Last week, iVillage hosted a spectacular exclusive concert with former Backstreet Boy Nick Carter. When the concert wrapped, we had a live interview and web chat nearby with the solo singer in the URBANFITT studio, run by iVillage fitness expert, the fabulous, Jane Clapp.

Jane has been following Carter’s career recently, especially since he has been promoting fitness as a force that has turned his life around. She had a chance to ask the buff hearthrob a few questions about his journey with exercise and how he keeps fit on the road.

You’ve been very open about how exercise and a healthy lifestyle helped you tackle your demons (addictions) in the past. Apart from working out to look smokin’ hot, what role does exercise play in your life now?

Exercise is the number one priority in my life. I’m sure you have heard the old saying, “you’ve got nothing if you don’t have your health.” This is true. I do at least 45 minutes of cardio a day and once I’m in the gym for about a week conditioned, I begin to lift weights. If I get tired of the same old elliptical machine I mix in sports such as basketball and tennis. You may not enjoy it at first but after about 2 weeks you begin to reset your body and form a new habit. Soon you will be craving the gym.

Could you describe your weekly fitness regimen?

The goal is to be in the gym or do something active that burns at least 500 calories 6 days out of the week. I wake up in the morning very early and hit the gym around 8 or 9 o’clock. If I’m trying to lose a couple pounds I will chart my calorie intake in a journal of some kind. There are many options out there. You can go to the local book store and they most likely will have pre-made journals. Remember to always look online or Google your calories. You must know what’s going in your body and what you are burning. One of my mottos is, “early to bed and early to rise.” It keeps you from eating late when your metabolism slows down.

Most of my clients struggle with staying fit while traveling. How do you stay fit and healthy while you’re on the road?

Staying fit on the road is always a task in itself. Due to the sleeping schedules, workload and lack of food options it becomes a challenge at times. Your objective should always be to eat at least every 2 to 3 hours and around 4 to 5 small meals a day. This keeps your metabolism constantly running. If you are traveling and can’t get to the gym you’ll have to keep your calories at a break even point and just make up your gym time on a later date. You can always cut your calories down and not workout but it tends to be hard. Try to have meal replacements such as shakes or protein bars handy in your pockets.

What’s your favourite exercise and your least favourite exercise and why?

My favourite exercise would have to be the elliptical cardio machine. It’s easy on the knees and almost in every gym. Lifting weights is my least favourite but it is essential for fat burning.

Do you still think you could beat Justin Timberlake in an arm wrestle?

Of course I can beat him.

Source: Jane Clapp | ivillage.ca