Actress Kristen Bell, known for her roles in “Veronica Mars” and “Frozen,” has revealed how her fitness routine has transformed her physically and mentally. Bell, a long-time advocate for mental health awareness, has openly discussed how exercise has helped her manage anxiety and boost her overall well-being.
Discovering Physical Strength Through Pilates
Bell credits Pilates classes at Studio Metamorphosis as a turning point in her fitness journey. She attends these classes three times a week. In a past interview, she revealed that Pilates was the first workout routine she consistently stuck with.
From “Waifish” to Warrior: Bell’s Transformation
Bell has always felt mentally strong but admits she never felt physically strong until she incorporated Pilates into her life. “I’ve always felt mentally strong because I’m adept and can banter and hold my own in a good conversation,” she said. “But I’ve never felt physically strong. I felt waifish…or pregnant. And I’m loving the fact that if we ever get attacked by ninjas, I would be a valuable asset.”
The Power of Pilates: More Than Just Physical Fitness
The benefits of Pilates extend beyond physical strength. It is a low-impact exercise that focuses on core strength, flexibility, and body awareness. Pilates can improve posture, balance, and coordination. It can also help to relieve stress and tension.
Bell’s Holistic Approach to Fitness
While Pilates is a cornerstone of her routine, Kristen Bell embraces a varied approach to fitness that includes cardio, strength training, and even quick bursts of activity squeezed into her busy schedule.
Mixing It Up: Cardio and Strength Training
When she’s not in Pilates, Bell aims for at least 30 minutes of running or weightlifting most days. She’s also been known to take CrossFit classes.
Short Bursts, Big Impact: Incorporating Exercise into Daily Life
Bell is a master of multitasking when it comes to fitness. She incorporates short, high-intensity workouts into her daily routine. For example, she sprints up and down her driveway 10 to 15 times, which takes only about 15 minutes. “It’s fantastic for your heart, brain, and body,” she says, “And sprinting makes me feel really strong.” She also finds creative ways to exercise at work, such as doing triceps dips using a chair while running lines with fellow actors.
Sample Workout
Here is a sample workout that Kristen Bell does:
- Burpees (3 sets, decreasing reps: 21, 15, 9)
- Wall Sit (3 sets, decreasing time: 21, 15, 9 seconds)
- Mountain Climbers (3 sets, decreasing reps: 21, 15, 9)
- Forearm Plank (3 sets, decreasing time: 21, 15, 9 seconds)
- Inch Worms (3 sets, decreasing reps: 21, 15, 9)
The Mental Health Connection
For Kristen Bell, exercise is not just about physical appearance; it’s about mental well-being. She openly acknowledges the profound impact that regular physical activity has on her mood and overall mental state.
Exercise as a Mood Booster
Bell emphasizes that she works out for her mental health, not to achieve a specific body shape. “And I notice a BIG difference when I do and when I don’t,” she wrote on Instagram. “When I don’t, I’m sad, irritable, anxious, and lethargic. When I do, I’m content, motivated, peaceful, and energetic.”
Prioritizing Self-Care: Meditation and Stretching
Bell is also realistic about her motivation and doesn’t beat herself up if she lacks the energy for a full workout. Instead, she prioritizes self-care by doing a 10-minute meditation or stretch class on YouTube. She also tries to meditate daily.
Bell’s Diet and Nutrition
While Kristen Bell hasn’t revealed a specific diet plan, it’s known that she focuses on healthy eating habits to fuel her active lifestyle and support her overall well-being.
Healthy Choices
She emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Bell is also mindful of portion control and avoids processed foods and sugary drinks.
Supplements
Bell uses supplements such as:
- Organifi Green Juice
- SlimFast
- Alpha Brain
Kristen Bell’s Fitness Philosophy: Consistency and Balance
Kristen Bell’s fitness journey highlights the importance of finding a routine that works for you and prioritizing consistency and balance. She demonstrates that incorporating exercise into your life, even in small bursts, can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health.
Finding What Works: A Personalized Approach
Bell’s diverse fitness routine reflects her belief in finding activities that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle. Whether it’s Pilates, running, weightlifting, or sprinting up the driveway, the key is to find something that you can stick with long-term.
Listening to Your Body: Rest and Recovery
Bell also emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and taking rest days when needed. She doesn’t push herself too hard and prioritizes self-care when she’s feeling tired or unmotivated.
Staying Active on the Go
Bell stays active while on the road, shuffling from venue to venue.
Inspiration for a Healthier Lifestyle
Kristen Bell’s commitment to fitness and her open discussion of its impact on her mental health serve as an inspiration to many. Her approach is a reminder that exercise is not just about physical appearance but about overall well-being and finding joy in movement. By sharing her experiences, she encourages others to prioritize their health and find a fitness routine that works for them.
