Devoted to fitness
Yolanda Adams sings the praises of regular workouts
Grammy-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams has the voice of angel and has sold nearly 8 million albums worldwide. She’s been nominated for her first Tony Award for music and writing for “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical.” (Tonys Awards airs Sunday.)
But did you know the Houston native is a die-hard fitness enthusiast who can power through pushups and squats or run miles with ease?
Adams, 57, credits trainer and former NFL linebacker Terrence Cooks with getting her into top shape. The two have been working out together for 15 years. She’s also planning a communitywide fitness and health festival next fall. Adams talked with the Chronicle about her exercise routine, how she stays motivated and how others can get in fitness gear for the new year:
Q: Have you always been into exercise?
A: Always. My father was a coach and either you ran or did weightlifting.
Q: Do you still run?
A: I run 9 to 10 miles a week at Memorial Park when I’m in town. I could run all day. If I’m traveling, I try to do 3 miles on the treadmill. I also play golf once or twice a week. My dad and grandfather were big golfers.
Q: You sound super motivated. Why use a trainer?
A: He’s the reason I look like this. I have runner’s knee, and I didn’t realize that to strengthen your knee, you have to strengthen your hamstrings and glutes. So we’ve been working on that. I do Russian twists, planks, bicycles — all types of exercises with him. And abs, of course.
Q: What’s the hardest exercise?
A: I tried the one-legged jackknife (a variation of the situp that involves raising the leg) and failed miserably. But I’m a workout nerd and will try anything to prove I can do it. Terrence challenges me because I don’t know how strong I am without being challenged. I can do three sets of 20 pushups, but when we started, I couldn’t two.
Q: When do you notice the results?
A: With every TV performance or magazine article, I see the results. When someone says, “You are so much smaller in person,” I know the workouts make a difference. I also wanted to make sure I have no chicken fat on my arms. You know that flabby fat. I’m proud of my arms.
Q: Take me through your workout.
A: One day, chest and plyometrics ( jump training); one day, back, shoulders and biceps; another day, legs and calves; then another day of doing everything. I do strength training for endurance and plyometrics to work on balance.
Q: What’s your diet like?
A: I love salads, fruit, peanut butter and gluten-free toast, nuts. I do eat fish.
Q: Do you ever go long periods without working out?
A: That would be two months of not going to the gym, but I haven’t had that luxury in 10 years. Even when I was pregnant with my daughter (Taylor), I
walked, and I was 39 at the time.
Q: Any advice for women trying to get back into exercise for the new year?
A: Don’t be so hard on yourself. If you constantly think about what you haven’t achieved, you will never get motivated. Today is the best day to start. You don’t have to look like a Nike model. Find someone who can work out with you. If you are looking for a trainer, find someone who will take you where you want to be. We make time for what we want but have a hard time finding time for what we need.
Q: Do you think exercising is crucial to living your best life?
A: I believe there are so many people sitting at home depressed and upset who don’t understand the beauty of exercise and how it changes your life. I want people to be healthy and be happy.
Q: Besides the physical benefits, what else do you get from exercise?
A: It gives me energy and even helps with my songwriting. I find a sense of clarity when I run. I never complain about a workout because I know it will be better for me.
Q: Guilty pleasure?
A: Lobster macaroni at Mastro’s.
Q: Exercise motto?
A: “Get your mind right,” that’s what Terrence says.
Q: Any new music in 2019?
A: I have a new single out on Valentine’s Day and a new album around Mother’s Day. Also, the “Yolanda Adams Morning Show” (radio) is coming back soon.
Q: How about New Year’s resolutions?
A: My goal is to live 55 more years.