OSCAR SPECIAL: Red Carpet Worthy Workout

The Oscars are almost here,which means viewing parties, prediction cards, and tons of glamorous red-carpet styles. Of course, this year’s onslaught of hot celeb bodies wrapped in designer gowns will remind you of your long-abandoned New Years’ resolutions to hit the gym. Luckily, I’m here to make getting started again easy. I’ve broken up a full-body workout by body part, each named for a celeb who makes it look GOOD. Oh, and did I mentioned you can do these from the comfort of your own home…fo’ free?

Butt. While Jennifer Lopez has a rocking bod from head to toe, it’s her famously curvy bum that has brought her the most attention. Your rear may never look like J. Lo’s (it really is one of a kind), but you too can lift and shape your butt with this simple exercise.
J. Lo Glute Bridge: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Focus on squeezing your butt cheeks together as you lift your hips up to the ceiling as high as you can, forming a “bridge” at the highest point. Hold the bridge for a moment while you squeeze your butt as hard as you can, then slowly lower your hips back to the ground. Thats one rep. Do 2-3 sets of 15-20 reps.
Arms. Cameron Diaz has sparked controversy with her super-toned arms, but if you hit the gym with your baseball star boyfriend, you might have guns like hers too! For now, here’s a move that sculpts both the biceps and triceps, along with the shoulders.
Cameron Curl-to-Press: Stand up tall with your shoulders back, holding dumbbells at your sides. Squeeze your biceps (which will bend your elbows) until your palms are in front of your shoulders, facing you. Then press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are straight with your palms facing away from you. Bring the dumbbells slowly down the same way: first to the shoulders, then to your sides. That’s one rep. Do 2-3 sets of 12-15 reps, at a weight that feels very challenging by the last 2 reps.
Legs. Angelina Jolie’s legs are so shapely, that just exposing one last year caused a frenzy amongst the photogs! Give your legs the star treatment with this dynamic move, which can be done almost anywhere.
Angelina Alternating Lunge: Stand up tall with both feet together and your shoulders back. Take a big step forward with one foot, and let the back knee bend almost to the floor. Pause at the bottom and make sure your torso is still nice and tall before your push off your front heel back to your starting position, where you stand tall with both feet together. Do the same thing with the opposite foot. That’s one rep. Do 2-3 sets of 12.
Abs. Few celebs take as many opportunities to show off their sculpted midsections as pilates-loving Miley Cyrus. Here’s an exercise to strengthen and flatten yours, but be warned: without a healthy nutrition plan, no amount of ab training will get you a defined midsection. You need to have a fairly low Body Fat Percentage in order to see the abs you’re creating!
Miley Cyrus Chair Lift: Sit in a stable hard-backed chair with your hands on the sides of the seat next to you. Lean your weight into your hands until you lift off the chair, and pull your knees into your chest until your feet are off the floor. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds. Do 2-3 sets.
Shoulders. Jessica Biel is known for her athletic build and healthy curves. A classy lady, her red-carpet looks often show off her defined shoulders and arms.
Jessica Jab: Stand up tall with your abs tights holding light dumbbells up to your chest in a “fighter” pose. One at a time, punch the air with your dumbbell hard and fast, then return to your start position. Don’t let your body twist. Alternate sides, and do 2-3 sets of 30-45 seconds.


Jessi Kneeland is an NYC-based personal trainer. She believes that fitness can show people what they’re made of, including our own Recessionista-in-chief, who’s bum Jessi kicks daily.