“Biggest Loser” host’s, Alison Sweeney, reveals her best tricks for staying a fit and fabulous mommy of two.

SHAPE magazine asked Sweeney about her secrets to staying fit. Alison replied:

1. Flip Your Motivation. Be Positive!
Put the itty-bitty bikini aside and focus on a larger goal. Ali’s larger goal was the Honda L.A. Marathon.

Working towards something you’re excited about—as opposed to something that makes you feel badly about yourself—is what will keep you going back to the gym.

Said Sweeney.
2. Go Ahead & Check Yourself Out
Don’t be embarrassed of checking yourself out!

It’s not weird to look at yourself in the mirror at the gym—that’s why they’re there! You have to make sure that you’re doing things right.

3. Make It a Family Affair
Who was Ali’s partner in crime for the L.A. Marathon? Her brother. Having a workout buddy can make working out more enjoyable.

It gives you someone who is looking for you at 8:00 a.m. when you said you’d be there to run. Plus, a little sibling rivalry never hurts.

4. Shift Your Fitness Focus
Focus on the clock during your workout—not just on racking up your reps.

If you want to do 15 planks, the potential exists to get sloppy and race through to get them all done. But if you set a time limit (I will do planks for 50 seconds), you’re more likely to do them right.

Doing your workout is different from doing your workout right! Being focused and controlling your motions will enable you to have a better workout you are guaranteed to feel the next morning.
5. Let Yourself Get (a Little) Dirty
Ali’s secret to keeping her blonde locks bright? Not shampooing every day.

I had a hairstylist tell me that if you perspire a lot, it’s actually really clean sweat. I rinse my hair in the shower and I’m good to go.

6. Make a Special Occasion Feel Special

If I get dressed up for a date, it means something

Ali Sweeney‘s husband’s favorite look: smoky eyes and a nude lip.

He’s not as tempted to kiss me when I’m wearing red lipstick!

7. Get a Healthy Glow
Ali never skips out on sun protection. Her beauty essential for outdoor workouts:

Coppertone Sport Pro Series Sunscreen. As for her sun-kissed glow, she says:

It’s thanks to a combination of Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. I apply it very thin so my freckles shine through, Scott Barnes Body Bling, and Chantecaille Compact Soleil in St. Barth’s—not real rays.

8. Always Pack a Pair of Sneaks
All Ali Sweeney needs away from home is a pair of sneakers.

One thing I learned about running a marathon is that it’s a really cool way to see a city.

9. Budget Your Beauty Buys

Ali’s beauty favorites:

I like Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm because I don’t need a mirror to reapply. But I definitely treat myself with face lotion—I use La Mer.

10. Let Fitness Change Your Life
Ali says that running a marathon made her believe in herself like never before:

I totally hit the runner’s wall at mile 21 and it was easily the hardest thing I’ve ever done to keep going. Fitness helps you get in touch with who you are.

What’s Next for Ali Sweeney?
Her fitness philosophy:

Whatever your challenge is, just do it!

For Ali’s next challenge, the Nautica Malibu Triathlon taking place in September.

I’ve never tried to swim in the ocean timed, but I don’t have to be the best one—I like that I’m not good at it.

Aside from figuring out a solution to swim cap and helmet hair during the triathlon, hosting a hit show, and starring in a daytime soap, Ali is working on a novel.

She gave SHAPE an exclusive sneak peak:

It’s about Hollywood and a lot of it comes from my real-life experiences. I’ve played Sami Brady, on Days of Our Lives for almost 20 years, and it’s always the writers and producers that get to decide what happens to her. Now, I’m finally telling a story my way.

Alison Sweeney’s devotion to healthy living is inspirational!

Now get out there and run!

Photo courtesy of: Alison Sweeney’s Twitter, FameFlynet.com