Katie Sigmond in Two-Piece Workout Gear Says it's "Cutting Szn"

Walking

Michelle makes sure to get her steps in. You can usually find her walking around Miami. One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day led to a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

Motivation in the Mirror

What motivates Michelle? “I would say the mirror. There’s nothing more motivating than when you find a new vein! Am I crazy? Probably, but it’s true! Progress is what motivates me to keep pushing harder and not give up. Also it’s extremely motivating to have so many female fans,” she told Simply Shredded.

5 Hardcore Workouts Per Week

Here is what Michelle’s workout looks like, as she detailed it to Simply Shredded:

Monday: Back/Biceps

• Chin Ups (Wide Grip) 4×12
• Chin Ups (Normal Grip) 4×10
• Row Machine 4×12
• T-Bar Rows 4×12
• Dumbbell Curls 6×12
• EZ Bar Curls 4×12
• Straight Bar Cable Curls 4×12

Tuesday: Hamstrings/Calves

• Lying Leg Curls 4×12
• Seated Leg Curls 4×12
• Deadlifts 4×10-15
• Seated Calf Raises 8×20
• Standing Calf Raises (Smith Machine) 6×20

Wednesday: Triceps/Shoulders

• Standing Dumbbell Tricep Extensions 6×12
• Skull Crushers EZ Bar 4 X 12
• Rope Overhead Cable Extensions 4×12
• Military Press 4×10
• Dumbbell Shoulder Press 3×10
• Upright Rows with EZ Bar 4×12
• Side Lateral Raises 4×10

Thursday: Rest

• Off

Friday: Legs

• Lunges 4×12
• Good Mornings 6×20
• Leg Press (Single Leg) 4×15 (Each Leg)
• Squats 4×12

Saturday: Abs

• Hanging Knee Raises 4×12
• Crunches 4×20
• Crunch Machine 4×12
• Crunches On Ball 4×20

Sunday: Rest

• Off

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

Michelle shared a sample menu of what she eats in a day with Muscle & Fitness.

Breakfast: Protein pancake or chocolate peanut butter overnight oats

Snack 1: Stuffed avocado tacos or tuna tartar

Lunch: Cashew chicken lettuce wraps or noodles with creamy avocado pesto

Snack 2: Peruvian ceviche or yogurt protein cups

Dinner: Teriyaki ginger tilapia or coconut chicken curry

Cardio for Weight Loss

To “cut down” or lose weight, do lots of cardio, advises Michelle. “I just love to sweat like a maniac. So what ever I feel like: Stair Master, Rollerblading around South Beach Miami or Spinning classes. I keep the intensity high and make sure that I am always pushing my hardest,” she said.

Nutrition Is Key

Courtney maintains that diet is extra important when trying to get into shape. “Nutrition is key to achieving the physique you want. The saying that you can’t out-train a bad diet is one I believe in 110%,” she told Muscle & Fitness.

Portion Control

Portion control is fundamental, per Courtney. “Of course you would love to eat the whole box of your favorite cereal, but it’s all about balance and controlling the amount you consume. That way, you can eat the things you like most—in moderation,” she says.

Protein and Veggies

Courtney stresses the importance of protein and produce. “Be sure to include protein in your meals throughout the day. I get my protein from lean whitefish, chicken, ground turkey, eggs, and whey protein shakes,” she says. As for veggies, they’re “packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so make sure to get enough servings of colorful, healthy vegetables each day,” she says. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Healthy Carbs and Fat

She also eats healthy carbs and fat. “Carbs are not evil. I incorporate lots of carbs into my diet depending on the times I train and what I’m training for. Carbs I prefer include oatmeal, quinoa, rice (brown and white), sweet potatoes, essential flaxseed bread, and Cheerios,” she says. “Avocados, walnuts, almond butter, olives, and flaxseed oil are healthy fats that are always welcome in my diet.”

Keep a Food Journal

Courtney suggests writing down the food you eat. “Having a notebook or a journal to track your progress can have a very positive effect. It holds you accountable for what you’re eating each day,” she says. There is scientific evidence supporting the benefits of meal planning. Studies the more meals you eat prepared away from home, the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early death. And, one study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found meal planning was associated with a healthier diet and less obesity.