Keri Russell’s Fitness Secrets: From Bike Rides to Krav Maga
Keri Russell’s whirlwind role as Kate Wyler in Netflix’s The Diplomat has captivated audiences. As the American ambassador to the UK navigates complex political landscapes and a tumultuous marriage, Russell delivers a powerhouse performance with an effortless energy that leaves viewers wondering how she does it.
The secret? It seems the 48-year-old actress prioritizes fitness, weaving it into her busy multitasking lifestyle as a mom and prolific actress. While demanding roles often call for intense training, Russell’s approach is both practical and enjoyable.
Her favorite workout is hopping on her bike. "I’m happiest when I work out," she shared in a 2020 interview with Shape magazine. "There’s nothing like that hit—everything’s moving, your heart’s pumping, and you instantly feel positive. I feel my absolute best, my sexiest, after a good workout."
For Russell, a "tough bike ride" is her go-to sweat session. Sometimes she turns up the volume and dances to upbeat tunes, recalling moves from a pregnancy workout video. She utilizes cycling not only for physical fitness but also as a mental health booster. "To de-stress, I bike into the city from my Brooklyn home, over the bridge into Manhattan," she told the Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2023. "I love doing it at 5:30 a.m. when the city is quiet."
While filming The Diplomat in London, Russell explored the city on two wheels. “Riding a bike all over London was wonderful,” she said. “You get exercise and really see the city.”
While her schedule is packed, Russell makes time for the gym whenever she can. Keri utilizes resistance bands, techniques a trainer taught her two decades ago, for a quick and effective workout.
Her roles often demand physical intensity, leading her to delve into rigorous training regimes. For her role as a secret agent in The Americans, Russell mastered Krav Maga, a military self-defense system developed by the Israeli Defense Forces.
"Working out this way makes you feel fierce,” she explained to Shape magazine (via Prevention). “I tend to be internal—keeping my head down on the subway. But after those Krav Maga workouts, I’d leave feeling like I could look people in the eye like, ‘sup?’”
Beyond her workout routine, Keri embraces a healthy lifestyle without strict diet restrictions. She describes herself as a generally healthy eater, preferring smaller, frequent meals throughout the day, especially during filming to maintain her energy levels.
A devoted fan of hot water with lemon, she enjoys a cup before bedtime and upon waking. While she used to cook elaborate meals, motherhood shifted her priorities. Sundays are now dedicated to roast chicken and vegetables with a homemade treat like Yorkshire pudding.
Keri believes in savoring life’s pleasures. "I’m just not ready to stick to a strict regimen," she admitted. "I still want to have fun a little longer. I’ll still enjoy that pasta Bolognese!"
Clearly, Keri Russell’s approach to fitness and health prioritizes balance, enjoyment, and a commitment to feeling her best, both physically and mentally.
Time.news Interview: Keri Russell’s Fitness Secrets with Fitness Expert Sarah Thompson
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Sarah! Today, we’re diving into the fitness regimen of the incredibly talented Keri Russell, particularly how she balances her busy life as an actress and a mom. With recent insights from her interviews, it’s clear that her approach is both practical and enjoyable. What are your initial thoughts on her fitness routine?
Sarah Thompson: Thanks for having me! Keri’s fitness philosophy is quite inspiring. She emphasizes the joy of movement, which is essential for long-term commitment to a fitness regime. Cycling is a fantastic way to combine aerobic exercise with enjoyment. It’s not only great for cardiovascular health but also helps reduce stress—something Keri clearly values considering her busy schedule.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Keri mentioned that she feels her “absolute best” after a workout and enjoys the mental health benefits that come along with it. In your experience, how integral is mental health to a fitness routine?
Sarah Thompson: Mental health is foundational to any fitness regime. When individuals engage in activities they love, like cycling, they’re less likely to view it as a chore. This connection between mental well-being and physical activity enhances adherence to their exercise routines. Keri’s early morning bike rides into Manhattan exemplify this beautifully—it’s not just about the physical workout but also the meditation-like experience of cycling through a quiet city.
Time.news Editor: That’s a great point. She also incorporates elements of fun, such as dancing to upbeat tunes during her workouts—something many might overlook. How important is it to blend fun with fitness?
Sarah Thompson: Mixing in fun is crucial! It’s all about finding what you enjoy. Whether it’s dancing, biking, or any other form of movement, enjoying the process leads to sustainable habits. Keri’s approach to integrating music and dance into her workouts may seem simple, but it boosts motivation and creates joyful associations with fitness.
Time.news Editor: While it seems Keri has a knack for balancing fitness and her demanding roles, many people struggle to find that time. What advice would you give to someone trying to incorporate more physical activity into their busy lives?
Sarah Thompson: Prioritization is key. Just like Keri sets aside time for her workouts, others should schedule fitness into their daily routines. Even small bursts of activity can be effective—like a short bike ride or dance session. The goal is to create movement opportunities wherever possible without waiting for lengthy workout slots. Also, consider making everyday tasks more active, like walking or biking instead of driving.
Time.news Editor: That’s solid advice! Keri also shared her experience of cycling around London while filming The Diplomat. What are some of the benefits of incorporating travel and exploration into fitness routines?
Sarah Thompson: Traveling and exploring new environments can greatly enhance workout motivation. There’s a sense of adventure in discovering a city by bike, and for many, it transforms exercise from a mundane routine into an enjoyable exploration. This can re-energize one’s fitness approach and encourage people to stay active during travel, rather than entirely stepping away from their routines.
Time.news Editor: It seems Keri Russell exemplifies how fitness can be integrated into life’s complexities. Before we wrap up, do you have any final tips inspired by Keri’s approach?
Sarah Thompson: Certainly! Embrace activities that make you happy, fit them into your lifestyle rather than alter your life for them, and remember—it’s about consistency and joy, not perfection. Just as Keri finds bliss in bike rides, everyone should seek their own version of fitness that feels good both physically and mentally.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your insights today! Keri Russell’s fitness secrets serve as a powerful reminder that staying active can indeed be both enjoyable and practical.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me! Remember, find what you love, and let that motivate your journey to fitness!