My Exercise Regimen

Please Consult With Your Physician Before Any Exercise Program

Many of you have e-mailed me and called me asking how did I get back into shape so quickly. Honestly, at the time, it didn’t seem so quick. I wish I could say I did it all by myself, ate right, worked out as hard as I could, got plenty of rest etc. etc. etc. No, I did need help!

I was fortunate to be able to hire a terrific personal trainer (well known among my peers) Mike Pernice. When I’m in New York I deliberately set aside the time to meet with Mike (I would rather be shopping!) The first couple of weeks we did the treadmill for about 20 minutes and then bike 20 minutes. (I said to myself “No problem”.)

As the weeks went by he would add time to my program and increase the intensity (he was quickly becoming my worst enemy and yet I always looked forward to the next workout).

My desire to get back into shape as soon as possible, kept me very motivated. Here is a list of exercises Mike had me doing, 4 to 5 days per week:

For my “Buns”

*Lunges (they were not my favorite, but they sure did a great job
of firming the buttock)

*Squats (a very standard exercise for the thighs and rear end)

*Leg Press (my knees said what are you doing, my thighs and back-side said “Be quiet!”)

*Hamstring Curl (I did enjoy these for the back of my legs)

*Plyometrics (I thought Mike made this one up, but over time
the jumping improved my stamina and the explosive movement
helped firm my tush)

Back *Lat pull downs (gave me that “V” we want from behind, and boy did I enjoy the stretch!)

*Seated rowing (this was one of my favorites)

Shoulders *Presses (they would always start out real easy, then in no time I
would be yelling for Mike to take the bar or dumb-bells….ouch!)

*Lateral raises (asked Mike many times why does the outside of
of my shoulder need to be punished?)

*Dumb-bell raises (another shoulder exercise?)

*Boxing with dumb-bells (finally, maybe, I could hurt his hands as
I hit him.)

Chest *Press (we used a seated chest press which I enjoyed, he would
always say “Concentrate” and wished me the best. His humor helped!)

*Chest flys (sitting or lying down, I liked the stretch that’s all)

*Push-ups (now I am crying, but loving it)

Biceps/Triceps *Dips (one of Mike’s favorites, I was able to wear short-sleeved
shirts in no time)

*Bicep curls (no problem)

*Tricep press (a little problem)

*Push-ups at different angles (are we done yet!!?)

Abdominals *Crunch (couldn’t do enough). Feet up in air holding six pound medicine ball with arms extended (this was caught on “Extra”)

*Standard sit-up holding a weight plate against my chest (ouch)

*Lastly – stretching, stretching, stretching!!!

As you can see, week after week, month after month of this intensity has payed off. I did not discuss weight, sets and different types of workouts with you since your exercise program should be customized to your individual needs, goals and limitations. I owe a great deal of thanks to my trainer who was always positive, supportive and always kept me laughing. Many of my modeling colleagues work with Mike and say the same thing I did, “I love to see you, but I love to see you go, even more”. Hope information was helpful.

Please--if you have questions Mike Pernice can be reached at

P.O. Box 1151,
Greenwich, Conn. 06830