The model workout: Solenn Heussaff’s personal exercise routine

Model-turned-actress Solenn Heussaff has one of the best bodies in the business. Skinny waifs are a dime a dozen, but Solenn’s toned figure is the product of hard work and a disciplined routine with House of Pain coach John Aquino.

Solenn recently shared her personal fitness routine, which uses a resistance band, with GMA News TV’s “Fashbook”. As it turns out, model or not, anyone can definitely work towards a fitter body – especially since you can do her workouts at home!

Getting started? “Sa simula pa lang dapat alam mo na ang iyong target weight at kung anong parts ng body ang kailangang i-improve,” suggests Solenn. Her workout targets the core, including the abs, arms and thighs.

Exercise #1: Side kick
What it tones: Glutes (butt)
Place a resistance band around your legs, just above the knees. Plant your knees and hands on a mat. With your knee still bent, swing your right leg outward. Do this for three sets of 15 repetitions per leg. No band? Increase repetitions to 30.

“You can feel it talaga sa pwet at sa tiyan din, sa core,” says Solenn. “Kahit masakit, go lang nang go. Sign ito na effective ang workout.”

Exercise #2: Butt kick
What it tones: Glutes (butt), quadriceps (thighs) and hamstrings
With a resistance band above your knees, begin from the same starting position as Exercise #1. Instead of swinging your leg outward, lift your foot towards the ceiling so that your thighs form a straight line with your back.

“Para tayong sisipa sa ceiling,” says Coach John. Do this for three sets of 15 repetitions, or 30 repetitions if you aren’t using a resistance band.

Exercise #3: Leg raises
What it tones: Glutes (butt)
“Dito, ibababa natin nang kaunti ‘yung band,” says Coach John. Wrap the band around your legs, below the calf muscles. Lie flat on the floor, stretching your arms forward and pointing your toes backward.

Raise your leg towards the ceiling for three sets of 15 repetitions, or 30 repetitions without a band.

Exercise #4: Lunges
What it tones: Quadriceps (thighs) and glutes (butt)
No band needed for this one. Step forward with your right leg, bending the knee of your left leg until you hit the floor. Push up with your right leg going back. That’s one rep! Do this for three sets of 15 reps per leg.

For an added challenge, Solenn does this while holding a four-kilo medicine ball close to her chest. “Kahit mahirap ito and this is actually my least favorite exercise,” admits Solenn, “wala akong takas dahil very effective ito.”

Exercise #5: Three-ball planks
What it tones: Core
Coach John guides Solenn through this more challenging version of planking, which helps tone her core. Each hand rests on one medicine ball, while the toes of both feet rest on a single medicine ball. Keep your shoulders parallel to your hands, and your butt should not be raised.

For beginners, you can do this without the medicine balls. Hold the position for one minute.

Exercise #6: Crunches
What it works out: Abs
This one’s simple. Lie on your back with your legs raised and feet facing the ceiling. Holding a medicine ball, do ten seconds of crunches for 20 reps. Here, you’re exercising not just the abs but your biceps, shoulders and chest as well.

Exercise #7: Dips
What it works out: Triceps
No gym? No problem! Find a stable, low table. With your back to the table, grasp the edge with both palms and lower yourself towards the floor, pushing upwards to complete one rep. This is a strength training exercise that you can do for three sets of 15 reps.

Solenn’s most important tip: “Para sa bagong katawan, dapat bago rin yung nasa loob. Dapat healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and healthy eating.” --CM, GMA News