Glee Star was a Fit but Unathletic Nerd

Photo by: Gage Skidmore

Glee’s Naya Rivera, who plays Santana on the hit show, recently talked to FITNESS magazine about her must-do butt and leg exercises and her history with sports and fitness. Naya looks great in her Glee cheerleader uniform, so she must be doing something right! Here’s what she has to say about it all.

On her Glee alter ego: “In high school I was most like Artie and Rachel. I knew what I wanted, like Rachel, although I wasn’t as obnoxious. But like Artie, I was a nerd, always trying to fit in and get my hair to lie flat.”

Her go-to exercise: “Legs and butt get the most attention in the Cheerios uniform, so those are my target areas. Lots of squats!”

Least favorite move: “I hate crunches. I do planks—traditional and side planks—instead for my abs.”

Can’t-live-without foods: “When we did the Glee Live tour, I had to have hummus and guacamole on hand for healthy snacks.”

On her athletic past: “My dad always wanted me to be sporty, so I tried softball. I was 12 and tiny, and all the other girls were huge and looked 25. I was too afraid of the ball to bat.”