Secrets of Celebrity Trainers

They are America's hottest fitness gurus, masters of motivation whose "body of work" includes some of America's most glamorous movie, music and TV personalities:

Bob Greene helped Oprah Winfrey shed and keep off 85 pounds and run a marathon,
Ray Kybartas coached Madonna through her transformation from pudgy to near perfect,
Karen Voight instructs Hollywood's elite including Tina Turner, Elle MacPherson and Paula Abdul.

Now these trainers of the stars are offering their exercise secrets to the masses. Here is a sampling of their fitness philosophy gleaned from telephone interviews and their recent books.

Bob Greene holds a masters degree in exercise physiology from the University of Arizona, is traveling the country speaking about exercise for the Easy Spirit Fitness Forum and is co-author, with Oprah Winfrey, of Make the Connection: Ten Steps to a Better Body and Better Life.

His main message: "Too many people lead lives that are out of balance, over-eating and underexercising. Often, it's because they're under stress and use food as comfort. That's why people who are struggling with weight issues need to look at the rest of their life and figure out what situations lead to overeating."

Most common mistake: "Focusing on appearance rather than on health. The important thing is to do the behaviors: be active, eat right and feel good today. The results will follow."

The key to weight loss: "It's all about intensity. If people really want to lose weight they must exercise vigorously for at least 20 minutes, five days a week, in what I call 'the results zone.' That is, on a scale of zero to ten you should be exercising at a level 7 or 8.

Your breathing is deep and you could carry on a conversation, but you would probably prefer not to. Be sure to work up to this level gradually. It may be a good idea to exercise with a qualified exercise professional for at least your first couple of sessions."

On exercise and health: "Physical activity today is like smoking was 30 years ago. People know exercise is important to health, but too many are still not doing it. Society is just starting to get behind efforts to encourage everyone to exercise."

Karen Voight trained in ballet for 20 years, has been named "Fitness Instructor of the Year" by IDEA: The Association of Fitness Professionals, is the founder of two California exercise studios, creator of eight fitness videos and author of Voight: Precision Training for Body and Mind.

What works: "Find an activity you like, so you can look forward to your workout as a chance to play and relax your mind. Be present in the moment and enjoy what you're doing as opposed to thinking, 'I'll get through this'."

Top trends: "Group stationary cycling classes, yoga, body sculpting and socialized outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing."

Biggest technique mistake: "Using momentum to create movement instead of using the muscle you're working in a controlled motion. For example, when doing an abdominal crunch, concentrate on contracting your abdominals inward toward your spine, pressing your lower back to the floor and using a small, controlled movement to raise your shoulders. Inhale as you prepare for the movement, exhale as you perform the movement. And don't jerk your head forward. Just relax your neck and let your head rest in your hands."

How long it takes to get in shape: "In the first month of exercising regularly you'll start to feel the difference. In the second month you might notice the difference. In the third month others will notice the difference."

Ray Kybartas was manager of the original Gold's Gym in Venice Beach, Calif., has been a fitness trainer since 1979 and is the author of Fitness is Religion: Keep the Faith, with an introduction by Madonna.

His message: "Too many Americans neglect their bodies, which become repositories for stress, depression and illness. Exercise changes this dynamic, relieving tension and helping restore inner peace. That's why the full benefits of exercise cannot be measured in strictly clinical terms. Its effects extend to the soul."

Why most people quit exercise programs: "They're focusing on immediate results, rather than on enjoying the process. Let go of thinking how you're going to look from the exercise you're doing today, and just go outside-or inside--and play."

Biggest misconception: "People often think exercise will tire them out, when actually you get more tired sitting around doing nothing. Exercise energizes you, and it works like a snowball. Once you've started being active regularly, you get more energy that keeps pushing you along."

For best results: "Surprise your body with different kinds of activity, so it must constantly adapt to new stimuli. My clients Rollerblade one day, run the next, then swim laps or mountain bike or kayak. Weather permitting, outdoor exercise that involves propelling yourself by means of your own energy is always the most rewarding."

Bottom line: "Technique is not as important as attitude. Get rid of the negative mindset of trying to expend as little energy as possible.

Get a positive attitude that looks for opportunities to move: Wash your car, dig in the garden, turn off the TV and go for a walk. This informal activity is more important than formal exercise. When you adopt an attitude of loving to move, and you'll become healthier in body, mind and spirit."