I always felt that when people chose their workouts it was based on their needs as well as a way to tap into their energy. My vivid memories of exercise include watching my mom work out to Denise Austin, Glad and a number of the 80’s stars. Aerobics, the step and squats were a part of my routine from high school through college as I loved the movement and that feeling – who doesn’t love a retro Jane Fonda moment? Towards the end of college, I met the Elliptical and I was hooked. As I transitioned to NYC as long as there was an elliptical – that’s the only gym equipment you would see me on for 45 mins to an hour. At home, I would do routines that focused on squats (loved them) and crunchies. For the last few years when it came to various workouts, I sampled the trends and methods like I would a flight of wines and beer. It didn’t bother me that I wasn’t committed to them – as long as I kept moving.
As a woman who has always been comfortable within my own skin, like many I have always had areas that I would love to tweak; however, I felt that there were things that were clearly off the table due to genetics. As the Co-Founder/Style Director of Athleisure Mag, I love how we showcase fashion, style, fitness, beauty and more within the athleisure lifestyle. Whether I’m visiting designers, on set for shoots for this publication or others or going on air – I always end up being in conversations about health, mindfulness and balance. It’s always interesting to see what’s out there and to try it out. At the beginning of this year, I decided that I would focus on certain areas in terms of my fitness. I was about 2 weeks in when I was connected with Exude Fitness and its CEO, Edward Jackowski, Ph.D., one of the country’s leading motivational fitness experts and best-selling author of Escape Your Shape (Simon and Schuster). A number of celebrities have graduated from Exude Fitness including Brooke Shields, Tina Fey
and more.
Prior to my first session, I was sent his book, Escape Your Shape, which breaks down our bodies into four shapes Hourglass®, Spoon®, Ruler® or
Cone®. With that said, these types have workouts that are geared towards each shape (as well as itemized no-no’s for each body type). Not surprisingly, I knew that I was an Hourglass. I also learned through the book that my sampling of various workouts wasn’t about being aware of
what was out there, but my way of saying that the methods weren’t helping me in my goals. Therefore, I would try it out for a bit and then move on. Frustration would set in and I would simply go back to the elliptical and squats - as I felt that that was benefiting me (although now I know this doesn’t work for me in terms of the goal of a leaner lower body).
When I arrived at Exude Fitness at Bliss Spa, I had already filled out a form that looked at my medical history, my goals etc., and I kept in mind the Hourglass focus. I had circled one of my goals that simply stated toning in all areas. I thought it was a reasonable answer and who wouldn’t want to just have it all. The next 20 minutes of working with Edward showed me that without even reading my answers he accurately identified areas that I wanted to improve upon. He also dispelled myths that I believed to be true (ie., having larger thighs is hereditary so it’s not something that I can really do anything about). As we sat there, he charted what we were working towards from reducing inches to losing weight as well as to benchmarks. Hearing that in 6 weeks I would see one series of results and that by July (right before the holiday) – I would hit the goals, I was shocked.
Just in case I had any more concerns on whether this was possible, Edward had me do one thing that made me a believer. I hadn’t been able to touch my toes standing up in a very long time. I chalked it up to having poor flexibility as I got older. Within a few stretches on the same day upon meeting Edward, I was able to touch my toes (sometimes when I am working on a workout and am challenged, I stop and touch my toes to remember that something I didn’t think I could do – I can do without effort).
Just in case I had any more concerns on whether this was possible, Edward had me do one thing that made me a believer. I hadn’t been able to touch my toes standing up in a very long time. I chalked it up to having poor flexibility as I got older. Within a few stretches on the same day upon meeting Edward, I was able to touch my toes (sometimes when I am working on a workout and am challenged, I stop and touch my toes to remember that something I didn’t think I could do – I can do without effort).
Although I was a little sore my first day as I had touched muscles that I hadn’t before, I was excited to get a workout program that was tailored to me for my body type. That night, I had a program that included minimal equipment (you can’t go wrong with 2 lb weights, a jump rope and a 4 lb bar). Within my routines, I have options for days that I do yoga or when I’m traveling and am unable to be on a stationary bike. Everything is thought out so that you can optimize your workout to reach your goals. In addition, he is only a phone call or an email away. Another key portion of Exude Fitness is the care that is taken to matching each person to a trainer. It’s not just about ensuring that you’re form is right or that you are increasing
your workout – it’s also about matching a personality that creates a relationship. Through the past 6+ weeks, working out with Fun Lee has been a treat as she knows how I have advanced within certain workouts that were previously a challenge, she knows when I can do a little more and keeps mixing it up – but she also makes me feel really comfortable in general. She also acknowledges my commitment to the process and that I am genuinely blown away by the results.
When it comes to results, I have to say that I saw toned areas throughout my legs pretty quickly and well before my 6 week target, I was pleased with the transformation that happened and of course with working out within what works for my body, it’s easier for me to push forward even through portions that are still a little tough. As Edward says, the “results and motivation are directly linked to each other - and the more results you see, the more incentive you have for continuing to exercise.” At the end of the day health, fitness and aesthetics are the core benefits to exercising and when these are met through picking, “the right exercises and activities that are based on your body type” – going back to sampling an array of
workouts is not even an option. For the past 25 years, Exude Fitness has studied and analyzed the aesthetic effects of exercise and holds the
world’s only medically-proven and patented exercise program based on body types - as he is the pioneer and innovator of this method. I’m pleased to share that I will check in with you on my results and findings with my training with Exude Fitness and even outside of the magazine, you will be able to see more about what they are doing throughout the website. As Spring makes everyone think about their fitness levels again (just in case some of you made those resolutions at the beginning of the year), I want to share with you Exude Fitness and its body types, as well as some key notes about each.
KNOW YOUR BODY TO GET TONED
No matter whether you’re an Hourglass®, Spoon®, Ruler® or Cone® (although these body types are genetically predetermined) it’s understanding your type that will allow you to work out your problem areas and to adjust your workout plan. In terms of diet, I can only speak to my plan, I really have not been restricted from any food; however, it is about when I am eating it. I have always been one that doesn’t eat breakfast, has a light lunch (depending on what’s going on it’s a salad) and then a larger meal for dinner. A nugget of truth came when Edward said that my larger meal should be lunch as that is when I need more energy and my lighter meal should be a salad. When you think about it, it makes sense and as we’re moving
into the summer, having this simple, yet effective advice will definitely be welcome. As someone who loves potatoes, learning that I don’t have to break up with it but can simply enjoy them during lunch with one cheat evening with them are just some of the examples of why this method works with your lifestyle.
To properly identify your shape, it’s simply a matter of seeing where your weight (which includes muscle and fat) is distributed on your frame. Once you know your shape, you’re able to make the proper adjustments. Most women are Hourglass and Rulers, while most men are Cones and Rulers; moreover, your height or weight doesn’t determine which body type you are. It’s also worth noting that if you are vastly overweight, you may have a hard time seeing what your true body type may be. It’s best to follow the Hourglass workout until you begin to reduce your weight to see where you are. At that point, you can assess your type and begin targeting the exact workout for your true body type.
