Summer Health & Fitness Tips (Workout And Interview With Michael Strahan)

Yesterday morning was an exciting one for me, as I attended my first press event as a New York resident! Early last week, I was invited to an intimate conversation with morning show fan-favorite Michael Strahan to talk about fitness and secrets to staying healthy during busy summer months put on by Meta.

I had a fabulous time, broke a sweat, and took a lot of great tips home that I’d love to share with you!

Thanks to getting on the wrong train half-way there (#NewNewYorker), I walked into the lobby of the Gramercy Park Hotel just after 10 a.m. It was gorgeous! I didn’t have time to browse around, but I would like to return and have a drink on the rooftop sometime soon. (I’ve heard it has an amazing view and is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the city!)

I was happily welcomed by the Meta team upon my arrival, and I was led towards the elevator to ride up to the Terrace. I was then greeted by more Meta team members and directed towards the outdoor area to get set up for the workout.

The Terrace was lined with vibrant greenery, accented with light-bearing windows, and was the perfect setting for a morning workout.

I had a few minutes to put my stuff down, grab a mat, and catch up with a sweet, familiar face before we got started. My blogging friend, Arielle, was right next to me. It was such a great surprise!

It wasn’t long before we were introduced to Latreace (La) Mitchell, celebrity fitness trainer and health coach. She came in with a heap of positive energy, and I was excited to get started. After a quick introduction, she introduced her star-client, Michael Strahan.

For those of you who don’t already know, Michael is pretty awesome. He’s a legendary Hall of Fame and Super Bowl Championship football player, and has become a highly recognized and respected television personality ever since he retired. In fact, he’s getting ready to for a busy summer of being a new, full-time host of Good Morning America.

Michael’s outgoing and lighthearted personality was fun to watch, and I was looking forward to getting a sneak peak into what his workouts are like!

Going into it, I expected some kind of boot camp-style workout. I was caught off guard, but happy to take my shoes off, as requested by La right off the bat. She started with a mobility warm up and then led us through a challenging series of bodyweight exercises that also helped us work on flexility.

We only worked out for about thirty minutes, but I could already feel myself getting stronger and sorer when we were done. We went through a lot of controlled squatting, holds, and challenging mobility exercises. I loved it!

La’s focus in training Michael is to aid him in being the best version of himself. She puts programs together for him that not only strengthens muscle, but also stretches tight areas and enables him to do everyday tasks like squatting to pick something up or play with his children.

I would love to take a full session with her! It was unexpectedly hard and it felt great to stretch and strengthen using nothing but a mat and a sneaker.

After our workout, we “earned our smoothies” as Michael joked, and were served waters, fruit, and healthy energy bites while we waited in line.

I’m interested to find out what was in those bites! They were delicious.

I happily took a mixed berry yogurt smoothie and spent the next few minutes chatting with other bloggers and attendees.

This smoothie was created for this event and features the new Meta Appetite Control Smoothie Enhancer powder.

Meta Appetite Control contains one hundred percent natural psyllium (a natural fiber that forms a gel in your digestive system, slowing absorption and digestion). This supports the sensation of fullness, is clinically proven to help you feel less hungry between meals, and helps get rid of daily snack cravings.

(Check out more information and see FAQs.)

If you’re interested in trying it out for yourself, make sure to use these coupons! (Matching smoothie and shirt not required, ha.)

 

VIP Panel Interview Q&A

Shortly after the workout and smoothie recovery time, our group of bloggers and media moved inside to get ready for a VIP Panel Interview, led by Jessica Fishman Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN.

Jessica is a registered dietitian and nutritionist who runs Nutritoulicious. She also created the smoothie recipe that you see above!

She moderated a discussion on achieving a healthy summer, shared her personal tips, and asked questions for both Michael and Latreal to answer. Some of the questions came from us and were gathered before the event. I tried to jot down as much as I could to be able to share the interview and tips with all of you.

It was an interesting conversation that was filled with tips that you might appreciate!

 

Metamucil helps you get enough fiber to feel fuller, longer. Meta has been his [Michael’s] go-to fitness tip for a while! How else do you ensure that you stay on track with nutrition?

Michael: “Summer is hard, you’re traveling and out and about a lot. I’ve learned to take care of myself and eat healthy. It’s just a reality. I’m not afraid to take snacks with me and food while traveling. I’m a big believer in the 80/20 rule. I’m human, and I like ice cream and peanut M&Ms, but I like to stay on track with that ratio.”

La: “Most people are 20 percent healthy and 80 percent other, which equals not getting enough vegetables and fiber. Because of the heat, you’ll normally want to eat lighter. It’s more about being prepared. If not, you’ll grab something else. Think apple slices and almonds. Limit sugary alcohol!”

Michael: “When I was in Magic Mike I had to limit sugar and cut out alcohol. We worked through it and stayed away from dressed-up drinks. Beware of Sunday brunches with bottomless mimosas!”

La – “Sugar is in everything. Be cautious of what you’re grabbing!”

 

How do you keep your summer workouts fresh?

Michael: “It’s summertime, get outside! Keep yourself moving. After you eat, go for a walk! Don’t just go home and sit. Take advantage of getting to go outdoors.”

La: “The biggest thing is finding what you like to do. I try to get into outdoor, fun stuff to do. Grab a bike! You don’t even have to be in a gym. Get a workout partner and do a workout in the park. If you have kids, put on music and dance! You’d be amazed at how much dance parties can make you work!”

 

Any tips for keeping cool while being outdoors?

Michael: “You need to know your body. It’s okay to stop. If it’s too hot and you feel like you need a break, take it. Or, take your workout inside.”

La: “Water, or tea. I’m a big fan of green tea and oolong tea because of the antioxidants. Sports drinks are full of sugar … you don’t need them. Do your workouts early!”

 

What do you do to keep fit while traveling?

Michael: “I used to stay away from gym hotels, but now I pack more workout clothes than regular. I don’t always feel like lifting weights, but I will at least get on a bike and clear my head. I can watch television while I’m at the gym and feel good about it afterwards. If you can’t be on a normal workout routine, it’s important to be conscious of what you’re eating.”

La: “Be selective and choose hotels that have good gyms. If you’re in a cool environment and can go for a great walk or hike, take advantage of it!”

 

What is your go-to favorite snack? What can’t you resist?

Michael: “My cheat is Bubby’s or Jacob’s Pickles. I start off with whatever the drink of the day is. My biggest snacking time is on the golf course. I take protein bars with me, but when I see the peanut M&Ms or Reese’s, that’s my weakness. Gummy bears!”

La: “Veggie burger with a white toasted bun and mayo. I don’t do corn, but I found chips (Benito’s) and like to have it all with a glass of champagne.”

 

 

As a parent, what kind of workouts can you do with your kids?

Michael: “I actually take my kids to workouts with La and they love the stability ball and agility ladder. They aren’t very into weights. They love the pool! I swim and race them. I also take my dad from time to time, and I love that time I can spend with him.”

La: “Get them out from in front of electronics. Get them outside to move! Take them to the park, and take them on hikes!”

 

Do you have a favorite flavor of meta?

Michael: “Orange. Mix it with some nice cold water or add it to your protein shakes!”

 

You’ve both had to be fit for your careers. Now that you’re working out for you, how do you keep your workouts exciting?

Michael: “Football was very push, pull, grunt. When I retired, I still thought that’s the way I was supposed to move. When I started working with La, I realized that I didn’t have much flexibility. Now that I’m working out with her, I have more full body flexibility than I ever had before. I feel better now than I did playing football! Don’t limit yourself, challenge yourself!”

La: “I’m big on mobility. I love getting people to work inflexibility. Getting up and understanding your body … crazy things you think your body won’t do. Crawl with your kids. A lot of my workouts are bodyweight, animal flow-like moves.”

 

What is your best advice for people starting out and struggling with weight loss?

Michael: “Stick with it and encourage yourself. It’s a process. Get social support!”

La: “Understand patience. Set realistic goals and go for healthy weight loss: 1-2 pounds a week. There is no ‘right now’ answer. You didn’t gain weight overnight, so realize that you’re not going to lose it overnight, either.”

 

As the event came to a close, we were all feeling good. I had a great time! I really enjoyed getting to work out and chat with Michael, his trainer, La, Jessica, and healthy living enthusiasts and advocates.

I look forward to following Michael on GMA this summer and hope you found some of these interview tips useful.

Thank you for having me, Meta Health!

 

Questions of the Day

• What are some of your tips for staying healthy over busy, summer months?

• Do you get enough servings of vegetables and fiber in your diet?

 

This is not a sponsored post. I was invited to attend this private event hosted by Meta, and I was given complimentary product to try and take home with me, however, all opinions remain my own. Thanks for reading!