Armed and Dangerous: How True Blood's Rutina Wesley Gets Fit

By Chee Gates

True Blood is pulling out the big guns: Rutina Wesley plays tough, buff Tara Thornton on HBO's popular vampire series, which is back for season three this summer. We found out how she got those smokin' arms -- and legs and, well, everything.

How do you prep for all the fighting and running in your scenes?
"I do a mix of cardio and strength -- the elliptical machine and weight lifting -- three times weekly. But a lot of my agility comes from being a dancer; I trained at Julliard. I also do yoga. It helps me relax and let go of the crazy character I play."

We have biceps envy. What's the secret?
"About every other day, I do a special 30-20-10 push-up circuit: 30 push-ups and 30 triceps dips, then 20 of each, then 10 of each."
Are you as tough off-camera as you are on the set?
"That's what people think; I look like I can beat you up. But I'm as soft as a flower."
Why is being fit important to you?
"My body is a reflection of how grateful I am for my life and my health; there are a lot of people less fortunate than me. And I still want to have these arms and legs when I'm 75."
Originally published in FITNESS magazine, July/August 2010.

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