Workout tips from celebrity trainers

Associated Press

Looking to get back into working out after a lengthy or perhaps a lifelong hiatus but feeling intimidated at the thought of squatting alongside hand-standing Cross Fitters?

Remember, even the little things can help motivate you, such as a cool pair of shoes, energizing playlist or cute leggings. And if you hate piloxing (that’s Pilates and kickboxing for the newbies), don’t go just because it’s the cool workout. Pick something you enjoy or you’ll end up dreading it.

Try these tips from three celebrity fitness trainers around to get you back into your groove in no time.

LACEY STONE

Lacey Stone is a tough-as-nails trainer with a heart of gold. The Los Angeles-based Flywheel instructor recently was chosen as one of the trainer’s for Khloe Kardashian’s new show “Revenge Body.” The name has personal meaning for the 35-year-old who relocated from New York a few years ago after a tough break-up to get a fresh start. And she’s part of a movement that teaches trainers to empower women in class instead of just focusing on body-conscious messages.

Be consistent: It’s about finding a way to be more consistent with your workouts. If you just workout a couple times and expect a better body, you’re going to fail. A great goal for beginners is to schedule at least three workouts per week for a month. Schedule your life around your workouts, not your workouts around your life.

Hire a trainer: If you’ve forgotten how to work out, hire a trainer for a few intro sessions to make sure you have proper form, then meet together once a month to set new goals.

BETHANY MEYERS

Celebs such as Karlie Kloss and Sofia Vergara love her Pilates, cardio, strength-training fusion classes at NYC’s popular SLT studios.

Start small: Any amount of movement is better than none at all. Twenty or 30 minutes is enough time to still get enough burn to make it count. Don’t look at your phone, and keep moving the entire time.

Have fun on rest day: Take a day off. Balance is important, so make it part of your workout planning.

Motivational question: Dread your workout? Ask yourself: Will the feeling you have after you work out outweigh the dread you have before you do it?

SULTAN MALIK

He served a 14-year prison sentence for armed robbery, crediting his workouts with getting him through several years in solitary confinement. Now, the 36-year-old is an in-demand New York trainer at a boot-camp style gym.

Set a goal: Mix up your resistance by using weights, resistance bands, cables and kettle bells. Next, devise a plan based on your goals. Looking to increase muscular endurance? Choose a lower weight where you can do three sets of 15 to 20 repetitions. For muscular growth, choose a medium weight where you can do five sets of eight to 12 reps. And if you’re looking to increase overall power, use a heavy weight that will allow one to six reps for one to three sets.

Group classes: Energy in group classes is contagious.