SHAPE Magazine
You don’t need to be a fan of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars to be envious of Anna Trebunskaya’s perfectly toned body. The 29-year-old Russian beauty started dancing when she was six years old and never stopped. Now in her fifth season of DWTS, Anna’s body looks better than ever. Here, she reveals her secrets for staying motivated and in amazing shape—on and off the dance floor.
SHAPE: How do you stay in shape when you’re not dancing?
Anna Trebunskaya: Some days I do cardio, but I love resistance training. I have a Total Gym in my house—which is pretty cool because it uses your body weight for resistance (no weights required), and you can adjust it to be as hard or as easy as you want. I use it for 1-1.5 hours five days a week when I’m not dancing, and then sometimes I like to switch it up and take a ballet class or go to yoga.
SHAPE: How many hours a day do you work out?
Anna: When DWTS ends, I work out about 1.5 hours five days a week. But dancing is almost always part of my routine, whether I’m teaching students or training for my own performance with my professional dance partner.
SHAPE: What exercises do you love (or hate)?
Anna: I think planks and pushups are the best exercises because they work every muscle in your body. And I hate squats. I absolutely never do them.
SHAPE: What’s your typical diet like?
Anna: When I’m not on DWTS, I avoid carbohydrates. But during the season, I need carbs just to get me going in the morning. I’ll have something like cereal, oatmeal, yogurt with berries, or a banana and toast. Sometimes I even have pancakes. I normally snack on carrots, but during a tough rehearsal, I may indulge in a cookie.
SHAPE: And for dinner?
Anna: I try to have salmon, vegetables and rice.
SHAPE: What advice do you have for women trying to lose weight or get in shape?
Anna: Keep it consistent and don’t expect miracles. If it took 10 or 20 years to put on that weight, you can’t expect to lose it in 6 months. You have to be realistic about your goals. Find a workout you enjoy, whether it’s yoga, fast walks in the park, or running with your dog. That will keep you motivated.
SHAPE: What would you say to someone starting a new workout routine?
Anna: I always tell my celebrity partner [on DWTS] to start with a completely clean slate. It may feel awful and uncomfortable, but you have to let it happen. You come in as a beginner, and just because you’re successful in your other career doesn’t mean you’re going to be successful as a dancer right away. The same applies to any new challenge. Take it one day at a time.
SHAPE: What’s on your workout playlist?
Anna: I love Vertigo by U2, Ray of Light by Madonna, Speakerphone by Kylie Minogue; Those three songs are always on my workout playlist. I also like to workout to Stronger by Kanye West.
