Curvy and Fit: Tips for Shaping Your Body Without Losing It
Women like Sofia Vergara, Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé, have taken television screens and red carpets by storm with their curvy bodies. And while they may have help from some natural assets, they certainly have to maintain them by staying fit and toned. It is possible to be in shape, while looking feminine at the same time. We asked fitness expert Linda Pedrosa to give us the lowdown on how to get (and keep) that Hollywood hourglass look.
"A woman who is strong can walk into a room and command it. She stands out. And, yes, you can be fit and curvy. The definition of fit for some women is to be tremendously skinny with straight body lines, virtually anorexic. The correct definition of a fit woman is her ability to move and be flexible, having strength and efficiency of movement. It's not the size you wear," says Pedrosa.
Powerful women with curvas
Strength and sex appeal are not mutually exclusive, according to Pedrosa who says curvy celebs like J.Lo. don't conform to a specific norm. "They stand tall and confident (no matter how short they may be!). They own their curves. The issue is how we see ourselves and not how men see us. Most men love curves in women. There has to be a balance. Look at Jennifer Lopez: she's in no way flabby and her curves are firm. That's a good balance."
For a perkier bosom: "You need to do push-ups, real men's push-ups," says the Miami-born fitness expert. "They tone and tighten, and you won't need equipment." Make sure to keep your elbows close to your body; start by doing them against the wall. Then, graduate using a counter or a sturdy table. Doing push-ups on the floor is the hardest version of the exercise, but they will help firm up not only the chest area, but also your triceps and shoulders. Think of that cute sundress you'll be wearing this summer!
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For a smaller waist: It's hard to spot reduce the abdominal area, but you can make the muscles underneath become strong. Standing exercises where you alternate lifting your knees to your chest are one of the simplest ways to work the core. Yet, according to Linda, there's no better solution for a smaller waist than changing your diet: "You need to start loading up on vegetables in all three meals." Getting full on greens reduces the need to eat bread, pasta and potatoes- the main culprits that increase belly and waist sizes.
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Keeping glutes round and firm: Pedrosa swears by squats and lunges. "These are basic human movements we all do," she notes. When you do squats to exercise, make sure you go as low as you can- the lower, the better. Lunges are nothing but taking scattered steps: one leg in front, one back. Start slow, moving towards making quicker switches. They are great at recruiting muscles in the center of your body, because they require core stability. Lunges also have the added benefit of challenging and improving your balance.
So what types of exercise should women avoid? Not all exercises and body types are created equal, according to Pedrosa. "You have to experiment and see what works for you." While activities like ballet, pilates and yoga help elongate the body and improve balance, women should not avoid doing weights and other strengthening exercises. "Do what you enjoy doing, but make sure to add resistance training to your routine."
Linda Pedrosa lives in Miami and is a certified exercise trainer and instructor who stays fit by doing weight training, pilates, yoga and ballet. She is currently working on her Crossfit certification. At 39 years old, she still gets carded at bars and restaurants.
