Actress Amanda Righetti from 'The Mentalist' Shares Her Total Body Toner

Self Magazine

by Thailan Pham



Courtesy of Amanda Righetti
Courtesy of Amanda Righetti

Amanda Righetti, who plays smoldering special agent Grace Van Pelt on The Mentalist, means business on screen and off. According to her trainer Marcus Pierce of Body Drama Fitness, she faces workout sessions with a bring-em-on attitude -- and it shows! Nearly nine months after giving birth to son Knox, Righetti's back on the red carpet looking as svelte as ever.

"Working out is a huge stress reliever for me," says the actress. "It gives me energy and helps me clear my head."

And Pierce isn't shy about giving props to his star client's incredible focus. "She inspires me with her hard work and dedication with such a busy schedule -- and a baby!"

One thing that's important to the actress -- while pregnant and now as a new mom -- was incorporating serious calorie-burners into her routine. Helloooo, Plank Walkup! Even those of us not walking the red carpet can get a lot out of this total-body toner.

See more: 6 Moves To Resize Your Butt and Thighs

THE MOVE: Plank Walkup
Works: Core muscles, Shoulders, Triceps, Chest, Legs

Start in the plank position with both arms straight. Never lock or hyperextend your elbows during this exercise. Your elbows should act as the shock absorbers for your shoulders and traps so they don't fatigue first.

Courtesy of Subject
Courtesy of Subject


Make sure your lower abdomen is engaged by keeping your pelvis tucked and glutes tight. A less-intense version can be done from a plank position on your knees.

See more:How to Lose Weight and Feel Great in 7 Days

Lower to your left elbow while keeping your right arm straight. Lower to your right elbow as well. Then lift back up to your left hand, and then back up to your right hand. This will return you back to your original plank.

Courtesy of Subject
Courtesy of Subject


Repeat this process quickly with control walking your arms up and down. Do not sway from side to side -- stay as stationary and squared to the floor as possible. At the 30 second mark switch and go down first to your right elbow, and up first to the right hand.

Do one minute to start, and increase the duration as you gain strength and muscle endurance. Work up to three one-minute sets.

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