The Laker Girls are more than just skilled dancers and icons, they're also incredibly fit. We asked each Laker Girl what her secret is to staying fit. Check out our Laker Girls page.

Fitness Profile: Jensen

I went running for 2 miles everyday and going to the gym at least 4 times a week. I also changed my diet by eating healthier and balancing all the food groups.

I take dance classes at 24 Hour Fitness and take jazz classes at various dance studios.

I try to go running at least 3 times per week and also go to the gym.

I start with 20-30 minutes of cardio and then move on to stretching. After that I focus on weights but more for toning rather than bulking.

I eat nonfat yogurt almost ever morning with some kind of whole grain to give me energy for the day. I also try to eat natural and organic foods daily.

I attend yoga or pilates at least once per week to keep my flexibility and strengthen my whole body while relaxing my mind.

I go to the gym mostly to keep up my strength, stamina and physical fitness. Dancing is also important, however, to keep up my technique.

My boyfriend, who is a personal trainer, has really made me aware of the importance of staying fit. Not only is it important as a Laker Girl, but it also helps keep your body healthy and maintain good habits for the future.

I love frozen grapes as a snack during the day. Also, I try to find natural dried fruit for snacks, not loaded with sugar. My favorite meal to eat that I find healthy for my lifestyle are whole grain pita wraps! I can't get enough of them!

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help your body and mind as you grow older. There are many benefits from a healthy lifestyle that you can't see immediately.

Fitness Profile: Tiffany

As the summer dwindled away and the Laker Girls auditions were approaching, I tried to eat healthier and to eat more meals in smaller portions throughout the day. I also attended the gym more often and swam outdoors to get some sun and exercise.

Dance technique classes are important and I also do a lot of stretching to keep my muscles flexible. I enjoy taking hip-hop classes to keep me active.

Yes I am a very active person. I love being outdoors and I own any kind of sporting equipment you can think of. I was on a co-ed softball team, I play golf, volleyball, football, swim, boogie board, and run.

When I go to the gym, I enjoy doing cardio and working on my abs. I also really enjoy taking classes. But to be honest, I love being outdoors and would rather go hiking or do activities outside.

To maintain energy I eat a lot of food—food is fuel and I think its really important. I also believe that getting a good night's rest is very beneficial to your metabolism.

Stretching is very important to your health. It prevents injuries. I take pilates and bikram yoga (which is in a hot room) and I love it!

Usually the days that we have rehearsal I try and get errands done during the day. Days that I have off, I love to go outside and get physically active. When I have a lot of energy at night, I like to go to the gym and blow off some steam and energy so I can get a good night's rest.

Ever since I was young, I have always been very active in dancing, gymnastics, extra curricular activities, and sports. Even though I don't eat the best, I have balanced it out with my activities. But, my mom always tried making healthy meals and I remember my dad went for jogs every morning.

I enjoy salads with some chicken and veggies because it fills me up and is a refreshing snack. My body usually lets me know what I need—I get certain cravings. When I need protein, I will crave chicken, steak, or fish. Sometimes, I will crave salads, sometimes carbs, etc.

It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your family's sake. Try to be good role models, and to encourage your friends and loved ones to have an active lifestyle, not to mention, taking care of your body.

Fitness Profile: Jennifer

I went to the gym about 4 times a week to do 30 min. cardio and free weights. I also took a few dance classes to practice my technique and the week before I took a few pilates classes to strengthen my core.

I love ballet since I grew up with it. I also like to take jazz funk classes because the combos are usually girly and fun! J

I go to the gym at least twice a week and usually do cardio on the elliptical or treadmill for 30 min. Then I do sit-ups and some free weights. I'll also take yoga classes every once in awhile to stretch and strengthen my muscles.

I always do at least 20 min of cardio when I'm at the gym. Then I stretch to work on my flexibility. I use free weights sometimes but only 5 lbs. ones. I also work on my core by doing sit-ups on a medicine ball.

I like to eat carbs before I workout so I don't run out of energy. I also try to eat enough fruits and vegetables daily. I eat a lot of protein to stay full like nuts and chicken.

I wish I had more time for yoga and pilates, I only take yoga/pilates classes a few times a month. But, I always stretch after my workouts to maintain my flexibility.

Since I grew up dancing rather than playing sports, I prefer to take dance class over running or the gym. However, I workout at the gym more nowadays because it's more convenient. I do enjoy jogging along the beach though!

I actually made myself aware of it when I went to college and wasn't dancing everyday like I did in high school. I realized pretty quickly that I needed to change my diet and start hitting the gym to prevent the "Freshman 15"!

My favorite nutritional snack is trail mix because it gives me energy. My favorite meal to eat that I find healthy for my lifestyle is sushi!

I think maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important because it's hard to live a happy, productive life when you are not healthy and energized.

Fitness Profile: Bria

How did you prepare for Laker Girls auditions this summer?
I continued training in Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Hip Hop. I took tap classes too. These dance classes kept me fit and active. Also, they allowed me to constantly practice learning choreography from instructors. I picked up a variety of dance styles, keeping my mind active.

What other styles of dance do you do outside of Laker Girls rehearsals to maintain your skills?
I do ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and hip hop dance. I am lucky to have access to these classes on a daily basis since I am a Dance major in school.

Do you do anything outside of dance to stay fit (ie swimming, biking, etc.)?
Yes. I enjoy swimming, running, and pilates. My dad was a track and field coach so I have grown up running and grew up to love it. I love swimming too and wished I could be a mermaid when I was little.

Take us through your typical workout. Do you use weights, cardio, flexibility exercises? If so, please describe.
I do a lot of cardio like crunches and leg exercises, also running. I work on my flexibility by taking pilates classes and making sure I stretch before and after a workout, or dance class.

What do you eat to stay healthy/maintain energy?
I eat a lot of chicken for protein and pasts for energy/carbohydrates. As a snack, I eat fruits such as strawberries, pineapples, bananas, apples, and oranges. I also drink an antioxidant juice that has vitamins (A, B, C, D) necessary to maintaining energy.

Talk about the importance of stretching, yoga or Pilates in your workout.
Pilates is important in my workout because it teaches me how to balance my breathing with my movements. It makes me aware of the muscles I am using and not using. It causes me to work my body in ways I am not used to doing in everyday life.

How do you balance dancing vs. other fitness related activities?
I love sports and dancing—so as an athletic person I take daily dance classes and will swim after in my school gym or apartment. I also run on the elliptical with my roommate and she inspires me!

Who made you aware of the importance of staying fit?
My mom and dad. My mom stressed the importance of eating right and she was also a dancer all her life. My dad was a football player at USC and a track and football coach at different high schools. So, I have been in an active environment since I was born and that's what I try to maintain.

What do you find a "nutritional snack" during the day? In addition, tell us about your favorite meal to eat that you find healthy for your lifestyle.
Fruit is always a nutritional snack so I will get fruit bowls from the store. Trader Joe's has a variety of nutritional snacks that are healthy, but delicious too! I love to eat baked chicken, rice, and a lot of veggies or a veggie casserole.

What advice would you give to Lakers fans about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle not only for yourself, but for your family and friends. How you live and act is more of an impact on others than telling someone what to do and eat.

Do you have an everyday helpful, healthy tips for any of the Lakers Fans?

Fitness Profile: Tara

I started with a much healthier diet by cutting back on carbs and sugar. I ate a lot more meat, fish and veggies. I also got a gym pass where I worked out regularly and went to yoga.

I'm a huge fan of Jazz and hip-hop. So, I attend those classes weekly at a studio where I also will take a lyrical dance class here and there. I also take hip-hop aerobics at my gym.

I live by the beach so I always ride my bike or run on the beach. I love riding my beach cruiser around. Also, during the winter I snowboard on as many of my off days as I can.

When I go to workout, I typically start with stretching. I than will do a 10 minute walk on the treadmill to get me warmed-up. I'll then take that into either a 30 minute run/walk uphill on the treadmill or go to my weights. Or vice versa. My weights consist of arms, side obliques, and thighs. All to tone my muscles. I will then go into an ab workout that consists of crunches, weights, and ground movements to work on my abs.

I eat a lot of oatmeal, egg whites, meat for protein, veggies, grilled fish. I also love the acaí energy bowls that a lot of the juice bars have started to make.

I think stretching and yoga are a very important addition to any workout because it loosens your muscles, making you more flexible. I also feel so much better after I have stretched or done yoga.

I try to take 2-3 dance classes a week at a dance studio, and go to the gym twice a week on the days I don't dance.

My parents have always instilled in me how important it is to stay fit. They made sure I always was involved in a sport where I exercised. Our dinners were also healthy,. On the nights I had veggies that I didn't like, when I was young, I had to finish them before I was allowed to get up from the table. It made me realize I had to eat veggies. Milk was another thing I had to finish. My parents always made sure I took my vitamins.

I like to bring bananas, celery and peanut butter, or rice cakes for healthy snacks during the day. My favorite healthy meal right now is chicken with brown rice and veggies. Its extremely healthy and very filling.

It's very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle so you have more energy and motivation in your life. Also, making a healthy dinner for the family at night will keep you close.

Fitness Profile: Zuanne

I worked out with a trainer at Urban Active, alternating cardio and weight training activities and exercises. I also took as many dance classes as I could to keep up with my technique.

I take classes at The Edge and Millennium Dance studios, such as jazz, jazz funk, hip hop, contemporary, and ballet.

I like to go running when I wake up or go to the gym. I also love to relax in the pool and go swimming.

I do a little warm up to get my muscles warm and then I stretch. I then go into either an upper or lower body workout depending on the day. Usually, I stick to lower weights with higher reps to help tone my body. I finish my workout with cardio and then an ab workout.

I try to eat 5 times throughout the day: 3 smaller portioned meals and then two small snacks in between my meals. It could be anything from oatmeal, fruit and vegetables to any kind of portion and carbs.

As a dancer, stretching and maintaining flexibility is very important. Weight training is essential to toning your muscles and body. But, yoga and pilates tend to keep my muscles elongated. It also helps me find my center easier when I dance.

I try to dance everyday at least 4 to 5 days out of the week. Depending on my schedule, I might to swimming or biking.

I started working out with a trainer back home about 3 years ago. He taught me the importance of not only working out but nutrition as well.

My favorite nutritional snack to eat during the day is fruit. Any kind J! My favorite meal to eat is chicken with a little bit of rice and asparagus.

It is so important to have and maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially as you get older. Without a balanced lifestyle between work, fun, and fitness, you are only shortening your body's potential.

Get out in the sun and enjoy yourself. Try not to spend all your time inside.

Fitness Profile: Nicole

I prepared for Laker girl auditions this year by running at least three times a week for 30-45 minutes. Running helps my stamina which allows me to keep going and giving 100% of effort when I dance. I also ate healthy and didn't drink any soda or junk food to keep me energized!

I really enjoyed taking "hip-hop" classes because the moves are intricate and it helps me pick up choreography a lot easier! I also love taking salsa dance because it's fun and I can move my hips!

Outside of dancing, I love taking dance classes or running on the beach.

A typical workout for me is doing cardio for at least 30 minutes. I try to change my workouts by either running, doing the elliptical machine, or stairmaster. After my cardio workout, I work on my abs by using the incline bench and a 10 lb. weight. I work on my obliques and lower abs as well. I don't really like using free weights but I love using the machines. I try to dedicate at least 3 days out of the week at the gym. I will work on arms one day, back the next, and legs on the third day. The most important thing for me is to do cardio every time and abs.J

I love vegetables (raw) like broccoli, celery, snap peas, and tomatoes. I also love fruit. When I feel like snacking, I eat fruits and vegetables. To maintain energy, I eat pasta and chicken.

Stretching is very important when working out. I always stretch for at least 10 minutes before and after my workout. Muscles must be warm before working out, so you don't pull or strain anything. It would be horrible if you got injured, because it takes a while to heal!

For Lakers, we practice twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays, so I make it a routine to go to the gym after practice. I also will make myself go to the gym one day on the weekend. It is hard when you are busy to find time to work out but I find that as long as you make it "routine" in your schedule, you will follow through.

My mom made we aware of the importance of staying fit. She always worked out and ate healthy. Also, growing up as a dancer, it was really a strict discipline by coaches and dance teachers. Everyone around me was staying fit, so it became normal for me.

"Nutritional snacks" for me are eating fruits and vegetables. I love tomatoes! My favorite healthy meal is eating chicken with spinach!

It's so important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by working out at least three times a week even if it means taking a walk around the block a couple of times. It's also important to eat healthy—that means no fast food and try not to eat out so much.

Stay away from fast food, soda, and candy! Stick to water and healthy snacks.

Fitness Profile: Erica

How did you prepare for Laker Girls auditions this summer?
I prepared for auditions by taking all the dance classes I could as well as making sure I was eating healthy and working out regularly.

What other styles of dance do you do outside of Laker Girls rehearsals to maintain your skills?
I really enjoy contemporary dance. It's something we don't really do as Laker Girls, so I like to do it outside of rehearsals. I also like to take a ballet class ever once in a while to keep up on my dance technique.

Do you do anything outside of dance to stay fit (ie swimming, biking, etc.)?
Sometimes, I'll take a yoga class.

Take us through your typical workout. Do you use weights, cardio, flexibility exercises? If so, please describe.
I'll start with 30-45 minutes on the bike or elliptical or sometimes doing intervals on the treadmill switching between running and walking. Then, I'll do a variety of resistance training exercises for legs, arms and abs followed by a lot of stretching at the end.

What do you eat to stay healthy/maintain energy?
Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and proteins. I like everything in moderation too.

Talk about the importance of stretching, yoga or Pilates in your workout.
I really like yoga and pilates because they lengthen your muscles. I think stretching at the end of my workout is really important so you aren't sore the next day.

How do you balance dancing vs. other fitness related activities?
I like to have a variety of exercises--so combining the two is key so I never get bored.

Who made you aware of the importance of staying fit?
Myself. When you notice your body changing, you realized you can't eat everything like you used to. Eating a little bit of everything in moderation helps keep me satisfied.

What do you find a "nutritional snack" during the day? In addition, tell us about your favorite meal to eat that you find healthy for your lifestyle.
I like to snack on fruits and nuts throughout the day. They give you just enough protein and energy to keep going. I love any kind of pastel dish, especially spaghetti, because it gives me lots of energy.

What advice would you give to Lakers fans about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for your health as you get older. You'll fell healthier if you workout a few times a week and watch what you eat.

Do you have an everyday helpful, healthy tips for any of the Lakers Fans?

Fitness Profile: Ashley C.

How did you prepare for Laker Girls auditions this summer?
I took a lot of dance classes and stopped eating fast food.

What other styles of dance do you do outside of Laker Girls rehearsals to maintain your skills?
I love contemporary because you can just let your body go and really feel the music.

Do you do anything outside of dance to stay fit (ie swimming, biking, etc.)?
Besides dance, I go running around my trail behind my house, and I do leg exercises to strengthen my legs. I also like to do ab workouts to keep my center.

Take us through your typical workout. Do you use weights, cardio, flexibility exercises? If so, please describe.
I do some cardio, like running, but I also do a lot of flexibility exercises (stretching my legs, arms, and my neck). I also do a lot of ab exercises to keep my center and also to maintain my body figure.

What do you eat to stay healthy/maintain energy?
I eat a lot of fruit such as strawberries, watermelon, plums, and peaches. I love salads! Not only are they really yummy but they are also very good for you.

Talk about the importance of stretching, yoga or Pilates in your workout.
I always stretch before I dance, run, or do any other type of physical activity. It's always good to stretch to avoid injuries.

How do you balance dancing vs. other fitness related activities?
I usually have dance classes in the evenings. So, I work out and exercise either in the morning or on weekends.

Who made you aware of the importance of staying fit?

What do you find a "nutritional snack" during the day? In addition, tell us about your favorite meal to eat that you find healthy for your lifestyle.
I find the little 100 calories bags of wheat thins with a piece of fruit are a nutritional snack. I think wraps are a healthy meal for my lifestyle.

What advice would you give to Lakers fans about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps you not only physically, but mentally too. It gives you energy to keep going even when you are tired.

Do you have an everyday helpful, healthy tips for any of the Lakers Fans?

Fitness Profile: Richelle.

How did you prepare for Laker Girls auditions this summer?

I kept my stamina up by taking several cycling classes at my local gym. I also did weight training and cardio about 4-5 times a week.

"International Latin" which consists of Cha Cha, Paso Doble, Jive, Samba, and Rumba.

I try to do laps in the pool at my gym, but I'm not the best swimmer so I take many breaks.

I like to switch my workout routine daily. Every time I go into the gym I work out a different body part and the following week I'll do the same order, but go to completely different machines or free weights.

I eat a lot of fish, preferably salmon. I usually like to grill chicken and vegetables. And sometimes go for the lean cuisines when I can't think of what I want to make or I get lazy. I also love to eat fruit.

As you get older your muscles tighten so it's important to stretch before and after anything physical. It's easy to strain or injury yourself without proper stretching. Although I'm fairly flexible, I do weight training so it's important for me to keep my flexibility while gaining muscle.

My schedule goes on an every other day bias. I practice with the Laker Girls Mondays and Wednesdays, then go to the gym or ballroom every other day.

Myself, I suppose! I enjoy working out. It gives me more energy. I'm also just interested in the human body and how it works. Fitness interests me and the more I learn, the more I like to apply to it to my workout.

I like snacking on an orange or a cherry granola bar. I always have 2 or 3 "100 calorie" packs with me at school for a snack. Beef jerky is always a good snack too.

It's important to have a healthy lifestyle so you can keep up with your kids or even your grand kids. You'll feel 10 years younger no matter what age you are if you stay physically active.

Fitness Profile: Sarah.

How did you prepare for Laker Girls auditions this summer?
I took many dance classes like ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. I also ate healthy and ran as much as I could. My mom and I shopped for the perfect outfit! And I got all the advice I could from former Laker Girls!

What other styles of dance do you do outside of Laker Girls rehearsals to maintain your skills?
I enjoy taking jazz, ballet, and lyrical dance classes. They all contribute to maintaining my dancing. Plus, every dance class is lots of fun!

Do you do anything outside of dance to stay fit (ie swimming, biking, etc.)?
Besides dancing, I like to run and do ab work to stay fit. Also, my jobs help me to stay in shape because I am an entertainer at Disneyland, and teach dance and gymnastics.

Take us through your typical workout. Do you use weights, cardio, flexibility exercises? If so, please describe.
It is great to change your workout from time to time--although mine stays pretty consistent. I start out doing a very thorough stretch, then start my run. After running and getting my heart rate up, I do my ab workout. This is my favorite part because I can really feel it working.

What do you eat to stay healthy/maintain energy?
I love fruits and salads! Strawberries, plums, and grapes are my favorite snacks. A salad with chicken always makes me feel great and keeps me going.

Talk about the importance of stretching, yoga or Pilates in your workout.
I stretch daily and always before a workout. It is so important to stretch, not only to avoid injury, but to get the most you can out of your workout.

How do you balance dancing vs. other fitness related activities?
I'd have to say I do more dancing than other fitness activities because I just enjoy it so much! But, I know that it is important to work every part of your body. So when there are not dances classes that fit my schedule, I will do other forms of exercise.

Who made you aware of the importance of staying fit?
I have been a dancer my whole life so I have grown up knowing how important it is to stay fit. Not only to look good but to feel great as well!

What do you find a "nutritional snack" during the day? In addition, tell us about your favorite meal to eat that you find healthy for your lifestyle.
Fruit is delicious, quick, and you can take it "on the go." Any kind of fruit is my favorite snack. As a meal, I love a sandwich. I usually order a chicken breast sandwich with lettuce, pickles, and BBQ sauce. It always fills me up and is just right.

What advice would you give to Lakers fans about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
Keeping a healthy diet and exercising regularly will not only keep you physically healthy but mentally as well. It is also important to attend many Laker games to keep fun and excitement in your life! haha

Do you have an everyday helpful, healthy tips for any of the Lakers Fans?

Fitness Profile: Michelle.

I danced, danced, danced! I took dance classes, went running around my block every other night, played tennis twice a week and had my own personal dance sessions at home. I made sure I ate healthy and got enough sleep to be mentally and physically ready.

I take ballet class at a local junior college near my home. Otherwise I drive out to LA to take jazz and hip hop classes. I've attempted salsa and love it too.

Yes, I love being actively involved in outdoor activities. I enjoy snowboarding, playing tennis, and although I haven't done it as much as I'd like to, I also enjoy surfing.

I run on a treadmill or run around the block. I do crunches, stretches, kicks and dance routines.

I eat a lot of rice because I grew up eating it and I'm so accustomed to it. I love pasta and seafood. I prefer beef over chicken. I love fruits and certain veggies. I don't really crave fast food which helps a lot, and I tend to crave healthy food when I'm exercising more.

Stretching, yoga, and pilates are important to stay mentally and physically strong. It also helps to maintain a good balance in your life.

Dancing comes first, but when I'm not dancing, I'll squeeze other fitness related activities in my schedule such as running and playing tennis.

I've always been pretty aware of staying fit because I know how important it is to be a professional dancer, not to mention stay healthy. I want to live a long, healthy life so I definitely strive to stay fit.

Dole preserved tangerines. If I had to snack on something, it would be fruits (strawberries, mangos, tangerines, watermelon, etc.)

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will only enhance your life. You'll look and feel better!

Eat a good breakfast, don't miss meals, a healthy snack between meals is good too. Make sure to exercise.

Fitness Profile: Lindsey.

Staying in the gym! I took kickboxing classes as well as pilates. I would stretch regularly to up my flexibility and I took a few dance classes of course. I also tried to eat healthier foods and drink a lot of water. I felt prepared and I hoped that I looked and danced my best.

I enjoy taking "Jazz Funk" classes, they are the most fun for me. I also like to challenge myself by taking lyrical and hip hop.

I love to snowboard during the winter. I also enjoy wakeboarding, kickboxing, taking pilates, cardio at the gym (treadmill, stair climber or elliptical) and of course riding my bike down by the beach (especially since I live by the beach).

A day at the gym for me usually includes starting with a 30 to 40 minute cardio workout. I like to do a few different cardio machines to change up the pace (as long as it raises my heartrate). After that, I usually pick a specific target area to work out (i.e. legs, arms, etc.). I always rely on less weight and more reps so that I tone instead of bulk up. I always end my workouts with a long variety of ab exercises. And of course I drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.

A healthy breakfast is key! I love a low fat yogurt with granola and fruit. I try my hardest to eat my carbs as early as possible so that I can burn them off by the end of the day. I eat a lot salads and protein. Steak is my favorite! Lean meats are the healthiest way to go. I usually eat a protein bar as a snack and steer clear of soda. I do love sweets, they are my weakness so if I ever cheat I know I have to make it to the gym.

Stretching is extremely important! Especially as a dancer. After every workout and before every rehearsal I always give myself plenty of time to stretch out my muscles. It definitely helps prevent any sore or pulled muscles. It also feels great. I enjoy pilates because it helps me tone. I see fast results by practicing pilates.

Obviously dance is my passion and I enjoy taking classes whenever I can. The gym is a bit more convenient for me because I live right down the street from it, so I find myself there more often. But I do make it a point to take dance class at least a few times a month.

I was a gymnast for 9 years. I started when I was 4 years old. I grew up being very disciplined in staying fit. I appreciate it so much now. It helped shape my body at a young age. My mom was also a former aerobics instructor so she helped stress the importance of staying fit.

A nutritional snack for me would be a protein shake or bar. However, I enjoy fruits and veggies too. My favorite healthy meal would be chicken breast and lean steak seasoned with cooked veggies and brown rice.

We're all human, it's not always the easiest to eat healthy, but as long as you give it all you got and workout regularly, you will feel healthy and happy with yourself. Although, don't forget to treat yourself once in awhile too. You deserve it.

Fitness Profile: Lisa.

How did you prepare for Laker Girls auditions this summer?

I started 3 months before by doing at least 5 dance classes a week in ballet, jazz, and hip hop. I take pilates 3 times a week and made sure I continued my healthy eating habits.

I mainly take ballet to maintain my dance technique. I also take jazz and hip hop to maintain a natural, smooth dance style.

Outside of dance I take pilates and run at least 4-5 times a week.

I usually start off with an hour of pilates in the morning to strengthen my core and keep my muscles lean and lengthen. Most of the workout is done with the reformer. My favorite exercise is "climb a tree". It works your abs well. Then after work I go for a 30 minutes run.

For breakfast, I love egg whites, spinach, green peppers and fresh basil all scrambled together. Usually lunch is heartier so I'll include more carbs for energy. For dinner, I like to have something light like a chicken salad. Of course snacks in between would be fresh fruit and granola bars. Yummy!

I love, love, love pilates! It teaches you to use your muscles appropriately so they do not get over developed.

I alternate my dancing and normal workout regimen every other day so my body gets the most benefit out of both activities.

My mom. She always made sure to teach me to eat a balanced meal. I even loved tofu as a child. Thanks mom!

A snack that helps me get through the day is a handful of cashews and cranberries. My favorite meal is breakfast. I love egg whites with spinach, peppers, mushrooms, and fresh basil. Sometimes parmesan grated on top.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help keep your body strong and help fight against illness. Also, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be a positive influence on the people around you.

Fitness Profile: Stefanie

I went on a strict fruit and vegetable diet, and also went to dance classes.

I like to take hip hop classes and jazz classes whenever I get the chance.

I enjoy running, swimming, and walking, even though most people don't thinks its much but it really does help.

When I work out I mostly like to do cardio like the elliptical or treadmill. I also do crunches to work on my stomach muscles.

I love sushi, it's really healthy and great for your body. I also eat salads, chicken, fish, and fruit. I love veggies.

Even when working out-like running-you should always stretch. Your body has so many muscles that you don't even know about, so its super important to stretch. When you're done, do a cool down.

I try and work out on days I dance, its easier for me to do that. I feel I get a double workout!

Since I was a small my mo has always eaten healthy and reminded me of the importance of eating healthy. She was a health nut. I didn't have any sweets until I was 4.

I like to snack on V8 spicy juice. It fills you up and you get a full serving of veggies. My favorite meal to eat is sushi, I just can't get enough.

It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle because there are so many temptations with all of the fastfood places. It seems like people forget the importance of making dinner. So take time to prepare healthy meals for you and your family.

Drink lots of water, trying dancing around your house (it's a good, fun workout) and step away from the candy.

Fitness Profile: Jeri-Faye

How did you prepare for Laker Girls auditions this summer?

To prepare for the 2008 Lakers Girls auditions, I trained in dance class approximately 8 hours per week. The best cardio workout for me is in dance, so I take a combination of ballet, jazz and hip-hop. I also lifted weights 2 days per week to strengthen and tone.

I train in all styles of dance including jazz, modern, tap, and hip-hop. The most important style to train in to maintain a dancer's core, control and strength is ballet. Ballet is the most difficult form of dance because you cannot fake technique!

I teach fitness classes twice per week and I continue to take new classes out of my comfort zone to challenge myself. The classes I teach include: Latin impact, hip-hop (aerobics style), and aqua aerobics.

I do cardio everyday whether it is a dance class or stair climber at the gym. I also lift weights every other day because it is important to give your muscles a break between workouts so that you are building/toning your muscles and not tearing them. One day is focused on biceps and triceps, and the other is dedicated to shoulders and back. I do low weight/high reps to lean and tone rather than bulk up.

I eat fruits, vegetables and protein everyday. I try to stay away from pre-packaged or frozen foods because they are extremely high in preservatives and sodium. Carbohydrates are important to keep your brain sharp and attentive, but moderation is key. I do no believe in depriving your body or crash diets because they do not last.

Stretching before and cooling down after your workout will prevent injury and give a dancer longevity in their career. Personally, "warm up" is my favorite part of dance class. Your muscles and joints need to warm-up before attempting anything strenuous or putting an abnormal amount of impact on your body. Whether you enjoy stretching at the end of your workout, sitting in the sauna or a hot bath, take the time to cool down. Your body will thank you!

Dance is my passion and also my career so I have to train everyday to stay on top of my technique. I started teaching other fitness styles to broaden my horizons as an instructor. It is very beneficial to "step out of your box" and take different types of fitness classes because there is always more to learn. I make sure that I give myself a well balanced variety of activities so that I am always motivated to push my physical abilities and knowledge.

My mom and dad instilled in me the importance of being healthy. They never stressed being "thin," but they wanted me to be fit in order to live a positive and active lifestyle. As I grew older, I became interested in maintaining a certain physique that makes me feel energetic, motivated and confident.

My favorite "nutritional snack" is fresh fruit. To be honest, snacking can be my biggest weakness; especially because I am constantly on the run. My favorite meal is salmon and vegetables. Although it sounds simple, there are a million different ways to prepare fish and I love them all!

Drink lots of water! Being healthy does not mean "dieting." Diets do not last forever because they are not realistic solutions to a much bigger problem. To make positive changes in the way you look and feel you must make lifestyle changes to promote a healthier quality of life. Set realistic goals for yourself and stick to them!

Do not compare yourself to others. Be confident in who you are and honest with yourself about things that you would like to improve. Make small changes in your everyday routine that motivate you to live a healthier lifestyle. It is never too late to start new habits that will improve the quality of your life. So start today!

Fitness Profile: Annika.

How did you prepare for Laker Girls auditions this summer?

I stepped up my workout routine by doing extra cardio and really focusing on stretching, since flexibility is important at auditions. I also worked on increasing my stamina since the first day of auditions is a very long day and requires a lot of energy.

I love taking hip hop and jazz classes, and I really need to get back into ballet too!

I love doing cardio at the gym, and I also love hiking when I get a chance to go.

I start out with 30-45 minutes of cardio on the elliptical machine. Right after that, I stretch because I like stretching when my muscles are still warm. From there, I move on to my favorite weights/resistance exercises--squats, lunges, sit-ups, and various exercises on the large exercise ball.

I love having eggs with avocado, and fruit on the side for breakfast. It starts my day off right and gives me the energy I need to get going. My favorite lunch is a turkey sandwich or a fruit smoothie, and for dinner I love having a fresh piece of fish with asparagus and couscous! I love having original tart flavor frozen yogurt for dessert because it's only about 90 calories per serving and absolutely delicious!

Stretching is absolutely essential as a dancer, and I love doing it because it is calming and relaxing for me. I love Pilates because it strengthens my core, which in turn makes me a sharper, stronger dancer. Yoga is extremely therapeutic and beneficial for me too. Its simplicity makes it great for beginners too.

I like to workout at the gym every other day (the days we do not have practice), so that I'm active everyday and I can alternate activities.

Honestly, I picked it up on my own when I was in college and realized I had gained about 8 of the Freshman 15. I'm pretty self-motivated because I like feeling fit and in good shape. But, I'm also inspired by the trainers at the gym because of their dedication to fitness.

I love, love, love Fuji Apples--they are a sweet, nutritional snack and they fill me up just enough to hold me over between meals.

I would say to make diet and exercise equally important--they go hand in hand and both are necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Don't jip yourself by only doing one or the other.

Drink lots of water!! It gives you energy and is so much better for you than soda and most other drinks. It also helps with portion control because it fills you up.