Kerry Washington graces the cover of September 2015’s Self Magazine-opening up about how, why, and ways she balances herself: mind, body and spirit for the sake of a healthy quality of life for her daughter Isabella Amarachi, born April 2014 for whom her main fitness motivation is inspired.
Despite her mounting Scandal success, Washington arrived to the interview (taken place on the set of Scandal) in sweats, no makeup, no entourage, and with an extended arm; unassumingly introduced herself as “Kerry” [to Molly Knight of Self] who she invites to join her in the morning’s workout (that continued without interruption, still)-just like it would have had the interview not been scheduled.
On embracing womanhood and celebrating the beauty of her body having served as a vessel that created a miracle (versus trying to do what you typically hear-the ‘Hollywood’ norm): “get back to pre-baby weight/size” etc’
“I’ve been really focused on not being ‘back’ to anything, but being the best version of myself right now. My body is the site of a miracle now. I don’t want to be pre-miracle.”
Kerry says her manager commented that she was “back” to her pre-pregnancy size. It was that moment that brought about an epiphany for Kerry on moving forward in mind, body and spirit: “She meant it as a total compliment, but we had this great conversation where I was like, ‘You know what? I try really hard not to use that language, because it’s not about going backward in life.'”
Amen.
Her fitness ritual:
Training with her personal trainer Julie Turner, the pilates-loving actress and mom is typically up and at it by 6 a.m. 2 to 6 times per week for the past five years now whose Scandal dressing room has been converted to small gym-complete with a pilates machine, blocks, resistance bands and free weights.
“There are a lot of forms of exercise where you have to leave yourself out of the room while you force yourself to do this thing,” explains Washington. “With pilates, I get to bring my true self. I cry, I laugh. I get to go: Where is my body today? What do I need today? How can I take care of myself and push myself past my comfort zone? How can I be both loving and challenging?”
Her workout regimen, rules, and reason:
Although she’d prefer to be cuddled up with Isabella and her pet shih tzu/Yorkie mix- Josie who sleeps at the foot of her bed, the fact of the matter is (for the greater-later), she can’t-she never misses a workout. She explains: “I have to
