Up Close with Sarah Shahi

Fairly Legal star Sarah Shahi is so good looking, it should be illegal! The 32-year-old brunette bombshell has just been crowned "TV's Hottest Female of 2012" by Maxim and just so happens to be their insanely gorgeous October cover girl too.

So who better to steal some feel-sexy secrets from than TV's sexiest gal herself? We caught up with the former NFL cheerleader turned Hollywood hottie to talk about fitness, food, and the workouts she loves (and hates!) most.

SHAPE: You were just crowned "TV's Hottest Girl" by Maxim and are also on the cover of the October issue! How does that title make you feel?

Sarah Shahi (SS): It's awesome! I could be called much worse! Although, it IS kind of weird to be applauded so much for the way you look. I take care of myself, but the pure acknowledgement should go to my mom. She raised us believing that confidence is within and we could do anything we set our minds to.

SHAPE: What makes you feel sexiest?

SS: Right when I finish a workout, I feel pretty sexy. Even though I'm sweaty and I don't smell like a rose, I feel strong. It does a lot for me mentally and physically. I feel in control, not to mention, it still feels good when guys check me out, especially my hubby. Reading is another one. I know it sounds weird, but my definition of sexy has changed as I've gotten older. And being smart and informed makes me feel sexier than any outfit. Right now I'm reading Writing Screenplays for Fun and Profit by Thomas Lennon and it's HILARIOUS.

SHAPE: We are dying to hear your fitness secrets! What do you do for exercise?

SS: I get bored pretty easily when working out so I have to change it up. I go back and forth between Tracy Anderson method and my trainer Omar Lopez at Made in LA-it's a combo of dance, running, and old fashioned/miserable weights, squats, lunges, a bit of yoga, and some cycling.

SHAPE: What are your favorite workouts?

SS: My favorite workouts are the ones that don't feel like I'm working out!! So dance is a big one. Another is any kind of isolated moves, like ballet moves. Anything that works the glutes and legs-sign me up! And I like to blast the music. I have to get lost in the music. That helps.

SHAPE: Any workouts you're not a fan of?

SS: Plyometrics. Hate them. Enough already. Jumping around, using your own body weight is so hard to me. How did we do it as kids?

SHAPE: What about your diet? Give us the scoop on what a typical day looks like.

SS: Most days start off as a race to get out of the house. I take my son to school every morning then go straight to the gym. I eat a Think Thin bar (brownie crunch is my fave) with an Americano. Depending on the day, lunch can be another bar or a salad of some sort-the more greens, the better. Dinner is almost always a fish with steamed veggies.

SHAPE: You used to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, that's so awesome! What did you enjoy most about it?

SS: NFL cheerleading is harder than most people think. They train up to six hours every day with games on Sundays. They gave me a great work ethic.

SHAPE: Share with us your best "how to feel sexy" tip.

SS: Well, I think it's different for everyone, but the main thing is…do things that make you feel happy and empowered. When I was in my early 20's, I looked towards exterior things to make me feel sexy-guys, clothes, shoes, etc. Now it's all about how I feel internally.

SHAPE: You have so many exciting things going on. Tell us what's coming up next for you.

SS: I'm working on a movie that I am producing and starring in with my friend Jason Momoa called Road to Paloma. We are hoping to get a screening in Sundance. I also have a movie coming out in November called Static with Milo Ventimiglia, a horror film, and Bullet to the Head with Sylvester Stallone comes out in February 2013.

Connect with Sarah Shahi on Twitter and Facebook for more info on her upcoming projects and more!

Click here to get the sultry star's total-body tone up!