R&B diva Mary J. Blige covered the December issue of SHAPE Magazine, showing off her healthy and toned figure. In the interview, Mary speaks on how Witney Houston’s death had a huge impact on her and helped the songstress get into better shape and quit drinking. She also spoke on conquering her fears, maintaining her body, and much more. Check out the snippet of the interview below:
On how Whitney’s death inspired her:
Whitney Houston’s death really crushed me.. I saw someone so incredibly talented just diminish, and I refuse to go out like that.
On maintaining her bod:
My main exercise is cardio. The treadmill is fine but running outdoors gives me the best results. I try to log 6 to 8 miles a week. I could be in the worst mood, but when I do my cardio I feel much, much better.
On giving up alcohol:
Others may be able to drink and have a great time, but it doesn’t work for me at this point. I haven’t had a drink in a year and three months. I had quit for a long time but started again about five years ago. I’m off it completely once more, and now I feel stronger than ever.”
On swimming and conquering fears:
I never swam as a kid and that always bothered me. At first, it was very hard, but once I got in the water and figured out how to breathe, it was so liberating. Now it’s helping me with every aspect of my life – personally and professionally. Conquering that fear was a huge boost to my confidence. I’m as proud of this accomplishment as I would be if I had graduated from college, which I never got to do.
**Check out the magazine cover and some other flicks from the spread in the gallery**
