How to work out like Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
WATCH Ruth Bader Ginsburg's trainer shows you how to work out like a Supreme Court justice
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg turns 85 years old today.
The longtime personal trainer of the Supreme Court Justice — who gained the nickname "The Notorious R.B.G." — shared secrets in October for how the 85-year-old stays physically strong every day as she interprets the Constitution.
Bryant Johnson has trained Ginsburg since 1999, shortly after she was treated for colon cancer. Ginsburg referred to Johnson in a past interview as the most important person in her life.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: America is great because 'it is receptive to all people' Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Pens Note to Girl Who Dressed Up as Her for Superhero Day
The two have worked together to rebuild Ginsburg's strength and bone density following the oldest Supreme Court justice's two battles with cancer.
Johnson said Ginsburg is known for wearing a shirt that says "super diva" during her workouts. He is now sharing the workout for his "inspiring" client in a new book, "The RBG Workout: How She Stays Strong . . . and You Can Too!"
"She is a living example of what she stands for, including the fight for equal rights for women," Johnson said of Ginsburg in a statement announcing the book.
Johnson appeared live on "Good Morning America" today to demonstrate Ginsburg's workout, which he has dubbed "The RBG Workout."
Here are the moves that he shared that you can do at home, with demonstrations by an animated Ginsburg figure:
Machine pulldowns
3 sets and 12 reps
Illustrations from THE RBG WORKOUTAs an alternative to using a machine, a modified version of a machine pulldown is to place a resistance band between an open door and the door frame. Sit on a chair or bench facing the door and then pull the band down and in towards your chest, then return to your starting position and repeat.
Illustrations from THE RBG WORKOUTMedicine ball push-ups
1 set and 12 reps
Illustrations from THE RBG WORKOUTJohnson recommends focusing on the arms, back and core when doing a medicine ball push-up. Start by getting into push-up position on a mat or towel and then cross one foot behind the other and place one hand on the medicine ball and the other on the floor when you do your push-ups.
For a less-intense modification, just do a regular push-up but do two sets and ten reps. Johnson added that you should be sure to keep your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle and keep your abs flexed during the push-up.
Illustrations from THE RBG WORKOUTWall squat with yoga ball
3 sets and 12 reps
Illustrations from THE RBG WORKOUTThe wall squat with a yoga ball can also be done with a partner, Johnson said. Either place the yoga ball against a wall if you are solo, or stand back-to-back with a partner and squat at the same time while holding light dumbbells. Grasp the dumbbells in each hand with palms facing in and hold them to your chest. Meanwhile, bend your knees at a 90-degree angle while inhaling and squeeze your buttocks as you squat.
Alternatively, you can also modify this move by doing a wall squat with a resistance band.
Illustrations from THE RBG WORKOUTThis story was originally published on October 18, 2017.
- Star
