Before she hit the Oscars red carpet, Django Unchained star Kerry Washington put in a good old fashioned sweat session — and the hard work paid off.
“We worked out before the show,” says her trainer Juliet Kaska, who caught up with PEOPLE StyleWatch at the N.Y.C. launch of Activate water March 8. “We work out as often as four or five times a week. She’s so dedicated. I’ve never seen work ethic like hers!”
With spring — and shorter hemlines! — just around the corner, we asked Kaska, who also trains hard-bodied stars Ali Larter and Stacey Kiebler, how she’s getting her celeb clients ready for warmer weather this year.
The trick, says Kaska, is keeping weights light, reps high, integrating lengthening Pilates and yoga exercises, and working on oft-forgotten muscles in the core area.
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For a toned behind like Washington’s, Kaska recommends V-lifts: Lie prone on bench with hips at the end, holding top with your arms. Draw abs in to support the lower back. With toes on the ground, feet flexed and legs extended in a V shape, lift legs up until your heels are in-line with your butt, keeping glutes engaged. At the top, hold for one count. Draw legs together, squeezing your butt, abs and inner thighs; hold another count. Bring feet down just above the ground. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
Stefanie Keenan/WireImage
For long, lean legs like Larter’s, try lunge to T-balances: Start in a 90-degree lunge with arms stretched up overhead. Shift weight to the front leg, bringing body weight forward. Lift the back leg up, extend it behind, then lower your chest until your back leg, chest and arms are parallel to the ground, creating a T shape with your body. Return to the lunge and repeat for 30 seconds. Switch sides.
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And for Stacey Keibler’s incredible arms, try Kaska’s Pilates-inspired chest expansions: Stand with an exercise band anchored in front of you at hip height. Grabbing handles, step back far enough to feel a light tension. Then, with feet hip-width apart, palms facing back and abs drawn in, press the hands back, keeping the upper arm pressed into the side of your body. Hold one count. Return to starting position. Repeat 20 times.
Tell us: Which tip are you most likely to try?
–Alex Apatoff
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