Fitness is so much more than executing a perfect lunge, logging an hour in the gym or getting that heart rate up to its max: A good workout leaves you feeling confident and ready to take on the world! And when entering an exercise class or training session, we know the instructor can definitely make or break your experience. We’ve scoured the scene for our favorite fitness pros and asked them to fill us in on their secrets for sweat-proof success!
We adore Jacquelyn Umof’s classes at the famous Tracy Anderson Method, a fave amongst celebs like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow (natch!). As a former NBA Laker and Clipper Girl Jacquelyn has certainly put her infectious dancer energy to good use: she tightens, tones and uplifts – both physically and mentally! With a beaming smile and a dose of encouragement, she shows her students how to execute even the toughest of moves with ease, getting that oh-so-good burn which keeps her classes filled to the brim. We wanted to know the secrets to this natural beauty’s success, and boy did she fill us in! Take a page from Jacquelyn’s book and follow her wise words to unlock your inner dancer.
Class In Session with Jacquelyn Umof of Tracy Anderson Method
Studio:
Tracy Anderson Studios.
My Specialty:
Sculpting a lean, sexy dancer’s body.
Favorite Class To Teach:
Mat classes. My past experiences as a Los Angeles NBA dancer and professional ballerina have given me the tools to help people find their hidden ballerina body and reach their potential.
Favorite Class To Take:
Power Yoga at Equinox with either Brent Laffoon or Garth Hewitt for spiritual meditation, to maintain my flexibility and work on my arm balances!
Moment I fell in love with fitness:
When I was nine years old and I won my first gymnastics competition. I loved the feeling of flying through the air and flipping upside down. I had a clear moment during which I thought, I want my body to feel this powerful for the rest of my life! I’ve kept that promise to myself, and now I can help others feel light and strong too!
When you leave my class you feel...
…like you have two little hands lifting your butt up from all the fantastic butt lifting exercises! You also feel like you just grew three inches – taller!
My secret weapon:
My R&R. It’s so important to not overtrain, over-stress or under eat. I workout 5-6 days a week as a trainer, and I make sure I take care of myself in between my workouts. I rehab my muscles with a foam roller, I nourish my body with sleep and nutrient dense foods – and I eat a TON of vegetables everyday!
Go-to workout gear:
My clothing line, RallyBabe Apparel! It’s a made-in-LA brand that’s inspired by my life as a dancer. I like to look and feel stylish when I workout, and want to help others dol the same!
In my gym bag:
Chicken Poop chapstick
, mascara, my iPhone charger, headphones, headbands, rubber bands galore, flip flops, unmatched socks, extra workout clothes, undies, razor, face wash and tinted moisturizer. (editor’s note: this is our kind of girl!)
Favorite workout technique:
Dance!
Biggest inspiration:
My students.
When I'm not in the studio, I'm...
…hiking outside in Palos Verdes, Malibu or Pacific Palisades, walking along the strand with a friend in Manhattan Beach, writing for my blog or practicing with my ballroom dance performance team at You Can Dance. But my other favorite hobby is salsa dancing, so there is a good chance you might find me twisting and turning in some hot LA salsa dancing club!
Favorite post-workout fuel:
The squash family: spaghetti squash, summer squash, butternut squash, 8-ball squash…
Favorite way to hydrate:
Greens 3 from Pressed Juicery. I love that it’s made with ginger because it is a powerful detoxifier that kick-starts the metabolism!
Fave quick workout outside the studio:
Planks! Try holding a 2-4 minute plank; you’ll feel like you just ran a marathon!
Latest healthy obsession:
MCT Oil
. I put a tbsp. of it in my coffee every morning for brain clarity and energy. I feel amazing!
Current Mantra:
“If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
