Erin Oprea’s philosophy on health and wellness are words to live by: “Don't get too fancy, stay consistent, and have fun,” the celebrity trainer exclusively tells GLAMOUR South Africa.
When it comes to your fitness journey, don’t keep avoiding pressing the start button because of internal fears of external pressure.
Don’t keep making up excuses why you can’t get in shape, why this isn’t meant for you, why you’ll never reach your goals. Set all of your doubts aside, enter a judgement-free zone, and just go. The main tool to your success will be staying accountable, and Oprea knows this to be true.
The author of The 4x4 Diet is all about balance, trying new things, and positivity.
Having the right mindset will help you pursue your fitness goals to the best of your ability, and you'll be able to reach and exceed your expectations just by telling yourself words of affirmation. Oprea - who has trained countless A-list celebrities including Carrie Underwood, Jana Kramer, Kacey Musgraves and Maren Morris - has built a community of inspiring individuals committed to uplifting each other and giving one another an extra boost to render successful.
Her app, Pretty Muscles, is the go-to destination if you want to redo your nutrition regimen, replicate Oprea’s workout routine, and stay accountable.
The fitness guru spoke to us about the importance of healthy competition, why she loves Tabata workouts, and why having the right playlist is the best motivation for exercise.
GLAMOUR: What sparked your passion for fitness and living a healthy lifestyle? Was this always important to you, or did a certain instance in your life inspire it?
Erin Oprea (EO): Playing soccer actually started everything! I knew that getting in shape, and staying in shape could be fun and that I could teach others!
GLAMOUR: What is your current fitness regimen, and your nutrition plan you use to stay in shape?
EO: My app - Pretty Muscles - has my actual fitness regimen! AND, it has a built in nutrition plan that follows how I actually eat. It's on both Apple and Android and I'm super proud of it and the people who are changing their lives within it!
GLAMOUR: What one thing do you never skip in your workout?
EO: Legs :). I make sure to give all my muscles days to recover but you can work the fronts of your legs while the backs of your legs recover! And Tabatas are my favorite form of exercise I do every day. If you don't know what a Tabata is can I interest you in my book, The 4x4 Diet?!
GLAMOUR: How would you describe your philosophy on health and fitness, and how has it evolved?
EO: My philosophy is pretty simple. Don't get too fancy, stay consistent, and have fun! Being healthy should not be boring and you should live a full and happy life. I drink occasionally, I eat pizza (rarely), I'm happy and I don't feel deprived.
GLAMOUR: Who or what gives you the most inspiration and motivation to achieve your fitness goals?
EO: I am insanely competitive and I don't need anyone else to compete against. Besting myself works just fine! I feel I'm pretty lucky in that regard. Outside of that it's seeing all the people who are achieving their goals using my app, book, or following me on social media and seeing how happy they are makes ME so happy!
GLAMOUR: What specific fitness goal are you currently focused on?
EO: I want to get my run times faster! I love jump roping and quite often I choose that over running so I'm trying to really focus on better running. But I love my jump rope!
GLAMOUR: What's the best way for someone to motivate herself to get fit?
EO: Having a partner really helps. If two of you are in on it together then you can keep each other accountable. My app - Pretty Muscles - has an amazing community of people who do exactly that!
GLAMOUR: One of the key elements for staying consistent with working out is accountability. Who keeps you accountable for working out consistently?
EO: I am rather fortunate and it's also one of the reasons why I'm successful. I am my best accountability officer! I also have my amazing family too. My kids are hard working and I don't want them to be stronger than me :). They always need to know that I could beat them at anything!
GLAMOUR: What tips would you give to someone wanting to live a more healthy lifestyle?
EO: Don't look at it being a lifestyle that leaves you deprived. A happy healthy life should never have you feeling like you're missing out. It should be a significant change from what is not working but your life should not be miserable.
GLAMOUR: You’re known as the trainer to the stars and have worked with numerous celebrities such as Kasey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Jana Kramer, and Carrie Underwood, why do you think high celebrities trust you for fitness help?
EO: Results do matter but what matters more than that is trust and confidentiality.
GLAMOUR: What are your favourite fitness methods to use with clients and what inspired you to use these methods?
EO: Tabatas are my favorite fitness games by far. It's such a mind game and makes working out at a higher level more fun. It's only 4 minutes! I'm always trying to find out what new ways to workout and my husband found Tabatas! So I adapted them to my style of weight lifting and it's awesome!
GLAMOUR: Do you have any advice for people in terms of how they should approach fitness and working out post-COVID?
EO: Find a great playlist, crank it up loud, put on my Pretty Muscles app and HIT START!
GLAMOUR: What's something most people may not know about you?
EO: I have a blankie named Blueberry that I have had since I was 2 years old. I've taken him everywhere including 2 years in Iraq.
This article was written by Sebastien Lagree.
Got a fitness question? Email Sebastien at [email protected] for his expert opinion!
