Kerry Washington revels in post-baby body; shares her fitness secrets

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Kerry Washington is one glowing mama who isn't folding amidst the pressure to get back to the much-sought after pre-baby weight and body. In fact, the 38-year-old star of Scandal and wife to NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha, is happy with her post-baby body. Washington gave birth to her first baby girl, Isabelle, in April last year, and the actress graces the cover of the September issue of SELF Magazine.

According the Huffington Post, Washington recalled, "A few weeks ago, my manager asked: ‘Do you feel like you’re back? I feel like you’re back.' he meant it as a total compliment, but we had this great conversation where I was like, ‘You know what? I try really hard not to use that language, because it’s not about going backward in life.’"

Washington, who plays Olivia Pope in ABC's Scandal, admitted that her fitness goals had nothing to do with going back to her weight before giving birth. She said: "I’ve been really focused on not being ‘back’ to anything, but being the best version of myself right now."

She added: "My body is the site of a miracle now. I don’t want to be pre-miracle."

Childbearing is definitely a miracle worth celebrating, and it is refreshing to see celebrities celebrate the importance of simply being healthy enough to take care of their family after giving birth, rather than giving into the pressures of having to go back to being skinny, post-childbirth.

But how does Washington keep her admirable svelte figure? SELF Magazine reveals that the actress is actually a certified yoga instructor and pilates enthusiast. POPSugar reports that she works out with her trainer Julie Turner six times a week in a small gym space inside the studio of Scandal, making it easier for the actress to work out between work.

"There are a lot of forms of exercise where you have to leave yourself out of the room while you force yourself to do this thing," Washington told SELF Magazine. "With Pilates, I get to bring my true self. I cry, I laugh. I get to go: Where is my body today? What do I need today? How can I take care of myself and push myself past my comfort zone? How can I be both loving and challenging?"

The actress added that while she does take rest days, she is very consistent when it comes to exercise because she doesn't feel good when she does not exercise for days. Washington concluded: "I have to take care of myself in order to live life the way I want to."