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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.

Pauline Perina in 2-Piece Exercise Clothes Shares “Full Body Circuit” Workout

The fitness pro and influencer shares a new workout.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothOct 30, 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:
✓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.

Paulina_Perina_the_french_fit8
Copyright the_french_fit/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothOct 30, 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:
✓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.

Fitness & Workouts

Paulina Perina is showing off her amazing body during a full-body workout. In a new social media post, the trainer and fitness influencer flaunts her lean and strong figure in a two-piece exercise set, offering up a new workout routine to her followers. “Full Body Strength and Conditioning 🔥Ready to sweat?” she captioned the post. Here is her workout – and some of the other diet and fitness habits that keep her in shape.

The Workout Detail

Paulina starts her post by offering details about the format of her workout:

  • 3 Circuits
  • Perform each circuit 2-3 times (depending on your fitness level), following the number of reps or times for each exercise.
  • Take minimal rest between exercises and 1-2 minutes of rest between circuits.

Circuit 1

As for the exercises, she starts with the first circuit.

  • Kettlebell Swings: 10-15 reps
  • Renegade Rows: 10 reps
  • High Knees: 30 seconds.

Circuit 2

She then moves on to the second circuit, recommending three sets.

  • Thrusters: 10 reps
  • Bent Over Rows: 10 reps
  • Mountain Climbers: 30 seconds.

Circuit 3

She also recommends doing three sets of the third circuit.

  • Alternating Front Lunges with Torso Twist: 10 reps each side
  • Push Press: 10-12 reps
  • Alternating Toe Touches: 30 seconds.

Healthy Food Ideas

A healthy diet is key, per Pauline. “Sharing some food I’ve been eating lately—healthy and easy to recreate!” she writes in a post. Here are her meal ideas:

  • Rice, shrimp, and tomato mixed with onion & herbs
  • Scrambled eggs with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a bagel + Greek yogurt with raspberry and chocolate chips & @womensbest BCAA Amino
  • Salad with lettuce, arugula, cucumber, avocado, tomato, corn, egg, ham, and crispy toppings
  • Morning supplements: BCAA amino, collagen, and greens from @womensbest 🌱
  • Salmon with quinoa, tomato, cucumber, and cucumber tzatziki dressing
  • Pre-workout snack: Toast with peanut butter, nectarine, and Women’s Best Amino and Energy 🍞🍑
  • Beef, potatoes, broccoli, and sriracha sauce.

RELATED:This Grandmother Lost 200 Pounds in 23 Months by Walking Just 2 Blocks a Day

No Excuses

Pauline has a no-excuses approach to exercise. “You can have results or excuses, but not both!” she writes. “I get it—achieving your goals isn’t easy. We’re all on different paths, whether you’re trying to lose weight or build muscle. Sometimes it feels frustrating, and I’ve had those moments when I felt overwhelmed and wanted to give up. But it’s actually during those tough times that real transformation happens. Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection, and you don’t have to do this alone!”

She Used to Do Daily Cardio

In a “how it was vs. how it’s going,” post-Pauline reveals that she used to stick to daily cardio. “On the first three slides, you see me back in 2022, when I was convinced that sweating it out with daily cardio was the only way to get fit 🏃🏻‍♀️💦 While I was lean, I didn’t have the muscle definition I wanted. I realized that doing a ton of cardio wasn’t it,” she writes.

RELATED:This 35-Year-Old Finally Built Muscle After Stopping These 7 Training Mistakes

Now She Does Strength Training

“I changed my approach to working out and started incorporating strength training, which is 🔑. Now, I follow a structured plan that has 2 upper body + 2 lower body days, cardio at the end of each session, and a dedicated day for HIIT/full-body workouts,” she continued.

She Does At Least 3 Workouts a Week

“When my schedule gets busy, I stick to at least three workouts a week. I used to stress about missing workouts, but not anymore 💤 Missing a day doesn’t impact the progress, and rest is super important -> muscles grow during rest, not while we’re working out!” she says. “For my ladies worried about getting bulky from strength training—don’t be. Strength training boosts your metabolism and burns more calories🔥 which aids in fat loss and muscle definition. It won’t make you bulky unless you have a specific plan and nutrition for that.”

RELATED:She Broke Free From a 15-Year Food Obsession Using These 8 Daily Habits

Protein Is Key

She also stresses the importance of amping up your protein intake. “Regarding nutrition, I’m still in a calorie deficit but prioritize high protein (crucial for muscle repair and growth) and whole foods🥦🍅 which has led to great results,” she says. 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. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coaches.

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Fitness & Workouts

Pauline Perina in 2-Piece Exercise Clothes Shares “Full Body Circuit” Workout

Paulina_Perina_the_french_fit8
Copyright the_french_fit/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothOct 30, 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:
✓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.

Paulina Perina is showing off her amazing body during a full-body workout. In a new social media post, the trainer and fitness influencer flaunts her lean and strong figure in a two-piece exercise set, offering up a new workout routine to her followers. “Full Body Strength and Conditioning 🔥Ready to sweat?” she captioned the post. Here is her workout – and some of the other diet and fitness habits that keep her in shape.

The Workout Detail

Paulina starts her post by offering details about the format of her workout:

  • 3 Circuits
  • Perform each circuit 2-3 times (depending on your fitness level), following the number of reps or times for each exercise.
  • Take minimal rest between exercises and 1-2 minutes of rest between circuits.

Circuit 1

As for the exercises, she starts with the first circuit.

  • Kettlebell Swings: 10-15 reps
  • Renegade Rows: 10 reps
  • High Knees: 30 seconds.

Circuit 2

She then moves on to the second circuit, recommending three sets.

  • Thrusters: 10 reps
  • Bent Over Rows: 10 reps
  • Mountain Climbers: 30 seconds.

Circuit 3

She also recommends doing three sets of the third circuit.

  • Alternating Front Lunges with Torso Twist: 10 reps each side
  • Push Press: 10-12 reps
  • Alternating Toe Touches: 30 seconds.

Healthy Food Ideas

A healthy diet is key, per Pauline. “Sharing some food I’ve been eating lately—healthy and easy to recreate!” she writes in a post. Here are her meal ideas:

  • Rice, shrimp, and tomato mixed with onion & herbs
  • Scrambled eggs with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a bagel + Greek yogurt with raspberry and chocolate chips & @womensbest BCAA Amino
  • Salad with lettuce, arugula, cucumber, avocado, tomato, corn, egg, ham, and crispy toppings
  • Morning supplements: BCAA amino, collagen, and greens from @womensbest 🌱
  • Salmon with quinoa, tomato, cucumber, and cucumber tzatziki dressing
  • Pre-workout snack: Toast with peanut butter, nectarine, and Women’s Best Amino and Energy 🍞🍑
  • Beef, potatoes, broccoli, and sriracha sauce.

RELATED:This Grandmother Lost 200 Pounds in 23 Months by Walking Just 2 Blocks a Day

No Excuses

Pauline has a no-excuses approach to exercise. “You can have results or excuses, but not both!” she writes. “I get it—achieving your goals isn’t easy. We’re all on different paths, whether you’re trying to lose weight or build muscle. Sometimes it feels frustrating, and I’ve had those moments when I felt overwhelmed and wanted to give up. But it’s actually during those tough times that real transformation happens. Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection, and you don’t have to do this alone!”

She Used to Do Daily Cardio

In a “how it was vs. how it’s going,” post-Pauline reveals that she used to stick to daily cardio. “On the first three slides, you see me back in 2022, when I was convinced that sweating it out with daily cardio was the only way to get fit 🏃🏻‍♀️💦 While I was lean, I didn’t have the muscle definition I wanted. I realized that doing a ton of cardio wasn’t it,” she writes.

RELATED:This 35-Year-Old Finally Built Muscle After Stopping These 7 Training Mistakes

Now She Does Strength Training

“I changed my approach to working out and started incorporating strength training, which is 🔑. Now, I follow a structured plan that has 2 upper body + 2 lower body days, cardio at the end of each session, and a dedicated day for HIIT/full-body workouts,” she continued.

She Does At Least 3 Workouts a Week

“When my schedule gets busy, I stick to at least three workouts a week. I used to stress about missing workouts, but not anymore 💤 Missing a day doesn’t impact the progress, and rest is super important -> muscles grow during rest, not while we’re working out!” she says. “For my ladies worried about getting bulky from strength training—don’t be. Strength training boosts your metabolism and burns more calories🔥 which aids in fat loss and muscle definition. It won’t make you bulky unless you have a specific plan and nutrition for that.”

RELATED:She Broke Free From a 15-Year Food Obsession Using These 8 Daily Habits

Protein Is Key

She also stresses the importance of amping up your protein intake. “Regarding nutrition, I’m still in a calorie deficit but prioritize high protein (crucial for muscle repair and growth) and whole foods🥦🍅 which has led to great results,” she says. 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. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coaches.

Fitness & Workouts

Jessica Alba’s Trainer Ramona Braganza in Workout Gear Shares “Best Glutes Exercise Ever” 

ramonabraganza2
ramonabraganza/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothApr 23, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

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

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

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

Do you want to know the workout behind Jessica Alba’s famous backside? Her trainer, Ramona Braganza, unveils the “best butt exercise ever” in a new Instagram post that is “used by all my celeb clients, and you have to admit they have great Glutes,” she writes. Here is the workout – and everything you need to know about her method.

Use Dumbbells or a Barbell and Make Sure to Stay in Proper Form

close up of man holding weight in gymShutterstock

“Proper form is a must with this one to avoid injury and work your way from lighter weights to heavier,” she explains. “You can use dumbbells or a barbell for most leg exercises. We will be switching out to barbells on the next leg series.”

Romanian Deadlift

Beautiful woman performs Romanian deadlift in gymShutterstock

The exercise she recommends is the Romanian Deadlift. Romanian DeadLift, or RDL, can do major damage to your back. “If done improperly with a rounded back, this exercise can cause major stress on the lower lumbar area of your back and result in a possible lumbar disc injury,” says Kendra Gamble, HIT Fitness Training, Huntingdon Valley, PA, NPTI Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritional Consultant. To do it safely, she suggests tightening your entire core “so that it helps brace your back, keep a neutral spine the entire time, and lift with your legs (like you're pushing them into the floor) instead of your back.”

Don’t Forget to Warm Up

Female,Workout,,Fitness,Training,stretch,stretching,exerciseShutterstock

Braganza reminds us that you should always start with a “quick warmup cardio” and stretches. “For recovery make sure to do a stretch after, use foam roller or theragun if needed, Epsom salt bath helps too.”

3-2-1 Method

ramonabraganza1ramonabraganza/Instagram

Braganza created her trademark 321 Training Method while working with a blockbuster star. “I developed it when Jessica Alba and I were shooting many films on location, so I needed something effective, requiring minimal equipment, flexible whether you have 20 minutes, half an hour, or a full hour to train,” she recently told our sister site, Celebwell.

RELATED: The "Hot Girl Walk" Secret to Losing Body Fat Fast

Do 3 Cardio Workouts

Young healthy athletic woman running on a treadmill near the sunny window in the gym and listening music.Shutterstock

The first part of the method, three, stands for three cardio workouts. “An example of cardio could be either treadmill, spinning, or dance.

Complete 2 Circuits

ramonabraganza3ramonabraganza/Instagram

Then, you move on to circuit training. She recommends doing two circuit workouts. “Usually it’s three in a row exercises that train specific body parts on different days,” Braganza said.

Now, Do 1 Part Core

ramonabraganza4ramonabraganza/Instagram

The final part of the workout is the core. She recommends doing a short workout to flatten and strengthen the midsection.

RELATED: 7 Facial Exercises to Erase Wrinkles After 50

Meditation

Meditation, hands woman in lotus pose on a floor for peace, zen or mental health wellness at home. Breathing, relax and female person in living room for energy training, exercise or holistic practiceShutterstock

Sometimes her sessions with clients involve meditation. She maintains that Alba meditates before and after their sessions. “Our workouts have become more of a mind body spirit evolution as Jess is now in her 40s which includes meditation before we train that raises our vibrations to give us a positive mindset and finishes with a gratitude meditation,” she said.

Fitness & Workouts

Brittne Babe in Workout Gear Shares Soulja Boy Push Up Challenge

Brittne_babe_Jackson4
brittnebabe/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 23, 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.

Brittne Jackson, aka Brittne Babe, is showing off her guns – in workout gear. In a new social media post the “Queen of the Home Workouts” flaunts her famous figure in body-skimming exercise clothes as she executes a bunch of pushups. “Crank That (Soulja Boy) Push-up Challenge🔥(Save & Try it) Can you complete this challenge? Share with a friend to give this a try!😎💪” she captioned the Instagram Reel.

She Works Out Three Times a Week

Brittne exercises like it is her job – because it is. “I work out at least 3 times a week (when I film). I create the workout plans for my babes in my BrittCamp, in full length. I love to share with my followers how my body is being shaped with the exercises I do. That’s why the workouts that you see on my Instagram account are the workouts I do to create my physique,” she told Women’s Best.

Related: Rebecca Louise in Workout Clothes Shares “Six Pack Abs” Workout

She Was “Born Into Fitness”

Brittne was “born into fitness,” she says. “I was enrolled in dancing school at 2 years old, ran cross country in middle school, and soared off with track & field in the 200M and 4x200M relay events throughout high school/ college. Fitness was always my lifestyle so that part came natural. However, I started taking the health part seriously once I entered the industry 10 years ago. I LOVE what I do and helping along the way!”

She Doesn’t Believe in the Word Diet

Brittne_babe_Jackson7brittnebabe/Instagram

“I do not believe in the word diet. I eat what I feel like eating in moderation,” she told Women’s Best. She drinks a protein shake daily. “I eat a salad a day and drink a lot of water,” she says. “My dinner usually contains rice, protein, and greens so I eat pretty healthy by default.” She also avoids cheat days. “I live my life on my terms. I focus on making healthy choices the majority of the week and have ice cream, brownies or cheesecake if I am out for dinner.”

She Does This Full Body Dumbbell Only Workout

Brittne_babe_Jackson3brittnebabe/Instagram

Brittne recently unveiled her full body dumbbell only workout. She recommends doing 3 rounds of each, 60 seconds each round, and taking a 90 second rest in between each round.

  1. In & Out Squat Raise
  2. Alt Reverse Lunge - Front Raise
  3. Reverse Plank Knee In
  4. Alt Cross Dumbbell Row - Squat
  5. Not So Average Squat Raise

Related: Benchmark Your Progress with Our Lean Body Mass Calculator

Meal Prep

Brittne_babe_Jackson5brittnebabe/Instagram

Brittne meal preps. “My favorite prep meal is brown rice, chicken, and baby spinach,” she says. Her tips for first time food preppers? “Create a menu based on the plan what you would like to eat and how much time you can spend on healthy cooking and meal preparation. Then create your shopping list that includes all the ingredients. Stay away from a bunch of recipes at the beginning because you do not want to get overwhelmed. Keep your food prep menu super simple and make sure that the meals include protein, greens, and carb,” she says.

Studies have found that the more meals you eat prepared away from home, the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. And, one study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are truly committed to losing weight, you should try food prepping, as you will be more likely to eat healthier food and stick to your meal plan.

Fitness & Workouts

Alex Rice in Cropped Workout Top Reveals Upper Body Workout

Alex_rice2
alexricee/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJul 28, 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.

Alex Rice is on fire in her latest workout video. In a new social media post the certified personal trainer and fitness influencer, who boasts over 1.1 million Instagram followers, shows off her enviable figure – including her rock hard abs – in a sports bra and leggings while executing an upper body workout. “You go girl! Hit those spicy spots. Keep rocking it! 🔥” commented Alexia Clark. “Those chest press dumbbells are as big as you are!! 😍” added Olivia Ostrom. Here is everything you need to know about her routine and all of her other health and fitness habits.

She Warms Up

“Let’s warm up for leg day 🔥 your body will thank you!!” she captioned a post. “Most people know they should warm up, but don’t always know where to begin! I got youuu 🫡 you don’t have to do this exact routine, but I’m hoping it will give you some ideas for your warm up. She explained that her “warm up is usually circuit style” and that she does 2 to 3 rounds “about 10 reps each side.”

Related: I’m a Dietitian and I Lost 100 Pounds With These Delicious Foods

She Eats Overnight Oats

Alex recently shared her recipe for peanut butter and jelly overnight oats.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Old fashioned Oats
  • 1/2 Milk of choice (I start with a 1/2 cup and add more if/when needed)
  • 1 scoop @youcanbeam vanilla soft serve protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon Chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 tablespoon PB
  • 1 tablespoon your choice of jelly
  • Topping: chopped strawberries

Directions:

  • Add milk, chia seeds, honey and stir to combine
  • Stir in your protein powder and oats
  • Add your PB& J and swirl it in (don’t mix it in completely- the goal is to have swirls of pb&j throughout)
  • Store in fridge in an air right container overnight or at least 3 hours
  • Add your toppings when you’re ready to eat 🍓

She Isn’t Afraid of “Putting on too Much Muscle”

Alex is not afraid of “putting on too much muscle” by lifting weights. “Workout however you want to, I stand by that!!! But to answer your question, no I’m not worried about putting on too much muscle, thank you! Plus, I wish putting on muscle was that easy,” she says in a post.

She Started Her Journey with “Cardio and Abs”

Alex recommends starting small before working your way up to heavy weights. “I feel my strongest when I’m lowering my barbell to the ground or holding 45lb plates in each hand 😅but I did start at the gym doing cardio and abs. Eventually made my way to lifting and never looked back!!” she captioned a post.

Related: Benchmark Your Progress with Our Lean Body Mass Calculator

She Doesn’t Rush Through Her Workouts

Alex recommends taking your time when working out. “Take your workouts to the next level 😮‍💨 It’s easy to rush through a workout, but keep things controlled! Don’t let yourself go on autopilot when you’re lifting. Focus on that mind to muscle connection!” she wrote in a post, adding that you should not give up and instead, “push for that extra 1 or 2 reps,” and “do the exercises that are hard for you. It’s ok to fail, but how will you progress if you don’t keep trying!” she says.

Related: #1 Trick to Feel Full, Energized and Satisfied While Eating Food You Love, According to Nutritionist

Here Is Her Upper Body Workout

In her recent post, Alex shares an upper body workout. “We’re focusing on boulder shoulders, chest, and triceps! You can do this one at the gym or at home, let’s gooooo,” she writes in the caption.

FULL WORKOUT:

  • 1a. Push Ups 4 sets | 10-12 reps *last set to failure*
  • 2a. DB Seated Shoulder Press 3 sets | 6-8 reps
  • 3a. Alt. Chest Press 3 sets | 8-10 (each) reps
  • 4a. OH single arm Tricep Extensions 3 sets | 10-12 reps

FINISHER:

  • 5a. Plate Twists 3 sets | 30 sec
  • 5b. ISO Hold Shoulder Press 3 sets | 30 sec

💪🔥Body Booster: Don’t race through your workouts. Going slow and focusing on form can be just as effective – if not more – than going at a faster pace.

Fitness & Workouts

Nicole Winter Flashes Flat Abs and Shares Lower Body At-Home Workout for Beginners

nicole_winter_nicolemwinter_2
nicolemwinter_/Instagram
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.
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 need to get a workout but don’t feel like going to the gym? Doing a quick but effective at-home workout can be a game changer for anyone trying to lose weight – especially a beginner. Personal trainer Nicole Winter focuses on “beginner fitness,” sharing easy, at-home workouts with her hundreds of thousands of followers. “Busy gym? Working from home? Beginner? Must try lower body burn,” one of her recent videos reads. The best thing is, all you need is “one dumbbell, minimal space, and you’re good to go,” she says. Here is the workout – and a few of her other fitness tips.

Here Is Her Lower Body Workout

nicole_winter_nicolemwinter_1nicolemwinter_/Instagram

“Do this workout circuit one movement after the next with minimal rest,” Nicole says. She recommends four to five rounds total, with 60 to 90 seconds between each round.

  1. RDL x 12
  2. Squat to jump squat x 10 (squat to jump counts as one rep)
  3. Ice skaters x 16
  4. Alternating lateral lunge x 16 (8 reps per leg)
  5. Split squat x 10 (do 10 reps on the right and then follow up with 10 on the left)

Have a Plan

High Angle View Of A Workout Plan In Notebook At Wooden DeskShutterstock

Nicole recommends having a workout plan for the week ahead. “When I was new to the gym my biggest struggle was feeling overwhelmed when I went in without a plan.. add a busy gym on top of that and 😮‍💨🥴🫠. Having a plan for what to do makes the world of a difference so I hope this can help!” she wrote in an Instagram post.

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

Don’t Overcomplicate Exercise

In another post, she recommends keeping it simple when it comes to exercise. “Pretty much just a reminder for myself 🤣. STOP OVERCOMPLICATING IT. Give yourself 30 minutes to prioritize your health and you’ll be amazed at what such a small portion of your day can do,” she writes.

Break From Your Routine on Occasion

It’s not the end of the world…”if you don’t stick to your usual workout schedule,” Nicole writes in a post. “85% of the time I’m all about the routine and keeping up with my ‘healthy’ habits but sometimes, something has GOT to give.” She adds that “sometimes the things we place a lot of weight on aren’t actually all that serious in the grand scheme of things 🙌🏼 i know I’m not practicing what i preach, and yes absolutely runners should still prioritize strength, but it’s okay to not be perfect 100% of the time.”

RELATED: 11 Ways to Eat For Your Best Body After 40

Exercise on Vacation

Nicole is regularly asked if she works out on vacation. “The short answer: yes!!! 💪🏼🌴 The long answer.. i workout on vacation IF i want to, not because i feel like i have to. it feels good to keep a routine and I genuinely enjoy exercising.. so if i can squeeze in a quick workout on my trip and enjoy the hotel gym then heck yes im gonna do it,” she revealed in a post.

💪🔥Body Booster: Even if you only have 15 minutes at-home, try and slip in a workout. Doing a short but effective set can help you achieve your goals.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These Popular Foods

Denise Hamdan denisehamdan
I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods
Copyright denisehamdan/TikTok
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 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.

Denise Hamdan (@denisehamdan) is a food and fitness influencer on TikTok who regularly shares her tricks and tips on weight loss with her 71,000 followers. Hamdan lost a whopping 30 pounds by following a healthy diet and exercising. In a recent clip, she reveals her diet. “Hey y'all, here's everything I ate in one day to stay lean as someone who lost 30 pounds,” she says, revealing that she eats 1829 calories and 147 g of protein per day. Body Network’s 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, also weighs in.

Breakfast

“I started my morning with my breakfast cocktail of oxygen and creatine. I just added the products to my showcase. So go check them out. I have my cocktail with Greek yogurt with strawberries and blueberries and a drizzle of granola,” she says. The total calories equal 157 and 14 g protein.

Lunch

“I'm in this phase where I eat nearly the same thing every day, and that's been scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach and some turkey bacon on the side,” she says about her lunch. “And honestly, I'm not complaining because it hits every time. Her total calories are 562 and 52 g protein.

Green Smoothie

Sometimes she will have a smoothie instead. “I made a cute little green smoothie and it was a little messy, but it was good regardless,” she says.

Pre-Workout Snack

“Later, for a pre-workout snack, I made some cute little tuna crackers with the green onion and bell pepper,” she says about the snack totaling 430 calories and 28 g protein.

OxyShred and Pre-Workout

“Then I got to the gym and made my OxyShred and pre-workout combo before hitting cardio and abs,” she continued. “It had me sweating.”

Protein Bar

“Right after my workout I had my favorite dark chocolate pretzel protein bar,” she continued.

Dinner

“And finally for dinner I made this super easy teriyaki chicken bowl over brown rice,” she said, adding that the 560 calorie and 52 gram protein meal is “so delicious and the macros forward are amazing.”

Dessert

“Lastly, for dessert, I had some chocolate 'cause I cannot end the day without a little sweet treat,” she said about the 120 calorie sweet treat.

RDN Weighs in

tara collingwoodI'm a Nutritionist and These 9 High-Protein Snacks Keep My Clients Full While Losing 50 Pounds

Copyright Tara Collingwood

“1800-1900 calories seems like a good amount for her, but I don’t know her exact age, height, weight, or exercise level,” says Collingwood. “147 grams of protein is probably more than she needs, but it is not dangerously high.”

Try Eating More Vegetables, Expert Says

“I see a little bit of fruit on the yogurt and a tiny bit of spinach in eggs and peppers in tuna but overall not much veggie intake (green smoothie was green powder and not real whole veggies) which is proven with only 16 grams of fiber for her overall day,” Collingwood continues. “I would recommend increasing veggies to aim for 25 grams of fiber each day.” She also likes how often she is eating with the meals and snacks in between. “I do worry about the OxyShred. I couldn’t find on their website anywhere exactly how much caffeine is in it and having it later in the day could definitely impact sleep since caffeine has a 5 hour half-life,” she points out.

💪🔥Body Booster: How much protein should you consume per day? Aim for 0.8 to one gram per pound of bodyweight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Nutrition & Diet

20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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“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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Sophie van Oostenbrugg gainsbybrains
Copyright gainsbybrains/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 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.

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