Fitness Event Features Jordin Sparks; Celebrity Fitness Trainer

SHAPE's Summer Beach Tour set up shop near Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach on Saturday, offering participants professional fitness lessons and the opportunity to meet recording artist and former American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.

Now in its fourth year, SHAPE chose Hermosa Beach as one of only two stops on its summer beach tour this year. 

"This is a pretty fit community," said John Balen, the associate publisher-marketing at SHAPE. "Everyone is moving... They aren't just strolling by," Balen said as he looked to the nearby strand.

In previous years, the Summer Beach Tour was staged near the Santa Monica Pier, but this year, the magazine wanted a change. "We decided to take it down the coast and do it in the ultimate beach community," Balen said.  "The vibe [in Hermosa] is more what we are about."

Hollywood trainer Jeanette Jenkins, who led two of the day's workouts, said she felt the vibe Balen was looking for.

"Hermosa Beach is beautiful," said Jenkins.  "The vibe down here is totally laid back but loving."

Jenkins, who has kept celebrities such as Pink and Carmen Electra in shape, also said that Hermosa is already a fit community to begin with. 

"I do travel all over the world and all over the country doing different events and people are in shape here in Hermosa Beach," Jenkins said, adding that she was able to run her classes in Hermosa at peak intensity. 

"I definitely can't do that everywhere," she said.

For those not participating in workouts, whose proceeds benefited the Skin Cancer Foundation, the event also featured a fashion show where models showed off swimwear featured on recent covers of SHAPE. 

The event also partnered with the local and offered $15 surf lessons near the pier. Proceeds from the lessons benefited the foundation.

Jordin Sparks, who won season six of American Idol in 2007 and will appear on a future cover of SHAPE, capped off the event as she signed movie posters from her upcoming movie Sparkle for fans along Pier Avenue.

Sparks, who brought her dog along to the event, told Patch she enjoyed her first visit to Hermosa. "I like this area, its really cute," Sparks said as she pointed out the bike racks full of beach cruisers along Pier Avenue.

"[Hermosa Beach] is really nice and I don't think anyone would expect to see me here," she said, referring to the attention she would attract at beaches in Laguna or Malibu.

Jeanette Jenkins Workout Tips for Hermosa Beach:

Jeanette Jenkins, known for her "Bikini Boot Camp," offered Patch some Hermosa Beach-specific workout ideas for the summer season. 

Sand Intervals

Working out on the beach offers an additional challenge and also creates less impact on the body than running on concrete. "You have that extra resistance of having to pick up your legs every time you sink into the sand," she said.

• Alternate running and walking in the sand
• 1 minute of running, followed by 1-2 minutes of walking. Repeat 10 times.

Beach Volleyball

A favorite sport of Hermosa, beach volleyball is a great way to exercise while having a good time. "You are burning calories, but you are also having fun," Jenkins said. 

Get Wet

Jenkins also recommends paddleboarding and surfing for those living near the beach.  "Don't be afraid to throw on a wetsuit and get in the water," she said.  "Paddleboarding and surfing... it is mad calorie burning."