The Workout That Keeps Kerry Washington in Shape

Want to know how Kerry Washington stays long, lean, and strong? Self shares her go-to Pilates workout.

"With Pilates, I get to bring my true self," Kerry Washington says in SELF's September issue. "I cry, I laugh. I think, 'What do I need today?'" While Washington practices Pilates on machines, you can get similar benefits by doing this mat-based routine created by her trainer, Julie Turner. Do 3 sets of each move 2 or 3 times a week.

Stand with feet hip-width apart. Gently bend knees, then lift heels, then straighten legs, then lower heels. Now add a jump after straightening legs; land softly on feet. Jump for 60 seconds, then rest for 60 seconds. That's 1 set.

Tie a stretchy resistance band to a doorknob and place mat on floor under doorknob. Lie faceup on mat, head under doorknob. Raise legs; bend 90 degrees. Reach back and grab band in each hand, then pull ends out to sides so arms make a T. Circle arms forward 10 times, then backward 10 times for 1 set.

Lie faceup on mat with center of band under arches of feet. Cross it over tops of feet and hold one end in each hand. Raise straightened legs 24 inches off floor and pull arms close to your sides. Open legs out to sides; pause, then press together. That's 1 rep; do 10. Repeat, changing leg position so heels touch end to end. Repeat, changing leg position so toes touch end to end. That's 1 set.

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