Celebrity workouts can sometimes feel unattainable for the average person, but many celebrities face the same time pressures as us and have to fit a workout into the time they have available.
Case in point is Jennifer Aniston, who recently launched Jen’s Express Series: Arms & Abs through her partnership with fitness app Pvolve. There are six workouts in the series, all under 15 minutes, and they feature many of Aniston’s favorite upper-body and core moves.
It’s taught by her personal trainer Dani Coleman, who is also the vice president of training at Pvolve.
“When we have time together, we might do a longer session. But other days, especially when she’s short on time, she fits in a quick 15-minute workout like the ones in the Express Series,” Coleman tells Fit&Well.
“She focuses on workouts that make her feel strong and energized, which naturally makes consistency easier,” Coleman adds.
For a flavor of what to expect, Coleman shared the 15-minute core workout below, which uses the Pvolve P.ball, the brand’s take on a Pilates ball. (The equipment you need for the whole series is available in Jen’s Arms & Abs Bundle.)
How to do the workout
You’ll need a small Pilates ball.
Repeat the following circuit two or three times, resting for a minute between each round.
- Glute bridge x 15
- Dead bug x 10 each side
- Curl over the ball x 15
- Prone back extension x 12
- Side plank leg lift x 30-60sec each side
- Mountain climber x 30-60sec
Coleman says that moving slowly and using your breath will help you get the most out of this routine.
“The biggest tip is to slow down, stay connected to your breath, and to stay present in the work to help you move more mindfully through these exercises,” she says.
“Focus on moving at a controlled tempo throughout the exercises. Rest when needed,” Coleman adds.
Watch a run through of the workout
How to do the exercises
1. Glute bridge
Reps: 15
- Lie on your back, with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor about a foot away from your body.
- Place a Pilates ball between your knees.
- Tuck your pelvis and push through your feet to raise your hips.
- Slowly return your hips to the floor.
2. Dead bug
Reps: 10 each side
- Lie on your back with your knees raised above your hips and your shins parallel to the floor.
- Press the Pilates ball into your right thigh with your right hand and extend your left arm straight up.
- Lower your left arm behind you as you lower and extend your left leg.
- Raise your left arm and leg back to the start.
- Complete all your reps on one side, then repeat on the other side.
3. Curl over the ball
Reps: 15
- Sit with your legs extended in front of you.
- Place the Pilates ball under your mid back.
- Place your fingers on the sides of your head, elbows pointing out to the sides.
- Engage your core and lean back over the ball so your chest faces up.
- Lift your upper torso so your chest faces forward.
4. Prone back extension
Reps: 12
- Lie on your front with your arms extended forward and your feet hip-distance apart.
- Engage your core and slowly lift your arms and legs. Only your belly, hips and upper thighs should remain on the floor.
- Hold briefly at the top of the movement then gently release.
5. Side plank leg lift
Time: 20-30sec each side
- Lie on your right side, propped up on your right forearm, with your right elbow directly under your right shoulder, holding the Pilates ball in your left hand.
- Lift your hips, so your body is in a straight line from head to heels, supported on the side of your right foot and your right forearm.
- Extend your left arm overhead.
- Raise your left leg as high as you can.
- Lower your left leg to hip height.
- Continue lifting and lowering your left leg for time, then switch sides.
6. Mountain climber
Time: 30-60sec
- Place the Pilates ball on the floor and place your hands on top of it, with your shoulders directly above your hands.
- Step your feet back so your body is in a straight line from head to heels.
- Bring one knee slowly to your chest, keeping the rest of your body as still as possible.
- Return to the start then, repeat on the other side.
- Continue, alternating sides with each rep.