Star workouts to the test
Wednesday 05 December 2007
Celebs are renowned for their toned and gorgeous figures, but just how easy is it to achieve? We asked four women to trial celeb workouts over a two-month period to see if they really work. Here they give their verdicts…
Kettlebells Workout - Geri Halliwell, 35
Tester: Loo Naylor, 36, PR executive from Gloucestershire
Height: 5ft 6
Before: 11st 8lbs, size 14
After: 11st, size 12
Celebrity fans: Geri Halliwell, Jennifer Aniston
Cost: £40 per session, £15 for a Kettlebell
Loo says: “A kettlebell is a weighted ball with a handle. You swing it around in an exercise routine, and it’s designed to work your whole body. I had a weekly lesson and then worked out at home twice a week with a 45-minute video. My kettleballs were 12kg, and so heavy I could have hurt myself if I hadn’t got it right. After the two months I’d lost 8lbs. My upper body’s toned, my thighs are sleeker, my bum’s perter and my waist is 5ins smaller! I didn’t change my diet, so it’s all down to exercise.”
The Power Plate Machine - Madonna, 49
Tester: Holly Anne Reed, 23, a drama student from London
Height: 5ft 4
Before: 9st 7lbs, size 12
After: 9st 8lbs, size 10
Celebrity fans: Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Elle Macpherson
Cost: £20 per 25-minute session
Holly says: “The Power Plate is a vibrating machine that shakes your body and makes your muscles contract and relax dozens of times a second. You can do exercises like sit-ups on it, and the vibrations mean you end up working your muscles harder. The instructor’s exercises were simple to learn but not always very easy to do! I’m thrilled with the results though – my stomach and legs are more toned. Muscle is heavier than fat so I’ve actually gained weight, but my size 12 clothes hang off me. It’s ideal for anyone looking to tone up quickly.”
Hula Hooping - Beyonce, 26
Tester: Vickie Charles, 27, an office worker from Chester-leStreet, County Durham
Height: 5ft 7
Before: 10st 7lbs, size 12
After: 10st, size 10-12
Celebrity fans: Beyonce Knowles, Charlize Theron, Lily Allen
Cost: Gaiam dance hoop and DVD, £24.99 (Tesco)
Vickie says: “Hula hoping appealed because I was brilliant at it when I was a kid. Even though this hoop was heavier and thicker, I quickly got the hang of it again. However, the routines on the DVD were really hard – trying to stretch and reach to one side while keeping the hoop spinning was tricky and the hoop kept falling down. Each session was supposed to last an hour, but I only managed 45 minutes, two or three times a week. It worked though – I lost half a stone. My waist’s thinner, and my clothes are looser, so I’ll definitely carry on.”
Pole Dancing - Kelly Brook, 28
Tester: Karen Collier, 41, a manager from Chelmsford, Essex
Height: 5ft, 6
Before: 10st 7lbs, size 12-14
After: 10st 3lbs, size 10-12
Celebrity fans: Kelly Brook, Teri Hatcher, Sadie Frost
Cost: £190 for eight weekly sessions at Pole People
Karen says: “I was a bit worried about the sexual connotations of pole dancing, but when I got to the class I realised it’s all tongue-in-cheek. During the two-hour weekly lessons I wore shorts, a T-shirt and high heels to do exercises on the pole. It built up my upper-body strength and used my leg muscles too – after the class I couldn’t walk the next day! My bum and tummy are more toned now, and I’m particularly pleased with my arms. I’ve also shed 2 1/2 inches from my waist. I loved it so much I’ve booked another course.”