With roles like Olivia Pope on ABC’s Scandal and Broomhilda Von Shaft in the Oscar nominated movie Django Unchained, it’s hard to believe that actress Kerry Washington has the time to work out. Proving that she is a “jill of all trades” Kerry admits that her secret weapon to achieving and retaining her incredible body is through Pilates. Kerry says that Pilates has allowed her to focus on her appearance and health without being abusive to her body.
Pilates is an exercise system that strengthens the muscles while lengthening them, creating a figure that is long and lean. What woman doesn’t want that? Right!With the help of celebrity Pilates instructors Erika Bloom and Nonna Gleyzer, Kerry achieves strengthening her body and mind without spending excessive amount of hours working out.
Here are some moves and tips from her instructors:
Erika says the key to achieving a lean, flat tummy is to focus on the deeper abdominal muscles. To do so she recommends the following moves:
shape.com
Teaser:
- Lie on floor/mat, head facing upwards
- Lift legs up slightly
- Straighten arms behind head
- When reaching up inhale and put chin towards chest to roll all the way up
- When going down exhale and scoop the belly to roll down to the spine
- Do 10 to 15 reps then repeat
Knee Fold Toe Touch:
- Lie on the floor/mat, head facing upwards
- If you have a small ball place it under your tail bone
- Put both legs up in 90 degree angle
- Alternate toe touches
- Remember to hold stomach in and breathe
- Do 10 to 15 reps
Whereas Nonna Gleyzer’s remedy to a firm butt is not through squatting a zillion times, instead she recommends:
womenshealthmag.com
Single Leg Heel Raise
- Get onto your hands and knees, with your hands directly beneath your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips.
- Place the Pilates ball/dumbbell behind your left knee and raise your knee an inch off the floor
- Raise your left heel toward the ceiling
- Pause, then return to start. Do five to 10 reps, then repeat with your right leg
Single Leg Curl
- Get onto your hands and knees, with your hands directly beneath your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips.
- Place the Pilates ball behind your left knee and raise your left heel toward the ceiling
- Kick the heel of your left foot toward your butt
- Pause, then return to start.
- Do five to 15 reps, then repeat with your right leg
Remember looking good has its benefits but feeling good is much more beneficial for your health!
