My 12,000-step secret: How Ariana Grande’s workout changed my body in 30 days

Ever wondered how pop sensation Ariana Grande maintains her enviable physique while juggling a demanding career? Let’s dive into the secrets of Ariana’s workout routine and discover how she stays fit, energized, and ready to conquer the stage. From bodyweight exercises to plant-based nutrition, we’ll uncover the strategies that keep this chart-topping artist in peak condition.

The Foundation: Ariana’s Bodyweight Workout

At the core of Ariana Grande’s fitness regimen is a bodyweight routine that she performs three days a week. This no-frills approach proves that you don’t need fancy equipment to achieve stellar results. Her workout begins with a 20-30 minute cardio session, which might include time on the treadmill, elliptical, or bike. This cardiovascular warm-up not only preps her body for the exercises to come but also contributes to her overall endurance – a must for those high-energy performances.

Following the cardio, Ariana dives into a series of bodyweight exercises designed to target multiple muscle groups:

  • Walking Lunges: 60 reps
  • Second Pike Plank: 60 seconds
  • Reverse Lunges: 60 reps
  • Glute Bridges: 60 reps
  • Skater Lunges: 60 reps
  • Plank Hold: 60 seconds

This routine is a perfect blend of strength, stability, and endurance work. As Ariana’s trainer, Harley Pasternak, explains, “We focus on longevity, and we don’t do any fancy stuff or heavy weights. We make sure the basics are done right – planks, lunges, squats – but they’re all bodyweight.”

Dancing Through Life: Ariana’s Daily Activity

Beyond her structured workouts, Ariana Grande embraces an active lifestyle that keeps her moving throughout the week. Her daily activities often include:

  • Hiking in the beautiful outdoors
  • 30-60 minutes of varied cardio
  • Active sports for over an hour
  • Dance classes and performances

This diverse range of activities not only contributes to her physical fitness but also keeps her routine fresh and exciting. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a sports medicine specialist, notes, “Incorporating varied activities like Ariana does is crucial for overall fitness. It challenges different muscle groups, improves coordination, and prevents workout burnout.”

Step by Step: Ariana’s Walking Goal

One of the most accessible aspects of Ariana’s fitness routine is her commitment to walking. She aims for an impressive 12,000 to 14,000 steps per day. This goal aligns perfectly with health recommendations and contributes significantly to her overall calorie burn and cardiovascular health.

Walking is a low-impact exercise that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine. Whether it’s taking a stroll during lunch breaks or opting for stairs instead of elevators, these small changes can add up to big health benefits. As Ariana herself has said, “Getting my steps in is like a daily mini-adventure. It’s my time to clear my head and energize my body.”

Fueling the Fire: Ariana’s Plant-Based Diet

Ariana Grande’s commitment to health extends beyond exercise to embrace a plant-based, vegan diet. This nutritional approach fuels her workouts and supports her overall well-being. A typical day in Ariana’s diet might look like this:

  • Breakfast: Smoothie or juice, nuts, and one cup of coffee
  • Lunch: Sushi (vegan options) or adzuki beans
  • Dinner: A healthy salad with seeds or nuts, accompanied by coconut water

Nutritionist Dr. Emily Rodriguez explains, “A well-planned vegan diet can provide all the nutrients needed for optimal performance. Ariana’s focus on whole plant foods ensures she’s getting a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support her active lifestyle.”

Supplementing Success: Ariana’s Nutritional Boosters

To complement her diet and support her fitness goals, Ariana incorporates select supplements into her routine. These include:

  • Cayenne: Known for its metabolism-boosting properties
  • Protein powder: To support muscle recovery and growth
  • Dandelion tea: Often used for its potential detoxifying effects

While supplements can be beneficial, it’s important to remember that they should complement, not replace, a balanced diet. Always consult with a healthcare professional before adding supplements to your regimen.

The Harley Pasternak Method: Balance and Moderation

Ariana’s trainer, Harley Pasternak, is a firm believer in sustainable fitness. His approach focuses on balance and moderation, avoiding extreme practices that can lead to burnout or injury. Pasternak emphasizes, “We’re not about killing ourselves in the gym. It’s about consistency and making fitness a part of your lifestyle.”

This philosophy is evident in the workout routines he designs for Ariana, which include exercises like the “Fantastic Five” for lower body:

  • Curtsy Lunges
  • Deadlifts
  • Adductor Planks
  • Active Clamshells
  • Combination of Glute Bridges and Lying Tricep Extensions

These exercises target multiple muscle groups simultaneously, maximizing efficiency and promoting functional strength. For those looking to transform their fitness routine, consider incorporating some of these moves into your workouts. You can learn more about effective techniques to transform your body in 30 days.

Stress Relief and Mental Well-being

For Ariana Grande, working out is more than just physical; it’s a crucial component of her mental health strategy. She describes her workout time as her “happy place” and a great stress-buster. This aligns with research showing the positive impact of exercise on mental health and stress reduction.

Dr. Michael Chen, a psychiatrist specializing in stress management, notes, “Regular exercise, like Ariana’s routine, can significantly reduce stress hormones like cortisol while boosting mood-enhancing endorphins. It’s a natural and effective way to manage the pressures of a demanding career.”

Hydration and Energy Boosters

Staying hydrated is a key part of Ariana’s health regimen. She’s often seen sipping on coconut water, especially during her hikes. This natural beverage is rich in electrolytes, making it an excellent choice for rehydration during and after workouts.

For an extra energy boost, Ariana turns to nature’s candy – strawberries and blueberries. These fruits are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and other nutrients beneficial for heart health. Incorporating these simple, wholesome foods into your diet can provide natural energy and support overall wellness. If you’re looking for other superfoods to boost your health, consider exploring the benefits of chia seeds.

Lessons from Ariana’s Journey

Ariana Grande’s fitness journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. She’s been open about past struggles with weight and body image, which ultimately led her to embrace a healthier, more balanced approach to fitness and nutrition. This experience taught her the importance of sustainable habits and the value of nourishing her body rather than depriving it.

Her journey serves as an inspiration, showing that achieving and maintaining fitness is a process that involves both physical and mental aspects. It’s about finding what works for you and creating habits that you can stick with long-term. For those looking to improve their overall wellness, consider exploring simple habits to transform your gut health, which can have far-reaching effects on your overall well-being.

Bringing Ariana’s Routine into Your Life

While we may not all have access to celebrity trainers or personal chefs, there are several aspects of Ariana Grande’s fitness routine that we can incorporate into our own lives:

  • Prioritize daily movement, whether it’s structured workouts or just increasing your step count
  • Focus on bodyweight exercises that can be done anywhere, anytime
  • Embrace a varied diet rich in plant-based foods
  • Use exercise as a tool for stress relief and mental well-being

Remember, the key is consistency and finding joy in the process. As Ariana’s approach shows, fitness isn’t about extreme measures; it’s about creating a sustainable, balanced lifestyle that supports your overall health and happiness.

How can you start incorporating elements of Ariana Grande’s fitness philosophy into your daily routine? Whether it’s adding a few extra steps to your day or trying out some new plant-based recipes, small changes can lead to significant improvements in your health and well-being. Remember, your journey to better health is unique to you – embrace it, enjoy it, and let it transform you, one step at a time.