Jessica Alba’s Secrets for Looking Fierce and secrets for looking incredible in the season’s sexiest swimsuits

On getting her fitness start: “I attribute my athletic body to the martial arts, gymnastics, dance, and strength training I did while filming Dark Angel. That’s made me strong and really set the bar.”

On her workout routine: “I have to break a sweat or I don’t feel like I’ve gotten anything done. When I only have 30 minutes, I’ll do a series of burpees, mountain climbers, squat jumps, planks, and a few sun salutations.

But I’m not going to lie. Working out sucks. Which is why I love taking classes, because I’m surrounded by other people and that keeps me motivated and accountable.

These days, I do power yoga with light weights in a 105-degree room, so it’s a mix of hot yoga and strength training. I also spin. The key for me is good music, like 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Beyoncé.”

Her weird trick for staying focused: “I’m addicted to popcorn. I eat it throughout the day. I’m a scatterbrain with lots of things to do at once, and eating popcorn helps me concentrate. It’s my way of dealing with my mind wandering off.”

Her favorite pre-workout snack: “I was never a big breakfast person-I used to just pound coffee and a banana in the morning-but recently I started making this shake using vegan protein powder, matcha green tea powder, a banana, coconut water, and ice. I drink it before a workout and it doesn’t make me feel too full. Or I can have it after-ward and feel satisfied until lunch.”

On relieving stress: “When I need to zone out and quiet my mind, I listen to a meditation podcast from the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center.

Each one is literally just three minutes long, so I can go into a bathroom stall or do it in my car. But I’m really intrigued by Transcendental Meditation. Everyone I know who does TM has this inner peace and a glow. I want that.”

On finding self-love: “I wasn’t truly confident about my body until I had my daughters, Honor, 7, and Haven, 3. I felt more comfortable in my own skin after they were born. Plus, if I want them to be happy with their bodies, I need to walk the walk.”