Supernatural Botanicals

I’m always eager to learn about other people’s workout routines.  I try to gain bits and pieces from different workouts to fit into my own plan.  In this case, the entire plan is laid out for you.  Marie Claire magazine has the low down on Miss Jessica Alba’s routine.  Broken down step by step, you can do the exact workout that Jess pays $200.00 a session for. 

Go ahead and slash that gym membership from your monthly expenses. Celebrity trainer Ramona Braganza shares the simple, 40-minute at-home workout that got Alba and Halle Berry into fab post-baby shape. Follow her fat-burning program four times a week:

10-MINUTE CARDIO: Jog for two minutes; run hard for six; jog again for two.

STRENGTH TRAINING 1: Three rounds of 20 reps using 3-pound dumbbells.

• Forward lunge with biceps curl: Curl weights up as you step forward; release arms down and back as you return to starting position. Alternate legs.
• Reverse flys: Step forward with one leg, bend forward at the waist, and let arms hang. Raise arms, slightly rounded, to sides until they are in line with shoulders. Switch legs every 10 reps.
• Lateral raise: Stand with arms by your sides; lift arms out to the side until they’re in line with shoulders.

5-MINUTE CARDIO: Alternate between 30 seconds of jogging and 30 seconds of sprinting.

STRENGTH TRAINING 2: Three rounds of 20 reps using 3-pound dumbbells.

• Squat with shoulder press: As you come out of the squat position, press arms up over your head (palms forward).
• Chest press: Lie back on a bench (or stacked pillows), arms extended above your chest, palms forward with dumbbells touching. Lower arms until weights are in line with chest, then press back up.
• Triceps dips: Slide off the seat of a chair, keeping your arms on the edge behind you, and lower yourself down until your arms are at a 90-degree angle.

5-MINUTE CARDIO: Jog for 30 seconds; run hard for four minutes; jog again for 30 seconds.

CORE WORKOUT: One round of 20 reps.

• Reverse crunches: Lie on your back with knees pulled to chest and hands under butt; straighten legs toward ceiling, contract abs, and lift hips.
• Bicycle crunches: Lie on back with arms behind head and legs raised and bent to 90 degrees. Bring right elbow to left knee, left elbow to right knee.
• Plank: Hold for 20 to 30 seconds.

BOTTOM LINE: $15 (for two 3-pound dumbbells).