We watch them show off their beautiful figures and fine physiques on the red carpet each year, and maintain their fit and healthy bodies season after season. What does the average celebrity know about fitness and workouts to keep themselves in such great shape? For most men and women who want to get in shape, the prospect of a personal trainer or in-house nutritionist just isn't realistic; celebrity fitness trainers and health food chefs may be in high demand in Hollywood, but few people around the rest of the country have the chance to live such a privileged lifestyle.
Fortunately, many celebrities share their tips and secrets for getting -- and staying in shape -- and even offer some insights of their usual fitness routine. Here are some of the most popular trends and routines that help the world's famous stars maintain their fabulous figures:
Celebrity Fitness Tip #1: Stick with the high-protein meal
Jennifer Aniston and other celebs have raved about the Zone Diet and other high-protein, low-carb diet plans for years. You might be able to ward off the pounds and stay in tip-top shape with a similar diet plan; focus on cutting out excess carbs from food made with white flour and white sugar and replace these meals with whole grains and high-protein foods instead.
Celebrity Fitness Tip #2: Try the vegan or vegetarian lifestyleCelebrities including Alicia Silverstone and Anne Hathaway have committed themselves to a meat-free lifestyle, eliminating all meat and animal products from their daily menu. Vegan and vegetarian menus are typically low in calories and fat and may just help you lose a few extra pounds.
Celebrity Fitness Tip #3: Stick with high-intensity cardio routines
Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and other celebrity fitness gurus who have become famous for their ability to get in shape fast swear by intensive cardio workouts that rev up the metabolism and get the heart pumping. Complete the workout in a heated room for even more calorie-burning and detoxification benefits.
Celebrity Fitness Tip #4: Mixing cardio with weight training
Doing too much cardio can make it easy for your body to adapt, so the key to weight loss lies in alternating days of intensive weight training with cardio. Celebrities including Matt Damon, Usher and Gwen Stefani keep their fabulous figures by mixing up cardio and weight training for the ultimate resistance workout that burns mega calories in the process.
Celebrity Fitness Tip #5: Give the metabolism a boost with small meals
Eating small, well-balanced meals isn't just the mantra of nutritionists and diet experts. Many celebs that work long hours keep up with some healthy eating habits to keep the metabolism running in high gear. Eating small meals throughout the day is the diet regimen of celebs including Courteney Cox-Arquette and Jessica Alba; space out small meals and snacks into 4-5 intervals throughout the day to maximize your calorie burn.
From mixing up your workout routine to following a high-protein diet, celebs know what it takes to get in shape -- and stay there. Pick up any of these celebrity-inspired workout and diet habits to get your own body into great shape!