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.
