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For decades, Jennifer Aniston has been one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars and a longtime advocate for staying active. When it comes to fitness, Aniston has learned that consistency—not punishment—is the real secret to feeling strong.
The beloved actress shared some of her favorite arms and abs moves she loves from Pvolve, the functional fitness program she’s been practicing for years. The workout style focuses on controlled resistance, intentional movement, and building strength in ways that support everyday life.
“We build upper body and core strength through progressive overload, resistance, and dynamic movement in all three planes of motion,” Dani Coleman, Aniston’s personal trainer and vice president of training at Pvolve, tells SELF.
Rather than rushing through reps or relying on momentum, the goal is to move with total control.
“By focusing on the muscles doing the work you can develop intentional strength that not only improves performance in your workouts, but also helps you look and feel your best in daily life,” Coleman says.
For Aniston, that focus on building a sustainable routine was a big mental shift from her former approach to fitness.
“I used to look at workouts where it had to be this intense, ‘no pain, no gain’ situation,” Aniston tells SELF. “But the main takeaway over all the years of everything I’ve tried is just consistency. Don’t push it and listen to your body.”
These days, she says the biggest factor keeping her consistent is simply paying attention to how movement affects her mood and energy.
“When I don’t work out, I feel such a difference,” Aniston says. “My mood dips, I don’t have as much endurance during the day, my clothes fit differently. You just don’t feel good because you’re not being good to yourself.”
Her strategy? Keep workouts manageable—even on busy days.
“Wake up 15 minutes earlier and get it in. When you simplify it for yourself, it makes it more digestible,” Aniston says.
That’s exactly the idea behind the quick arms-and-abs routine she swears by. These moves build strength, mobility, and stability all at once.
“This routine specifically targets arms and abs because that’s sort of our center of gravity—and our arms are what we see a lot. And I love a strong core. For me, core is everything.”
Jennifer Aniston’s favorite abs and arms moves
What you need: Some of these exercises will require a yoga mat, stability ball, and a resistance band.
Curl Over Ball
“This move strengthens the abs through a fuller range of motion while the ball supports the lower back,” Coleman says.
Lay flat on the mat, then place the stability ball on the lower back.
Once elevated, extend both legs straight in front of you.
Bring your hands to the back of your head and engage your core.
Gently lift and lower your shoulder blades.
Elevated Deadbug
“This is a powerful core stability move that improves coordination and teaches the body to stay steady while the arms and legs move in tandem,” Coleman says.
Lay flat on the mat with your hands by your sides.
Place the stability ball underneath your hips to get into an elevated position.
Lift both legs into a tabletop position.
Slowly lower and extend one leg until it’s hovering just a few inches above the floor.
Return to the starting position and switch legs.
Golf Swing
“This is a dynamic core exercise that strengthens the obliques while activating the outer hips for improved balance and stability,” Coleman says.
Start in a staggered stance position with one foot forward and the other foot back, with your heel lifted.
Clasp your hands together and extend your arms out in front of you.
Step out with your back leg into a squat position, then step that same foot back to its original position. Keep your arms straight.
Stability Ball Plank
“This exercise takes the classic plank up a notch by adding instability, forcing the core to work harder to stay controlled,” Coleman says.
Start in a high plank position, then balance the stability ball under your hands.
Once you’ve found your balance, bring your right knee to your right elbow.
Prone Back Extension With Lat Pull
“This targets the muscles along the spine to build back strength, support better posture, and counteract the effects of long hours of sitting,” Coleman says.
Lay on the mat face down.
Holding a resistance band, bring both arms straight out in front of you above your head.
Lift your arms and legs up off the mat.
While holding the lifted position, pull your elbows back towards your ribs, squeezing your shoulder blades together, similar to a lat pulldown.
Straighten your arms back to the overhead position, then lower your body back to the floor.
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Originally Appeared on Self