Christina Aguilera in Glamour

GLAMOUR: You're obviously back into fighting shape, so let's discuss this workout of yours: boxing, running backward on a treadmill while going uphill, crunches, weights, pull-ups--it sounds brutal.
CHRISTINA AGUILERA: [Laughs.] I hate working out--I have to mentally push myself through it. I can get very whiny, saying things like, "I can't do it!"
GLAMOUR: Does your trainer crack the whip when you get like that?
CA: No--I can't deal with having someone barking at me. Mean training is not motivating to me at all; I like to be comforted [through my workout]. All my trainer has to do is say nicely, "I want you to do 200 bicycles; go right through it and don't stop." Then I'll know she's serious and I'll do it. I started out not being able to do man push-ups; pull-ups were a big one too. Now I can do five in a row.
GLAMOUR: You look great, Christina. How quickly did you notice a change in your body?
CA: Being the perfectionist that I am, my attitude was, this had better hurry up--I want results! My trainer kept saying, "Give it time, you're looking great." Everyone around me was saying they could see a difference, but, you know, you're hardest on yourself. I did see my stomach get flatter and tighter and more muscle definition.
GLAMOUR: What did you like the least about your postbaby body and what did you like the most?
CA: Well, I was OK with the booty and the boobs! [Laughs.] My stomach was really where I carried my weight. Toward the end of my pregnancy, I felt really big--I gained about 40 pounds, which is a lot for my size. My hips also changed significantly. And my feet grew from a size 5 to a size 7 in flats--thank God they [went back to normal]. I would have been so depressed if I had to get rid of my shoe collection!
GLAMOUR: Let's talk about your new album: Can we expect to see you reinvent yourself as you did for Back to Basics?
CA: I just started recording it, but I can tell you that this record is all about fun. I'll be referencing Pop Art, Andy Warhol's art. So it will [sound] fun and fast-paced, and visually, it will be full of color, which is how it's going to tie in with my new fragrance, Inspire [in stores next month].
GLAMOUR: So Warhol, Pop Art--will it have a sixties sound to it?
CA: I want it to be a surprise! But there's also going to be a modern element to it that comes from my love of Tokyo.
GLAMOUR: I used to live there!
CA: Really? [Jordan] and I vacation there. There's such excitement and energy. It's just a zillion people walking around--it's an incredible place.
GLAMOUR: How do people react to you in Tokyo? They must go nuts.
CA: You know what's great? I'm a pretty petite person, so I just put on a hood or a hat and blend in.
GLAMOUR: What? That does not seem possible! Has being a new mom influenced your music?
CA: Absolutely--my little boy breathes new life into me. That's one of the reasons I decided to go in a playful direction with this album. I've spoken openly about the domestic violence I experienced growing up.
GLAMOUR: Now that you're a mom, is it even harder to grasp the concept of child abuse?
CA: Yes--even watching the news when you hear about babies being shaken. Of course you have compassion for children, but when you have your own, you feel it on a much deeper level. So I'm motivated to speak out even more; to do more charity work; to help children find [safe] homes.
GLAMOUR: Despite your tough childhood, you grew up into a solid person. What do you think when you see people in your industry, like Amy Winehouse, self-destruct?
CA: I'm not a judgmental person, so I can't comment on someone else's background. [As for me], I think I've always had a strong sense of self. My mom brought me up to believe that my talent is a gift and a blessing. But I have definitely made some mistakes that I would never do again.
GLAMOUR: Like what?
CA: When I was 21 and made Stripped, I was pretty distraught about some personal issues coming up from my past. I was going out and partying a lot--as people do at that age--and did some very unhealthy things to deal with the pain. But I was able to say, "OK, hold on."
GLAMOUR: But for some reason, you weren't caught on camera doing it.
CA: Thank God! [Laughs.]
GLAMOUR: You probably couldn't have gotten away with that now.
CA: I don't think so. [It wasn't until] the wave of reality TV that [our culture's] obsession with celebrity got so crazy. I think a lot of people thrive on that stuff.
GLAMOUR: So how do you manage nowadays to avoid paparazzi?
CA: A lot of people go out of their way [to be photographed]; I make a conscious effort to keep me and my family out of the limelight. The other day a paparazzo actually pulled up to my husband on the street and said, "Geez, I know the new house is big, but I've been trying to get a picture of you for months--you never leave the house!" And it's true: I'll go out at night after spending time with my son, but [during the day] I just hang out on my grounds, taking him for walks in the stroller in the backyard where we won't be seen.
GLAMOUR: Has having a child changed your relationship with your own mother?
CA: It's given me a deeper understanding of the things she went through. She had a difficult childhood, and I think she wanted to make sure [I didn't go through that]--[yet] she ended up marrying an abuser. My mom was so giving, almost too much, that she almost forgot about herself many times. So I'm careful to make time for myself. Rather than change who I am for Max, I bring the life lessons I've learned to the table.
GLAMOUR: How do you manage to make time for yourself?
CA: Obviously I didn't do anything today--you're not allowed to look at my nails!
GLAMOUR: How has your relationship with Jordan changed since the baby?
CA: It's brought us closer--we're bonded together for life. Relationships and great marriages are a whole learning and growing process. We're just great teammates.
GLAMOUR: So, how do you guys keep things sexy these days?
CA: We make sure we have Mommy and Daddy nights out. Our child comes first, obviously, but there are certain things you can do: Once we know he's in good hands, we go out late at night and have a few drinks. Then we'll come home, dim the lights and do our thing--and I'm not going into any more detail than that!

I really enjoyed this interview. I´m a huge fan of XTina and I´m looking foreward for her new album. She stated that it will be about fun and will be influenced by Pop Art of the 60's and some modern influences, and that sounds good!