Unveiling the Workout Secrets That Keep Gillian Anderson in Star Shape

Gillian Anderson has been an icon for decades now, known as much for her candidness off-screen and her strength on. Her breakout role was of course as Dana Scully in the series, The X-Files. She’d later reprise the role in the 2016 revival. Anderson has also appeared on shows like Hannibal, American Gods, and The Crown. (And she's terrific on Sex Education.) How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 6 ways Gillian Anderson stays in shape and the photos that prove they work.

1. She Doesn’t Take Things Seriously

Shutterstock

Anderson shared with InStyle that she doesn’t take things too seriously when it comes to acting and surviving Hollywood. “The business I'm in sometimes takes itself very seriously, and it's easy to take oneself seriously in this business. I've found that the way to survive is to not do that. Part of that is finding ways to allow rejection to roll off your back. You have to keep showing up and moving forward — even after not-great reviews or a flop — and maintain a sense of humor.”

2. She Has Support

Shutterstock

Anderson has a lot of supportive people in her life. She tells InStyle that having a group of friends and her family has helped her wellbeing. “I have a very good support system here in the U.K., and recently I'm finding that to be everything. I really rely on my girlfriends.”

3. She Meditates

Shutterstock

Anderson tells InStyle that she loves to practice meditation, and that her next step is doing more yoga. “I have increased my meditation, which always helps. The next thing to do is to not just talk about doing yoga but actually do yoga.”

4. She Moisturizes

Dave Benett/Getty Images

Anderson makes sure to take care of her skin. In an interview with New Beauty, she shared her secrets and favorite products. Anderson says that she makes sure to keep her skin moisturized. “There’s a Clinique Moisture Surge Gel, which is kind of extraordinary for application in the afternoon, if you’re starting to feel like you’re drying up and need some hydration. I’m pretty dependent on Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer—I rely on it—that’s a staple. It feels natural, moisturizing, smooth and silky and gives great coverage without making it feel like I’m wearing anything. That’s a pretty big statement for me.”

5. She Lives A Balanced Life

Dave Benett/Getty Images

For Anderson, wellness means having a good balance. She talked about this to New Beauty. “When I get enough sleep, meditate, eat healthfully and have a balance in my life between work, family and friends and have cultural intellectual stimulation—it’s a lot to ask. But, when that balance is right, I probably feel the most fulfilled and the happiest.”

6. She Eats Healthy

Shutterstock

Anderson makes sure to eat healthy, and shared her secrets with New Beauty. “I’ve always been interested in the raw food diet but I’ve been told by a couple people that it’s not particularly good for women. I like the idea of eating that clean; that appeals to me. But, I’ve never been brave enough to actually try it for any period of time. When it comes to my diet, I usually stay away from high carbs.”