Ladies and Gentleman (okay, Ladies...) I can't breathe... I can't even front!
Revenge of the Curves will return on Thursday, November 6 with Ask Dr. Kasongo and regular features. In the meantime, you can keep up with me on Twitter.
I'll see you on the other side...
Welcome to the Curvaceous Q&A, the Revenge of the Curves version of 55 Secret Street's interview column 55 Q&A. Our inaugural interview is with celebrity fitness trainer Ramona Braganza.
There are many celebrity fitness trainers out there, but Ramona caught my attention because she is the trainer behind the pre and post-baby bodies of both Halle Berry and Jessica Alba. And, it doesn't hurt that as a 20-year fitness veteran, she looks fabulous! A former LA Raiders cheerleader and fitness competitor, she is the co-owner of Mobile Physique, a company that provides a custom built mobile fitness facility (designed by Ramona) that is primarily rented by production companies for actors to train on location. “Mobile Physique” has been on the set of movies like X-Men 3 and Fantastic Four 2.
But, back to the post-baby body stuff. Ramona has plenty of non-pregnancy clients like Anne Hathaway, Dania Ramirez and actor (and Scarlett Johansson's fiance - lucky, lucky lady) Ryan Reynolds, but she has gained a lot of attention lately for working with clients Jessica Alba and Halle Berry after they both gave birth to baby girls recently. I had a brief email chat with Ramona to get in on a few of her secrets.
Nichelle Gainer: Have you
always been physically active? Did you grow up studying dance or
participating in sports?
Ramona Braganza: I have always been physically active. I was fortunate to have a talent for gymnastics when I was young and participated in that sport from the age of 4 till 18. I also enjoyed Dance and was trained in Ballet and Jazz. When I was 18 I tore a ligament in my knee while doing gymnastics, once I recovered I moved on to dancing and began dancing as a cheerleader with the LA Raiders, doing that until I was 36. Being active has never been a problem, find something you enjoy doing even if you find hiking or biking, any activity you can do at least 3 times a week.
Nichelle: What is core strength?
Ramona: Your core is considered the powerhouse of your body, most movements originate from these muscles which include, your abdominal, back, pelvis, and hip muscles. Core strength is essential for daily functional movements, everything from lifting grocery bags, to carrying your baby around. Its very necessary to strengthen these muscles in order to avoid injury, and to have a toned flat stomach.
Nichelle: You are developing a 12-week postpartum program, 321 Baby Bulge Be Gone. When can we expect it?
Ramona: My program is currently available on a DVD that I have filmed. You can email me at info@ramonabraganza.com for more information.
Nichelle: Why is it important to sip water during exercise? I only remember to do it if I'm thirsty.
Ramona: You should sip water throughout the day as you loose water through sweating and in your urine. In addition every bodily function that occurs without you paying attention to it requires water, when your water stores dip you feel thirsty. Don't wait that long, keep it hydrated. When working out your metabolism is raised, you sweat more,you need to drink a glass of water before, sip during and drink a glass of water after working out to keep all the systems well hydrated and fat burning. I also recommend water such as Smart Water with added benefits of electrolytes as you loose them through exercise.
Nichelle: How fast can a woman realistically lose her pregnancy weight?
Ramona: I recommend a woman begin training as soon as her doctor says its ok to do so. The longer you wait the harder it is to get started. My clients have lost substantial amount of weight in 12 weeks. I think this is a reasonable amount of time.
Has science overemphasized the danger of a few extra pounds? [MSNBC]
Seven strategies may help ward off breast cancer. [Web MD]
Can Rubbing Alcohol Really Help Cure a Fever? [New York Times]
Can the herb St. John's Wort Really Help Treat Depression? [BBC Health]
Does the Economy Affect Your Physical Health? [New York Times]
Q: Usually, I have low to normal blood pressure, but I recently discovered my blood pressure was high during an annual fitness test at my gym at work. I went to the nurse and she confirmed it and suggested that I come back twice a week to keep a record. At what point should I see a doctor?
Dr. Kasongo: Not to be an alarmist, but the short answer is: now. Blood pressure really measure the strength of your blood as it passes through your vessels. Normal blood pressure is 120/80. Anything between this and 140/90, puts you at risk for high blood pressure, but life-style modifications like a decrease in salt intake and exercise can be helpful. Any pressure that is consistently over 140/90, makes you hypertensive and this is serious.
High blood pressure or hypertension is known as a silent killer because you can go years without symptoms and without knowing the havoc it is wreaking on your body. Hypertension can lead to kidney disease (dialysis, blindness, strokes and heart attacks.) Risk factors for high blood pressure include smoking, unhealthy eating habits, high cholesterol, and lack of physical activity. There are other risk factors that are out of your control, including your gender (male), age, and race (Black). High blood pressure can also run in your family, passing from generation to generation. About 70 million Americans suffer from hypertension, but about 40% of the adult Black population suffer from this while the about 25% of the White population are affected. The reasons aren't quite clear but are probably linked to diet and acces to health care.
Whatever the risk factors, high blood pressure can and should be managed with lifestyle changes and possibly with medications.
Mana Kasongo, MD
is a board-certified emergency physician as well as a nationally
published writer with expertise in emergency health care issues and
women's health. Email her at Dr.Kasongo@revengeofthecurves.com with
your women's health questions. All correspondence will be kept strictly confidential and your name will not be used if your question is selected. The Ask Dr. Kasongo column
is for entertainment purposes only and the recommendations are merely
suggestions. If you have a true concern you should consult your
personal physician.
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