Fitness model, coach, and plant based nutrition guru, Anaïs Zanotti, helps women (especially over 40) reach their health goals. On Instagram, Anaïs posted a photo of her looking confident, on a slideshow of tips and advice to keep you on track, even during the holidays. “With Thanksgiving 🦃 and Christmas 🎁 just around the corner, it’s easy to feel tempted to hit pause on your health and fitness journey and wait until January to start fresh. But here’s the truth: summer bodies are built in the winter. 🌞❄ True transformation happens when you maintain your progress all year long,” she said. Here’s how Anaïs stays looking and feeling her best.
1. She challenges herself
She finds ways to challenge herself in the gym, avoiding getting too comfortable with her workouts. “When it comes to lifting weights, challenging yourself is key! I follow the rule of 3: your last 3 reps should be tough—almost at your limit—but still with perfect form. If your muscles aren’t burning or you feel too comfortable, chances are you’re not pushing hard enough to see real results,” she said on Instagram. “For us ladies over 40, maintaining muscle is even more important because our bodies naturally start losing it if we don’t give them a reason to keep it. That’s why effective, challenging training is a must. It’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter.”
2. She works her back
She focuses on her back muscles during workouts. “Hey ladies! If you’re aiming for that curvy, toned hourglass body ⏳, don’t skip back day! A strong back gives the illusion of a smaller waist and adds balance with nice shoulders, a V-shaped back, and firm glutes,” she said on an Instagram video.
3. She exercises her lower body
She works on strengthening her lower body. “I always start with 4 sets of Barbell Hip Thrusts, paired with some band abductions to activate those glutes,” she said on a video on Instagram. “This routine is geared more towards advanced lifters, but feel free to take inspiration for your own workouts. I love sharing my personal routine, but keep in mind that every one of my clients has different goals and is at a different stage in their fitness journey.”
4. She’s vegan
She’s dedicated to a healthy lifestyle and eating a vegan diet. “I’ve been thriving on a vegan diet for the past 8 years. At 42, I’m stronger and more vibrant than ever! 💪🌱Many people think you can’t build muscle on a plant-based diet, but I’m here to bust that myth! I eat around 160 grams of plant-based protein every day and have no muscle deficiencies. 💥Here’s what my daily protein intake looks like: 🥑 Tofu & Tempeh 🍛 Lentils & Chickpeas 🌰 Nuts & Seeds 🌿Quinoa & Buckwheat 🌾 Plant-based protein powders in my morning oats. I also use, pea crumble, TVP, Fava bean tofu, Pumfu and Seitan. Remember, it’s all about the right balance and dedication. If I can do it, so can you,” she said on Instagram.
5. She eats protein
She incorporates plenty of protein into her diet. “Ladies, did you know that getting enough protein is crucial as we age, especially for us women over 40? Protein helps maintain muscle mass, supports metabolism, and keeps our bodies strong and vibrant,” she said on Instagram. According to Piedmont, “while you may watch your calories, sugar and salt intake, you should also make sure you are ingesting enough protein. It plays a key role in the creation and maintenance of every cell in our bodies. It fuels our cells and powers our bodies.”
