When it comes to health, wellness and tips on how to live a clean and lean lifestyle, James Duigan of Bodyism is the go-to expert guru.
James has trained some of the most beautiful bodies across the globe, including the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Elle Macpherson. His mental and physical approach to living a clean and lean lifestyle has revolutionised the fitness industry.
Rescu. spoke with James to answer all your burning questions, to find out how to look and feel the best possible version of you.
RESCU: What food is best to have before working out, to maximise your workout and fat burn afterward?
James Duigan: Something slow release like oats (have the gluten free kind if you have a gluten intolerance) or you could go super simple and just have a banana. It all depends on what makes you feel good. Some people exercise well on an empty tummy, some need to eat, you need to tune in to what feels best for you as everyone is different
RESCU: What is the best fat burning routine if you had to get trim in two weeks?
James Duigan: To slim down in a short period of time the best thing to do is a metabolic circuit. Try and do one that combines Bodyism movements like disco lunges , flamingos, and J dogs with our gliding discs alongside cardio. This way you are targeting all your muscles and getting your heart rate up.
RESCU: How can you specifically target belly fat?
James Duigan: You need to identify what causes the belly fat in the first place. Perhaps you love sugar and have an excessively sugary diet or you frequently eat processed food. Try reducing these things, at the end of the day reducing sugar is good for everyone. For others stress can cause the stomach to cling to fat. If you do very high intensity exercise you can end up having a high cortisol level, which can cause stomach fat. If you are someone who exercises intensely and still has tummy fat perhaps you need yoga and meditation instead.
RESCU: In your experience with working with celebrities, what is the most common habit you help them break to maximise their results?
James Duigan: Oftentimes celebrities can be very hard on themselves and be under huge pressure. The most important habit to develop is to be kind to yourself. This kindness applies across movement, nutrition and mindset. Once you are truly kind to yourself and treat your body as it should be treated you can feel truly well and are better able to cope with life’s pressures.
RESCU: What do Celebs do differently to normal folk to get their bodies so toned and tight? And how do they shred ahead of a big event?
James Duigan: Firstly let’s not use the word shred, it is so aggressive and carries a negative connotation. We strive with our clients to get them feeling confident, happy and beautiful. We understand very clearly that all change needs to start in the mind first. Focusing on developing a healthy mindset is the fastest way to lose weight and create a beautiful strong body. Celebrities in general are very busy people, they schedule in their exercise like they would a doctors appointment, therefore they are consistent. Consistency is key to achieving a healthy toned body.
RESCU: Does exercising on an empty stomach help you lose weight faster?
James Duigan: The jury’s out on that question, there is a lot of conflicting research. The most efficient thing for weight loss is to focus on how you feel and what gives you energy to do the exercise in the first place. If you can exercise on an empty stomach and feel great doing it then by all means exercise on an empty stomach. Some people feel nauseous and weak without food. Listen to your body and always be kind to yourself. Once your mind and body are in tune you will lose weight.
RESCU: What’s safe and what’s not in terms of rapid weight loss?
James Duigan: As long as you’re nourishing yourself and exercising intelligently your body will find its natural state very quickly. We have seen this process result in rapid weight loss and its healthy method. People do it dangerously by not eating. The nourishment is just as important as the exercise when trying to lose weight. The worst thing to do is not eat.
RESCU:Your new cook book Clean and Lean For Life has deliciously guilt-free recipes in it! If you’re short for time, what’s your best bet for a quick and easy recipe option for a healthy breakfast and dinner?
James Duigan: The Bodyism pancakes for breakfast, they have become a global phenomenon. For dinner the summer lamb stew is simple and delicious.
James Duigan’s book Clean and lean for life is now available for purchase
