James Duigan is the man responsible for transforming celebrity bodies like that of Victoria’s Secret Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Elle Macpherson and Hugh Grant and is the celebrated founder of Bodyism and the Clean & Lean diet. Needless to say, when he speaks health and fitness, we listen.
Given that James is constantly moving between commitments to his gym in London, his clients in LA and his family in Australia, he needs every help he can get when it comes to keeping fit without going over that pesky flight baggage allowance. So where does a celebrity trainer turn when they need health support on-the-go? Their iPhone and iPad naturally.
Read on to find out James Duigan’s top tips for staying fit and healthy and discover the apps that help him walk his talk and remain one of the fittest men on the planet despite a seriously insane schedule…
JAMES DUNIGAN’S TOP FITNESS TIPS AND FAVOURITE APPS
When we’re frightened, angry, tense, or worried, our bodies become flooded with adrenaline and a stress hormone called corisol (released from our adrenal glands – a tiny gland that sits just above our kidneys). That sickly, jittery, panicky feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you are stressed comes from the adrenaline and cortisol.
Busy people don’t have time to get a massage every week or take as many holidays aas they’d like to reduce their levels of stress. But it’s important to give yourself permission to relax.
Meditation is one of the top things I do regularly with my clients like Elle and Rose. Not only is it great for a flat tummy (remember that stress makes you fat), it also alleviates the pressure from the media and inherent stress that comes with long work hours and a heap of travel.
The App: I like Deepak Chopra’s Heart Meditation because he focuses on expressing gratitude to connect you with positive emotions and feelings. I listen to it in the morning on my iPhone, it’s a terrific way to start the day.
Any transformation that happens in your body happens in your mind first. I urge my clients and all Clean and Leaners to let go of shame and guilt and to change the conversation they have with themselves. Your past does not equal your future and just because things haven’t worked before, doesn’t mean you can’t do amazing things from this moment forward.
The App: Daily affirmations can be a really great way to start thinking more positively about yourself and others. I urge my clients to get into the habit of being kind to themselves, and being forgiving too. I like Louise Hay’s Heal Your Body A-Z. The app lists specific health challenges and affirmations to overccome them, which encourages you to connect with your body each day and choose an affirmation based on how you’re feeling then and there.
The Clean & Lean Diet cuts out toxic food and encourages an organic (if you can) locally produced diet rich in vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats.
When I say toxic food, what I really mean is CRAP!
Caffeine
Refined sugar
Alcohol
Processed Foods
The App: Clean Eating Recipes app is on par with my Clean & Lean philosophy, as it avoids food that’s been made in a factory, stripped of its natural goodness and pumped full of man-made preservatives, which your body has a really hard time breaking down. It also has a great shopping list function.
One of my favourite ways to train is Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It’s brillant for increasing fitness and strength, learning self-defense and is a fantastic way for men to release pent up testosterone. I first discovered jiu-jitsu when I met by Brazilian wife Christiane. I now practice twice a week and was so inspired by my London trainer, world champion Roger Gracie, I asked him to write the foreword of my latest men’s health book, Clean & Lean Warrior.
The App: I use the iBJJ app to check my technique before and after class and as a reference when I’m training with a mate. On the iPad is great and if you’re a bit obsessed with technique and attention to detail, like me!
The App: The best walking and running app I’ve used lately is Zombies, Run!, it mixes your own playlist into an immersive, quirky and hilarious story line (when you’re chased by zombies you have to speed up). It has a timer and distance tracker and you can view and share your runs online. I am a closet gamer, so for me, playing a game and running at the same time is the best way to exercise.
