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Lucy Haldon Reveals New Workout For Perfect Abs

Here are her lifestyle habits.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Lucy_Haldon_lucydavis_fit1
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Lucy Haldon’s abs are on fire! In a new social media post the swimmer-turned-fitness pro and founder of My Coach app shows off her amazing body while sharing details about her recent workout. “Solid/hard/hot/sweaty 10 days of training & werkkkkkin in the bag 🤝🏼Lots of work to do but you know what is a MUST with any goal?? Actually ENJOYING IT. I feel so many people forget to enjoy the process of actually just doing the thing you set out to do?? I am v v excited to dive into a new training block (boxes of 60km running + 3 additional sessions this week wooooo!!), new business goals going into feb/march which seem scary af atm, new personal goals, all with the overriding thing to enjoy the process!!” she captioned the Instagram post.


Overcoming an Eating Disorder

Lucy, who swam in college, struggled with an eating disorder for years. "When I quit swimming, all I thought about was numbers - how much I ate, how much I weighed and how many gym sessions I could fit in a week,” she told The Sun. "I became obsessed with keeping my weight as low as possible - even though I was already tiny,” she continued. "I'd still see myself in the mirror and think I needed to lose more fat. I'd be working out nine times a week, barely eating in the daytime before binging at night, and obsessively counting my calories.”

Related: Which Pasta is Best for Weight Loss?

Balance

Lucy_Haldon_lucydavis_fit4lucydavis_fit/Instagram

In 2016 she turned things around. "I started to learn it's all about getting the balance - rather than labeling 'good' foods and 'bad' foods,” she said. She now consumes closer to 2,000 calories per day. “I've realized food isn't the enemy and it's ok to eat things you enjoy.”

Daily Workouts

Lucy_Haldon_lucydavis_fit3lucydavis_fit/Instagram

Lucy incorporated daily workouts into her routine. "I also started going to the gym just six times a week, which was a big moment for me,” she said. "I realized you can enjoy exercise instead of using it as a punishment." She said: "Now, I do exercise because I love it and I don't restrict what I eat.”

Related: Meggan Grubb Reveals “Leg Day” Workout

Fasted Workouts

Lucy_Haldon_lucydavis_fit2lucydavis_fit/Instagram

“I don’t practice intermittent fasting, I just don’t eat before a lot of my training sessions. I pretty much just eat straight after. I have different criteria when I’ll eat before a run,” Lucy told My Protein. “If I’ve got a hard moderate-fast run where I think I’ll need a little more energy because I’m exerting so much because I’m going so much faster, I might have like half a bagel. If I’m doing a hard half marathon, I’ll have a full bagel with peanut butter. If I’m doing any run over 25k, I’ll also have a bagel and maybe a banana. That’s kind of just how I do it when I’m doing a training session, I won’t really eat anything. It kind of depends on the session and how I feel. It’s just something that I’ve always done. I need quite a lot of food, it’s just that I’m not hungry in the morning.”

Supplements

vitamins ,omega 3,multivitamins, Supplements, vitamins, probiotics, collagen, pills, tabletsShutterstock

Lucy detailed her supplement stack to My Protein. “The first one is glucosamine HCL, basically joints. Then we have retinol and biotin, that’s for hair, skin, and nails. And then I have iron and folic acid, and 5-HTP. They are the supplements I take with my breakfast. They are my go-tos,” she said.

Related: 5 Essential Ways to Build Muscle From a Nutritionist

Nourishing Food

Healthy,Chia,Seeds,Shutterstock

For breakfast Lucy eats granola, chia seeds, slices of fresh fruit, cinnamon, oat milk, and her favorite biscuit spread. “I absolutely love having a balanced diet. There’s no bad food and good food, it’s just food. Everything in moderation. I enjoy healthy food and feeling good in myself, but I also have a lot of non-nutritionally dense food. You have to find balance to have a positive and strong relationship with food. You have to find a healthy balance,” she says. Lunch might be rice, tuna, cheese, avocado, and soy sauce. For dinner, she might eat the same thing she has for breakfast.

💪🔥Body Booster: If counting calories isn’t working for you, try not to. Sometimes shifting your mental thoughts about food and avoiding obsessive thoughts about it can be a game-changer.

More For You

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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.

Lucy Haldon’s abs are on fire! In a new social media post the swimmer-turned-fitness pro and founder of My Coach app shows off her amazing body while sharing details about her recent workout. “Solid/hard/hot/sweaty 10 days of training & werkkkkkin in the bag 🤝🏼Lots of work to do but you know what is a MUST with any goal?? Actually ENJOYING IT. I feel so many people forget to enjoy the process of actually just doing the thing you set out to do?? I am v v excited to dive into a new training block (boxes of 60km running + 3 additional sessions this week wooooo!!), new business goals going into feb/march which seem scary af atm, new personal goals, all with the overriding thing to enjoy the process!!” she captioned the Instagram post.


Overcoming an Eating Disorder

Lucy, who swam in college, struggled with an eating disorder for years. "When I quit swimming, all I thought about was numbers - how much I ate, how much I weighed and how many gym sessions I could fit in a week,” she told The Sun. "I became obsessed with keeping my weight as low as possible - even though I was already tiny,” she continued. "I'd still see myself in the mirror and think I needed to lose more fat. I'd be working out nine times a week, barely eating in the daytime before binging at night, and obsessively counting my calories.”

Related: Which Pasta is Best for Weight Loss?

Balance

Lucy_Haldon_lucydavis_fit4lucydavis_fit/Instagram

In 2016 she turned things around. "I started to learn it's all about getting the balance - rather than labeling 'good' foods and 'bad' foods,” she said. She now consumes closer to 2,000 calories per day. “I've realized food isn't the enemy and it's ok to eat things you enjoy.”

Daily Workouts

Lucy_Haldon_lucydavis_fit3lucydavis_fit/Instagram

Lucy incorporated daily workouts into her routine. "I also started going to the gym just six times a week, which was a big moment for me,” she said. "I realized you can enjoy exercise instead of using it as a punishment." She said: "Now, I do exercise because I love it and I don't restrict what I eat.”

Related: Meggan Grubb Reveals “Leg Day” Workout

Fasted Workouts

Lucy_Haldon_lucydavis_fit2lucydavis_fit/Instagram

“I don’t practice intermittent fasting, I just don’t eat before a lot of my training sessions. I pretty much just eat straight after. I have different criteria when I’ll eat before a run,” Lucy told My Protein. “If I’ve got a hard moderate-fast run where I think I’ll need a little more energy because I’m exerting so much because I’m going so much faster, I might have like half a bagel. If I’m doing a hard half marathon, I’ll have a full bagel with peanut butter. If I’m doing any run over 25k, I’ll also have a bagel and maybe a banana. That’s kind of just how I do it when I’m doing a training session, I won’t really eat anything. It kind of depends on the session and how I feel. It’s just something that I’ve always done. I need quite a lot of food, it’s just that I’m not hungry in the morning.”

Supplements

vitamins ,omega 3,multivitamins, Supplements, vitamins, probiotics, collagen, pills, tabletsShutterstock

Lucy detailed her supplement stack to My Protein. “The first one is glucosamine HCL, basically joints. Then we have retinol and biotin, that’s for hair, skin, and nails. And then I have iron and folic acid, and 5-HTP. They are the supplements I take with my breakfast. They are my go-tos,” she said.

Related: 5 Essential Ways to Build Muscle From a Nutritionist

Nourishing Food

Healthy,Chia,Seeds,Shutterstock

For breakfast Lucy eats granola, chia seeds, slices of fresh fruit, cinnamon, oat milk, and her favorite biscuit spread. “I absolutely love having a balanced diet. There’s no bad food and good food, it’s just food. Everything in moderation. I enjoy healthy food and feeling good in myself, but I also have a lot of non-nutritionally dense food. You have to find balance to have a positive and strong relationship with food. You have to find a healthy balance,” she says. Lunch might be rice, tuna, cheese, avocado, and soy sauce. For dinner, she might eat the same thing she has for breakfast.

💪🔥Body Booster: If counting calories isn’t working for you, try not to. Sometimes shifting your mental thoughts about food and avoiding obsessive thoughts about it can be a game-changer.

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 a six-pack but feel like you are too old? According to one expert, you can achieve a perfect midsection at any age. Adelina Jordan is a 52-year-old fitness trainer and coach whose mission is “proving age is just a number,” according to her Instagram bio. In a new post, she reveals the handful of exercises that are responsible for her six-pack abs and the healthy habits that enable her to achieve them. “Six-pack abs in your fifties? Totally possible with the right plan. Here’s what worked for me,” she writes in the post.


She Trains Abs 2 to 3 Times a Week

“I train Abs like any other muscle,” she writes. She reveals that she reserves two to three days a week to do ab work. “Remember … it takes consistency with workouts and nutrition and lots of time & patience,” she writes.

RELATED: Top Coach Reveals 3 Best Back Exercises You Can Do at Home

Here Are the Exercises She Does

“Here is an example of the workout I do to maintain my 6-pack abs in my 50s,” she continues, revealing the five exercise sets.

  • SL crunches
  • weighted sit-ups
  • Russian twist
  • weighted toe taps
  • double crunch.

She Also Pays Attention to Her Diet

She then goes on to discuss key tips to remember for 6-pack abs, starting with diet. “Dial in your nutrition,” she writes. “Protein-packed meals, a slight calorie deficit, and staying consistent.” According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW) but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

RELATED: Woman Lost 11 Pounds in 90 Days With These 5 Simple Rules

And, She Lifts Weights

Next, she recommends weight lifting. “Strength training is a must,” she says. “Focus on compound lifts that engage your core and help burn fat.” According to the Mayo Clinic, 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.

She Uses Resistance

Another important tactic? “Train your abs with resistance,” she suggests, “Adding light weights, cables, or bands takes your core training to the next level—think strength and definition.”

She Does Cardio

Don’t forget to do cardio. “Steady-state cardio after lifting works wonders for revealing your hard-earned progress,” she says.

RELATED: She Lost 15 Pounds in Her 40s After Fixing These 3 Mistakes

And, She Is Patient

Lastly, six-pack abs don't happen overnight. “Patience is key: Progress takes time, but trust me—it’s worth it! If I can do it, so can you. Let’s make it happen!” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

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.

Lisa Jean Lanceford is a fitness trainer and influencer with over 3.7 million followers on Instagram. She regularly shares her workouts on social media and via the STRNG app. In one of her recent Instagram posts, she shared the exercises that are responsible for her 6-pack abs. “Sheeeeesh this one burns 🔥 Let’s get this ABS workout done,” she wrote in the captioned. Here is everything you need to know about her workout plus the other lifestyle habits that help keep her in shape.


Here Is Her Ab Workout

In the video, she demonstrates the following exercises:

  • Kneeling cable crunch

    10-12 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Roman chair oblique knee raises

    12-16 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Alternating knee tuck double crunch

    12-16 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Cross crawls

    20-24 reps, 3-4 sets

  • Low to high cable woodchips

    10-12 reps, 3-4 sets each side

Intuitive Eating

Lisa promotes “intuitive eating,” explaining the principles in an Instagram post.

“Your relationship with food plays a key role in your overall fitness journey. Whilst it’s good to have a sufficient understanding of your diet and nutrition, striving for the ‘perfect’ diet may lead to controlling or disordered eating habits. If you have eaten a cheeseburger, you do not have to feel guilty, skip your next meal or ‘burn it off.’ Instead, focus on the positives. You received a great source of iron, protein, carbs, calcium and you probably rather enjoyed it. You do not need to use exercise to negate eating but rather consume food for enjoyment, nourishment and to fuel workouts and recovery,” she says.

Related: 10 High Fiber Foods to Keep You Full in a Day, According to Dietitian

Here Is How She “Builds” Healthy Meals

Lisa_Jean_Lanceford2lisafiitt/Instagram

In another post, she explains “how to build a healthy and balanced meal,” starting with a “good quality protein sources such as lean meat, a soya-based product such as tofu or tempeh, dairy or lentils, beans and edamame beans,” she says. Next up, starchy carbohydrates, which “should make up just over a 1/3 of the food you eat,” she explains.

“They are essential for energy and nutrients, therefore you should aim to include some at every meal. Low GI carbohydrates slowly release energy and are higher in fibre which means they will keep you fuller for longer. Some low GI options include potatoes with skin on, brown rice, wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta, oats, and buckwheat.”

Then, fill your plate “with a rainbow of non- starchy vegetables and dark leafy greens. Examples include broccoli, spinach, kale, peppers, cucumber, courgette, onion, aubergine, cauliflower, mushrooms, tomatoes and so on. Also be sure to include some fruit throughout the day as snacks or added to breakfast, etc,” she adds. Finally, “Pick a small amount of healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, and seeds.”

No Diets

Lisa_Jean_Lanceford1lisafiitt/Instagram

Lisa doesn’t like to label her eating plan. “I don’t like to call it a diet as it’s my lifestyle and not a diet. My nutrition has stayed the same, except some days I am increasing my calories as I am working out more, so I need to make sure I am fuelling my body right. I am doing LIVE Instagram workouts with my followers and challenging myself with new HIIT workouts alongside weight training (working with what I have) and my morning walks,” she told Women Fitness.

Related: I Lost 30 Pounds and Here’s Everything I Learned Along My Journey

Walking in the Morning

Beautiful woman traveler climbs uphill with a dog on a background of mountain views. She is with a backpack and in red clothes.Shutterstock

While she spends a lot of time in the gym, Lisa starts her day with steps. “I do a 1 hour walk every morning. It helps with my mindset for the day and I think about everything I am grateful for. It’s so calm, quiet and peaceful and it gets my mind going for the day. Always practice gratitude and always appreciate the little things in life,” she added to Women Fitness.

💪🔥Body Booster: Contrary to popular belief, crunches, and sit-ups aren’t the best exercises to build abs. Try doing a set like Lisa’s, which works all the muscles in your midsection, including obliques, and will get you the best results. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

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.

Looking to transform your core and achieve rock-hard abs in just 60 days? It’s entirely possible with the right plan and mindset. Fitness expert Jeff Nippard, a Canadian natural pro bodybuilder and powerlifter, combines his biochemistry background with a passion for evidence-based training to offer a proven strategy. His approach emphasizes not only effective ab exercises but also the critical role of nutrition and overall lifestyle changes. By focusing on progressive overload training, maintaining a clean diet, staying hydrated, and incorporating some cardio, you can build a strong, visible six-pack. Stick to the plan, stay consistent, and watch your abs become more defined with every workout—and also enjoy insights from Sharon Stewart, AFAA, and NASM to help you get those coveted abs in just 60 days.


Fat vs. Abs

Nippard explains in his popular video the relationship between body fat percentage and ab visibility: "At 30% [body fat], your stomach is much flatter, but you still don't have visible abs. Once you get to 20%, that's where your abs become visible, and at 10% body fat, you'll have a well-defined six-pack."

He adds, "This zone is the six-pack sweet spot where most men want to be between 10 and 20% body fat. This is where you'll have visible abs but not suffer from the nasty side effects of extreme dieting."

Progressive Overload Is a Must

Contrary to what most people think, Nippard in his video underlines the importance of training abs directly: "To get your six-pack to really pop, you'd be much better off doing progressive overload training just like you would for any other muscle. That means loading the ab muscles with weight."

RELATED:10 Anti-Aging Foods for Younger-Looking Skin You Should Eat Every Day

Try Two-Exercise Ab Workout

Nippard, in his video, recommends focusing on just two exercises for optimal ab development:

  1. Weighted Crunch: "Do these for three sets of 10 to 12 reps twice per week, taking your last set all the way to failure."
  2. Leg Raises: "Do these for three sets of 10 to 20, also twice per week, and also take your last set all the way to failure."

Nutrition is Key

Sharon Stewart, a certified personal trainer, highlights the importance of nutrition for getting visible abs: “Nutrition is 90% of a flat belly. I see people doing hundreds of sit-ups, and I ask them, what are you doing? While exercise is important, it’s what you eat that makes a big difference in your body.”

Stewart suggests eating clean: “Think of your body like a car. The quality of fuel you use affects how well it runs. If you eat poor-quality food, it doesn’t matter how much you exercise; your body won’t be at its best.”

How to Eat For Visible Abs

Nippard agrees, in his video, the importance of nutrition: "You can do the most optimal progressive AB training on the planet, and until you get lean enough, your AB simply won't be visible and that's where your nutrition comes in."

He provides a simple formula for calorie intake: "Take your current body weight in pounds and multiply it by 10 to 12. That's how many calories you'll eat."

RELATED:7 Realistic Tricks to Lose Arm Fat That Fitness Coach Swears By

Hydration and Intermittent Fasting

Stewart also highlights the importance of hydration and suggests intermittent fasting as a potential strategy: "One of the key factors in achieving a flat stomach is hydration, particularly drinking plenty of water. Hydrating adequately with water, sometimes infused with lemon for added benefits, is essential."

She shares her personal experience: "I changed my eating habits, deciding not to eat until I had completed my activities for the day. Then, I would break my intermittent fast around two o'clock with a protein-rich meal to help burn fat."

Don’t Forget About Cardio

While not essential for fat loss, Nippard, in his video, notes the benefits of including cardio: "Research shows that combining weight training and cardio leads to smaller wastes than just weight training alone. Being more active with cardio will also allow you to eat more calories and more active people tend to be more successful in keeping the weight off over the long term."

RELATED:5 Tips to Beat Menopausal Stomach Fat That Actually Work, by Experts

How to Get Visible Abs in 60 Days

To get visible abs in 60 days, you need to combine ab exercises, good nutrition, and healthy lifestyle changes. Follow these tips from experts Jeff Nippard and Sharon Stewart:

  1. Targeted Ab Training: Do exercises that focus on your abs.
  2. Proper Nutrition: Eat clean and healthy foods.
  3. Lifestyle Changes: Stay active and reduce stress.

Consistency is key. Results may vary, but if you stay committed, you'll see great improvements in your core strength and appearance. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

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.

Vannessa Shafer
I Lost 60 Pounds With GLP-1 and These 7 Changes Shocked Me Most
Copyright Vannessa Shafer/Instagram
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 maximize weight loss while on Ozempic? According to one expert, there are a handful of habits that will help you lose more weight while on a GLP-1 drug. Vannessa Shafer is a social media influencer and weight loss warrior who lost 60 pounds in 7 months with the help of weight loss drugs. In a new post, she reveals a few habits that improved her weight loss. “5 things that helped me lose 60 pounds in 7 months on my GLP-1 journey,” she writes.

She Started Counting Protein

The first thing she did? “Stop counting calories and start counting protein,” she reveals. “My protein goal was 150 grams a day. If I reached between 120-150, my scale dropped. If I was under 100 my scale didn’t move the slightest bit.”

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

She Started Meal Replacement Protein Shakes

“Meal replacement protein shakes made my life so much easier because sometimes sitting down to eat a meal wasn’t happening because I got full too quick which wasn’t actually serving my goals. Fueling your body has to happen,” she continued.

She Amped Up Fiber Intake

She also amped up fiber intake. “Fiber is essential in your day and please don’t learn that the hard way. Think gut health and digestion. Prioritize it,” she says.

Hydration

She also started hydrating more. “Water intake is crucial. I strived for 80 ounces a day. Staying well-hydrated helps maintain bodily functions and supports metabolism, which is crucial for effective weight management. Adequate water intake also aids in the absorption of nutrients from food, ensuring that the body gets the necessary elements to function optimally and support weight loss efforts,” she writes.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Walking

Finally, she started walking more. “A walking pad & walking outside really helped me have breakthrough moments in my weight loss while also building up muscle. Get a weighted vest or walking outside with some weights in hand. I worked towards 10k steps a day but do what you can. 5k is better than nothing,” she says.

Before She Started Ozempic She Wished She Knew She Would Be Disgusted with Food

In another post, she reveals some things she wished she knew before going on a GLP-1. “I didn’t know that somewhere in the middle of a meal and quite literally mid bite I would push my plate away in complete disgust,” she reveals. “The way Tirzepatide has the ability to say “Vannessa, you’re done” is the most impressive voice in my head.”

RELATED: What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

She Didn’t Know She Would Lose the Desire to Drink Alcohol

“I didn’t know I would lose all desire to drink alcohol,” she continued. “I didn’t realize the medication had the ability to stop habits that weren’t good for me. I’m still shocked everyday when someone tells me they quit smoking, drinking, shopping addictions etc. The ability to control the reward center is crazyyyyy.”

She Didn’t Know She Would Battle Body Dysmorphia

“I didn’t know how hard it would be to shop and pick up anything other than my old size. Body dysmorphia is so real,” she admits. “It took a long time for it to sink in that I would actually need a size small instead of an XL/1X.”

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

She Didn’t Know Her Feet Would Shrink

“I didn’t know my feet would shrink. My feet shrunk. How is that even possible?” she asks. “I went from a size 8.5 to a 7.5 😳 I’m still wrapping my brain around it.”

She Didn’t Know Her Mental Health Would Improve

“I didn’t know how much my mental health would improve,” she continues. “I know you’re supposed to love yourself at every size but realistically, I loved myself but not my body and that caused me to struggle so much. I did a lot of shower cry sessions. I’m in a much better place now.”

She Didn’t Know She Would Be Proud to Be on a GLP-1

“I didn’t know I would go from embarrassed about being on a GLP1 to loudly sharing about it because I’m proud of me for putting myself first and I’m proud to be able to help others find success and put themselves first,” she says. “It was nowhere on my vision board but here we are.”

RELATED:5 Foods That Maximize Weight Loss on GLP-1 Medicines, According to Coach

She Didn’t Know It Would Work

She was also shocked that she finally lost weight. “I didn’t know it would work but it did and it completely changed my life,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr. Kelly Starrett The Ready State thereadystate
Copyright The Ready State/instagam
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Reggie Macena good_for_life_training
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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 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.

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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).”

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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.