Sangita Patel Shares Her Fitness Secrets and Go-To Workout Moves
Updated: Nov. 18, 2016
TV personality Sangita Patel shares her thoughts on exercise and a few of her favourite workout moves.
In addition to being an on-air reporter for Entertainment Tonight Canada and the host of HGTV’s Home To Win, Sangita Patel is also a personal trainer and avid CrossFitter. She regularly posts her workouts on Instagram (in the form of #FitnessTuesday) and believes in inspiring others. That’s why we had to get her thoughts on fitness and a few of her go-to workout moves.
Morning or Night?
Night.
Indoors or out?
Indoors.
Yoga or Pilates?
Pilates, but I love yoga, too.
Solo or group?
Group.
Squats or sit-ups?
Squats. Forget sit-ups; squats use your whole body. There’s no such thing as just getting
your abs in shape.
Feet Elevated Glute Bridge
The glute bridge can be done on the ground or with your feet elevated. It’s a great move to stretch your hips and work one of the biggest muscle groups (glutes) to get that sexy, lifted butt!
The Exercise
Place your heels on the bench. Try to get your knees bent to 90 degrees or your butt closer to the box. Bend your arms to 90 degrees so just your upper arms are on the ground. Next, push your hips up as high as possible and squeeze your glutes. Don’t hyperextend your lower back and remember to keep your core engaged. Hold for a few seconds and lower. Repeat. 12 to 15 reps for three sets
Incline Push-Up
Ladies, it’s true: push-ups are your friend and will build the muscles in your chest wall – they will make your “rack” perkier! The incline push-up is a progression movement that targets your chest, shoulders and triceps.
The Exercise
Get into push-up position and place your hands on the bench just a tad wider than shoulder width apart. Keeping your body straight, lower your chest to the edge of the box or platform by bending your arms. Repeat. Try not to let your elbows flare out, and always keep your core engaged. (Best Health tip: To keep your core engaged, think about how you would tense up if someone were to punch you – those are the muscles you want to engage.) 12 to 15 reps for three sets
Bench Hop-Over
These are so much fun! It’s a starting point for plyometrics (or “jump training,” where muscles exert maximum force in short bursts to increase speed and strength). Also, it builds power in the hips and legs while conditioning your core, and tests agility and coordination.
The Exercise
Firmly grip the bench, with both feet on one side, back straight and knees bent. Push off from the ground with both feet. Go over the bench and try to land on the same spot on the other side. Repeat. 15 to 20 reps for three sets
Sangita is wearing: Express Crop Top, $40, express.com; Titika Active Couture Leggings, $78, titikaactive.ca; Adidas by Stella McCartney Sneakers, $230, adidas.ca
Photography by Alvaro Goveia • Styling by Ingrie Williams • Hair + Makeup by Joanne Parks
