Salma Hayek's Muscle Activation Fitness Routine Ineffective? Experts Speak Out

Salma Hayek previously insisted in an interview that she doesn't work out and instead uses a technique called restorative yoga. Days after her workout regimen went public, experts have contradicted the movie star's claim and said that what Hayek considers an exercise routine is a hoax.

"It seems she is simply isometrically contracting her muscles, which is not an effective way to tone," said Jenn Seracuse, FlexStudios' director of pilates, as reported by NY Daily News.

In her interview with PEOPLE, the 48-year-old actress claimed that she doesn't exercise because of her hectic schedule. However, it's noticeable how Hayek it still in great shape despite pushing 50 years of age. The secret, according to her, is a practice called restorative yoga.

"I work with a woman in London who taught me how to hold my body in a way where the muscles are activated all day long," Hayek told PEOPLE. "So even when you brush your teeth, you're working the muscles."

The actress continued, "She taught me to tone [my muscles] without clenching them. You relax them and focus on the parts that need to be used, but never with tension. If you're aware of your body, you'd be surprised by the effect it can have."

Jessica Matthews, a yoga teacher and senior adviser for the American Council on Exercise, said that in restorative yoga, classes make use of "props like blankets and bolsters and holding postures at least several minutes," NY Daily News reported. Seracuse added that Hayek's fitness practice seemed far-fetched from reality.

"It's not possible to contract only certain parts of a muscle. It's all or nothing," Seracuse explained, as quoted by the news outlet. Matthews noted that doing small movements are not sufficient to replace regular sweat sessions.

NY Daily News wrote that the "Everly" star appears to give special notice to maintaining good posture, which can help the body's organs get more breathing room and can make a person look slimmer.

"You have muscles that stabilize your body to remain upright all day," Matthews further added, as reported by NY Daily News. "(But) I have yet to hear of a specific system targeting the muscles in a specific way."

Last month, the brunette beauty also shared the skincare secret responsible for making her look younger. Hayek said in an interview with ELLE magazine that an ingredient called Tepezcohuite from her home country Mexico keeps her face looking fresh and beautiful. In addition, she said that good beauty tips were passed down to her from her grandmother, who taught Hayek how to take care of her skin since she was a young girl.

To make her lashes look longer and her hair healthier, she uses a fruit seed called Mamey mixed with oil, ELLE magazine added. The lead star of "The Prophet" also revealed that these ingredients are enough to make her stay away from plastic surgery clinics. She insisted that she has no Botox, peels, or fillings and only uses creams on her skin.