Movie Star Workout: Get in G.I. Joe Shape

InStyle.com

Nichols worked with her longtime trainer Valerie Waters to get into fighting shape for G.I. Joe. For the four months leading up to filming, Waters replaced Nichols's regular routine with three weekly full-body circuit workouts she calls "Action Hero Babe."

The circuits are each made up of 4-5 exercises that work arm, core, leg and back muscles. "Try this workout, leaving a day in between for two weeks, and tell me if you don't feel like a female action hero," says Waters. "Strong. Sexy. Fierce!" Click here to find the first circuit. The second circuit is below. Check back next week for circuit three!


CIRCUIT 2
Repeat the circuit 2-3 times, resting 1-2 minutes in between sets.

1. Romanian Dead Lift: 12 reps with 30-pound weights
With your legs shoulder-width apart, hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing your body. Keeping the weights close to your body, slightly bend your knees and lean forward with a flat back until you reach a table-top position. Slowly return to the upright position and repeat.












2. Shoulder Press: 10 reps with 10-pound weights
With your legs shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent, take a dumbbell in each hand and lightly rest them on your shoulders. With controlled motion, press the weights up until your arms are straight and return.











3. Bicep Curls: 12 reps with 10-pound weights
With your legs shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent, hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing away from your body. Keeping your elbows close to your body, lift the weights up with your forearm. Slowly return to starting position and repeat.












4. Kickbacks: 10 reps with 10-pound weights
With your legs shoulder-width apart and a dumbbell in each hand, lean forward with a flat back. Keeping your elbows close to your body, extend your arm to align with your back. Return to starting position and repeat.











5. Modified Turkish Get Up: 12 reps x 5 lbs (each side)
Lie on your back with one knee up and one leg flat on the floor. Hold a dumbbell in one hand perpendicular to your body and reach it towards the ceiling. As you reach up, lift your upper body and straight leg off the floor. Return to starting position and repeat.










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