That's Fit

Curious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy.

While spending time backstage with the mega stars of teeny tot entertainment, I had the chance to figure out how these amazing men from Australia have kept themselves in such great shape. Dancing, jumping, and flying across stages (sometimes twice a day) hundreds of times a year and well into their forties does not come easily. Murray Cook is the red Wiggle who loves to play guitar. Fortunately for him, he also loves to stretch. He took me through the series of back stretches he completes on a daily basis, and in my expert opinion ... his routine is awesome! Back injuries both minor and major seem to bother all of us at least once in our lives. Many of those injuries could be prevented with a simple and consistent stretching routine like the one Murray demonstrates here.

A few months ago, I wrote a post describing the workout completed by the cast of the epic action film "300." Based on the information I obtained (sourced from a myriad of reputable publications, including Men's Health magazine), I explained the exercise regimen supposedly followed by the actors. But, it turns out that information was somewhat inaccurate.

Since then, and after investigating further, I've discovered that the so-called "300 Workout" was actually designed to be a challenge to the actors, a test of their willpower and strength once they reached the apogee of physical fintess. Their workouts consisted of hours upon hours of greuling training at the Gym Jones training facility in Utah, incorporating a wide variety of functional training movements (you can watch videos of many of the workouts on the gymjones.com website). With regard to the aformentioned "300 Challenge," this was attempted only by some of the actors and successfully completed by even less. However, in order to even be deemed worthy of taking the 300 Workout test, the actors had to first complete the two other tests that led up it

The first test was referred to as The Barbarian Horde Workout. It was a circuit routine that was completed two times, resting one minute between exercises. It consisted of the same exercises as the "300 Challenge," but was much less intense in terms of number of reps and rest time. If this test was passed, the actor was then permitted to move onto the next test, which was known as The Greek Hoplite Workout. This workout/test again consisted of the same exercises, but unlike the first test, rest time was reduced to thirty seconds between exercises (the circuit was still completed twice). If this test was passed, then and only then could the actor attempt to pass the "300 Challenge."

For a video demonstration of the exercises used in all three test levels, click here.

Hooray! Once again, I get to go visit my favorite children's healthy heroes The Wiggles. I spent some time with the awesome foursome from Australia this summer and really enjoyed our visit. I originally chose to feature The Wiggles because of their dedication to teaching healthy habits to kids and parents alike. It's amazing how many mommies think to offer Cheetos as a snack over fruit salad. If those mommies only new how "yummy, yummy" that sweet concoction really is.

Anyway! Tomorrow I go to their concert yet again, but this time I'm taking my two little beans with me. Ginger and Parker are giddy with excitement. Ginger is actually worried she may be "too shy" when she greets them backstage. I told her to treat them like she does Jasmine and Aladdin at Disneyworld. This seemed to make perfect sense to her and calmed her little nerves.

Nonetheless. For those of you who enjoyed the spectacular pull-up video featuring Anthony Field available on the front page of Fitzness.com, you can look forward to more of the same after tomorrow. Hopefully Anthony and Paddy (Captain Feathersword) are prepared to work out with me before both of their incredibly physical evening performances. Aren't I sweet to torture them like that?

There's two actually! Both Anthony Field, the blue Wiggle and Paul Paddick (Paddie), who plays Captain Feathersword would be really tough contenders. How do I know this? I trained with them. Big deal you say!? Well, the big deal is that I know the difference between guys who exercise and guys who could pummel you. I'm not only a fitness expert, but I've been competitively kickboxing and working with the ISKA since 1995. I've sat ringside and wrapped big belts around men who have earned the title of World Champion. Anthony and Paddie are tough!

Paddie not only looks the part, barrel chested with bulging biceps, but he's got the moves and the stamina to torture anyone who deserved it. Anthony, a former soldier in the Australian Army, is tall and lean, yet quite muscular. I personally watched the man do about 50 pull-ups with his legs straight out at a ninety degree angle in front of him. Highly advanced. His reach would be spectacular and the amount of force via rotation he could deliver to your poor face by the power in those abs alone would lead to utter destruction.

Laugh at The Wiggles doing silly dances all you want as your kids rock out with them each morning. Just make sure you don't do it if you should cross them in person! Since they are such kind and gentle souls, I would guess they'd let you off the hook...but I still wouldn't advise taking the chance!

Curious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy.

Paul Paddick, or as his friends call him, Paddie is one of the coolest guys I've met in a long time. I recently spent the weekend on tour with The Wiggles in Chicago, IL and discovered a ton of things about the guys who seem to actually live in my house with my family and I. Paddie's character, Captain Feathersword, "the friendly pirate" is the silliest and most athletic guy on morning television. He's a dare-devil who seems to stop at nothing to make both the tiniest of tots and their parents giggle. He's also a trained opera singer! What a wide variety of skills. Aye?

Never seeing Paddie outside his costume, I was blown away as he walked in my interview room to workout with me. He's totally built. Broad chest, big arms, strong back. Nice! The kind of man women would drool over at the gym and men would strive to be like. Not only in fantastic shape, Paddie is thoughtful, down to earth, smart, and the kind of guy everyone would want to hang with at the game for some tailgating. In fact, he reminded me very much of the police officers at my husbands department. One cool guy.

Written August. 17th. 3:00 PM

I'm writing this from a plane on my way to Chicago, IL to interview and train with The Wiggles. If you've not kept up with the progress of this whole adventure, I'll fill you in. A while back I contacted the Wiggles American Public Relations Rep, Ryan to set up some interviews with the fantastic foursome from Australia. I have two small children, ages four and two who love the Wiggles. (My profession is fitness, by the way). Over the years, while partying in the living room to the Wiggles and seeing what other children's programs had to offer.......the Wiggles have become more and more impressive to me.

We watch Dora, Little Bear, JoJo's Circus and more. The TV is on no more than 30 minutes a day, but my children do see a variety of shows. Along the way, my frustration has grown with almost all of the other kiddie shows except the Wiggles. I'm a fitness expert, so I have extremely high standards for what my children put in their mouth. It's become a tad annoying that Dora finds it a thrill to sing about cupcakes, cookies and candy all the time. JoJo can't get enough of cotton candy. Now of course, I think the shows are very cute and offer lots of cute life lessons......Fitness Mom wishes they wouldn't harp on junk food so much.

While making clear decisions about what my babies should see, I've realized that the Wiggles are all good. They constantly take the high road, and do everything they can to promote exercise and healthy eating habits. It's easy to sing about chocolate. But, the Wiggles actually sing about zucchini, vegetable soup, fruit, pasta, and drinking water. Surprising the word zucchini would have it's place in a great song? Apparently it does. They also pair these groovy tunes to energetic dance routines that children can do as well. So, while Dora isn't a bad kid, I've just become more appreciative of the reinforcement the Wiggles provide.

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Dear Fitz. I'm trying so hard to shrink my tummy and I do tons of crunches. My friend says I'm doing no good. What's the truth? Katie

A. Very good questions Katie. It reminds me of a funny story my husband, who's in law enforcement just told me. The Chief of his department is a cool guy who also has been a certified fitness trainer. Very knowledgeable on two cool topics I think. My hubby's' Captain is also a really neat guy who I consider to be in pretty good shape. Looks good to me, you know? So anyway, one day in the department gym the Captain is on the floor doing crunches and the Chief comes along and tells him to stop wasting his time, because he's just "pushing the fat out". Makes me laugh every time I think about it. Poor Captain.

Here's the truth. If you're trying to shrink your tummy, crunches aren't the way to go. Crunches will absolutely strengthen and harden your abdominal muscles, but they will not shrink your tummy the way you'd like. Strong abs are great, but if you have a layer of fat over them.....you'll still look like a girl with a big belly.

What to do? Lose weight. Burn more calories than you consume. Eat foods that are low in calories and high in nutrition. Burn many extra calories with great workouts. When the fat disappears, we'll all be able to "Ooh and Ahh" over the sturdy abs you've been earning. Fitz.

Q. Hey Fitz. My butt is super saggy and it drives me nuts. My profile from the waste-down is flat wihich is not hot. Can you guide me on what to do? Erika.