Congratulations to Carrie Underwood, who just announced the birth of her first child (a baby boy!). A few weeks ago, I spoke to Carrie when she was gearing up for the big launch (that would be the baby boy, Isaiah Michael Fisher) as well as a big launch of another kind—her new workout gear line, Calia by Carrie Underwood.

Premiering at Dick's Sporting Goods stores this week, the new workout line will be performance-focused (because, hi, have you seen Carrie's workouts?!) as well as feminine, just like the super-fit and stunning star herself. Here's what she told us about her workout routine, diet, pregnancy, and her new activewear brand:

Why did you create a workout clothing line?

"Just as someone who leads an active lifestyle in general, I noticed a big gap in what was in the store...what things I could go buy. Either things seemed to be super technical and unattractive, or...I don't know, just not feminine."

What sold you on Dick's Sporting Goods?

"On our first meeting I was so excited because it was a room full of women. I was like, 'You have no idea how refreshing it is!' Cause I swear sometimes I'll buy things and it's like, this was made by a man, designed by a I was so excited to see women of all ages and body types and different places in their lives working on this together."

Your legs are insane. Do you always wear shorts to workout?

"If I'm running, I feel like shorts are better. But then again, if it's chilly outside, I don't really want to wear shorts when I'm running!"


What types of workouts do you do?

"I love to mix up my workout routine. Running...things like yoga, things like barre workouts, things that are a little more weight-centric."

Talk to me: What's your least favorite workout move?

"I hate burpees! They're so good for you. I like being able to do pull-ups, but I don't like actually doing pull-ups. They're worth it, but they're hard."

What was your pregnancy workout like?

"I've been able to do a lot of the same things. I've been really lucky too because I had good core muscles and good balance before, cause I've been working out for so long. So I'm able to do my squats and lunges, one-legged squats and dead-lifts, and things like that. I haven't been able to run as much as I normally would, just cause it feels uncomfortable for me. Things like split squats, jump lunges, things like that are not recommended."

How far did you typically run pre-pregnancy?

"It depends on if I'm outside or how many hills...[but] I like to feel like I've beat my own record. So If I'm going to run for 45 minutes, I'll try to go farther than I did the last time I ran 45 minutes."

Did you grow up dancing or doing sports?

"Where I'm from, we really didn't have 'dance' kind of things. I played softball and I played basketball, and those were my sporty options."

How do you keep your hair looking good through your workouts?

"A simply ponytail or a cute little headband. Headbands, I do enjoy just in general—those are things that are easy just if your hair's not cooperating for the day. It's easy to kind of grab a little headband...and feel like you're cute but also casual and nobody knows what a mess your hair is."

Her best diet trick (aside from being a vegetarian):

"I don't eat meat. I haven't eaten meat in, I guess, over 10 years. If I'm looking to put on more lean muscle I'll definitely up my protein intake (obviously vegan protein) and if I'm looking to trim down I'll definitely cut sodium. I feel like that's one thing that's really overlooked in a lot of people's diets. If you have something coming up this weekend that's really important you'd be amazed how much flatter your stomach will be and how you can lean out by cutting sodium. Mrs. Dash and I are really good friends."



On being a black-belt self-tanner:__

"I'm a definite bronzer kind of person. I mix up my own tanning lotion 'cause I'm a weirdo like that. I have such a funny kind of skin color—I'm really olive. I do a pretty good job of mixing them up. There's one called Xen-Tan, so that one, and then something simple like Jergens, cause I think some of those gradual tanners are good. But if it's your first time, don't do it! You need a test run."

Her go-to healthy breakfast:

"I'll do a tofu scramble: 1/4 block of tofu, I'll saute it with onions and peppers, throw 'em in a pan with some coconut oil, and an English muffin—you can find English muffins that are very fiber-full that will keep you fuller longer—and reduced-sugar OJ."

How adorable is Carrie, seriously? I love her, if you couldn't tell. Click the photo below to try out her killer leg workout once you're properly outfitted in some Calia gear, in stories this week!
