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Apr 2011  |  By Christy Coughlin  |  Comments

Workout in the Park with Alison Sweeney

How does the busy host of “The Biggest Loser” and “Days of Our Lives” star stay fit? Does she get personal workout sessions with Jillian?

She’s coming to Chicago on May 21 for SELF magazine’s Workout in the Park. But first, she chats with Make It Better's Christy Coughlin about her new book and her busy life.

How do you fit workouts into your busy work and family schedule?
It’s definitely not easy to make time for all the important things, especially working out. I try to take everything one day at a time. There are some days when it’s impossible, but because I know I’ll work out the next time I can, I don’t worry about it.

My average is five days a week. I try to do cardio every time I work out, and then once or twice a week I add strength training with weights or pilates. I also try to use “deadlines” to motivate me. It can be intimidating to try to look your best for certain key moments, whether it’s your sister's wedding, or a public bathing suit situation. Instead of freaking out about those dates, you can get goal-oriented and schedule a little extra get-in-shape activity to keep yourself focused.

What fitness routine keeps you looking so great?
I like to mix my routines up between strenuous activities, like cardio, to relaxing workouts such as yoga. For cardio I do indoor cycling, and I work with a trainer for resistance training.

I certainly don’t hold myself up to an impossible standard. With two jobs and being a mom, it’s tough to prioritize working out, but I try to balance my work, motherhood and fitness. I wrote a whole chapter in “The Mommy Diet” about what I call “shape-up weeks.” These are the times when I buckle down (as my dad would say), exercise intensely every single day, and work harder than I usually do.

What have your learned from your experience on Biggest Loser?
Simply that living a healthy lifestyle and reaching your goals is an ongoing process that requires persistence and dedication. The contestants inspire me – they put self-consciousness aside, cheer each other on, and truly embrace their new lifestyles.  Of course, if you want to stay in shape, you have to go out there every day and get it done.

Your work allows you to influence several generations of women. What messages do you hope to convey to your female fans?
My mom always said to my brothers and me, "You can't take yourself too seriously. You have to be able to laugh at yourself." And she's right! Isn't it time we all cut ourselves some slack? I mean, really! Making a mistake is often how we learn. I can think of several pivotal mistakes I've made that ultimately made me a stronger person or a better mom. We'd miss out on so much good stuff, and plenty of funny moments, if our goal is always to avoid making a mistake. So don't let embarrassment or self-consciousness stand in your way. Be a leader!

Why is the Self Workout in the Park such a great event?
SELF Magazine is all about the things that are important to me—a well-rounded lifestyle focused on health, fitness, nutritious food and other aspects of life that keep us happy and feeling great. Workout in the Park really brings SELF to life for attendees. You’ll enjoy great exercises as well as wellness and lifestyle activities like beauty treatments and fashion tips! I love that SELF Workout in the Park encourages women to take time for themselves. The proceeds of the event go to great causes, so that’s another reason to check it out.  

How will you participate?
I’m excited to be making special guest appearances in Chicago. I’ll be working out and sharing what I’ve learned (and am still learning) about keeping life balanced. I’ll talk to the participants about some tips from my book, “The Mommy Diet,” and I’m sure I’ll learn some unique beauty, style, fitness and healthy food tips.

Who would enjoy and benefit from your new book?
Everyone can benefit from reading “The Mommy Diet,” though it’s based on my experience as a new mom. It is filled with fitness and weight loss tips, as well as recipes, fashion and beauty advice. I’m also adding daily updates to my website, Alison Sweeney, a destination for anyone who wants ideas for eating well, making exercise fun and exciting, and looking and feeling fabulous (and, of course, anyone who wants a glimpse of life behind the scenes in Hollywood!)