Brooke Burke-Charvet Shares Her Fitness Favorites ~ I Heart Heels

You probably saw my blog post just the other day about fitness guru Brooke Burke-Charvet's new fitness and lifestyle collection, Caelum, a line full of amazing performance tops, sweatpants, pullovers and sports bras. Because I'm in prime workout mode right now trying to lose the baby weight, I'm super excited about this launch. Squeal! (And if you're lucky enough to be in L.A. Saturday, you can meet Brooke at Nordstrom at The Grove at 11:00 a.m. You'll also get to see the Caelum Collection and even join in on a 15-minute Booty Burn class taught by Brooke.) If you're not lucky enough to live in L.A. (shrug), read my exclusive Q&A below with Brooke as she shares all about her favorite workout, what she wears and how she finds the time...enjoy!

I Heart Heels: What's your favorite workout and what do you like to wear from Caelum for it?

Brooke Burke-Charvet: I do a PilatesPlus class once a week, and then I teach my Booty Burn class three times a week - if I’m not working. My Booty Burn class is a total body workout. It's all about the sweat and burn. We work to fatigue in 30-second to one-minute pods, dance, sculpt and lose ourselves in my favorite rhythmic playlists. It's a safe place to push yourself to your personal limit and be inspired by other women striving to be their fittest selves. It's a community sweat, we push each other and celebrate our challenges and accomplishments. I've never worked out harder, had more fun or seen better results. My Booty Burn class is inspired by my 30-Day Slim Down DVD series.

During these workouts, I love to wear the Mia Racerback with the Bella Top and the Emma Foldover short or the Lana Crop. I'm obsessed with fitness fashion so I rock a new look every sweat.

IHH: What pieces are best from your new line for slower-paced workouts like Pilates or barre?

BBC: For slower-paced workouts, I love the Tara Cross Back Bra. It has great support while ensuring a fashionable look! Additionally, I love the Lana Crop leggings because of their slimming silhouette that's formed from a four-way stretch fabric that wicks moisture so you can focus on your workout. The gusset inset enhances comfort and range of motion while the design of the legging will keep you cool and comfortable.

IHH: Name a few snacks you rely on before or after your workout.

BBC: I always start my day with a protein shake, 30 minutes before my workout. I usually blend eight ounces of low-calorie almond milk, some frozen pears, one teaspoon of cinnamon, a scoop of vanilla protein powder, enzymes and 3-6-9 oils.

"I try to never use words like “fat” or “skinny” and instead I talk about being healthy, strong and getting fit." --Brooke Burke-Charvet, fitness guru and founder of Caelum

IHH: How do you stay motivated to keep up your fitness?

BBC: My kids are a huge part of my motivation. Right now, my older girls are totally into fitness, which I think is great. I try to never use words like “fat” or “skinny” and instead I talk about being healthy, strong and getting fit. I try to lead by example because working out is so much more than just the body. It's about mind, body and soul as well as the benefits of choosing to be active go so much deeper than the surface.

IHH: As a busy mom and career-driven woman, how do you carve out time to exercise?

BBC: I schedule my exercise like I schedule everything else in my life. You’ve got to block out time for yourself; it’s about making a commitment and sticking to it. I teach a Booty Burn class in Malibu that was inspired by my DVD series. It’s a passion project for me and I look forward to it every day. It allows me to take advantage of the time I have to work out; working out to fatigue, and pushing past the burn. There’s nothing like bonding with other woman to inspire you to stick to your goals and stay motivated.

IHH: Do you wear makeup when you work out?

BBC: Never! My goal is to sweat like crazy and, in fact, it's a fantastic skin cleanser. I say sweat in style, but save that for your fitness fashion!

[Photo Credit: Michael Simon; startraksphotos.com]