With a starring role on FOX's hit show Scream Queens and a second album in the works, Lea Michele is busier than ever. And not only that, she's also feeling better than she ever has, the actress and singer told Shape magazine.
In an interview for the magazine's November issue, Michele credited her beloved exercise routine for helping her feel energized and happy.
"I’m passionate about working out," she said. "I love it. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in, and I have a healthy relationship with my body. I’m in a really good place right now... The mind and body results after you do a workout you enjoy are incredible."
The key word here: enjoy.
Michele also says that this enjoyment has nothing to do with a number on a scale.
"I’ve been skinnier and I’ve been a little bit bigger, and I’m never hard on myself one way or the other," she told Shape. "The fact that I’m active, eating well, and taking care of myself is all that matters — not a number."
Take a look ahead for Michele's secrets for staying healthy and body-confident, and see more when her Shape magazine issue hits newsstands on October 18.
Michele's tip for staying active? Find out what works for you and stick to it.
"Find three workouts you enjoy so that you can choose what you need on any given day," she told Shape.
She's "addicted to SoulCycle" and loves hot yoga and pilates, but said that it doesn't matter what you do, the key is simply to "always keep moving."
Photo: Don Flood/SHAPE Magazine
But that doesn't mean you need to be an exercising machine.
"If I have one of those days when I don’t want to work out, I ask myself why," she told the magazine. "I’ve learned how to listen to my body and know what I need in that moment... I can tell when my body is saying to take a break from working out, or when it’s saying, No, you’re being a little lazy, so that I can push myself to get going."
Photo: Don Flood/SHAPE Magazine
Whether or not you love exercising, learning to love what you have goes a long way.
“I love my shape because it’s unique to me," she said. "I’m 5’2”, and I get a lot of compliments on my legs, which is funny for a short girl. But they’re one of my favorite things about my body.”
Photo: Don Flood/SHAPE Magazine
Physical fitness isn't the only thing that keeps you healthy.
"Sleep is the number-one thing that gives me energy," she said. "It’s imperative for me to get a solid eight or nine hours."
Photo: Don Flood/SHAPE Magazine
After all, finding your inner strength is just as important.
"I was raised to be confident," she told Shape. "But confidence also comes from getting knocked down. When you go through something tough, you come out of it a stronger person."
Photo: Don Flood/SHAPE Magazine
And, of course, it's important to stop and smell the roses.
“I don’t take any day for granted. I realize how lucky I am. I have an amazing job, great opportunities, and a fantastic family and group of friends. I genuinely wake up every day with a really big smile on my face because I love my life.”
Photo: Don Flood/SHAPE MagazineLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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