The Handbook

Get Fit Fast

Gregg Miele knows a thing or two about getting in shape and doing it on a deadline. He's the man such boldface names as Reggie Bush, Nick Jonas and Gisele Büendchen call when they've got a big game, epic photo shoot or blockbuster action sequence coming up. So we tracked him down to get his professional tips on how to tone up quickly. But be warned: his philosophy centers around full body strength, not vanity muscles. We asked him what he'd prescribe to a client who only had two weeks to tone up. His plan? Clean eating and two daily workouts. "The intensity of the work will be challenging," he says. "But not impossible." Stick with it and you're guaranteed to burn fat and get into peak condition. Then you can ease up a bit and incorporate this simple set of exercises into your normal workout routine.

1st Workout of the Day

Metabolic Strength
Circuit Training

This group of exercises mixes the fat-burning benefits of cardio with the muscle-building properties of a resistance training. Instead of counting reps, Miele prefers a time-based workout. Do as many reps of each move in perfect form as you can for 30 to 45 seconds, then go on to the next move. Once you've completed all five, rest for 60 seconds—that's one circuit. Repeat the full circuit as many times as you can for 45 minutes.

1. Squats

With your feet shoulder-width apart, raise arms above your head and sit back, lowering your body as far as you can while keeping your back straight. Pause, then slowly stand back up by extending the legs and squeezing your glutes.

 

2. Push Ups

Lower your body towards the ground until your upper arms are parallel to the floor, keeping your elbows tucked in close to your body. Pause, then push yourself back up to the starting position.

 

3. Bulgarian Lunges

Place the top of one foot on a weight (or park) bench and shift your weight slightly forward so your front leg does all the work. Keep your front foot flat on the ground and lower your body as far as you can. Push yourself back up to the starting position with all of the force being generated through your front leg. Switch legs.

 

4. Pull Down

Grab the bar with an overhand grip and without moving your torso, pull the bar down to your chest by squeezing your shoulders back and down. Pause, then slowly return to the starting position.

 

5. Mountain Climbers

Start in a pushup position. Engage your abs, keep your back straight and lift your right foot off the floor, bringing your knee close to your chest, touching the floor with your toes. Repeat with your left leg. Alternate back and forth as quickly as you can.

2nd Workout of the Day

Solid Cardio

Choose from indoor or outdoor activities that will keep consistently keep your heart rate up for 45 to 60 minutes. Choose from swimming, hikes, jogging, running stairs etc.

Recovery

Saunas, ice baths, massages and hot yoga as well as plenty of sleep make for great ways to rest and repair muscles. This will ensure your body is ready for the next session.

Diet Tip

Nutrition is going to be a high priority during this time, so Miele suggests a healthy food delivery service to ensure you're eating clean, with the correct amount of calories and getting enough nutrients to sustain you for training.

FYI

By alternating between upper and lower body moves during the metabolic strength circuit training, you allow one group of muscles to relax while you work the other one.