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Linn Lowes Just Shared a Fantastic Glute Workout

Here is the workout that keeps her backside in shape.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 29, 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
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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@bodynetwork.com.

Linn_Lowes8
linnlowes/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 29, 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.

Fitness & Workouts

Linn Lowes is getting her glute workout on – in her skintight workout clothes. In a new social media video, the fitness influencer and trainer with over 3.3 million Instagram followers shows off her pert booty while executing a number of exercises. “5 of my favorite kickback alternatives for glutes,” she wrote in the Instagram caption. Here is everything you need to know about the workout responsible for her backside.

Supported Abductions

The first exercise she does is supported abductions. “For glute medius (upper part of your glutes). Hold on/lean on an upright backrest and kick in an angled direction away from your body,” she explains, demonstrating the move. This works her glute maximus.

Bent to Straight Leg Kickbacks

Linn_Lowes3linnlowes/Instagram

Next up, bent to straight leg kickbacks. “This basically means you’re allowing your quads to assist which takes away some of the effort from your glutes but also allows you to use heavier weights,” she says, revealing that the exercise focuses mostly on training the quads and hamstrings.

Related: #1 Mistake That Prevents You From Losing Weight, According to Woman Who Lost 120 Lbs

Cable Donkey Kicks

Linn_Lowes1linnlowes/Instagram

The third exercise she does are cable donkey kicks. “I LOVE this movement in the Smith Machine but this variation is also good once you found your form! Focus on going slow in the eccentric movement,” she says. The move is good for working quads and hamstrings.

Kneeling Kickbacks

Linn_Lowes4linnlowes/Instagram

Kneeling kickbacks are up next. “Using a very straight leg to isolate the glutes,” she suggests. “Go light to medium weight and keep your glute max activated throughout the movement. There’s no rest position in this one!” She adds that it isolates glutes maximus.

Stiff Leg Angled Kickbacks

Linn_Lowes2linnlowes/Instagram

She saves “probably my absolute fave” for last – still leg angled kickbacks. “Super leaned forward for great rom, kicking slightly away from my body as I drive my leg backwards and keeping the leg either straight or the same bend in my knee through out to isolate my glutes,” she says, noting the exercise is good for isolating glute maximus.

Related: Here Is How to Lose Up to 20 Pounds in a Week, Says Expert

She Feels “Powerful”

Linn_Lowes6linnlowes/Instagram

Linn recently shared gratitude about her health journey. “I still see myself as that 48kg (105lb), super weak, just went through months of chemo-girl when I look in the mirror. It’s strange seeing muscles, the scale showing 59kgs (130lb) and I feel powerful!” she wrote in a post. “Super thankful for where I am today, 10 years later! Both physically and mentally so much stronger. I’ve learned that hardships is a blessing. It makes you grow. You’ll come out stronger on the other end.”

💪🔥Body Booster: To build a solid booty, you are going to have to do targeted glute work. Consider investing in a few sessions with a trainer, or try one of Linn’s glute workouts.

workout routines

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Fitness & Workouts

Linn Lowes Just Shared a Fantastic Glute Workout

Linn_Lowes8
linnlowes/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 29, 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.

Linn Lowes is getting her glute workout on – in her skintight workout clothes. In a new social media video, the fitness influencer and trainer with over 3.3 million Instagram followers shows off her pert booty while executing a number of exercises. “5 of my favorite kickback alternatives for glutes,” she wrote in the Instagram caption. Here is everything you need to know about the workout responsible for her backside.

Supported Abductions

The first exercise she does is supported abductions. “For glute medius (upper part of your glutes). Hold on/lean on an upright backrest and kick in an angled direction away from your body,” she explains, demonstrating the move. This works her glute maximus.

Bent to Straight Leg Kickbacks

Linn_Lowes3linnlowes/Instagram

Next up, bent to straight leg kickbacks. “This basically means you’re allowing your quads to assist which takes away some of the effort from your glutes but also allows you to use heavier weights,” she says, revealing that the exercise focuses mostly on training the quads and hamstrings.

Related: #1 Mistake That Prevents You From Losing Weight, According to Woman Who Lost 120 Lbs

Cable Donkey Kicks

Linn_Lowes1linnlowes/Instagram

The third exercise she does are cable donkey kicks. “I LOVE this movement in the Smith Machine but this variation is also good once you found your form! Focus on going slow in the eccentric movement,” she says. The move is good for working quads and hamstrings.

Kneeling Kickbacks

Linn_Lowes4linnlowes/Instagram

Kneeling kickbacks are up next. “Using a very straight leg to isolate the glutes,” she suggests. “Go light to medium weight and keep your glute max activated throughout the movement. There’s no rest position in this one!” She adds that it isolates glutes maximus.

Stiff Leg Angled Kickbacks

Linn_Lowes2linnlowes/Instagram

She saves “probably my absolute fave” for last – still leg angled kickbacks. “Super leaned forward for great rom, kicking slightly away from my body as I drive my leg backwards and keeping the leg either straight or the same bend in my knee through out to isolate my glutes,” she says, noting the exercise is good for isolating glute maximus.

Related: Here Is How to Lose Up to 20 Pounds in a Week, Says Expert

She Feels “Powerful”

Linn_Lowes6linnlowes/Instagram

Linn recently shared gratitude about her health journey. “I still see myself as that 48kg (105lb), super weak, just went through months of chemo-girl when I look in the mirror. It’s strange seeing muscles, the scale showing 59kgs (130lb) and I feel powerful!” she wrote in a post. “Super thankful for where I am today, 10 years later! Both physically and mentally so much stronger. I’ve learned that hardships is a blessing. It makes you grow. You’ll come out stronger on the other end.”

💪🔥Body Booster: To build a solid booty, you are going to have to do targeted glute work. Consider investing in a few sessions with a trainer, or try one of Linn’s glute workouts.

Fitness & Workouts

Jeremy Ethier Reveals 3 Top Exercises for Perfect Glutes

Fitness woman doing lunges exercises for leg muscle workout training in gym.
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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothApr 16, 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
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Do you want to achieve the perfect glutes? According to one expert, you can do this with the help of just three types of exercises. Jeremy Ethier is a kinesiologist fitness influencer with over 6.1 million YouTube followers and one million Instagram followers who uses his science-backed training to help people lose weight and get into great shape. In a recent clip, he drops knowledge about what he learned using a $12,000 EMG machine “to find out what exercises best target each area of the glutes.”

In the caption, he elaborated. “I used an EMG machine to find out what glute exercises best target the lower glutes, upper glutes, and glute medius. Here are the results and here is a sample glute workout you can get started with right away,” he writes. We also asked our Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, to weigh in on the glute-busting exercises.

Lower Glute Exercises

Determined female athlete looking away and doing goblet squat with heavy kettlebell during intense training in spacious light gymShutterstock

“Let's start with the lower glutes. Two types of exercises activated this region the best,” says Ethier. “The first were lower body presses. These include barbell squats, split squats, and step-ups.” In the video, he demonstrates the exercises.

Deadlift Variations

Strong woman exercising with heavy weights. Fit female doing deadlift workout with barbell in old warehouse.Shutterstock

The second were different deadlift variations “like conventional and Romanian deadlifts for the upper glutes, cable kickbacks, and hip thrust,” says Ethier. “Both did a great job at activating this region.”

Upper Side Glute Exercises

Woman exercising lateral leg lifts with resistance bandShutterstock

For the upper side glute, he recommends glute medius exercises “where the legs move laterally to the side,” he says. “These included lateral band walks, seated machine abductions, and curtsy lunges.” He recommends doing one to two exercises per category.

What Is an EMG Machine?

Electromyography equipmentShutterstock

What is an EMG machine anyway? According to Collingwood, the machine measures electrical activity to measure muscle response. Should you try it out? “No, the average person does not need this machine to test their muscles,” she says.

RELATED: 4 Secrets to Burning Belly Fat While You Sleep

Should You Try This Workout

Jeremy_Ethier2jeremyethier/Instagram

If you want to grow your glutes, you should definitely try Ethier’s exercises. “This workout is great,” Collingwood says. “All of these exercises are excellent.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to build up your glutes, make sure to choose exercises specific to the lower and upper glutes as well as the glute medius.

Fitness & Workouts

Sophie van Oostenbrugge Shows Off Toned Glutes and Shares Her “Medium Day” Routine

Sophie_van_Oostenbrugg_gainsbybrains1
gainsbybrains/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothApr 05, 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 Tara Collingwood, ms, rdn, cssd, acsm-cpt
✓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 get your glutes sculpted for summer? Sophie van Oostenbrugg is a fitness trainer and the founder of the Gains with Brains app. She regularly shares workouts with her 2.4 million Instagram followers on how burn fat and build muscle. “i grew up hearing that women should be as small as possible. that’s why I loved being able to share my bulking journey on social. I’ve done 2 bulks so far.. and I was thinking about starting and sharing a 3rd one,” she wrote in a recent post. She also revealed her “medium leg day” workout, that will help you tone up fast.

She Does Multiple Leg Days a Week

“I have good news today..it’s a medium leg day!!!🫣🤭sooo I split my leg workouts & currently have lighter, medium and heavier days. this helps me with recovery, train through a variety of rep ranges and make it more enjoyable,” she explains in the post.

She Does 8 to 12 Reps of Each Exercise

Sophie_van_Oostenbrugg_gainsbybrains1gainsbybrains/Instagram

In the video she explains that she has “multiple leg days per week.” She goes onto reveal all of the exercises she does with “rep ranges from 8 to 12.”

RDLS

Strong woman exercising with heavy weights. Fit female doing deadlift workout with barbell in old warehouse.Shutterstock

“I started with RDLs, four sets of eight,” Sophie reveals. To do Romanian deadlifts, start with both legs pressed evenly on the floor. “Slightly bend knees while bending over,” says The Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian. “Keep your arms pointing down toward the floor and lower with you almost touching the floor. Keep hips and shoulders square facing forward throughout the exercise. Return to standing.” She suggests repeating 10 to 12 times with the right leg and repeating on the left side. “Progression includes holding a weight in the arm pointing toward the floor,” she adds.

RELATED: 7 Best Exercises to Support Your Running Routine

Sumo Squat with Kettlebell

Citizen in grey sport trousers holding the kettlebell between her legs by the handle with both handsShutterstock

“Then I moved on to a sumo squat with kettlebell. You know the deal, form over everything, so go slow and control the weight,” she says. Sumo squats are similar to regular squats, only you point your toes outward.

Glute Bridges

Young athletic woman lifting her hips while doing glute bridge exercise on the floor at home.Shutterstock

“Then I did glute bridges,” Sophie continues. You can do glute bridges with or without weights.

Cable Step Up

Woman Using Jumping Stool During TrainingShutterstock

Next up? Cable step ups, using an exercise block. “These are great as they help with balance and therefore they're easier to overload,” she says.

Seated Leg Curl

Close up view gym seated leg curl machine exercise woman at indoor in gymShutterstock

She sits down at a machine. “Then I did a seated leg curl,” she says.

RELATED: 7 Pilates Moves for Core Strength You Can Do at Home

Core Exercise

Sophie_van_Oostenbrugg_gainsbybrains3gainsbybrains/Instagram

“I finished with some core exercises,” Sophie concludes. “I want to get my core as strong as humanly possible so I can keep recording more intense ab workouts.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Try splitting up your workouts into light, medium, and intense days to allow your body ample time needed to recover.



Fitness & Workouts

Sadie Lee Thomas in Onesie Shares “Body Shaking” 10-Minute Pilates Style Workout 

Sadielee_Thomas_sadieleethomas8
sadieleethomas/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 20, 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 a Pilates body without having to pay hundreds of dollars a month at a studio? Sadielee Thomas is famous for sharing her totally doable at-home workouts on social media. As part of her “10-Day Pilates-Inspired Foam Roller Challenge,” the influencer and NASM Certified Personal Trainer recently unveiled a 10-minute pilates-style workout that you can do in the comfort of your own home, without a reformer. “This Pilates Reformer inspired full body workout will leave your body shaking in just 10 minutes!” she writes in the caption. Here is everything you need to know about how to do the workout.

Pilates-Style Workout

For her “Full Body Strength,” she recommends 45 seconds on 15 seconds off for 5 rounds with 30 seconds of rest between rounds. Here is the workout, which she demonstrates in the clips.

  1. Kneeling quad stretch
  2. Static single-leg lunge with chest opener
  3. Side-lying leg swings
  4. Windshield wipers on foam roller

Glute Workout

Bodyweight exercises - fitness woman doing fire hydrants legs kickbacks. Active girl training glute muscles raising one leg to the side and back for strength training in outdoor gym on grass floor.Shutterstock

Sadielee recently shared a glute workout, recommending 12 to 15 reps and 2 to 3 rounds “depending on your fitness level.”

  1. Donkey kicks
  2. Side-lying leg extensions
  3. Standing glute kickback
  4. Fire hydrants
  5. Static glute bridge abductions

Related: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Walking Workout

Sadielee enjoys walking on the treadmill and recently shared a 50-minute walking workout. “Experience the ultimate blend of speed, incline, and interval challenges,” she wrote in in the caption.

  1. 5 min warm-up - 3.5 speed
  2. 10 min steady pace - 4.0 speed
  3. 7 min incline walk - 3.5 speed
  4. 5 min moderate pace - 3.5 speed
  5. 8 min interval walk - 3.0 ~ 3.5 speed
  6. 10 min speed variation - 4.0 ~ 4.5 speed
  7. 5 min cooldown 3.0 ~ 3.5 speed

Core Workout

If you want abs like Sadielee, try her core workout, which she recently shared via her Instagram. “This particular workout didn’t single-handedly transform my core. However, incorporating movements like these, along with a diet tailored to my goals, was pivotal in achieving core transformation post-pregnancy,” she wrote, recommending 12 to 15 reps and 2 to 3 rounds “depending on fitness level.”

  1. Squat chops
  2. Dumbbell windmills
  3. Dumbbells around the world
  4. Single-leg knee drive

Related: Brianna Joye in Exercise Set Reveals 3 Moves to Shape Your Arms and Waistline

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

Sadielee recently gave her followers a glimpse at her daily diet, which doesn’t involve any meal prep and enables her to hit her macros. “I need quick, efficient, and easy to grab, but I also want it to taste yummy. My goal with nutrition right now is to just hit about 1g of protein per lb of body weight!” she says. She starts with yogurt and a Fairlife protein chocolate milk. For lunch, she eats “adult Lunchables,” which she makes with sliced turkey, cheese, edamame, grapes, nuts, and healthy crackers. For dinner, she has Chicken Kofta with Tzatziki and lemon rice. She finishes her day off with dessert, a cashew butter dark chocolate bar, and a “sleepy girl mocktail” made with cherry juice and Poppi soda.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to get into shape without having to leave your home, find an online fitness trainer who regularly shares workouts on social media and start trying them out.

Fitness & Workouts

Fitness Coach Shares 4 Exercises That Blast Lower Body Weight Fast

Trish_Koeslag_liftwithtrish22
Copyright liftwithtrish/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothNov 17, 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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✓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.

Are you trying to lose fat in your belly and lower body area? While there aren’t exercises that can totally spot reduce lower body fat, there are some that can help. Trish Koeslag is a women’s nutrition and fitness coach whose mission is to help women over 40 simplify macros and movement in order to lose weight. In a new social media post, she reveals the moves she does to blast lower body weight. “4 exercises you need to start today,” she writes in the caption.

Exercises Cannot Spot Reduce

Trish starts the post with a disclaimer. “There are no specific exercises that can spot reduce. Just like there are no specific foods that will help you lose fat. But….there are exercises that can definitely point you in the right direction!” she writes.

She Recommends Specific Exercises

However, she has found some exercises that are more effective than others. “These are movements that I have found work very, very well for me. It’s so important to incorporate movements you enjoy, that work well for you and your body, and don’t interfere with any movement limitations you may have,” she writes.

RELATED:She Lost 9 Pounds in 4 Weeks With This Simple 1,600 Calorie Meal Plan

They “Target Major Muscle Groups”

Why do they work? “The four moves below are effective because they target major muscle groups in the lower body, helping build lean muscle and increase overall metabolism, and will give you a leg up on getting burning!” she says. Here they are:

Romanian Deadlift

The first exercise is a Romanian Deadlift (RDL). She explains that you make the move “with a barbell, dumbbell, on a reverse hack squat machine, etc.… Any variation is good,” she says. “This move focuses on hamstrings and glutes, helping build strength and tone the back of the legs.”

Squats

The next exercise? Squats. “High bar, low bar, heels elevated, dumbbell, barbell, etc..all variations are great,” she says. “They may hit differently, but the point here is to squat,” she adds. “This move engages multiple muscles in the legs, core, and glutes.”

RELATED:She Lost 110 Pounds in 2 Years By Walking 30 Minutes Every Day

Reverse Lunges

Next on her list? Reverse Lunges, “regular, deficit, alternating, etc., they’re all great,” she says. “This exercise activates the glutes, hamstrings, and quads, promoting muscle balance and stability while targeting the lower body.”

Hip Thrust

The last exercise she recommends to burn lower body fat is the hip thrust. “With a barbell, on the smith machine, on a glute drive, etc, the thrust is a must,” she says. “This primarily hits the glutes, helping to shape and strengthen them.”

She Also Walks 10,000 Steps

In another post, she stresses the importance of walking. “I walk 10K+ steps. There are far too many benefits not to walk. And yes, even on my rest days….when did rest days turn into a days of zero movement??? That’s beyond unreasonable. Get up and move,” she maintains.

RELATED:A Trainer Finally Reveals the Only 10 Things You Need for Weight Loss

And, She Hydrates

And, especially for those who are exercising regularly, hydration is a must. “I drink 4L of water every day (with electrolytes). Yes, pure water - my 4L does not include coffee, tea, Diet Coke, etc. I love water and what it does for my digestion, hair, skin, and nails. I fill up my water bottle at night so that it’s ready to go the next day; hence…zero excuses not to drink it,” she explains. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coaches.

Nutrition & Diet

20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Cold brewed iced latte coffee, Ice coffee latte cup in a plastic glass on. barista hand in coffee cafe.banner background.Cold brew coffee ads.Latte with milk caffeine.plastic ice cup.Arabica roasted.
20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic
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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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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.

Ozempic can be highly effective for weight loss, but there are definitely some unpleasant side effects to contend with, as the makers of the drug, Novo Nordisk, warn about. Nausea, constipation, and stomach pain are common, but avoiding certain foods and behaviors can make a difference. Here are 20 things to avoid while on Ozempic, to make the most of the medication and encourage healthy weight loss.

Too Much Sugar

Different sugar on dark tableShutterstock

Added sugars, and sugary sodas, can spike blood sugar. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, recommends that people avoid sugary foods while on the drug. “If you are taking medication to lower your sugar levels, it is advisable to avoid excess sugar consumption,” Dr. Dina Peralta-Reich, MD, FAAP, FOMA, tells Parade. “Failure to watch what you eat and keep your sugar levels elevated may prevent you from seeing the intended results of the medication,” she shares.”

Ultra-Processed Foods

Pop,Tarts,Toaster,Pastry,processed,food,sugar​2. Processed FoodsShutterstock

Ultra-processed foods can make side effects of Ozempic worse. “This medication slows down gastric emptying and the dense food will move much slower through your intestines, which can make you feel sick [and experience] nausea, vomiting, reflux and abdominal pain,” says Dr. Peralta-Reich. “Someone may not see the results they're looking for either.”

High-Fat Foods

Symbol of a public toilet, bathroom, bathroomsShutterstock

Foods high in saturated and trans fats can make side effects of Ozempic worse. Some people complain of diarrhea and stomach pains. “I’ve seen an almost dumping syndrome-like response in people taking GLP-1s when they eat simple carbohydrates and high-fat foods,” Dr. Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine and medical director of the Tulane Bariatric and Weight Loss Center in New Orleans, tells TODAY.

Sitting All Day

Female office worker in glasses rubbing tired eyes, exhausted from overworking, sitting at workplace in office. stress, deskShutterstock/Prostock-studio

Staying active is important while on Ozempic. Regular exercise is not only important for health, it can prevent muscle loss. The goal should be fat loss, and getting strong.

Not Hydrating

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Don’t forget to drink your water and stay hydrated. Drinking water can help with side effects of Ozempic, especially nausea. Ozempic.com recommends drinking clear or ice-cold drinks to combat any nausea and discomfort.

Too Much Alcohol

Happy young people cheering cocktail glasses together at beach party - Multi-ethnic friends enjoying happy hour sitting at bar table - Alcohol, drinks, friends​Pro TipsShutterstock

Avoid alcohol on Ozempic, experts advice. “One, it’s just empty calories. Two, it tends to make people make decisions that they otherwise might not make,” says Dr. Levy. “It could increase hunger, and the whole point of GLP-1s, or at least one of the points, is to decrease hunger. So it sort of negates their purpose.”

Be Mindful of Portions

Healthy diet plan for weight loss, daily ready meal menu. Close up Woman weighing lunch box cooked in advance,ready to eat on kitchen scale. scales, weighShutterstock

Ozempic keeps food in the stomach longer, so bigger portions can cause discomfort. “Understanding that overall portions are smaller on these medications, we want to optimize nutritional intake and consume the ‘best’ calories available,” obesity medicine physician Dr. Christopher McGowan tells TODAY. “The focus should be on lean protein, healthy fruits and vegetables, adequate fiber and adequate fluid intake.”

Be Mindful of Coffee

Man in the kitchen pouring a mug of hot filtered coffee from a glass pot. Having breakfast in the morningShutterstock

“Overall, coffee is perfectly fine to consume, but for some individuals can lead to stomach irritation,” says Dr. McGowan. “Therefore, I recommend drinking coffee in moderation, such as one to two cups a day. Patients should also be mindful of calorie-dense additives, like cream and sugar.”

Don’t Skip Meals

Unhappy Woman refusing to Eat her Pizza Dish in a Restaurant. Disgruntled customer not liking the meal sending it backShutterstock

It’s easy to skip meals when on Ozempic, but make sure you’re getting enough nutrition. Some people have even become malnourished as a result of not eating. “It’s never healthy to not eat,” Dr. Hwang said. Dr. Janice Jin Hwang, the division chief of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine tells the New York Times.

Don’t Consider It a Quick Fix

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Ozempic should be part of a long-term health plan. “It’s important to note that if you start taking either of these drugs for weight loss, your body may get used to it, establishing a new normal,” says UC Davis Health. This can cause your weight to plateau. Research has shown that if you stop taking Ozempic (or Wegovy), it's likely that you will gain back the weight you lost.”

Same Unhealthy Lifestyle

Bartender pours alcoholic drink into small glasses on bar​Don’t Drink as Much AlcoholShutterstock

Don’t continue an unhealthy diet and assume it’s ok because of Ozempic. “You can likely lose weight on semaglutide medications without changing your diet and activity behaviors, but these lifestyle changes will make the treatment more effective,” Richard Siegel, MD, tells the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. “Also, we don’t know if weight loss will have the same health benefits if one does not change their behaviors.”

Protect Your Health

Montreal, CA - 16 November 2023: Ozempic semaglutide injection pens. Ozempic is a medication for obesityMost Women on GLP-1s Are Making a Few Common MistakesShutterstock

Some doctors warn that taking Ozempic can make people complacent about their health. “It is important to remember that obesity is heterogenous, chronic and complex,” Vijaya Surampudi, MD, physician nutrition specialist and assistant director of the UCLA Weight Management Program (RFO), tells UCLA Health. “There is no cure for obesity. It requires lifelong treatment that’s not one size fits all.”

Carbonated Beverages

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Ozempic slows down digestion, keeping food in your stomach for longer. This causes a feeling of fullness and some unpleasant side effects for some people like belching. Stick to still water as carbonated beverages can make stomach issues worse.

Long-Term Goals

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If you plan on only taking Ozempic or Wegovy for a short while, it’s likely your weight will come back on. “In one trial of Wegovy, people regained about two-thirds of the weight lost within a year of stopping the drug,” Dr. Siegel explains. “Lifestyle changes can help maintain weight loss, but it’s unusual to maintain all weight loss once you stop any weight loss medication.”

Refined Carbohydrates

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Refined carbohydrates tend to spike blood sugar, which is exactly what Ozempic is meant to treat. You don’t have to cut these foods out entirely, but be aware it makes it harder for Ozempic to do its job. “Foods like white bread, white rice, crackers, or even cereals may seem like better choices than foods with added sugar, but refined carbohydrates still metabolize as glucose in the body,” Christine Fallabel, MPH, tells Diabetes Strong.

Watch Out For High Fiber

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While many green vegetables are low GI, be careful about the fiber. “If you’re not used to eating a lot of vegetables, you may experience side effects such as bloating and gas, until your body has acclimated to eating a more fiber-filled diet,” Fallabel says.

Junk Food

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Junk food—which you should be avoiding either way for weight loss purposes—often contains high levels of sodium. “Ultra-processed foods are high in sodium, saturated fats and added sugars, which contribute to a range of health problems,” Elizabeth Ko, MD, and Eve Glazier, MD, tell UCLA Health. These include an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lowered immune response, certain cancers, dementia and early death.”

Spicy Foods

February 06, 2018, Belarus, Minsk. Horizontal photo of a tabasco sauce bottle with red chilli and black peppers, dark wooden background. Selective focus.Shutterstock

Ozempic can cause acid reflux due to slow digestion. Spicy foods can make acid reflux worse, experts warn. However, if acid reflux is not an issue, people can probably enjoy spicy foods if they wish.

Always See a Medical Professional

GDANSK, POLAND - MAY 2022: obese fat man preparing Semaglutide Ozempic injection control blood sugar levels​The Drugs Mimic the GLP-1 Hormone Naturally Produced by the BodyShutterstock

Ozempic should only be prescribed by a medical professional. “Typically, I prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and have more often prescribed Wegovy for weight loss,” endocrinologist Alyssa Dominguez, MD, tells Keck Medicine. “I have used Ozempic, sometimes, off-label for weight loss, though getting insurance approval for that can be challenging.”

Fried Foods

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Fried, greasy foods can make Ozempic stomach issues worse. “Foods high in fat can make digestive side effects worse. Since food hangs around longer in the stomach, it has more time to cause problems,” Sarah Bullard, MS, RD, LD, tells Signos. “Some studies have shown that consuming too much fat can increase symptoms of fullness, nausea, and bloating in individuals with digestive issues and heartburn. Reducing fat intake resolved symptoms.”

💪🔥Body Booster: A whole foods Mediterranean diet is ideal while taking Ozempic.

Fitness & Workouts

Sophie van Oostenbrugge Shares Her Routine

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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 11, 2025
Leah Suzanne
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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.

Do you want to get your glutes sculpted for summer? Sophie van Oostenbrugg is a fitness trainer and the founder of the Gains with Brains app. She regularly shares workouts with her 2.4 million Instagram followers on how to burn fat and build muscle. “I grew up hearing that women should be as small as possible. That’s why I loved being able to share my bulking journey on social. I’ve done 2 bulks so far.. and I was thinking about starting and sharing a 3rd one,” she wrote in a recent post. She also revealed her “medium leg day” workout, which will help you tone up fast.

She Does Multiple Leg Days a Week

“I have good news today..it’s a medium leg day!!!🫣🤭sooo I split my leg workouts & currently have lighter, medium and heavier days. this helps me with recovery, train through a variety of rep ranges and make it more enjoyable,” she explains in the post.

She Does 8 to 12 Reps of Each Exercise

In the video she explains that she has “multiple leg days per week.” She goes onto reveal all of the exercises she does with “rep ranges from 8 to 12.”

RDLS

“I started with RDLs, four sets of eight,” Sophie reveals. To do Romanian deadlifts, start with both legs pressed evenly on the floor. “Slightly bend knees while bending over,” says The Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian. “Keep your arms pointing down toward the floor and lower with you almost touching the floor. Keep hips and shoulders square facing forward throughout the exercise. Return to standing.” She suggests repeating 10 to 12 times with the right leg and repeating on the left side. “Progression includes holding a weight in the arm pointing toward the floor,” she adds.

Sumo Squat with Kettlebell

“Then I moved on to a sumo squat with kettlebell. You know the deal, form over everything, so go slow and control the weight,” she says. Sumo squats are similar to regular squats, only you point your toes outward.

Glute Bridges

“Then I did glute bridges,” Sophie continues. You can do glute bridges with or without weights.

Cable Step Up

Next up? Cable step ups, using an exercise block. “These are great as they help with balance and therefore they're easier to overload,” she says.

Seated Leg Curl

She sits down at a machine. “Then I did a seated leg curl,” she says.

Core Exercise

“I finished with some core exercises,” Sophie concludes. “I want to get my core as strong as humanly possible so I can keep recording more intense ab workouts.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Try splitting up your workouts into light, medium, and intense days to allow your body ample time needed to recover.

Fitness & Workouts

She Lost 70 Pounds From Hot Girl Walks

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Copyright joyymaria/Instagram/Shutterstock
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 11, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
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.

Do you want to accelerate your weight loss? Go on a hot girl walk. Joy Maria (@therealjoyymaria/video) is a weight loss influencer and mother who lost 70 pounds in less than 11 months. One of her secret weight loss weapons? “Hot girl walks,” she reveals in a video. “Walking is a thousand percent, the most underrated way to lose weight,” she adds, “and one of my favorite things to do is walk.” Here is everything you need to know about how she lost weight, including some great walking tips.

She Walks to Run Her Errands

@therealjoyymaria Dont sleep on walking 🫶🏽 #hotgirlwalk #walking #weightloss #weightlosstransformation #weightlosscheck #postpartumweightloss ♬ original sound - JOY 💕

She Recommends Walking After a Workout to “Cool Down

“I love walking after training because it's low impact, and my trainer's pretty intense. So it's just kind of like my cool down. I can listen to podcasts, I can answer emails, I can talk on the phone, scroll on TikTok, whatever. So get to walking, sis,” she says.

Calorie Deficit

In another video she details “exactly” how she went from 230 pounds to 160 pounds in 10 to 11 months. “If somebody is telling you that you can lose weight without being in a calorie deficit run because they're lying,” she continues, calling it “the most important step” to losing weight. “I know you guys have heard the saying, you cannot outrun a bad diet, and it's so true. Google, TDEE calculator. From there, put in your information. I'm gonna tell you exactly how many calories you need to eat. I ate about 1600 to 1800 calories daily, just depending on my activity level for the day. If I did two workouts that day, I would eat closer to 1800. If I had a more sedentary day, I would eat closer to 1500 to 1600.”

Meal Plan

Next she recommends a meal plan. “I have a seven day meal plan available at the top of my profile. It just makes it really easy when you're going to a grocery shop, when you're first starting out, when things are structured, it's gonna make it a lot easier to follow and just to stay consistent, not skipping breakfast, especially if we're exercising.”

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

Her favorite breakfast is “avocado toast on sourdough bread, one hard boiled egg,” which she seasons, adding truffle hot sauce, two pieces of bacon, and one piece of sausage. “High protein, good, healthy fat, and a healthy balance of carbs,” she says. “This can also be a breakfast or a lunch because it is super filling.” Another favorite is yogurt bowls made with Dannon Light and Fit Greek yogurt with granola blackberries and blueberries. She also likes tunacado sandwiches with sourdough bread, cheese, tomato, avocado, and pesto basil spread. For dinner she might have a small bowl of Turkey chili.

Hydration

She also drinks “a ton” of water, “like a gallon of water a day,” she says. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day and women about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids. Why is hydration so important? Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues, according to Mayo Clinic.

Working Out

Working out is the “second most important part,” she says. “I was taking group classes when it first started. They were high intensity bootcamp. From there, I got a trainer at the same gym. I also work out on my own. If the gym intimidates you, I strongly recommend you guys try some group fitness classes. They're a really great way to hold yourself accountable because you're in a group setting and the people around you can motivate you,” she adds. “I incorporated Pilates about nine to 10 months into my fitness journey, and I wish I would've done it sooner.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are working out but not seeing the weight loss results you desire, add walking to your routine every day.

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