Weigh Yourself

He also recommends weighing yourself. “Buy a scale. It’s not the only way to track progress but it helps. Weigh in a couple of times a week and see if it’s moving in right direction,” he says.

RELATED:10-Min Walking Workout Burns Fat at Home, Says Coach

5. Focus on Compound Lifts

Next, he moves on to exercise. “Focus on compound lifts when you’re working out. Bench , Squat, deadlifts. These movements are taxing and burn way more calories per workout. Train 2-3X a week,” he writes.

6. Be Patient

And his last habit? “Accept that you haven’t treated your body the best for a little while. Those 1/2 hearted attempts at getting fit don’t count. You need to really give it some serious effort for months at a time. Be patient and trust the process,” he writes.

Also, Be Accountable

In another post, he makes a few more suggestions, starting with being accountable. “Meaning your word is your word. You need to make sure that when you say you will do something you do it. The more you keep your word the higher your self esteem goes,” he writes.

Check Your Priorities

Next, “check your priorities,” he encourages. “Start working on making health your number 1 priority If you haven’t done that yet. All it takes is one bad health scare to realize that without health you do not have anything. (Don’t wait for the scare).”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Apply the Hard Work

“I told someone yesterday that hard work is important but what’s most important is how you apply the hard work. Training sessions are supposed to be intense most of the time. They also need a carefully crafted plan that is based on progression. Progression in the gym leads to progression on your body. Plan your training sessions,” he says about number three. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 50 Lbs by Doing These 3 Things

Alexandra_alexx.fitt15
This Woman Lost 40 Pounds After Quitting These 5 Common Habits Forever
alexxandra.fitt/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothFeb 19, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Do you want to lose weight and transform your life by changing your routine in small ways? Alexandra (@alexx.fitt) has amassed a following on TikTok by sharing videos about losing 50 pounds. In a new post, she reveals a few of her go-to habits for weight loss. “3 things that have truly helped me lose weight and transform my life,” she writes in a recent post. “This helped me go from 200 pounds to 150 pounds.”

Find an Activity You Are “Absolutely Obsessed With”

The first thing she did that was a game-changer? “Finding an activity I am absolutely OBSESSED with,” she reveals in the post. “When I was losing weight I did not go to the gym at all it was during Covid so everything was closed. Instead I just walked every single day because I loved it and this can be bikini, running, swimming whatever u love.”

Don’t Focus on the Scale

Next, it’s not all about the numbers. “Don’t focus on the scale,” she says. “Focus on how you feel instead. Don’t weigh yourself each week don’t do any extra things because the scale will flexuate. Instead hide your scale for a month don’t weigh yourself and just focus on feeling your best.”

Don’t Burn Out

Her third habit? “No more BURN OUT,” she says. “Okay hear me out ladies stop with the burn out you don’t have to lift heavy 6x a week if u only have time for 3 that’s great. Stop doing hours of cardio and focus on small changes each day. The secret is consistency.”

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Walk

In another one of her viral clips, she reveals that her weight loss was primarily the result of a single exercise. “I lost 40 pounds just by walking, and here's how I did it”, she said, “what you're going to do to start losing weight by walking.” She went on to offer a few tips on how to maximize the burn, starting with starting small. “Number one, don't start big. You don't have to go on a two hour walk every single day,” says Alexandra.

Take Shorter Walks Before or After Breakfast and Lunch

She also takes short walks after every meal. “I would go on a 10, 15 minute walk after my big meals,” she explains. “So usually my first walk would be in the morning, like 10 minutes before breakfast. I would eat breakfast, go about my day, and then during lunch,” she continues. “If you're at school, at work, I know you're able to get outside and get your body moving.”

Take a Longer Walk After Dinner

She also walks at the end of the day, after her meal. “This helps your food digest, it helps get rid of bloating, everything,” she says, explaining that “usually after dinner” she would take her “longer walk,” which would be “ a 30 minute walk.” Should you walk before or after meals? According to research, waiting until after your meal is more effective. A 2022 study published in the journal Sports Medicine found that walking as little as two to five minutes after a meal may lower your blood sugar.

Aim for 10,000 Steps a Day

In total, Alexandra tries to aim for “10,000 steps” per day, she says. A 2018 study published in the journal Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

RELATED:10-Min Walking Workout Burns Fat at Home, Says Coach

Cook Double

In another Instagram post, she reveals a few of her best “lazy girl hacks” for weight loss. Alexandra’s first hack is to cook double. She says, “this way you’re gonna have leftovers for lunch for the next couple days & no need to cook!”

Make Healthy Swaps

She also suggests making healthy swaps. “Get the nuts, get the pre-cut veggies instead of having a chocolate bar, have a protein bar on hand,” she suggests.

RELATED:17 Pre-Meal Foods That Burn Fat Like Ozempic, According to an Expert

Invest in an Air Fryer

“Smart kitchen appliances my air fryer is my BFF,” says Alexandra. “I cook frozen foods in there all the time! I put it in and then I go back to the couch with my bubbly water until I hear a beep.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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