NEW YORK, July 15 — Former prima ballerina Mary Helen Bowers famously resculpted actress Natalie Portman’s physique for her Oscar-winning role in the film “Black Swan.” Here, she opens up to Relaxnews about everything from what she eats for breakfast to her secret to finding happiness.
Once a dancer for the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Centre, Bowers (picture) launched her ballet-infused fitness programme, Ballet Beautiful, from her flagship Soho studio in New York City several years ago — and she’s been drawing in celebrity clientele ever since, such as models Lily Aldridge and Erin Heatherton.
Relaxnews: What are some of the biggest fitness or diet mistakes that you see your clients making?
Mary Helen Bowers: When it comes to fitness and diet, many people have an all or nothing attitude. They are either working out constantly and eating really well or haven’t worked out in ages and not eating enough healthy foods. As a dancer sometimes the world looks black or white — I used to suffer from this terribly. Exercise and a healthy diet should be a part of everyday regular life. To look and feel your best it’s essential to work out, eat well, and make sure that you are also drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep. I like to look at fitness as a way to pamper the body.
R: If you could offer one piece of advice on achieving better fitness, what would it be?
MHB: The most important thing is commitment. It’s important to remember that life is hectic and unpredictable. It feels like a catch-22 but the busier and more stressed you are, the more important exercise becomes from a health perspective. Look at fitness as a way to pamper your body and invest in yourself — it’s worth every minute to lead a healthier, happier life.
R: How can a busy person commit to a workout when it’s so easy to let it slip through the cracks?
MHB: It’s important to be flexible with how and when you are working out. If you don’t have the time or money to get to the gym, work out at home. It saves tons of time and makes life more efficient. We just debuted a new online Custom Workout program on our website that allows members to personalize their workouts from their home computers, laptops and mobile devices based on their workout goals and availability.
There’s no excuse for not fitting it in!
R: What are you some of your favourite post-workout snacks?
MHB: If my muscles are really tired, I might need more protein — boiled eggs with fruit are a great way to repair muscles and satisfy hunger without overdoing it. Generally I snack on lots of fresh fruit and raw nuts, such as almonds. Whole wheat crackers with a bit of peanut butter or light cheese can also be great, but you have to watch the portions.
R: What does a typical breakfast for you look like?
MHB: Most days I eat slow-cooked oatmeal or porridge cooked in water with prunes and raw almonds or walnuts. When I’m travelling or on the weekends I tend to eat more eggs, usually scrambled or boiled, with salad and whole grain bread. I love the dark Nordic breads that you can find in Europe too.
R: What is your top advice for a better, more balanced diet?
MHB: I think it’s important to avoid extremes. For me it’s about making sure that I’m drinking enough water and eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, along with lean proteins and healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts. Whole grains are very important and I really love dairy too. I make an effort to avoid white flour and sugar when I can, but you have to indulge once in a while; it’s key to staying satisfied and happy.
R: Do you have a workout or life mantra?
MHB: Do what you can when you can and never undervalue your self worth. I believe in setting high goals and working hard to achieve them. Life is short — I want to make it count!
R: Any guilty pleasures? And how often do you succumb to them?
MHB: Always! I love great cheese, wine and chocolate. In moderation these can be enjoyed weekly if not daily.
R: Do you have your own motivational struggles, and how do you overcome them?
MHB: Of course. Life is full of struggle for all of us — it’s part of being alive. That said I work very hard to stay positive and focused. If I’m looking for motivation to work out, I try to focus on how I will feel afterwards. Exercise is so energising and it can be empowering too. It’s an important part of valuing yourself and your body.
R: What is your approach to a happy life?
MHB: I believe that to be truly happy, balance is the key. Work hard, eat well, and exercise when you can. It’s also so important to find a hobby or career that makes you feel truly engaged and fulfilled, and of course to surround yourself with positive, loving people who want you to succeed. — AFP/Relaxnews
