Get Behind-the-Scenes at Jennifer Hudson’s Self Magazine Cover Shoot + “Winnie” Debuts at Toronto Film Festival

Get Behind-the-Scenes at Jennifer Hudson’s Self Magazine Cover Shoot + “Winnie” Debuts at Toronto Film Festival

August 17th, 2011

The Queen's Castle

Jennifer Hudson shares her secrets to losing weight and keeping it off in the September issue of Self Magazine. Internet reports have been swirling around how much weight she has taken off and what dress size she’s wearing, but Hudson looks great in her pictorial and Self says she ‘is nothing short of inspiring!’

If you’re familiar with her story, then you’re probably aware of some of the circumstances that she’s overcome and Hudson continues to prove life is not about what cards you’re dealt, but how you play the hand. In a few weeks, Winnie, the biopic which features Jennifer in the lead role, will debut at the Toronto Independent Film Festival. In the Darrell Roodt directed film, she plays opposite Terrence Howard; watch the trailer for Winnie here.

Read more for excerpts, photos and behind-the-scenes footage from Jennifer’s interview with Self Magazine and check out newly released stills from the film Winnie!

Here are a few excerpts from her Self Magazine interview

On making the decision to lose weight…
“It really started when I was pregnant with David, who’s 2 now, and I thought, Hold on—why doesn’t anybody know I’m pregnant? And I wanted to set a good example for my son. Right after I had him, I began trying to change things.”

On starting her weight loss journey…
“Four days after my cesarean section, I began walking 30 minutes every day. It was my therapy, my moment to myself, and it was all I could do. I figured, me walking is better than me sitting on the couch. Even if I can’t climb a mountain or do 100,000 push-ups, these steps matter, and they’re leading somewhere.” “I started with walking, but before long, I built up to other things. When I didn’t want to be cooped up in the gym, I’d come up with other options. I’d ask myself, What do I love? I love being outside and feeling free, so I would jog or ride my bike. Some days, I’d play basketball and tennis.”

On working out with fiance, David Otunga…
“He bought me a basketball hoop for Christmas, so we play in our backyard. We also get in the pool and do squat contests. One time, I got up to 1,000, and he was, like, ‘Wow, impressed!’”

On what workouts she’s using to keep the weight off…
“On days when I’m short on time, I do this workout called trilogy, which is cardio and strength combined: I do 25 squats, 25 push-ups and 25 ab moves, then rest a minute. Then I do them in reverse and rest another minute. Fifteen minutes and I’m done! And I create moments of exercise. When I lived on the 26th floor, I’d walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator.”

Photographer Robert Erdmann captured great photos of Hudson for Self Magazine and thank you to the TIFF for the awesome photos from Winnie!