Turning up to a charity event in skyscraper Louboutins and a cut-out dress that revealed not an ounce of spare flesh on her torso was certainly one way to scotch rumours that she might be expecting a second child. But it was Halle Berry’s perfect décolletage that stole the show thanks to the figure-hugging support of the black sequinned number. She is 43 and has an 18-month-old daughter. Where’s the sagging?

So how does she do it?

Berry worked out until she was almost eight months pregnant and, after giving birth in March 2008, she resumed exercising a few weeks after giving birth in 2008.

With the help of her personal trainer, Ramona Braganza, who also advises Jessica Alba, she was back in red carpet shape after 15 weeks. Berry does Braganza’s hour-long sessions five days a week with cardio work on the elliptical trainer, kickboxing, hill-walking, free weights and core strengthening moves.

She is diabetic so eats small meals, in particular bean and rice-based soups, every few hours to keep her blood-sugar constant.

What you can do

You can’t actually firm the breasts’ fatty tissue, but you can give the impression of improved pertness by strengthen the pectoral muscles that surround them. Push-ups and swimming breaststroke are great bust-toners, but weights are also important.

Try the bench press using dumbbells or, preferably, a barbell for greater stability — aim for about 60 per cent of the maximum you can lift. Lie on a weights-bench with feet either on the floor or on the end of the bench, knees bent. Keep your core muscles tightened. Hold the barbell at chest level, palms facing upwards. Breathe out and extend your arms to press the bar upwards, keeping it level. Don’t lock the elbows. Breathe in as you lower the bar back down. Repeat 8-12 times.

Gradually build to three sets, twice a week and expect results after eight weeks.

Peta Bee

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