Get fit with the stars of Dollhouse!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 | posted by Ashley Mateo

Joss Whedon is the writer when it comes to dramas that showcase girls kickin' butt (who wasn't motivated to hi the gym after watching Buffy's vampire slaying moves?). So it made sense to call up the actresses of his new series Dollhouse, now in it's second season, for SELF's partner workout. Costars Eliza Dusku (a Buffy alum!) and Dichen Lachman toned together to show you how dropping a few pounds is better with a buddy.

Keep reading for the stars' shape-up secrets, and head over to the Fitness pages for a video demonstration. Don't forget to check out Eliza's and Dichen's moves in SELF's October issue, on newsstands September 22.

Eliza's Get Fit Tips:
"If I work out, it makes a difference between whether I have a clear, present mind or a clogged and irritable one!"

"Weight training is especially important in addition to doing the exercises properly with correct alignment and a clean diet. It makes me burn more throughout my day and feel amazing."

"I grew up playing outdoors, always running around playing sports with my brothers, signing up for any and all adventures that were around. Let the world be my playground!"

Dichen's Get Fit Tips:
"I find with the gym it's very hard to motivate. Having someone to work out with, you end up motivating each other, and it's a great substitute for gym equipment!"

"Long hours mean you have to deal with fatigue, and being fit can help your general health. It helps to maintain a healthy lifestyle so you can do what is required."

"There are some simple things I do that just keep me moving: walking up stairs instead of taking the lift, parking further away than usual from your destination, cleaning my own apartment (putting some elbow grease in can break a sweat!)

Want to slim down? Team Up!

by Karen Asp
From the October 2009 Issue

Drop pounds with a pal. Stars of the Fox drama Dollhouse Eliza Dushku and Dichen Lachman tone together. And that may be the key to their stay-sleek success: Women who work out with a bestie are 45 percent more likely to exercise than are those who sweat solo, research shows. Try this sidekick shape-up from trainer Elizabeth Hendrix Burwell, co-owner of High Performance Fitness in New York City.

You'll need A workout buddy, and that's it!

You'll do Two sets of each move up to three times a week on alternate days, to firm your body - not to mention your friendship!

Take sides

Stand facing each other about an arm's length apart; grasp hands. Lunge to the side, mirroring partner (as shown). Lower until butt hovers above ground; pause for two counts; sit. Cross extended leg over bent leg; stand, pulling against each other. Uncross legs; repeat in opposite direction for one rep. Do 10 reps.

WORKS BUTT, THIGHS

Belly buster

Lie faceup, heads opposite, right hips touching. Extend legs up and grasp hands on sides (as shown). Lift hips off ground and, switching hip positions, lower legs to a 45 degree angle from ground. Left hips should now touch. Return legs to straight up. Lift hips and lower legs to opposite side for one rep. Do 16 reps.

WORKS ABS, HIPS

Ally arabesque

Stand facing partner about an arm's length apart; grasp hands and squeeze butt. Mirroring partner, lift leg behind you, toes pointed (as shown.) Lower leg. Rise onto balls of both feet two times; repeat on opposite side for one rep. Do 10 reps.

WORKS BACK, BUTT, THIHGS, CALVES

Five alive

Start facing each other in push-up position. Lower chest to ground. Push back to start. Give partner a high five (as shown). Return to push-up position for one rep. Reapeat, alternating hands. Do 10 reps.

WORKS SHOULDERS, TRICEPS, CHEST, BACK, ABS

Lean on me

Stand back-to-back with partner; squat (as shown). Hold squat as you step your right leg and pal steps left leg to side about 12 inches; then step your left leg while pal steps right to opposite side; step both feet back to start. Return to standing for one rep. Do 10 reps.

WORKS BUTT, THIGHS

Palm pat

Stand facing each other about 2 feet apart, hands on hips. Lunge backward with right leg. Straighten left leg as you push off ball of right foot, bringing right thigh in front and parallel to ground; hgh five (as shown). Return to start. Do 10 reps. Switch legs; repeat.

WORKS ABS, BUTT, THIGHS

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