The Beverly Center
James Ellis isn't your typical mall Santa. He's this year's
Hunky Santa at L.A.'s Beverly Center, and each Friday, Saturday and Sunday through
Christmas, he's the main attraction in the mall's Hunky Santa show, where he's surrounded by sexy Candy Cane Girls who do all kinds of acrobatic tricks around and suspended above him.
Now, one doesn't become hunky enough to be the official Hunky Santa by doing a few sit-ups on his break. Ellis, who's also a fitness model (go figure),
has a seven day a week workout plan, which he shared with TODAY.
In addition to athletic pursuits like
rock climbing,
running,
surfing and
skiing, Ellis told TODAY, "My typical week is: Mondays I do chest; Tuesdays I do back; Wednesdays, legs and forearms; Thursdays, shoulders and traps; Fridays, bi's and tri's; and then Saturdays legs and forearms again; then back to chest again on Sunday. I just continue to go through that cycle." He's also meticulous about what he eats, loading up on carbs for breakfast and focusing on
lean protein the rest of the time.
You might think Ellis is doing this for the female adoration, or to bulk up his resume, but he has a more enlightened goal: "Being Hunky Santa is, to me, an opportunity to be that
fitness role model. Clearly traditional Santa -- no one's asking him for tips on how to stay in shape. Hunky Santa is the guy you want to look like."
He's also the guy you want to be like -- last weekend, when
one of the aerialists fell three stories (without a net) during the show, Hunky Santa was the first person at her side. The performer suffered injuries to her wrist and pelvis, but is recovering well -- something Ellis knows firsthand, since he's taken the time to visit his co-worker in the hospital.
This is the Hunky Santa show's ninth year, and, in fact, Ellis is buddies with the guys who had his Hunky Santa role in the two previous years. Wondering how you can get a little friendlier with this hunk? He told TODAY that people should friend him on Facebook. "I get the same exact questions all the time, so I tell people, 'Facebook me. My name is James Ellis, and I can answer your questions there.'"
Are you playing Santa to your family and friends? Check out our holiday gift guide below for some great ideas for fitness-related gifts.
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=777610&pid=777609&uts=1259961264
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
That's Fit Holiday Gift Guide
Give the gift of fitness to everyone from little tykes to gym buffs to those who vow this is the year to finally get healthy. From pricey items to stocking stuffers, don't miss what's new in fitness for 2010, along with timeless must-haves to keep everyone you love looking and feeling healthy all year.
Mr. Wabu, Flickr
Getty Images North America
Give the gift of fitness to everyone from little tykes to gym buffs to those who vow this is the year to finally get healthy. From pricey items to stocking stuffers, don't miss what's new in fitness for 2010, along with timeless must-haves to keep everyone you love looking and feeling healthy all year.
Mr. Wabu, Flickr
No standing in line at "The Biggest Loser" casting call -- trainers Bob and Jillian can guide your fitness-laced weight loss through Wii sensors in this . That's Fit's Katherine Tweed with former Biggest Loser contestants. The Verdict: A definite Wii Fit sweat.
Cost:$36.99
Game Spot
Regularly bike to work and the five-pound holiday gain is history. Considering how much your car costs, buying a top-line commuter bike is a no-brainer. the one of the best commuter bikes.
Cost: Single speed: $375, three-speed is $450
Kona World
Put those 15 sets of weights in one place. range from 5 to 52.5 lbs. Simple design, but you will pay.
Cost: $399
Polar USA
You avoid the dusty freebie yoga mat at the gym by bringing your own, but when is the last time you cleaned it? make a perfect stocking stuffer.
Cost: $5-$10
Manduka
Keeping your child fit is more than turning off the TV. Are they every day? Consider a to pack right-sized portions from a mix of food groups. Product line boasts no phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA) or lead. Green design replaces needless throw-away baggies and plastic wrap. Get the , it's worth it.
Cost: Bento box is $24.99, carrying case is $17.99.
Laptop Lunches
Breaking personal running records is serious business, but you score automatic bragging rights when wearing the . That's Fit recently tested a pair running intervals on a treadmill, followed by the ultimate test -- a high ropes excursion. These boots are amazingly light, comfortable, yet durable enough to withstand balancing 30 feet up in the trees along taut steel wire on a rainy night. No slips, no wire digging into my feet, no sore feet after intervals. Extra ankle support makes this a great trail runner.
Cost: $125
Inov-8
At the movies or at home, popcorn made with oil is not so diet hot. Indulge in a guiltless, crunchy option with a .
Cost: $24.29
Amazon
A lightweight, portable full body kit for home or office. "The Biggest Loser" contestants love the -- one of the . Stretch, lift and challenge your core at home or toss in your fitness bag to spice it up at the gym.
Cost: $169.95
Fitness Anywhere
Freezing hands and toes will drive most anyone off the ski slopes, wasting precious lift ticket time. Pick up a before your winter fitness vacation.
Cost: $34.99
Warmers.com
Wondering how you can turn yourself into a sexy Santa's helper this holiday season? Check out these tips for holiday eating!
Andrea Metcalf: 5 Things You Should Do Every Morning
How Exercise Can Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer's Death
