Fitness Tips With Tommy Europe

From football to reality TV, we’ve been following Tommy Europe’s fit game for years, and recently sat down with the man himself to talk workout trends, exercise pet peeves, his top tips around staying in shape and his fave new workout shoe (now get down and give us 20!). —Noa Nichol

Hi Tommy! We’ve been following you since The Last 10 Pounds Bootcamp and Bulging Brides. What are you up to these days?

Along with running my fitness company, I’ve been focusing on working with actors to get them ready and keep them strong for their shoots. When I don’t have my fitness hat on, I’ve been acting and working as a stunt performer myself.

Fitness trends, it seems, are constantly changing. What are some of the hottest new ways to exercise in 2018?

HITT is still a top choice, what has changed are the options, so there is now something for everyone. Strong by Zumba is gaining ground as well—it’s a tough but fun program, that I’ve also recently been certified to teach. Plus, spinning is continuing to grow with the entry of SoulCycle and many more.

What about tried-and-true workouts that never go out of style? What are some of your favorites in this vein?

As great as new fitness trends and regimes can be, there are always a fundamental workout that remain tried and true. Personally, I never get tired of bootcamps and small group training—these are always in style, and vary from instructor to instructor. SHRED Bootcamp is a favourite of mine!

Have you ever come across fitness trends that you’ve just had to shake your head (or chuckle) at?

Anything that is marketed as "easy to do," or "all you need is 10 minutes" for the same effects of an hour-long workout.

For those of us who like to work out alone, how do you suggest one put together a personal training routine?

This really comes down to your experience. If you don’t have an extensive background, you will do the same routine ALL the time, leading to boredom and average results at best. Enter online training: this area has been one of huge growth for me over the last year with my SHRED 365 Online Training platform, as it keeps things fresh and is very easy on the budget. Location does not matter; I now have clients all around the world who can message me directly from the app. I personally put the programs together for clients to train wherever they want, to keep it moving forward. Plus, I offer a free seven-day trial!

|What about at-home exercise? What are some of your top tips around that?

Keep it interesting, to keep your mojo on full blast. Mix in body-weight exercises, and use what is around you. Use hills/stairs around your house for running or HIIT cardio, skipping, resistance band work, a stability ball—the options are limitless. It’s also very important that you have the right gear whether you’re working out at home, in a class or at the gym. For starters, remember that your body wasn’t made to only move forward, and your shoe shouldn’t be either. You need the support, stability and flexibility to be free to move in all directions, so you can hinge, push, pull, drag, shuffle and squat your way to a fitter, better you. For this I would recommend above all the Speed TR by Reebok. Whether you’re doing a home workout, heading to a bootcamp class after work or on your way to a personal training class at your local gym, the Speed TR is designed to meet the demands of all types of training because it combines a flexible upper with a stable and durable outsole. This allows for multi-directional movement and an even distribution of weight across your foot. Having proper footwear is essential to maximizing your workout while also possible preventing injury.

This winter seems to be lasting forever (boo!). Any advice on cold-weather working out?

Yup, be smart, layer and hydrate. You can still get an awesome workout in the cold, you just have to listen to your body. Also, try something new: snowshoe, cross-country ski or just get out and hike, cold weather or not.

And, when warmer weather finally rolls around (soon, we hope!), how will you be taking advantage of the great outdoors to stay fit?

I love to bike and rollerblade for my cardio (perfect for me as I’m not a big cardio person). Running in the sand is AWESOME, and will even make the "super-fit" feel like you are in quicksand.

Finally, living in Vancouver, what are some of your favourite local ways to work out?

I take advantage of the mountains for some great hikes. The Grouse Grind (very gruelling) or Quarry Rock (everyone can do this one) are two favourites of mine.