How Taylor Swift stays in shape while winning Artist of the Year in 2009 American Music Awards

In the 2009 American Music Awards that aired on Sunday, November 22nd, it sure looked like Taylor Swift made quite the sweep, scooping up a stunning five of the coveted trophies. Taylor came out on top for best Country album, Adult Contemporary album, and of course the Artist of the Year award, which is perhaps the most prominent category. This 19 year old songstress certainly looked just as amazing as well gracing the stage, and she can attribute that stellar body to her workout and fitness routine as well as a health diet.

Taylor recognizes that when she's up on stage and in front of her fans she likes to keep things energetic and high spirited. To keep in top form and able to do all of those dance moves while still holding her tunes, Taylor Swift's workout is not only aimed at getting her looking her best, but feeling her best as well and with the energy to carry out her impressive concert tours. Relying mostly on cardio to give her the stamina and endurance she needs, Taylor is an avid runner.

Taylor doesn't solely train to stay a certain weight, but instead looks to incorporate a healthy diet and exercise routine into her life so she is both able to preform her best and treat her body right. Taylor knows that skipping workouts or eating too much junk food saps her energy and leaver her feeling sluggish. "Basically, if I'm indulging too much and not exercising enough, I can feel that. I can feel a change before I see it. For me, working out is not so I can get skinny. It's so that I can keep up my endurance so I'm not panting on stage. Heavy breathing is the worst when you're in concert. You don't want to see that if you're going to see a show," Swift told Allure Magazine.

For Taylor that means jumping on the treadmill she has in her tour bus and home or taking it to the streets to run those miles. Taylor Swift no doubt gets a rush from the endorphins running releases and states that she truly loves it as her workout. In fact, she's been known to run on the treadmill before her performances to work out any pre-show anxiety. And of course when she's in concert and on stage for her fans, Taylor Swift gets quite a workout from her high energy dancing and showing.


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Get Twilight star Robert Pattinson's chest and arms

While it may have been Taylor Lautner's killer abs that stole the show at the box office hit movie Twilight Saga: New Moon that opened this weekend, there are still those more partial to Robert Pattinson's physic. Not generating quite as much buzz for his subsequent bulking up and toning up as his Lautner teen wolf counterpart, Pattinson did adhere to his own workout and fitness routine in reprising his role as one of the most famous vampires to date.

As it turned out, Pattinson was in fact instructed by his movie producers to head to the gym as a means to curb his habits of late night drinking and his penchant for cheeseburgers. while Robert obviously wasn't lifting nearly as much as Taylor, he did take up running and karate to keep himself fit and in top form. As he does go shirtless in the Twilight New Moon movie, there no doubt was a bit of an added incentive.

So how did he build up his biceps and chest in order to dare to bear? Exercises like dumbbell press, bench press, and inclined dumbbell press would do the trick for the pecs. By pairing higher weights with less reps, you will be able to gain more muscle mass and subsequently bulk up. This would look like doing a set of 12 reps with a weight that you can maintain for that amount, then go up in weight and cut back to 8 reps for the second set. Follow this with yet another increase in weight and cut the reps down to 4. Rest completely between each set, as each set should be an all out maximum effort.

For biceps like Mr. Pattinson, you will do the same sort of idea but with bicep curls and preacher curls. Start with 12 reps, then go up in weight for 8 reps, and end with the highest weight for 4 reps. And whenever you work one muscle group you should aim to work their counter parts, so for the biceps that would be the triceps, so you should do triceps extensions and bench dips. To add weight for the bench dips, you will plant your arms on the backside of one bench and then elevate your legs on another so that you are above the ground and then rest a weight in your lap for the duration of your sets.

Surely if you want to look like the hunky vampire Robert Pattinson portrays in Twilight New Moon, you've got to work for it! Finish your workout in the gym with a run to get in some calorie blasting cardio. The jury may still be out as to who actually looks best shirtless, Robert Pattinson or Taylor Lautner, but either way you can steal their workout and fitness moves!


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Heidi Klum takes center stage modeling and hosting 2009 Victoria Secret fashion show

For those at this years' 2009 Victoria Secret fashion show, among all of the lithe, slim models host Heidi Klum made quite an impression in a surprise strut down the cat walk proving that she has yet again made an astonishing transformation from pregnant mother to runway model chic in a mere five weeks after giving birth! While Heidi Klum has made herself almost as famous for dropping her baby weight in record time as for stripping down to her swimwear and panties. She has previously graced the Victoria Secret stage after her last childbirths, but this year has been the most recent one to date. Obviously her post baby workout and diets do the trick!

When asked about her secret to shedding pounds, Heidi notes that she is by nature an active person and in staying fit throughout her pregnancy with regular walks, she is ever more motivated to get back to her workout and fitness routine as soon as she gives birth. She cites those steep hills in her neighborhood as her secret weapon to sweating off the pounds, and runs pushing her other children in a jogging stroller up those inclines. With workouts with her trainer, Klum does a full body routine that includes along with cardio, resistance training, and work with a medicine ball.

Heidi Klum has been open in the past for her ability to eat healthfully but still indulging in some of her favorite dishes like schnitzel, goulash, and spaghetti bolognese. She was noted for being one of the first models to make headlines boasting a curvier figure than those others of the heroine chic nature. Yet Heidi isn't finished yet, and she still has the goal of losing another 20 pounds; but this 36 year old mother already has her fans in awe over her amazing figure.

While she may not have planned to be a model this year, Heidi Klum is the host for the 2009 Victoria Secret fashion show event that is set to air on CBS December 1st at 10 pm ET/PT. You too can bear witness to her amazing ability to stay healthy and remain dedicated to her own workout and fitness regime as she dons those famous Victoria Secret duds.


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Twilight star Taylor Lautner worked hard to get those enviable abs

In prepping for his role as Jacob the teen wolf in the Twilight Saga: New Moon movie hitting theaters today, Taylor Lautner spent hours in the gym perfecting the abs that have all the young Twilight New Moon fans swooning. In order to pack on a report 30 pounds to his 5'10" frame, the 17 year old Lutner said he spend two hours each day in the gym lifting weights and focusing on higher weight and lower reps. The star was trained by Jordan Yuam who was spotting the star in exercises such as bench press, leg press, and other lifts with a weight load of 40 percent over what he was able to lift for 10 reps. With the heavier weight, he may only do 5 reps but would be maxing out.

Taylor Lautner relied mostly on free weights to get a full range of motion and also incorporated exercise bands to add resistance to his stretching moves to further lean out those muscles. Instead of breaking a sweat, Lautner reduced his amount of cardio so as to not burn up too many calories that could be used for muscle growth, "I was exercising so hard that I began to lose weight," the star exclaims to Men's Health.

So how does he get those famed abs? The answer may be contrary to what many would think, as his trainer Yuam says that less could be more, "A lot of guys hit their abs every time they hit the gym. That's why so few of them have six-packs." Instead, focus on your abs only three days a week and allow the muscles to rest, recover, and then grow and get definition.

But exercise alone won't get you the cut and muscle definition that this Twilight Saga: New Moon teen wolf has, he also had to up his intake of protein and although Lautner is a bit vague as to what his actual diet entailed was, saying only, "I worked out a lot and ate a lot," you can bet he was constantly fueling his body to keep is metabolism charged and running. Weight lifters generally eat every two to three hours, with three meals and three snacks and protein shakes. Staples like eggs, low fat cottage cheese, and lean meats are usually heavily relied upon to provide that boost of muscle growing protein they need.

Whatever the process, the results seem to speak for themselves, as Taylor and his Twilight physic has earned him multiple sexiest body and abs awards from varying publications including a listing among People's 100 Sexiest Men. And cementing his status as a teenage heart throb Taylor finds it hard to escape his yelling and eager fans, yet by retaining his refreshingly humble charm, he could only be adding fuel to the fire.


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'400 Calorie Fix' - New diet book causes a stir on today's Rachael Ray Show

Making headlines across the Nation, Rachael Ray fans and viewers are eagerly anticipating today's show. This Thursday, November 19th, taking center stage, or center kitchen rather, on Rachel Ray will be the woman who reportedly lost six pounds in only two days following the diet plan written in, '400 Calorie Fix'. This new diet book entitled of course, the '400 Calorie Fix' was put together by the same authors behind the Flat Belly Diet.

While it has not hit bookstores or the online market yet, '400 Calorie Fix' has already created quite a stir. On today's show Rachael Ray will talk to this newly slim woman as to what her days looked like and what she did to drop all that weight. In what has already been revealed, the diet plan is nothing more than simply portion control and keeping your eating habits in check. While this is nothing revolutionary in nature, it puts a different spin on it in implementing four 400 calorie meals spaced through the day. This is good at training you to establish portion control, and by continuing to keep your body fueled your metabolism will be most effective at burning those calories.

The '400 Calorie Fix' touts that you can still eat all of your favorite foods, just so long as you keep each meal at 400 calories or less. It is appealing in that no foods are off limits, and I do give it credit for debunking the whole 'good food, bad food' stigmas, but as for the six pounds in two days I am still skeptic. It takes a negative amount of 3,500 calories to lose a single pound, and if this lady dropped that much so fast a good portion or it is inevitably water weight. Yet the message is still true: eat what you want in moderate amounts and practice portion control.

I've written before how you can incorporate any kind of food into your diet and still both lose weight and live healthy. You need to just be conscious of what you're putting into your mouth and in what portion size. If it takes reading the '400 Calorie Fix' to bring that message home to people so be it; if you get eating healthier and living a better life for it, that's great. But don't expect to lose six pounds in two days as it's unrealistic and unhealthy, and obsessing over any kind of diet could put you at risk for an eating disorder.

I've said it time and time again, eat sensibly and over time the weight loss will follow. Add exercise into the mix and you've got the recipe for success, with or without Rachael Ray's cooking!


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Avoid that holiday weight gain by sticking to your workouts!

As we are all no doubt eagerly anticipating our Thanksgiving Day festivities and subsequent feasting, it may not come as a surprise that during the holiday season from November and through the New Year, the average person packs on anywhere between five and ten pounds! EEK!! While the pumpkin pie, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and sugar cookies galore certainly taste good going down, they don't necessarily hold their appeal when their lasting memories are left on our hips, thighs, and stomachs. But luckily for you, you are a fan of working out and living a fitness inspired lifestyle, right! hehe.

Exercise is not only a great way to help combat a few extra calories, but an active body is crucial for optimum health. Sticking to your fitness routine and getting in those workouts despite a crazy or hectic holiday schedule will pay off dividends in keeping your waistline in check and those clothes still fitting. The wonderful thing about this time of the year, is that there are also many races and fitness inspired events to take part in (think of the annual turkey trot) that can help keep you motivated when you may be tempted to pack it in for the day or skip the gym.

You can further take the extra time off that you may have from work and the kids from school in getting everyone working out together. Head out for a family run, a weight session all in tow, or take a new class that you may have been wanting to try. Bonding through exercise is a great way to not only build relationships but implement a more healthy lifestyle too. And if you aren't living close to family per se, you can still get your fitness fix in good company by calling up a friend or inviting a coworker. Take the opportunity to meet new people, and even build new friendships.

When you are ringing in the New Year both fit and in shape you can still indulge in your Thanksgiving Day dinner and other holiday food favorites and still be able to slip into the same jean size as you count down to 2010! Talk about having your cake and eating it too...you'll just have run off those extra calories!


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Moves to get you ready for the Thanksgiving Day football game

Almost as much of a tradition on Thanksgiving as the bird is, so too the 'friendly' game of football before the dinner feast! While it may be a matter of fun and games for some families, I know that for more than a few of us, to the victor goes not only the spoils but bragging rights that may extend for years to come. Whether you plan on scoring a memorable touchdown, leading your team to victory, or simply rubbing an upset win in the faces of your relatives, there are a level of stakes that come into play whenever we gather to huddle up and then hike. So when you are getting ready to score those touchdowns and be on the winning side this Thanksgiving Day Bowl, here are a few moves and drills to get your feet quicker, your body in better shape, and ready to avoid being tackled on the field!

Even better, these drills will not only help you in a friendly family game, but can improve your skills during the actual season. These moves are also great for athletes in other sports that rely on quickness and agility. For each drill, make sure you are fully warmed up and loose. Do each drill twice to a length of 20 meters. The aim is to gain power, agility, and get your fast twitch muscle fibers ready to move!

* Butt kickers: Working to alternate your left and right lower legs to reach behind you and smack your butt, you want to do your best to keep your thighs under you and pointed toward the ground. Your knees will act as the hinge as you bring your calf up to your hamstring. Try to move your feet as quickly as possible to reduce the time they are on the ground.

* Karaoke: Standing sideways, you will then cross your left foot over your right, then cross it behind you. Keep your arms extended out at your sides for balance and pivot at your waist. Your torso should remain forward and only your pelvis should work to move. Do a run leading with both your right and left side.

* Skip for height: Lift off powerfully with your left leg leading and fully extend your right leg as it trails. Aim to get as far off the ground as possible, and explosively as you can. When you land, spring back up leading this time with your right leg and alternate from there.

* Bounding: Push off with your right leg, and let your left leg will extend ahead of you as far as you can. Try to cover as much distance as you can and when you land forcefully push off with your left leg and let your right leg lead.

* High knees: Keeping your torso straight up, you will bring your left knee up as high as you can, and then switch to bring your right knee as high as you can. Keep your back straight, and try to get your feet up and off the ground as fast as possible.

* Piston feet: You will stand in one spot, and work to quickly pop your feet off the ground as fast as you can. Keep your feet low to the ground as the emphasis is on a rapid motion and speed. Do this for a total of 15 seconds and then rest before a second set.

* Sprints: End this routine with three all out sprints that are about 50 meters in distance. Recover fully between each one.

Be sure to cool down whenever you finish your workout. With a little preparation you can be the star of the Thanksgiving day game!


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