At 57 years old, Jennifer Aniston is in enviable shape. Strength training is a “non-negotiable” part of her routine, but don’t expect to see her with a barbell in hand any time soon.
Instead, in 2023, she adopted a novel low-impact training system called Pvolve – a training method found by an Exeter University study to be “effective at improving strength and balance in women during and post-menopause”.
“Pvolve is a functional fitness method that moves your body in ways you move in everyday life – forward, sideways and rotationally,” her trainer and Pvolve vice president of training Dani Coleman explains. “We do that with unique resistance equipment [designed] to build overall stability, mobility and strength.”
This specialist equipment is needed to do some of the exercises in Pvolve workouts, but many of Aniston’s favourite moves require just your bodyweight.
Below, Coleman reveals more about Aniston’s training and shares a sample low-impact workout the actor uses to build strength, stability and mobility. There is no equipment required, so Independent readers can take it for a spin.
Jennifer Aniston’s low-impact full-body workout
The workout above was shared by Coleman as an equipment-free example of the type of training Aniston does each week. The trainers demonstrate each movement in real time, as if coaching a class, so you can follow along and try it for yourself.
The workout takes 25 minutes and features many of the core elements of Aniston’s workouts – discussed with Coleman below. This includes plank variations, single-leg work, balance exercises and multidirectional movements designed to develop full-body strength and coordination.
Read more: I’m 46 and I tried Jennifer Aniston’s Pvolve workout – it felt like I was exercising for my future self
Jennifer Aniston’s weekly workout plan
“Jen’s training involves an element of strength, mobility, stability and a cardiovascular push,” Coleman says. “The most beautiful thing about working with her for the past four years is her consistency – it’s truly inspiring.”
Aniston tends to do three classes per week, lasting an average of 45 minutes each. Some of these are in person with Coleman, while others are done via the app.
“I also love the way she listens to her body and honours it,” Coleman adds. “There are days where she’ll say, ‘I have 45 minutes, let’s hit it,’ and other times when we do a shorter, slower-paced strength and sculpt workout, focussing more on mobility and stability to match her energy levels.
“Jen is the epitome of working smarter, not harder, and it’s been incredible to see her results because she just keeps getting better and better.”
Read more: This is how Stanley Tucci got into the ‘best shape of his life’ in his 60s
Jennifer Aniston’s favourite exercises for a stronger core
“I think Jen’s core strength is pretty unmatched,” says Coleman. In other words: you would have to scour Hollywood to find an actor bold enough to take Aniston on in a plank challenge.
“Core strength is something we focus on to keep her body upright and help her move well,” Coleman continues. “She’s spoken openly about some of her previous injuries [including a back injury sustained in 2021 while filming Murder Mystery 2], so we work a lot on her deep core muscles to help protect her back.”
The rectus abdominis muscles, responsible for the six-pack shape, are the best-known part of the core musculature. But deeper-lying mid-body muscles such as the transverse abdominis, multifidus, pelvic floor and diaphragm play key roles such as supporting the spine and powering your breath. Keeping them strong improves function, fights frailty and protects you from injury.
Aniston’s deep core work includes plenty of plank variations and stability-focused exercises, as well as bending and rotational movements using the brand’s P3 trainer – the resistance band pictured above, which connects to the wrist and ankle via velcro straps.
Balance is another key aspect of Aniston’s workouts.
“We do a lot of single-leg strength work and stability training,” says Coleman. “I think a good measure of longevity is how well we can keep our body upright.
“If we can stand on one leg, drive our raised knee in front of us then extend that leg behind us while balancing, it can be a great way to help people keep their bodies moving well. It can also prevent falling, which can be really detrimental in later life.”
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