While watching Ariana Grande perform at the VMAs a couple of weeks ago, it’s clear that she’s in fantastic shape. Her trainer, Harley Pasternak, shared her routine with Shape and he said that Grande maintains a healthy lifestyle even during her busiest days. In regards to exercise, she trains three times a week for 30 to 45-minute sessions with Pasternak in addition to hitting her steps every day. For maintaining a strong lower body, Grande does these five moves which Pasternak calls “Fantastic Five”.
Curtsy Lunge
Curtsy lunges target multiple muscle groups including the glutes, quads, and hips due to the backward cross-over motion of lowering into the curtsy lunge.
Staggered Stance Deadlift
Staggered stance deadlift, or as Pasternak calls them kickstand deadlifts, work your hamstrings and glutes. In this exercise, your feet are planted on the ground and you press your hips back as you hinge at your waist. The difference between this deadlift is that one of your legs is slightly bent, so most of the work happens in the opposite leg.
Adductor Plank
This variation of a side plank targets your core and your abductor muscles. You’ll need a chair, bench, or a stable surface to perform this exercise. It’s an intense move that you will feel in your inner thigh muscles.
Active Clamshell
An active clamshell has you lifting your hips off the ground as you raise your top leg. This move targets your glutes and strengthens your hips while giving you muscle definition in your lower body.
The Harley
Pasternak’s signature move is “The Harley” which combines glute bridges and lying triceps extensions. This two-in-one exercise targets the arms, butt, and core and it’s great for improving posture.
