Amanda Righetti, who plays smoldering special agent Grace Van Pelt on The Mentalist, means business on screen and off. According to her trainer Marcus Pierce of Body Drama Fitness, she faces workout sessions with a bring-em-on attitude -- and it shows! Nearly nine months after giving birth to son Knox, Righetti's back on the red carpet looking as svelte as ever.
"Working out is a huge stress reliever for me," says the actress. "It gives me energy and helps me clear my head."
And Pierce isn't shy about giving props to his star client's incredible focus. "She inspires me with her hard work and dedication with such a busy schedule -- and a baby!"
One thing that's important to the actress -- while pregnant and now as a new mom -- was incorporating serious calorie-burners into her routine. Helloooo, Plank Walkup! Even those of us not walking the red carpet can get a lot out of this total-body toner.
THE MOVE: Plank Walkup
Works: Core muscles, Shoulders, Triceps, Chest, Legs
Start in the plank position with both arms straight. Never lock or hyperextend your elbows during this exercise. Your elbows should act as the shock absorbers for your shoulders and traps so they don't fatigue first.
Make sure your lower abdomen is engaged by keeping your pelvis tucked and glutes tight. A less-intense version can be done from a plank position on your knees.
Lower to your left elbow while keeping your right arm straight. Lower to your right elbow as well. Then lift back up to your left hand, and then back up to your right hand. This will return you back to your original plank.
Repeat this process quickly with control walking your arms up and down. Do not sway from side to side -- stay as stationary and squared to the floor as possible. At the 30 second mark switch and go down first to your right elbow, and up first to the right hand.
Do one minute to start, and increase the duration as you gain strength and muscle endurance. Work up to three one-minute sets.
RELATED LINKS:
- Pilatesology Brings the Studio to Your Home Computer
- VIDEO: How to Get Pilates Abs
- More Celeb Moves to Steal
Image Credit: Righetti: Courtesy of Amanda Righetti; Planks: Courtesy of Subject
