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When it comes to staying fit, Julianne Hough is all about variety.
“I definitely like to mix it up, [otherwise] I get antsy and a little bored,” Hough, 27, told PEOPLE. “I love doing Body By Simone – it’s dance cardio with resistance training and weight training. I work out with Astrid McGuire as well, and I do CorePower Yoga.”
Hough also loves going for hikes around her L.A.-area home with her dogs.
“I’m a huge advocate for being outdoors, so I love hiking,” she says.
The Dancing with the Stars judge works out five times a week, and makes sure she has enough energy for all of that effort by getting plenty of sleep.
“It’s so easy to just be like, ‘I’m tired,’ ‘I had a late night last night,’ or ‘I’d do much better if I got more sleep today, I’ll work out later in the day,’ ” she says. “That never happens, so having a set schedule works well for me. And then because I have that set schedule I’m like, I need to get an early night so I can do it.”
Hough stays motivated to stick to her workouts because of how good she feels when she breaks a sweat.
“I just feel so much better after I work out,” she says. “I have the endorphins going, and I’m happy and excited for the day. It’s more the aftermath effects than the actual, physical I-want-my-body-to-look-ripped effect.”
Just as important to maintaining her health is a balanced diet.
“I try to stay healthy and have lots of greens and protein,” says Hough. “I eat a lot. I don’t deprive myself of nutrition, but I get full off of that. So then if I do want something [less healthy], I just have a bite and I’m satisfied. It’s definitely about balance.”
There is one particular junk food she just can’t resist, though!
“Sour Patch Watermelon,” says Hough of her favorite indulgence. “I have a whole jar in my house. It’s literally the death of me!”
Despite her occasional candy fix, Hough is committed to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, which is why she partnered with Fitbit to be the national ambassador for their FitForGood charity campaign. Now through November 20, Fitbit users can choose to have their steps count toward raising money for The American Diabetes Association, The American Heart Association or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
“My role in the campaign is to help inspire and motivate people to get fit for a great cause,” says Hough. “I would encourage people to sign up for the campaign – it’s not only great to become more active yourself, but at the end of the day, $1 million is going to go to charity. It doesn’t get better than that.”
–Gabrielle Olya, @GabyOlya
