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Having a body like Simone De La Rue doesn’t come easily, but it’s worth the challenge. The British born workout guru, who has more than 20 years of dance and fitness experience under her belt, is a name to know in the industry, having developed a highly popular method based on her techniques, rightly titled Body by Simone. With her studios, book, training DVD streaming videos, and Instagram clips, Simone has created a global network of devotees who swear by her master tips.
Inspired by her mission to empower other women to love and cherish their bodies, Simone has helped celebrities and everyday people alike get in amazing shape. Her A-list devotees include the likes of Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Chrissy Teigen, Reese Witherspoon, Emily Blunt, Jennifer Garner, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway, Khloe Kardashian, Karlie Kloss, Matt Damon, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and several others who are committed to following her expert fitness philosophies.
From her professional dancing career to her transition to personal training, Simone - who is also a trainer on Khloe Kardashian’s show “Revenge Body,” - spoke exclusively to GLAMOUR South Africa about her fitness journey, preparing a star for a role, the importance of setting attainable goals, and why balance is key.
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?
Simone De La Rue:
I started Ballet at the age of 3, so at a very young age I was taught incredible discipline and appreciation of movement. I transitioned into personal training by pure accident. I’d retired as a professional dancer and began working with an actress to help prepare her for her dance role. Her body transformed so dramatically over the course of three months and I realized that there was something in this, so I created my program. I loved it and quickly found that what I was really passionate about was helping other people transforming their bodies.
GLAMOUR: What is your current fitness regimen, and your nutrition plan you use to stay in shape?
SDLR:
I don’t tend to schedule my own workouts. Through working with VIP Clients and teaching classes at my BBS Studios, I’m active for the majority of my day, usually about 3 or 4 hours. I always remind people to not compare, I get paid to do this, so what’s realistic for me will be completely different for someone else. It’s important to find what works for you personally. On the weekends I do love to hike or stretch as well. I don’t stick to a strict meal plan, I try to eat a balance of whole, natural, organic foods with chocolate thrown in for balance. My husband is an incredible cook too, so he makes delicious, nutritious meals every night.
GLAMOUR: What one thing do you never skip in your workout?
SDLR:
The warm up. Throughout my professional dance career, I was one of the few dancers that never had injuries, and I used the same warmup we do in all of my workouts. It’s important to warm up the body before any high intensity cardio or strength training, to help with muscle soreness and injury prevention.
GLAMOUR: How would you describe your philosophy on health and fitness, and how has it evolved?
SDLR:
I’ve always told my clients that it doesn’t matter what you do, find something that you love and get up and get moving. Working out has always been my therapy and I try to get clients to focus on the holistic health benefits, the spiritual, mental and emotional growth. The physical results are an added bonus.
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GLAMOUR: Who or what gives you the most inspiration and motivation to achieve your fitness goals?
SDLR:
My clients inspire and motivate me every day. Seeing how dedicated they are and how hard they work motivates me to show up at my best.
GLAMOUR: What specific fitness goal are you currently focused on?
SDLR:
I’m still regaining my strength after having my Son Oscar a year ago. I want to share my journey to help set realistic expectations for new Moms, it does take time and hard work. I’m still working on building back up my upper body strength.
GLAMOUR: What's the best way for someone to motivate herself to get fit?
SDLR:
When I first start training a private client we sit down and decide on a goal, making sure that it inspires them. Whenever they’re not feeling motivated, we’ll go back and reflect on that goal, what it means to them and why they want it beyond just the physical. I also find a lot of people are ‘all or nothing,’ so you have to find moderation and maintain. It’s so important to make it a lifestyle choice, because once you’ve hit your goal, it’s so easy to fall off the wagon.
I see it all the time. You’re not on a diet, you’re just choosing better health options. You’re not working out for three hours a day; you’re aiming to workout three to five days per week for an hour a day. You have to make it realistic and practical.
GLAMOUR: One of the key elements for staying consistent with working out is accountability. Who keeps you accountable for working out consistently?
SDLR:
My clients. I show up for them and there’s nothing I love more than teaching to a full room in my Body By Simone (BBS) Studios, or helping a VIP Client reach a goal for a TV Show, Movie or Red Carpet.
GLAMOUR: What tips would you give to someone wanting to live a more healthy lifestyle?
SDLR:
To set realistic goals and focus on their daily habits. There are a lot of small changes that you can make to your day to bring about a healthy lifestyle. When you focus on one habit at a time, it doesn’t put you in to the ‘all or nothing mindset,’ and you’re able to make real, sustainable change. This can be something as small as making sure you’re drinking enough water, or starting to workout for just 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night, parking your car further away and walking to work, it’s important to find the small adjustments that work for you.
GLAMOUR: You've worked with numerous celebrities such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Reese Witherspoon, and Chrissy Teigen, why do you think celebrities trust you for fitness help?
SDLR:
My VIP Clients are all private people, and I'm always very respectful of that. I think when you do a good job and don’t sell anyone out, that foundation of trust creates an incredible environment for growth.
Image: Supplied
GLAMOUR: Can you explain what the BBS method is and what inspired you to use this method with your clients?
SDLR: The BBS Method was born from my work with my first Celebrity Client. I was working with an actress to help prepare her for a dance role and her body transformed so dramatically over the course of three months. I realized that there was something in this, so I created my program. I love BBS because you not only gets incredible results, but it leaves you feeling joyous and invigorated. The focus is on loving yourself, enjoying movement and creating a healthy lifestyle that you love.
GLAMOUR: What's something most people may not know about you?
SDLR:
That I love chocolate. Actually, I think most people know that.
Got a fitness question? Email Sebastien at [email protected] for his expert opinion!
