| Actress Mariska Hargitay's mother was film legend Jayne Mansfield, but the Law & Order: SVU star's great body and healthy glow aren't just genetic luck. Her good habits were born partly out of family tragedy: "My grandfather died of a heart attack at age 34-- on the way home from a physical," explains Mariska, who says it's her stepmother, Ellen, who showed her the importance of exercise. "When I was a kid, she was always swimming, doing push-ups, showing me that working out could be second nature, like brushing your teeth," says Mariska, 41. Like the Duff sisters, the two women promote heart health as EIF ambassadors. Their heart-healthiest habit: "I work 16-hour days, so when I'm feeling stressed, I try to be gentle with myself and fill my mind with positive things," Mariska says. "My dad (1955's Mr. Universe) taught me that good health is all about living in graditude." this article is from the February 2005 issue of Glamour magazine, Mariska was featured in it along with her stepmother, Ellen Hargitay. |
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