Does Kerry Washington Work Out?

If you spend your Thursday nights anywhere else besides in front of your TV watching Scandal, then I don’t know who you are or what your problem is?! This popular ABC drama has taken primetime television by storm and to not partake in this incredible moment in history is well, scandalous.

Must Read: Touch Me Up: How To Apply An At-Home Relaxer

I mean, how triumphant was it to hear Kerry Washington would become the first African-American female lead in a network drama in almost 40 years?! She is doing her thing week in and week out, however if you think cleaning up folk’s dirt is her only super human power, then you are mistaken. Both Kerry and Olivia Pope are total FitGirl’s yall! I’ve been peeping their game these past two seasons and am proud to share these Scandalicious secret FitGirl tips. So, just in case you missed Liv’s other talents in between those steamy scenes with President Fitzgerald I got you covered.

Dress For Success

While the rest of the world was like “OMG what am I going to do without Liv?!” after season one’s finale, I was like “OMG, look at the lululemon jacket!” True story. That popular slim fitting white workout jacket Olivia broke out during that episode can be yours too ladies.

Known as the Forme Jacket, this signature piece by lululemon is excellent to workout in or just “work it” in. I wear mine to yoga and then straight to happy hour with the girls. It is the perfect layering piece and it’s super slim fit makes any FitGirl look sleek and sexy. Plus, the color/print options are limitless. So what are you waiting for? Hurry up and zip up in one today. You’ll be turning heads just like Olivia in no time. Oh, and while you are at it you might as well snag a pair of Wunder Under Pant Full-On Luon tights. Every FitGirl needs a rockstar black legging and trust me, these are it! Super soft with major support and incredible coverage. Get ready to fall in love.

2. Take A Commercial Break

“I love to exercise. I generally exercise every day,” Kerry Washington told People in 2007. Surprised? I’m not. “But just how does she stay so motivated?” you’re probably wondering. Here’s how- she makes it FUN. I also believe in fun fitness so if you are in a FitGirl rut I suggest you too get in on the fun. Starting say…Thursday during Scandal? An easy way to sneak in a workout is to try new exercises during commercial breaks. So next time you are huffing and puffing along with those Gladiators, unlock your inner warrior and break a mini sweat too.

Not sure what exercises to do? Search fitness related hashtags on Instagram and see how other FitGirl’s are sweating and get inspired all while learning something new. #RADexercises is a great place to start. Wink wink.

3. Be Smooth

Ever wonder how you can get Kerry Washington/Olivia Pope glowing skin and fabulous locks? Through a straw. Really! PEOPLE.com’s Great Ideas channel got the scoop on Kerry’s favorite blend, the Glowing Green Smoothie from nutritionist Kimberly Snyder–and oh my goodness y’all–once I whipped one up at home I was all the way hooked. Jam-packed with dark, leafy greens and sweetened naturally with apple and pear, it’s a super-nutritious way to start your day. Ready to get your sip on too? Here’s the recipe:

Glowing Green Smoothie
Makes 1

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
3-4 stalks celery, chopped
½ head of a large bunch or ¾ of a small bunch of spinach
1 apple, cored and chopped
1 pear, cored and chopped
1 banana, sliced
Juice of ½ fresh lemon
⅓ bunch cilantro, optional
⅓ bunch parsley, optional

1. Add 1½ cups water and chopped head of romaine to the blender. Starting the blender at low speed, mix until smooth.

2. Gradually moving to higher speeds, add the celery, spinach apple and pear. Add the cilantro and parsley, if you are choosing to add them. Add the banana and lemon juice last.

4. Tell Your Other Workouts To Take A Hike & Dance Your Way To Pilates

“I’ve never met anybody who’s taken Pilates and doesn’t understand their own body better afterward,” Washington told Women’s Health recently. Known for teaching body awareness, reducing stress, and helping with body image issues- Pilates is a perfect low impact (yet powerful) workout worth exploring. I actually spend my play money once a week on a private Pilates session, however most gyms offer Pilates mat classes on their regular schedule. Couple this with the fact that Pilates DVD’s are plentiful and you really don’t have an excuse not to sweat like Liv.

Not into Pilates? Well mix things up like Kerry and commit to doing things that make you feel good (not just look good). Outside of Pilates our favorite “Scandal” star also tones and burns with hiking and dance classes. Oohlala, sounds like a RAD mix to me!

5. Think Of The Wine Glass Half Full

You are what you eat, however what you eat shouldn’t be all that you are. I love how Liv always winds down with a glass of wine at night (too the rim often…however that’s not my point). Wine, when drunk in moderation, has tons of health benefits and my takeaway every episode is “she is living her life on her terms…good for her!” And I encourage you to do the same. Obsessing about food is not only grounds for other issues (think disordered eating) but makes life so unnecessarily stressful too. Everything in moderation and a positive attitude about food is a much better route. Think of the wine glass half full and take the time to say “cheers” to yourself every now and then…just like Liv.

Robbie Ann Darby (RAD Experience) is a professional FitGirl, Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer in NYC. Follow her sweaty life on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more fun health and fitness tips!

Follow the “#ScandalParty” each week on Twitter: @HelloBeautiful!

Like HelloBeautiful on Facebook to stay on top of your favorite black celebrities:

Related Stories:

‘Scandal’ [RECAP]: The House That Fitz Built

Ava DuVernay To Make Her ‘Scandal’ Directorial Debut