E!’s Hollywood Cycle Trainers Share Their Hot Body Secrets
Just when you thought reality TV had explored every angle possible, E! found one area lacking exposure: the Hollywood fitness scene.
As much as health magazines write about the diet and fitness secrets of celebrities, we haven’t seen a TV show focusing on the topic since Jackie Warner’s show Work Out in 2008.
Well, the buzz surrounding LA’s cycling scene has grown so loud that it was just begging for a spot on the screen — introducing Hollywood Cycle.
The new E! reality show follows three of the top trainers and their “trainees” at the popular Los Angeles fitness studio, Cycle House. The show, which premiered last night, will (naturally) focus on the group’s escapades on and off the bike.
Nichelle Hines, Aaron Hines, and Nick Hounslow’s cycling classes are so in demand they often book up a week in advance, and with a brand-new, flashy studio right off Melrose, they’re in the prime location to cater to their often celeb-heavy clientele.
And it’s easy to see why people flock to Cycle House. These trainers are not only motivating during your workout, they also provide major fitspo with their own dedication to health and fitness.
I got a chance to chat with the uber-toned trainers recently at their Los Angeles launch party and got the low-down on each of their diet and fitness routines.
Find out their best kept fitness secrets, advice for eating pre/post workout, and the celeb they’d die to have in class.
Q&A with Nichelle Hines
What’s your biggest challenge as a trainer at Cycle House?
My biggest challenge is making sure class stays fresh and exciting. I teach a minimum of 14 times per week so finding the time to find fresh music, study it enough so I can teach seamlessly to it, and incorporate into class is one of my top priorities and biggest challenges especially seeing a lot people 3-7 times a week
How did you feel about becoming a reality star and having cameras follow you around?
It definitely took some getting used too, lol! My life is very busy and fast paced so adding another thing in was initially a bit crazy. But I love being busy and work best under pressure, so it became quite enjoyable. The biggest issue was me and my mouth. Which was great for E!, but sometimes I was like, “Oops I can’t believe I said that!” Well, most of the time, actually. I have a necklace a friend just gave me that says #nofilter and you will definitely see why I wear it often.
What celeb were you (or would you be) starstruck to have take your class?
I am typically ok when a celeb comes in because I focus on the task at hand. It’s usually after that I have the holy crap that was whoever moment, and then I freak out a little. However, if Jay Z and Beyoncé came to my class together — I would definitely need to go in the bathroom and scream and jump up and down and cry a few tears of joy before pulling it together to teach.
What do you do for exercise in addition to spinning?
I like to circuit train. Light weight, high-rep, dynamic movement. I love the class atmosphere sometimes when I work out so a sculpt class at the gym usually does me right. I’m certified in Kettle Bell as well, so I like to grab the bell sometimes, blast some Jay Z, and kick my own butt. Power movement that gets up the heart rate really gets me going.
What does your diet look like? Do you avoid any types of foods?
I’m a big believer in moderation. I try to eat well most of the time, but I have my moments of going in for sure. I used to weigh over 200 pounds so I really try and think before I eat. My goal is health, not thinness, so I usually try to stop and ask the question: “Is this serving my health?” If the answer is no, I try to avoid it. If sour candy or pizza is involved though the struggle becomes VERY real.
What’s your favorite pre and post workout snacks/meals?
I like something simple with a little carbs, a little fat, and protein. So half of an open-faced turkey sandwich, an apple, and almond butter are my typical go to meals 60-90 minutes before class. Post class, I’m a huge fan of the protein shake to replenish the muscles.
What’s your favorite healthy dessert?
Apple and almond butter or strawberries and Greek yogurt.
What’s your number one tip to clients who want to lose weight?
Drop your sugar intake and eat often. Three meals and two snacks. Keep the fire burning. When it goes out that’s when you’re really in trouble.
Name 3 songs on your summer playlist.
Tear the roof — Alesso
U mad — Vic Mensa feat. Kanye West
Take ü there (remix) — Jack ü featuring Kiesza and Missy Elliot
Favorite activewear brand?
It’s a tie between Koral Activewear and Body Language Sportswear.
What’s your fitness/healthy living motto?
You have no idea what you’re capable of.
Q&A with Nick Hounslow
What’s your biggest challenge as a trainer at Cycle House?
Keeping people motivated, catering to the group as well as the individual, satisfying everyone’s music wants and desires, and pushing people beyond limits they thought possible. We have to incorporate all this whilst creating a fun, enjoyable and supportive environment in which to workout.
How do you feel about becoming a reality star/having cameras follow you around?
Honestly the cameras came to us. A very successful movie producer approached us. She had been a client for since we opened our doors. She loved what we do and enjoyed the daily ‘drama’ she witnessed from afar. I did think it would be strange having cameras around but honesty I forgot they were even there and just carried on my life as normal.
What celeb were you (or would you be) starstruck to have take your class?
Cyclehouse does attract a long list of A-listers, so it has been our norm for some time now to see them in class. However, chances are if Caitlyn Jenner walked into my class I would be lost for words. I would most likely just shake her hand and not let go and keep shaking it over and over again! I think she’s an inspiration and I’m in awe of her bravery.
What do you do for exercise in addition to spinning?
I love weight lifting. It’s my time to chill and unwind. I’m that guy at the gym with a baseball cap, head phones, head down and not talking to anyone. In addition, hot yoga classes really help me unwind and stretch from the week’s workouts.
What does your diet look like? Do you avoid any types of foods?
I am healthy most the week, and usually eat 5-6 times a day. I try to eat a lot of greens and lean proteins. I tend to avoid dairy and processed foods as much as possible.
What’s your favorite pre and post workout snacks/meals?
Pre-workout I make a breakfast smoothie with rolled oats, coconut oil, and kale. Post-workout I’ll have a protein shake immediately following. Then about an hour after I’ll make sure to eat some lean protein and green vegetables.
What’s your favorite healthy dessert?
Haha, oh no! I do have a sweet tooth so when it comes to desserts, I’m not exactly healthy. My favorite cheat dessert is Joan’s on Third’s carrot cake! SO good!
What’s your number one tip to clients who want to lose weight?
The first thing I say is if you’re trying to loose weight or ‘diet’ and you’re hungry, you are doing it all wrong. To eat healthy doesn’t mean depravation or starvation. You should feel satiated and full. To understand that mindset will help as people are fearful of what it really takes to lose weight. There is no mystery or quick fix.
Name 3 songs on your summer playlist.
Feenixpawl — Ghosts
Fun (jump smokers remix) —Pitbull feat Chris Brown
Ed Sheeran – blood stream
Favorite activewear brand?
Nike / Lululemon. Don’t make me choose ;)
What’s your fitness/healthy living motto?
It doesn’t always feel good, but it WILL look good.
Q&A with Aaron Hines
What’s your biggest challenge as a trainer at Cycle House?
With so many loyal customers, my biggest challenge is continuing find new music and changing the flow of class to make sure it’s engaging and fresh every single class.
How do you feel about becoming a reality star/having cameras follow you around?
I feel great about having the opportunity to be a reality star. There are millions of people who would love to be in my position, so I’m definitely not taking this for granted. It was interesting having cameras around in the beginning during the pilot, but I became very comfortable with it and didn’t have a problem being myself.
What celeb were you (or would you be) starstruck to have take your class?
I was pretty starstruck the first time Charlize Theron took my class. I would be completely starstruck if Floyd Mayweather took my class though!
What do you do for exercise in addition to spinning?
I box 2-3 times a week. I lift at Equinox 2-3 a week, and I try to take Barry’s Bootcamp once a week.
What does your diet look like? Do you avoid any types of foods?
My diet consists of a lot of protein and veggies. I try to limit of sugar intake. In order to keep my metabolism running high, my motto is never go hungry, never go full.
What’s your favorite pre and post workout snacks/meals?
Pre workout: I like yogurt with fruit. The sugar from the fruit will provide some energy. Post workout: I love a big protein shake with some type of carb as well. The carbohydrates help replenish the glycogen and glucose in your muscle.
What’s your favorite healthy dessert?
Greek yogurt with mixed berries
What’s your number one tip to clients who want to lose weight?
My motto is never go hungry, never go full. Small meals throughout the day.
Name 3 songs on your summer playlist.
Febreeze —Skrillex & Diplo feat. 2Chainz
Cutie Pie — Lil Jon feat. T-Pain, Snoop Dogg, Problem
Truffle Butter — Nicki Minaj
Favorite activewear brand?
Under Armour.
What’s your fitness/healthy living motto?
Eat right, train hard, and get your rest and recovery.
Liz says:
Love it! What a cool opportunity to have interviewed these people! Definitely makes me want to take a spin class now.
Liz S. says:
I really enjoyed last night’s premiere of Hollywood Cycle! This interview is another great introduction to the trainers. Nichelle is my favorite!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says:
Hi Whitney! I have to watch this, and I can totally relate to their problem with keeping it fresh in classes, since I’m teaching around the same amount as them. And I love their healthy approaches to dieting and eating right. Thank you for the interesting profiles of these new stars!! :) Yay for a fitness-focused reality show.
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says:
I really appreciate the idea behind a fitness based reality show. I think it’ll be really cool to showcase the lives behind it all. Thanks for the fun interviews!
Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things says:
This was such an inspiring, yet down-to-earth read! I love that they all shared a similar diet and lifestyle motto – eating well and not depriving yourself. I wonder if we are able to watch it here in Australia. I will have to flick through our cable tv guide and see! xx