Julianne Hough is literally Footloose and fancy free. She’s happy with herself, in love and on the brink of an amazing movie career. Hello! Her 2nd flick, Rock of Ages, pairs her up with Tom Cruise #dreamjob. At 23 years old, this former Dancing with the Stars champ is proving she’s a triple threat while having a blast. Do you think she would have achieved everything she has without fitness? Not likely. (Well, at least not THIS type of success). Julianna is featured in Self’s November issue, and my buddies over there were kind enough to give us an inside scoop on the highlights in advance. She’s sometimes a slacker, often hard core and she may eventually break a leg (really), but she’s going to enjoy life every step of the way. Why? Cause that’s what a Blonde Osmond would do!
What she loves about performing: “There is something so rewarding about dancing. It’s almost spiritual-you let loose, you feel free, you get endorphins from the exercise. Acting is like free therapy! Trying to make people laugh or cry can be inspiring. Dancing and acting satisfy me in different ways.”
“I feel sexy when … I’m taking care of myself and not depriving myself.”
She’s either hard core … or slacking off: “Rollerblading is a serious leg workout! When I have a day off, I want to be outside – unless I’m on my bed with my dogs watching an SVU marathon!
She shares a common bond with her Footloose character Ariel: “As a teen, I wanted to break free like Ariel in Footloose. My dad is protective. He texts, ‘Right place, right time, doing the right thing?’ That’s still his way of checking in on me.”
There’s a reason her body is gorgeous! “I vary my workouts every day because, otherwise, I get bored. I always try to run for 20 to 40 minutes on the beach first. Six days a week is fantastic, but four is great, too.”
My go-to pre-bikini flat-ab move … is the plank, all different types.
She may just break those amazing legs some day! “I grew up mountain biking in Utah, and I’ve been doing it more recently since working in Miami. I crave danger. I find going fast exhilarating! I adore snowboarding, skiing and skydiving.” self’s note: Love it, but wear a helmet, please!
She fell for Ryan Seacrest at the right time: “A couple of years ago, my dad asked me if, when I’m on the road by myself, no boyfriend, no family, no dogs to comfort me, I am happy with who I am. That stuck with me. If you don’t know yourself, you can’t really love anybody. Today, I am really happy with who I am and feel like I’m in the right place. I’d met Ryan many times over the years, but we got together at the right time.”
She was part of … the Blonde Osmonds? “My siblings and I had a family band and performed around Utah as White Lightning. People called us the Blond Osmonds! I loved it. If I’m not busy, I feel like I’m not doing enough. And I’m a pleaser. It’s my Julianne syndrome. I’m trying now to learn how to say no to certain things.”
Derek vs Tom Cruise: “My brother, Derek, is the best dancer, but Tom Cruise gives him a run for his money!”
Read Julianna Hough on Weight Gain, Binge Eating, Ryan Seacrest and Babies.
Julianne
