Ready to strike a pose—and get totally fit in the process? Craig Smith, Madonna’s trainer and the creative director of her Hard Candy Fitness clubs, is all about incorporating killer dance moves into workouts, so that you can tone up while having fun.
He took a break from leading Madonna through concert rehearsals and her own dance cardio routines to give us the scoop on her workout and diet secrets. Here’s what it takes to look like this at almost 60 years old: OK, we have to know:
What’s Madonna’s workout routine?
Madonna does five to six workouts weekly that vary on a daily basis and focus on a variety of methods and training modalities. Her workouts include dance, resistance training, interval training, yoga, barre workouts, Pilates, aerobics, athletic conditioning, and circuit training.
CRAIG SMITH
He personally leads Madonna’s dance cardio workouts, which involve hour-long sessions of aerobic, high-energy dance. (Here’s a peek at some behind-the-scenes action.)
Why is dance cardio so popular?
Dance is a great exercise modality because it is a well-balanced method that includes all of the essentials of fitness: cardio, strength, endurance, stability, balance, flexibility, and mobility.
How many workouts does it take for the average person to see results?
“Cardio dance classes can be done one to two times a week for moderate results, and three to four times a week for maximum results.”
What should you eat before and after a dance workout, so that you have energy but don’t feel sick?
“A great food option to eat before dance cardio would be an organic complex carbohydrate source and protein source, like a bowl of dry kamut cereal w/ almond milk, chopped almonds, and light organic raw agave nectar to top it off.
This meal would help sustain one’s energy during a rigorous workout like dance cardio. Post-workout snacks or drink options like organic raw watermelon slices or juice would be an amazing source to rehydrate the body and to replenish important electrolytes lost during exercise.”
What’s Madonna eating these days?
“Madonna’s go-to healthy meal varies. She enjoys everything from an organic cold-pressed juice to a hearty salad and full nutritious meal that includes an organic protein, carbohydrate, and fruits and veggies.”
