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Welcome to Racked LA's search for Los Angeles' hottest trainer. Over the coming weeks, we'll profile sixteen smoking candidates who work at local gyms and studios. Then, once you've gotten to know everyone, we'll host a March Madness-style showdown in which you get to vote for your favorite. Let the games begin!
Our second hottest trainer contestant is Astrid McGuire. One reader who submitted her name said that she's among the most popular trainers at Barry's Bootcamp—and by the number of times "Astrid McGuire" was emailed to our tipline (current count: 12), we believe it. Sample testimonials: "she is very positively motivating and easy on the eyes;" "she is in crazy shape and she motivates me to get up and go!;" "the hottest!" We quizzed the former model on everything from what she eats to where she shops.
What is your specialty?
"Butt and legs. I will work the tush like nobody's business. I'm not afraid of using heavy weights, but I'll throw in the resistance band and then get into angles of pulsing where people are like, 'What muscle is this?!' We come in all different shapes and sizes, so in order to make the best butt for you, we're going to work hard."
How did you get into this line of work?
"I used to be a model, but wanted to be a healthy model, so I'd be at the gym. It's what cleared my mind. Then I came to LA and started working out more and more, eventually finding Barry's Bootcamp. Barry's offered me a job if I got certified, so I did. And I love it. I live in running shoes and a sports bra. In short, I was a client that became a trainer."
What would you say is the toughest part of your job?
"Convincing people that it's going to be hard work. If you want to get in shape, you have to know that there are days that you're going to be tired, but you still have to get up and come work out with me. Convincing people to trust the process can be difficult, but it's something that I look forward to doing, because when they see the results, it all works out. Other than that, I love what I do and I look forward to it."
What is the rewarding part?
"Helping people reach their goals. Whether it's if they're getting married, they just had a baby or they're just trying to impress an ex, it's great because it's a source of motivation. I love being a part of the process. We need to feel comfortable in our own skin, so if I can help you get to that place, it's completely rewarding. "
Do you have any tips for workout newbies?
"1) Put fear aside because anything we do is scary for the first time. 2) Go and get yourself something that makes you feel great, whether it's a new pair of sneakers or an outfit from Lululemon—whatever will motivate you to walk out that door. 3) Write it down. It can't be an excuse. Make it a commitment like you would if you had to catch a flight. Take it day by day. You'll work through it."
What is the biggest mistake that people make when working out?
"Don't overdo it. You have to balance it out and know where you're at. Trust your body and the professionals that are helping you workout."
What is your fast-track to getting a flat stomach?
"A flat stomach is everyone's dream. I have a few tricks: 1) I drink tons of water. It's a simple thing to do. I drink as much as I can before I get out of bed in the morning. It wakes up my system and enlivens my metabolism. And I keep drinking water throughout the day. 2) Be mindful of what you drink in regards to alcohol and beverages from Starbucks or Coffee Bean. 3) Master your breathing technique. Someone like Miley Cyrus who does Pilates knows that it's all about the breath. You have five counts: In through the nose and out through the nose. When you do any exercise and you're breathing from your diaphragm low, you pull all of your muscles in. I always joke with the guys here to not push out their abs like a Venice Beach bodybuilder, instead pull them in, get taller, get longer, leaner. It's a ballerina trick; it's Pilates."
Any diet tips?
"Start eating asparagus. You'll get your greens but it's also a natural diuretic. Your pee will smell, but you will also notice that if you've been retaining water from salty foods or flying that you'll start flushing it out. I'm not saying to replace a full meal with a single piece of asparagus, but get it as your side. You'll notice a big difference."
Where do you shop for workout gear?
"Barry's has great tees and bottoms. For shoes, I wear Asics to teach, but I'm a Nike girl when I run on my own. I have very large, narrow feet, don't judge me. My dad used to say that I could water ski with my feet! [Laughs]"
What do you do when you're not working out?
"When I'm not working out, I'm still kind of working out. I'm a big homebody, but I do get out every so often for a trip to Catalina or to watch a chick flick with friends. Other than that, I'm at Barry's or focusing on my fitness."
Astrid trains at Barry's Bootcamp in WeHo. Click here or call (310) 360-6262 for more information.
· Barry's Bootcamp: Astrid McGuire [Official Site]
· All Hottest Trainers Content [Racked]
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