Get Fit for Prom with JoJo
This time of year, there’s nothing like a hot new prom dress to motivate you to lead a healthy lifestyle! While it’s important to choose a dress for the body you have right now, there are things you can do to tone your arms, legs, and abs, before showing them off at prom.
Obviously, crash dieting is so not the answer. Take it from JoJo, who stays in shape by balancing healthy eating with exercise. As she gets ready for the Ultimate Prom, we asked her for her best pre-prom fitness advice!
Q: What's your fitness routine like now?
A: I aim to do a minimum of three days of cardio a week, along with strength training two to three times weekly, making sure to give my muscles a break by alternating upper and lower body exercises.
Q:Fitness is all about setting goals and sticking to them. How do you stay motivated?
A: I like to listen to upbeat music or talk on the phone while doing cardio, which helps pass the time. I also count down instead of up (15, 14, 13…) while doing weight training because for some reason it motivates me more. Watching sports also keeps my energy up. Seeing other people exert themselves so much makes me want to keep up with that pace.
Q: How do you tone your arms and abs before an event where you'll be wearing a dress, like the Grammys?
A: Arms and all-around upper body strength are a challenge for many females, myself included. While I'm on the treadmill, I like to multi-task by holding and curling two five pound weights. I also like doing different raises and presses on a workout bench. For abs, nothing works more effectively than one's own body weight. I like reverse crunches, using a weight ball, and "bicycle" kicks.
Q: The morning of prom, what kind of breakfast might you eat, to be energized all day long?
A:I love two pieces of toasted Ezekiel bread with natural organic peanut butter, a bit of drizzled organic honey, and sliced banana on top. It’s so tasty and satisfying. Milk or a healthy juice (I like banana-orange-pineapple) is nice to have it with. Oatmeal with brown sugar and golden raisins and/or blueberries is also a great energizer with plenty of nutrients and deliciousness!
Q: Some girls go on crash diets for prom. What would you say to them?
A: Prom is supposed to be a night to remember, and you deserve to have an incredible time. By not eating properly or not eating at all, you will likely become cranky and irritable. You will feel 10 times better if you eat foods that are natural, rich in nutrients, and stick to a sensible fitness regime for about two weeks prior to the big night.
Q: What's your favorite afternoon snack?
A:Chicken salad with grapes, or 100-calorie Kettle Corn popcorn, or a piece of Ezekiel toast with peanut butter, honey, and banana.
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