Julia Mancuso Shares Her Favorite Gym Moves

Julia Mancuso, alpine skier and lingerie model -- not to mention all-around athlete -- might be competing in three events in the Vancouver Olympics (Ladies' Downhill, Ladies' Super G and Ladies' Giant Slalom), but to prepare for those events, she did a lot more than just strap on her skis and hit the slopes. As a part of "Team 24 Hour Fitness," Mancuso is a pro at the gym as well, and following one of her last pre-Olympics appearances at a Colorado 24 Hour Fitness Center, she shared her top three gym moves with That's Fit.

Back Extension
"I love the back extension on a stability ball," Mancuso said. "You lie face-down, with the ball at your hipbone, then do a regular back extension, slowly lowering down to your original position." You'll engage your back, core, and even your glutes with this one. She recommends 10 reps and three sets of this move.

Wood Chop
This move really strengthens the core muscles. "Place your feet a little more than hip-width apart," she said, "and hold the medicine ball at shoulder height. Bend your knees slightly and quickly pull the medicine ball down to your left foot, and return to the starting position." You'll do 10 reps and three sets of these on each side.

Single-Leg Squat
This exercise is the secret to Mancuso's strong and shapely legs. "Stand on a stability cushion and balance on one leg," she said. "Then, do a mini-squat with the other leg reaching out behind you, coming back to your starting position." And, you guessed it -- 10 reps and three sets with each leg.

If you're having trouble visualizing these moves, don't worry -- there's a visual!

Like the rest of us, Mancuso doesn't rely on exercise alone to stay in great shape. "Diet is really important," she said, "and I spend a lot of time on the road, so I really rely on a good diet for energy. It's hard when I'm somewhere like Europe, where there's a lot of really good cheese and [her weakness] chocolate! So I focus on getting a lot of veggies, greens and lean meats and not a lot of wheat or gluten."

When she's home, it's a little easier. "I try to buy organic when I'm home, and I eat a healthy, balanced diet."

But what about when she's craving something a little, you know, less healthy? "Chocolate is just the best thing," she said, "especially a bar of dark chocolate with orange, you know?" And, oh yes, we definitely know (even if we do prefer the dark chocolate and chili version!).

Want more Olympics scoop? Find out how Olympic athletes stay fit while on the road!