Page 96 - Demo

96 || FITNESS MAGAZINE || NOVEMBER 2ND EDITION 2015 MFM: Describe a typical day for you. What type of exercises do you include in your daily routine to stay in shape?CV: I like to start my day with my workout. This helps me feel more energized throughout my day. Plus, it give me a sense of accomplishment before the long list of tasks begin! My late mornings/ early afternoons consist of working on my online training programs and my evenings are usually spent at the gym training my clients.I am a firm believer in weight training. Ultimately, this is what keeps me in shape (along with proper nutrition). I plan my week with a split schedule to target each of my muscle groups. Majority of my exercises consist of super-sets. I don%u2019t like to rest too long between sets. This gives me a better pump and I feel that I can really exhaust my muscles this way. I usually couple this with the stair master or any high intensity movements like plyometric or intervals (HIIT). Doing so challenges my body and keeps it guessing, otherwise I hit a plateau. I like to track my distance and time completed, this way I know what record time I need to beat.MFM: What are your top 3 favorite exercises and why?CV: This is tough. If I had to pick, I would stick with compound movements. These create the greatest change in body composition, because more muscle groups are recruited and used per exercise. These three favorite exercises target every major muscle group.1) Barbell (back) squats %u2013 This works all the major muscles including your glutes, quads, and calves. It also helps strengthen your core and back, since these muscles require to stabilize the bar.2) Barbell walking lunges %u2013 This is a high intensity exercise that also works all your lower-body muscles, abs, and back. It is a great addition to a leg workout as they help increase stability and balance. Lunges are a staple for both of my weekly leg days. Your stance in this exercise will determine what muscles are used. The longer the step, the more the hamstrings and glutes will be used, and the shorter the step, the more quads will be used.3) Barbell bench press %u2013 This works all the major muscles in your chest including your shoulders and arms. This was my secret to increasing my rounded shoulder caps!MFM: Do you have a supporting team that helps you stay focused? If yes, who are they?CV: Yes, I do. When I first began my journey it was a rough road. I very quickly learned who my true friends were. Many people envy you for your success and do not understand the fit journey. I had to surround myself with people who supported me and had some of the same goals. My Husband is my greatest supporter. He has supported me through all my struggles- from the time when I was battling my eating disorder to my fit and healthy transformation. My family is another big supporter. They have continued to show me love and support in ways I cannot thank God enough! I am also grateful for the support I receive from those that I have inspired along my journey, they are some of my biggest motivators!MFM: Where can we find you in social media and do you update your pages with free tips?CV: You can find me posting a ton of recipes and meal ideas on my Instagram @claudiavfitI also I post my recipes on my FB Fan page as well at Claudia V Fit.