Halle Berry looks more like she is 21 than 51, and Instagram followers know the secret is dedication to her keto diet and exercise regimen. Her trainer Peter Lee Thomas says the star emphasizes the often-overlooked importance of women developing a strong upper body. It’s no surprise, then, that her exercises aim to help build power and strength.
Push-ups lead the way. “She really likes to do push-ups. I don’t think there’s a single push-up she can’t do,” says Thomas as he numbers Berry’s 10 favorite variations. Her list also includes pull-ups, bodyweight squats and kettlebell swings. Thomas finishes with some form of boxing or martial arts for conditioning and strengthening.
“He’s taught me boxing, self-defense, and much more. Not only am I in the best shape of my life, but I can actually defend myself and most importantly . . . my children! As a woman there is nothing more empowering,” Berry says in applauding her trainer.
Berry and her trainer share the exercises that build muscle and keep the star in fantastic shape. Here’s how to do each exercise.
Push-Up
Start in a plank position, with palms spread out evenly and your shoulders over your wrists and legs out behind you. Pull your belly button in, and keep your back straight.
As you lower and exhale, bend your elbows outward to the sides. Hold at the bottom before you raise back up to complete one rep.
Banded Assisted Pull-Up
Place a large resistance band securely around a pull-up bar. A band with more resistance will provide you with more assistance/momentum to pull yourself up.
Stand on a stable object (a bench will work), and grip the pull-up bar. With one hand, place the band around the arch of your shoe. Fully extend the banded leg.
With a neutral spine and your abs engaged, pull yourself up. The band will provide you with momentum to lift your body up. Lower back down to the starting position.
This counts as one rep.
Air Squats
Begin with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart and toes pointed slightly outward.
Keeping your weight in your heels, sit back into your deep squat as you raise your arms overhead.
Return to standing while lowering your arms to your sides. This completes one rep.
Kettlebell Squat and Swing
Stand with your feet wider than hips-width apart, toes slightly pointing out. Squat down and hold a kettlebell with both hands between your legs. Make sure your back is flat and your abs are engaged.
As you inhale, press into your feet and explode up, straightening your legs and swinging the kettlebell in front so your hands are in line with your shoulders.
Exhale, and with control, come back to the starting position, allowing the kettlebell to swing back between your legs.
This counts as one rep.
Read More: Here’s a 10-minute boxing workout for beginners.
