How to Get a Body Like Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba regularly tops lists like Maxim’s Hot 100 and The 99 Most Desirable Women. We caught up with her trainer, Ramona Braganza to find out how Jessica maintains her toned, feminine figure. With a background as a competitive gymnast and NFL cheerleader, Braganza works with Alba as well as a host of others of Hollywood hot bodies like Anne Hathaway and Halle Berry.

“To me getting fit isn’t rocket science and anyone can do it. Time management is key as is motivation," says Braganza. She says wanting it is what drives her clients to push their limits. "When they have to look good in a catsuit, then you will find the time and put in the effort. If you can’t train for an hour and burn 500 calories then train for half an hour and eat 250 calories less. At the end of the day, it’s just calories in vs. calories burned.”

After working with Alba for over a decade on various movie sets around the world, Braganza created the 321 Training Method, designed to get her and other actors camera-ready in limited time with limited equipment, so they could get results wherever they are. “My signature workout combines elements I feel are required to achieve goals of weight loss and toning," she says. There are three cardio segments, two circuits of strength training and one core element to make up the 1 hour workout. Braganza adds: "Everything is arranged to keep the heart rate elevated, calories burning and muscles building!”

Braganza's best advice: "If you don't feel the intensity then you’re not pushing yourself. If you’re on your own, use a heart rate monitor to make sure you're training in the zone." Her favorite is the strapless Omron HR-210, and she suggests doing heavy lifting to avoid hitting a plateau. "It's important to keep active most days, and to incorporate 20 minutes per day of an at-home workout or a walk," she adds.

“The glutes are a large muscle; they often become inactive due to our sedentary lifestyle," says Braganza. She advises making a conscious effort during training to connect with muscle and contract it during movements. "You should feel it tightening up when doing squats, step-ups, kicks and lunges. Squeeze the glutes throughout the move," she suggests.

Braganza says when Alba finds it challenging to keep workouts going, she thinks about her little ones. "She recognizes the importance of keeping her health for her two daughters. She schedules her fitness time, eats healthy by cooking her meals, and plays with her girls. Even when on a movie where she works 16 hour days, she gets up half an hour earlier to exercise. It’s about time management, scheduling it in and sticking to it."