“Dancing with the Stars” could be re-named “Celebrity Biggest Losers.” Each season star contestants melt away the pounds, as they try and dance their way to the top prize.
“DWTS” contestant Ricki Lake proudly states she’s already lost 8 1/2 inches – thanks to the show’s daily four to five hour workouts.
“I’m hoping to pull a Kristie Alley,” Lake reveals to People magazine. “I’m a little self-conscious of my arms and my back fat but they’re trimming down really quickly,” she adds.
Fellow “DWTS” contestant Nancy Grace is also shedding the pounds. The legal analyst has dropped 10 lbs. Not bad, ladies!
For most of us, the chance to be on “DWTS” is slim, but you can still boogie away the pounds.
“When you dance, the music, the moves, and atmosphere put you in a space where you forget that you are working out,” reveals dance expert Ilyse Baker, who has worked with Rihanna and LeAnn Rimes. “When you dance you don’t have to spend time looking at the clock counting down the seconds you have left to exercise.”
Anybody can dance – whether it’s at the clubs, a dance studio, or in the privacy of your own home. Plus, it’s a fat-burning workout that tightens and tones. “There are several different dance styles to choose from that offer different ways to blast calories and tone several different areas,” says Ilyse. “For example, Ballet is a great way to get those long, lean lines of a dancer that we are all destined to have and will leave you with a killer toned body. African Dance is an incredible all over energizing cardio workout where you can burn up to 1000 calories in 60 minutes.”
Ilyse shares with Healthy Hollywood 3 moves that will sculpt your body. So, crank up the music and get moving!
For Killer Abs:
Place your legs hip width apart, soften your knees, tuck your pelvis forward, and engage your core. Pump your arms and thrust your pelvis forward to your favorite tunes. Try doing this exercise for 5 minutes to your favorite song and you will be smiling all the way to your 6-pack abs. This move works your entire midsection and the best part is that you do not have to do a single crunch on the floor.
For Lean Legs:
Ballet helps to lengthen muscles and is a good way to go if you want to avoid bulky leg muscles. I love my Funky Plies move. Start in Ballet first position with your heels kissed together and your toes pointed out to about a 45-degree angle. Once you grasp this position, keep your feet turned out then walk your legs out to second position, which leaves your feet right underneath your shoulders. Keeping your arms by your sides, your chest lifted, bend straight down and then straighten your legs as you squeeze your butt cheeks together. Pop in your favorite music and start this move by bending down in your legs, keeping them wide then as you come up bring one leg in then repeat to the other side. You will feel this in your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and a little in your adductors as well.
For Fierce Arms:
Try playing my follow the leader game. Push your arms out to the sides of the room nice and strong. Pull your hands into your chest then drop your elbows down to the floor, fingertips shoot up towards the ceiling, and push away back to your starting position. Keep this movement strong and in control for maximum results. Put on your favorite tunes and do this exercise repeatedly until you feel the burn.
For more dance moves, check out www.ilysebaker.com. Also, tune in to “Dancing with the Stars” tonight at 8 PM on ABC.
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