Kerry Washington has captivated audiences with her talent and stunning physique. From her early roles in films like Magical Makeover, Save the Last Dance, and Bad Company to her acclaimed performance in the TV drama Scandal, Washington has consistently maintained a healthy and fit lifestyle. This article delves into her diet and workout routines, revealing the secrets behind her radiant health and toned physique.
Washington's Fitness Philosophy
In a 2014 interview with SELF, Kerry Washington emphasized the importance of regular exercise and self-care. She stated, "I have to take care of myself in order to live life the way I want to." Washington understands that prioritizing her well-being is essential for maintaining her demanding career and personal life. She also acknowledges the significance of rest days, allowing her body to recover and rejuvenate.
Pilates: Her Go-To Exercise
Washington has openly expressed her love for Pilates, describing it as her go-to exercise. "With Pilates, I get to bring my true self," she told SELF. "I cry, I laugh. I think, 'What do I need today?'" Pilates offers a unique blend of physical and mental benefits, allowing Washington to connect with her body and address her emotional needs.
The Cleveland Clinic highlights the numerous health benefits of Pilates, noting that it is a form of strength training that focuses on improving muscle tone, stability, and endurance. Unlike traditional strength training, Pilates cultivates a longer, leaner look without bulking up muscles.
Washington's Pilates routine is guided by her trainer, Julie Turner. Turner has designed mat-based routines that can be done at home, offering similar benefits to machine-based Pilates. One such routine includes:
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- Standing Jumps: Stand with feet hip-width apart, gently bend knees, lift heels, straighten legs, and lower heels. Add a jump after straightening legs, landing softly. Jump for 60 seconds, then rest for 60 seconds. Repeat for 3 sets.
- Arm Circles: Tie a stretchy resistance band to a doorknob and lie faceup on a mat with your head under the doorknob. Raise legs and bend them at 90 degrees. Grab the band in each hand and pull the ends out to the sides, forming a T shape with your arms. Circle arms forward 10 times, then backward 10 times for 1 set.
- Leg Springs: Lie faceup on a mat with the center of a resistance band under the arches of your feet. Cross the band over the tops of your feet and hold one end in each hand. Raise straightened legs 24 inches off the floor and pull arms close to your sides. Open legs out to the sides, pause, then press them together. Repeat 10 times, changing leg position so heels touch end to end, then repeat with toes touching end to end. That's 1 set.
Morning Rituals and Wellness Practices
Washington emphasizes the importance of starting her day with self-care. She told SELF that she tries to stretch, pray, and meditate right after she wakes up. This morning routine helps her center herself and prepare for the day ahead.
Another key element of Washington's wellness routine is drinking lemon water each morning. "I start my day drinking a liter of water with lemon and sometimes a little bit of stevia," she shared. The Cleveland Clinic confirms the benefits of lemon water, noting that the acid in lemons aids in food digestion.
Hydration and Skincare Secrets
Hydration is a cornerstone of Washington's wellness regimen. She told Marie Claire that she prioritizes hydration for both her body and her skin. "Drinking water is huge for me. That’s one of the reasons why I’m so drawn to products with hyaluronic acid. I really believe in the power of hydration from the inside out, but also from the outside in."
Washington also shared her skincare secrets with Marie Claire, emphasizing the importance of cleansing. "For me, cleansing is the most important thing in my morning routine. And right now, I’ve been using the Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser. But I do find that I change cleansers depending on the time of year. I like to keep different products around based on what my skin needs."
Nonna Gleyzer's Pilates Method
Nonna Gleyzer, Kerry Washington's Pilates trainer for six years, has played a significant role in shaping her fitness journey. Gleyzer's method is gentle on the body yet highly effective, focusing on toning and strengthening without putting pressure on the joints. Washington initially sought Pilates to alleviate a pinched nerve in her neck and shoulder area.
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Gleyzer tailors workouts for each client, specializing in preventative injury and rehabilitation. Her approach involves working the entire body from head to toe, rather than focusing on individual muscle groups.
A typical Pilates session with Gleyzer includes:
- Lower body work: targeting quads, inner thighs, glutes, and Achilles tendons.
- Lower abs: strengthening the core to support the sacrum and promote proper hip alignment.
- Upper arms: working deltoids and triceps.
- Back workout: strengthening the back muscles and obliques for a defined waistline.
Gleyzer's goal is to help women achieve a natural, elegant physique without appearing overly muscular. She emphasizes the importance of posture and graceful movement, which she believes contributes to a sexy and confident walk.
Additional Exercises and Routines
In addition to Pilates, Washington incorporates other exercises into her routine. These include:
- Resistance Band Exercises: Standing in a split stance with a resistance band, lift arms out to the sides of shoulders and inhale, then lower arms while exhaling. Repeat on one leg, then switch legs.
- Foam Roller Exercises: Lie faceup with a foam roller under the lower back and a towel under the neck. Straighten knees and extend feet diagonally, hold, and return to the chest. Straighten legs and stretch feet straight up to the ceiling, keeping toes pointed, hold, and slowly return to the starting position.
- Core Work: Lie faceup with knees bent, feet flat. Lower heels and lift toes up, hold for 3 beats.
- Cardio: Rowing intervals for 5 minutes at 80% resistance or running intervals with 30-second sprints and 30-second rests. Alternatively, dancing in place or stair climbing for 5 minutes.
- Dumbbell Exercises: Hinge forward at the hips while holding dumbbells, then stand tall with arms by your side, palms forward. Raise arms halfway parallel to shoulders, then move arms slightly rounded and forward in front of the chest to touch knuckles. Raise arms to the sides while simultaneously rotating the heads of the dumbbells to face the ground.
Kerry Washington's Evolving Relationship with Food and Body Image
In recent years, Kerry Washington has openly discussed her past struggles with disordered eating and body dysmorphia. Through therapy and self-reflection, she has developed a healthier relationship with food and her body.
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Washington no longer views food as the enemy or uses exercise as punishment. Instead, she focuses on nourishing her body and finding joy in movement. She eats when she's hungry, rests when she's tired, and prioritizes her mental and emotional well-being.
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