Monday, November 14, 2011

Get Carrie Underwoods Legs

Food journal
After dropping nine kilos since her rise to fame, Carrie now follows an uber-strict vegetarian diet to stay in celeb shape, and she keeps track of what she’s eating with a daily food journal.
“I discovered that writing down everything I eat makes such a difference, because you never realise how much you’re consuming unless you read it later in the day,” she says. Adding, “I’m a big nighttime eater. When I can look at my diary and see how many calories I’ve consumed during the day, I’m able to figure out how much I can eat at night.”
Counting calories
Carrie is keen to avoid temptation on tour, revealing, “[On tour] it’s fast food. If there’s after-show food, you get pizza. I don’t do that. I don’t eat out ever.” Instead the 27-year-old stocks her tour bus fridge with healthy foods, limiting herself to 1,500 cals a day.
And when Carrie has to eat out, she’s careful to keep track of what she’s eating – “I use this website, calorieking.com, when I’m on the road and have to eat out,” she says. “It has chain restaurants’ menus and lists the calories, carbs, and fat for every dish, so I’m always prepared. For example, I know P.F. Chang’s has these lettuce wrap appetisers that are around 100 calories. One of those and an entree and I’m good to go.”
Working those legs
As well as doing high-intensity cardio, including kickboxing and running, at least three times a week, Carrie does a series of strength-training exercises – like jump squats and lunges to keep her pins in peak physique. She also strengthens her core with torso twists and stability ball exercises. “My favourite thing is cardio,” says Carrie. “It helps the pounds melt off and it gives me so much more energy. Now when I’m performing and running around the stage, it’s no big deal, whereas before I was gasping for breath. Working out has really paid off on stage.”
Try Carrie’s signature leg moves!

Back Lunges with a Bicep Curl

From a standing position, step backwards into a deep lunge, then come back into a standing position, while also doing a bicep curl with free weights. Do 15 for each leg for two or three sets.
Front Lunges with a Torso Twist
Holding a medicine ball in front on you, step forward into a front lunge, then twist sideways in the direction of the lunge (if you lunge with your right leg, twist towards the right). Do 15 for each leg for two or three sets.
Jump Squats
From the squat position, jump into the air as high as you can, landing back into the squat position. Repeat for 20-25 reps.
Prone Bridge on a stability ball
As you’re lying face down, place your bent elbows on the stability ball with your body completely straight behind you, belly down, feet on the floor, balanced on your toes. Once balanced, hold the position for as long as you can. Build up your reps as you get stronger.

Carrie Underwood

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