The Man Behind Jay-Z & Beyoncé’s Fitness

Anyone who has seen the Single Ladies video knows that Beyoncé is in hella-good shape. And just who is to credit for that bootylicious body? The trainer Marco Borges, who has also trained Jay-Z and Gwen Stefani (rumored, although he wouldn’t comment), is the writer of the book Power Moves and the creator of the new line of organic vegan bars, 22 Days Nutrition.

Based on the idea that it takes 21 days to make a new habit, his new 22 Days (clever, eh?) bars are lightly sweetened (not sickeningly sweet like some bars) with organic ingredients—and do not contain high fructose corn syrup, gluten or soy up in them either. Additionally, the bars are free of trans fats and cholesterol and low in sodium. With just more than 200 calories a bar, they’re a pretty large snack, but we got to taste-test them, and deelish! Daily Mocha Mantra was our favorite in the taste-department, followed by Cherry Chocolate Bliss. (And be aware that Enlightened Pumpkin Seed is, like, really pumpkin[-]seedy.)

We recently got to chat up Mr. Borges about his new bars, his celebrity personal-training experience (although he wouldn’t dish on the celebs—awww, man!) and his top fitness advice. Read on for the full discussion!

Interview with Celebrity Trainer Marco Borges

• FBG: Why did you decide to create 22 Days Nutrition?
• MB: They say necessity is the mother of invention and, well, we all need healthy options for pre- and post- workouts, as well as smart meal replacements, but I could not find what I needed. So I created my own line of vegan, organic nutrition products that will never contain soy, dairy or gluten.
• FBG: What one move should everyone do?
• MB: Just move! Anything, but keep moving! Typically I recommend exercises you enjoy because chances are if you’re having fun you’re more likely to stick to it.
• FBG: Is there one popular exercise or move you see people doing that’s really pretty ineffective?
• MB: As long as you’re moving, you’re on the right path, however exercising for an hour to burn 800 calories and then consuming them in one sitting is the type of sabotaging behavior everyone should avoid.
• FBG: Are you a vegetarian or vegan yourself? Why or why not?
• MB: I became a vegan in search of optimum health but can’t say that ethical reasons haven’t played a role…
• FBG: When it comes to weight-loss, which is more important: nutrition or fitness?
• MB: Both because they work synergistically, but it’s important to remember that calories in have to equal calories out.
• FBG: What’s the best piece of weight-loss or workout advice you can give someone?
• MB: Consistency is the key!
• FBG: Any other thoughts or tips for our Fit Bottomed Girls’ readers?
• MB: You can’t reach the mountain top in one giant step—but you can get there one step at a time. Do a little every day to get one step closer to your mountain top!

A man of few words, but good advice here. Thanks, Marco! And tell Beyoncé “hi” for us! —Jenn