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Fitness Guru Whitney Simmons Reveals 6 Secrets to Her Flat Belly

Here are the lifestyle habits responsible for her amazing body.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

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.

More For You

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.

Adelina_Jordan_lina_fit1
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
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.

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.

Chanel Delisser is flaunting her six-pack. In a new social media post the influencer and fitness guru shows off her famous figure in a number of ab-baring outfits. “Transformation begins outside of your comfort zone,” she wrote in her Instagram post. “PurrrFection 🔥🥊🎯🎤” commented one of her followers. “That girl 🔥❤️” commented another. How does Chanel keep her body chiseled? Body Network has all the details on how she burns fat and stays fit.


1. Do These 6 Things to Shed Fat

According to Chanel, if you do a few things for 30 days you can shed fat fast.

  • NO alcohol
  • NO fast food/ processed foods
  • NO sweets/ sugars
  • NO soda or juice
  • Increase water intake
  • Do any form of cardio at least 3x/week

2. This Is Her 20-Minute Stairmaster Routine

In another post, Chanel revealed a “20 Minute Stairmaster routine” that helps burn fat.

  1. Steady pace… 12 minutes (level 6 - 7)
  2. As fast as you can… 2 minutes (level 10 - 12)
  3. Skip a step… 2 minutes (level 3 - 4)
  4. Side steps … 2 minutes each side (level 6 - 7)

Related: 5 Foods to Ditch for Fat Loss, Says Weight Loss Coach

3. Discipline and Consistency

According to Chanel, getting in shape boils down to a few simple habits. “Discipline leads to habits. Habits lead to consistency. Consistency leads to growth!”

4. Here Is What Chanel Eats in a Day

Chanel recently detailed her diet in an Instagram video. For breakfast she eats oatmeal with granola, blueberries, pumpkin seeds and unsweetened coconut flakes. Then she has a GNC meal replacement shake. Lunch is a chicken salad, followed by a fruit bowl for a mid-afternoon snack. For dinner she has shrimp, brown rice, and broccolini.

Related: The Biggest Weight Loss Mistake I Made, and What I Did Instead to Lose 60 Pounds

5. More Healthy Habits

In another post, she offered a few simple suggestions on how to stay on track – even during the holidays. 
”Schedule your workouts into your daily routine so that you’re less likely to skip it,” she suggested. “Stick to your workout routine and increase hydration by drinking more water,” she added. “Prioritize at least 30 minutes of movement daily (i.e. walking, running, weight lifting, etc.),” and finally she said to “prioritize sleep.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Doing a little bit of work ahead of time – by scheduling workouts, planning your diet, and setting hydration goals – will help you stay accountable and create healthy habits that are easy to incorporate into your life. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

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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 on Ozempic but can’t seem to lose weight? It might be slowing down your metabolism, says an expert. Aliza Olive, MD, is a macronutrient expert and Cleveland Clinic doctor who dropped 20 pounds in 3 months on semaglutide. She is also the co-founder of MedFree Maintenance, helping others lose weight and achieve their body goals. In a new video, she discusses a very important thing to look out for. “Ozempic gals, red flags that your GLP-1 is slowing down your metabolism. 7 things you need to look out for. 3 is the worst,” she writes, revealing “GLP-1 Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make!!”

If Your Metabolism Goes Down You Might Plateau

Shot of smiling young woman eating yogurt while sitting on stool in the kitchen at home.

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“If your metabolism goes down, it’s going to cause stubborn plateaus and make it even harder to keep the weight off when you decrease or stop Semaglutide or tirzepazide,” she writes in her post. Wish you could stop GLP1 meds like Ozempic, Zepbound, or Mounjaro but keep the results? Tapering off Semaglutide or Tirzepatide soon and fear becoming just another weight regain statistic?”

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

If You Don’t Eat Enough It Can Cause Muscle Loss

European tourist woman trying out local food.Eating traditional Portuguese egg custard tart pastry dessert pastel de Nata.Shutterstock

“If you don’t eat ENOUGH while On Ozempic, it can cause muscle loss, decreased calorie burn at rest, and decreased metabolism. Here are 7 Red Flags 🚩 that Your GLP-1 is slowing down your metabolism!” she adds.

7 Signs Ozempic Is Slowing Your Metabolism

Millennial girl with hair loss problem looking in mirror at homeShutterstock

Here are the following red flags, per Aliza:

  1. If you are losing hair.
  2. If your energy low
  3. If you’re not hungry at all in the mornings.
  4. If you are more moody than normal
  5. If your sex drive is decreased
  6. If your sleep is off.
  7. If You feel like you are weak and losing strength.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Your Body Is Slowing Down

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“These are signals that tell you that your body isn’t thriving. When our metabolism slows down, we experience that with a decrease in movement. (You might not even notice it… thinks like less fidgeting, less talking with your hands, etc) Your body is actually slowing down on purpose so you use less calories each day,” she explains.

Here’s What to Do About It

Cooked,Salmon,With,Parmesan,Asparagus,And,A,Side,Of,Quinoa

Shutterstock

What should you do about it? “Make sure you are eating enough and not completely skipping meals while on Ozempic. It’s going to be hard to get enough protein if you aren’t having enough meals,” she says.

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

Here’s How Much You Should Eat

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“How much should you eat? That’s pretty individual. VERY Generally, I recommend using a TDEE calculator to calculate your maintenance calories. Then subtract about 500 calories. So if your maintenance is 1800 calories each day, aim for about 1300 calories,” she says.

Bottom Line: Don’t Undereat!

Young woman looking into the fridge, feeling hungry at nightShutterstock

“Going lower is not better! Feeling zero hunger, cravings, or food noise is NOT the goal. 🤯Yes, I said it!! The goal, especially if you plan to wean off medication is to dull these so you can build habits and emotional outlets to be able to maintain!” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Dr. Robert Cywes M.D. Ph.D. #CarbAddictionDoc
Copyright Dr. Robert Cywes/YouTube
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.

Struggling to get the most out of your Ozempic prescription? Dr. Robert Cywes, known as the #CarbAddictionDoc to his 300,000 YouTube subscribers, specializes in treating obesity through a comprehensive approach that goes beyond just medication. As a leading expert in weight management, he underlines that success requires the right strategy. Here are his essential tips to maximize your results.

Understand Your Medication's Role

Valparaiso, IN USA - January 15, 2025: Close up of a set of Ozempic Semaglutide Pens

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"Ozempic is a powerful tool, but it's not a magic solution," Dr. Cywes says in his post. "Think of it as a helper that makes it easier to implement the right habits." He explains that understanding how the medication works helps set realistic expectations and improves long-term success rates.

RELATED:20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

Focus on High-Quality Protein at Every Meal

Smoked Salmon: Silky smoked salmon, thinly sliced and served with capers and dill,

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"Protein intake is crucial for preserving muscle mass during weight loss," explains Dr. Cywes. He recommends consuming at least 30 grams of protein at each main meal. "Without adequate protein, you risk losing muscle instead of fat. This is especially important when your appetite is reduced by Ozempic."

Track Everything You Eat and Drink

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Dr. Cywes emphasizes, "Keeping a detailed food diary is non-negotiable. Even with reduced appetite from Ozempic, you need to understand your eating patterns to succeed." He suggests using a digital tracking app and recording meals immediately to ensure accuracy. "The most successful patients are those who track consistently, not just on their 'good' days."

Stay Ahead of Side Effects

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"Proper hydration and proactive side effect management can make or break your success," Dr. Cywes states. He advises drinking a minimum of 64 ounces of water daily. "Most side effects can be managed effectively if caught early. Don't wait until they become severe to address them."

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Develop a Consistent Movement Routine

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"Physical activity becomes easier as the weight comes off," notes Dr. Cywes. "Start with daily walking and gradually increase your activity level. The goal isn't to exhaust yourself but to build sustainable habits." He recommends beginning with 10-minute walks and slowly increasing duration and intensity.

Address Emotional Eating Patterns

Qawra, Malta - 21.08.2024 - Semaglutide, Ozempic. Drug for diabetes and weight loss. Close up on injector pen in hands. High quality photo

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"While Ozempic helps control physical hunger, emotional eating requires different tools," Dr. Cywes explains. "Many patients discover that their eating habits are more tied to emotions than hunger." He recommends working with mental health professionals to develop healthy coping strategies and identifying specific emotional triggers.

Build Your Support Network

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Dr. Cywes observes that "patients with strong support systems consistently achieve better outcomes." He suggests joining both online and in-person support groups: "Having people who understand your journey makes a significant difference. Your support network can provide accountability, encouragement, and practical tips."

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

Monitor Multiple Progress Markers

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Shutterstock

"Success isn't just about the number on the scale," says Dr. Cywes. "Focus on non-scale victories too." He recommends tracking multiple indicators: "Take monthly progress photos, measure body circumferences, monitor energy levels, and note improvements in daily activities. These measurements often show progress even when the scale doesn't move."

Create a Sustainable Meal Structure

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"Ozempic reduces hunger, but you still need a structured approach to eating," Dr. Cywes advises. "Plan your meals in advance and establish regular eating times. This structure helps prevent both undereating and impulsive food choices."

Prepare Strategies for Plateaus

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"Weight loss plateaus are normal and temporary," Dr. Cywes reassures. "The key is to have specific strategies ready before they happen." He suggests keeping a list of proven plateau-breaking techniques: "Adjust portion sizes, increase protein intake, vary your exercise routine, or review your food diary for hidden calories. The goal is to make small, sustainable changes rather than drastic ones."

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

Plan for Long-Term Success

Beautiful young couple having fun in the kitchen while cooking.Shutterstock

"The most successful patients think beyond just the weight loss phase," Dr. Cywes emphasizes. "They develop habits and strategies that will serve them well after reaching their goal weight." He recommends creating a maintenance plan early in your journey: "Consider how you'll adjust your habits as your needs change, and always keep communication open with your healthcare team." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

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I'm a PT and These 8 Moves Are Perfect For Inflexible People
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Evidence-Based

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That nagging lower back pain has become your unwanted companion, making even simple tasks feel challenging. Whether it's from sitting too long at your desk or overdoing it at the gym, back pain can significantly impact your quality of life. The good news? Relief might be just nine minutes away.

Dr. Jared Beckstrand, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of the popular fitness platform Tone and Tighten, has developed a simple yet effective routine to help alleviate back pain. With his expertise in orthopedic rehabilitation and athletic performance, Dr. Beckstrand has helped thousands find relief through these targeted exercises. Follow along with this nine-minute routine that you can do right at home.

Lumbar Rotation: Get Started with Gentle Twists

Attractive young woman working out indoors, doing yoga exercise on wooden floor, lying in Reclining Spinal Twist, Jathara Parivartanasana, resting after practice, full length, top view​Start With Lumbar Rotation For Lower Back ReliefShutterstock

Begin by lying on your back with your knees bent. "Let both your knees fall to one side while keeping your shoulders firmly on the ground," says Dr. Beckstrand. Hold this position for 20 seconds on each side, repeating three times. As your muscles relax, you'll notice increased flexibility with each rotation.

Stretch: Target Deep Hip Muscles

Yoga stretch exercise fit Asian woman stretching lower back for spine health on city outdoor fitness class in park. Seated spinal twist.​Easy Hip Opener With Piriformis StretchShutterstock

Next, address the piriformis muscle, which Dr. Beckstrand notes is tight in "nine out of 10 patients with low back pain." Cross one leg over the other and pull your bottom knee toward your chest. Hold for 20 seconds on each side, performing three sets. Remember, as Dr. Beckstrand emphasizes, "A gentler stretch held longer is more effective than an aggressive stretch held briefly."

Hamstring Stretch: Release Tension from Your Legs

Single athletic woman with blond hair in blue outfit on back stretching hamstring muscles for leg in mid air​Simple Hamstring Stretch For Tight LegsShutterstock

Your hamstrings connect to your pelvis, affecting your lower back's foundation. Lie on your back, grab behind one knee, and gradually straighten that leg toward the ceiling. "You should feel the stretch from behind your knee to your buttocks," Dr. Beckstrand explains. Hold for 20 seconds each side, repeating three times.

Pelvic Tilts: Restore Natural Movement

Fitness woman doing hip workout exercise on a stadium. fitness girl in sportswear exercising, doing pelvic muscle exercisesShutterstock

Moving into strengthening exercises, perform pelvic tilts while lying on your back. Dr. Beckstrand instructs to "rotate your hips backward to press your lower back into the mat, then forward to create an arch." Maintain each position for three seconds, continuing for one minute. Note: Skip this exercise if you have severe disc problems or stenosis.

Glute Bridges: Strengthen Supporting Muscles

Side view of young woman doing gymnastics the half bridge pose in fitness studio or home practices yoga warming up exercises for spine, backbend, strengthening back and shoulders muscles.Shutterstock

"Your back muscles work in connection with your glutes," Dr. Beckstrand shares. Lying on your back with knees bent, squeeze your glutes to lift your hips toward the ceiling. Hold for three seconds before lowering. Focus on using your glutes rather than your hamstrings for maximum benefit.

Bird Dogs: Final Core Stabilization

Young fit woman in sportswear doing yoga at gym in Bird Dog pose.Shutterstock

Complete the routine with bird dogs. On hands and knees, extend opposite arm and leg simultaneously. "This exercise creates excellent stabilization in your lower back," explains Dr. Beckstrand. Hold each position for two seconds before alternating sides.

Making It Part of Your Routine

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

For optimal results, Dr. Beckstrand recommends performing the stretches (exercises 1-3) two to three times daily, while the strengthening movements (exercises 4-6) can be done once or twice per day. "It doesn't have to be long," he emphasizes, "it just has to be consistent."

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Tips for Success

Seated spinal twist. Fit woman practicing yoga outdoor stretching lower back for spine health sitting on fitness mat on sandy beach with cliff landscape view. Training class on fresh air in summer

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Always work within your comfort zone and never force a stretch to the point of pain. If you experience increased discomfort with any exercise, skip it and consult a healthcare professional. Remember, these exercises are meant to provide relief, not create additional strain.

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When to Expect Results

Beautiful woman doing bird dog yoga pose and stretching her body at the park in the morning, healthy lifestyle and activity conceptShutterstock

While individual results vary, many people report feeling improvement after just one session. However, consistent practice over several weeks typically yields the best long-term results. As Dr. Beckstrand notes, "The lower back wants to feel better - presenting it with the opportunity through the right exercises really goes a long way in helping to alleviate pain and tension."

Give this routine a try today, and take the first step toward a stronger, more comfortable back. Remember to move mindfully and listen to your body throughout the exercises. With consistency and proper form, you're on your way to better back health. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.