Actually Relatable Workout Advice From Kate Hudson: "It's a State of Mind More ... - Elle

Photo: Courtesy of Fabletics

"Do you mind if I eat a little popcorn while we talk? I am starving," said Kate Hudson. We're about to chat all things fitness with the A-list actress, but we totally understand the need for noshing. In her role as a dance instructor on Glee, Hudson^[1] flaunts her envy-inducing six-pack abs (which she can apparently have—even while snacking). Unfortunately, the actress’s new line of athletic wear^[2] , Fabletics^[3] , doesn’t guarantee a body like the daughter of Goldie Hawn. However, with the collection of shorts, sports bras, and leggings (all under $100), and an accompanying lifestyle site (with fitness tips and recipes), the longtime fitness fanatic is hoping to inspire healthy living around the world. Here, Hudson talks about derrière-lifting leggings, Cory Monteith, and juicing.

You have always been a big fitness buff but how did this project in particular come about?

When I talk about getting my creative juices flowing in another field, I always wanted it to be something that had a consciousness. What is the message? And it was about reaching—hopefully—a large number of women who want to get involved in the community and helping them achieve their goals through the website. Then, I wanted to create a product as meaningful as the message. We wanted to make sure it was real athletic wear you can wear, whether you are an athlete or somebody who is really starting out that part of their life. I always wanted a legging you can wear to workout or throw some boots on and go out in. And, have it not cost $100 and have the same quality.

We know you are big into Pilates. What’s the best insider tip you have gotten from your trainer?

Um, that I have to do it. I actually have to get up and work out^[4] . I am like most women out there where I can’t motivate myself, it’s really hard. Then I have phases when I realize I am over the hump and I can do it. You realize it’s a state of mind more than anything. I think number one, the luxury of having a trainer has been a big help in terms of motivation. I have been lucky enough to have that.

How has your fitness and eating routine changed over the years?

We are obviously a family of storytellers and creative people who make movies, but underneath all that, we are all very athletic. My mom was a dancer, my dad was a baseball player, my brother was a hockey player, and I was a soccer player and a dancer—we grew up very active. We were constantly doing activities like that, and that’s where it started for me, hands down. Nothing has changed, that’s all I know.

On the subject of dancing, you get to do a lot of great moves on 'Glee'^[5] . Do you have any special moments you can recall from working with your co-star Cory Monteith?

Tell us about some of your favorite pieces in the line.

Designing for every body type is really important, and I think we have great stuff for all kinds of bodies. I love the seamless sports bra and the cross-back, multiple strap sports bra. I’m also a big fan of the snakeskin leggings. They are tone-on-tone and they are awesome. My must on the leggings was how to make butts squeeze in and up. They have a nice firmness to them that makes you feel secure, so to speak.

There is so much information out there about health and fitness. What is a health or fitness myth you would like to dispel?

I actually really believe in cleansing, but I don’t believe in long cleansing, over 10 days is just too much. You know what I think? I think everyone is still trying to figure it out, because everybody is different. I find it hard when people shove down an idea of a health fad and how it’s supposed to make them look. That’s impossible because everyone is so different. It’s hard enough to get motivated^[6] , let’s start with that. Then, once you start to not put pressure on yourself, you can try all sorts of things. You can walk, run, bike, and do yoga. Discover the things that make you feel good. It becomes a state of mind rather than a result or an idea. Once you start, you are never going to stop. You have to learn how to enjoy it. That’s the real thing.

That’s not so easy for a lot of people…

Totally. Emotionally, we get caught up in our lives. When you are dealing with things, whether it be relationships, friendships, our kids, our careers—the last thing you want to do is go get on a treadmill. You always have that light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone knows if you do get on that treadmill, you will feel better.

Photo: Courtesy of Fabletics

References

1. ^{^} Hudson (www.elle.com)


2. ^{^} line of athletic wear (www.elle.com)


3. ^{^} Fabletics (www.elle.com)


4. ^{^} get up and work out (www.elle.com)


5. ^{^} a lot of great moves on 'Glee' (www.elle.com)


6. ^{^} enough to get motivated (www.elle.com)