Actress Jessica Alba has never shied away from challenging acting roles that push her to increase her workout routine. One of her breakout roles, “Dark Angel,” sparked her passion for fitness, and she credits martial arts, gymnastics, dance, and strength training done while filming for helping her build a strong and athletic body. Alba has dabbled in various martial arts disciplines over the years, including Krav Maga, and she believes in the benefits of consistent exercise, recommending two to three sessions per week in forms like yoga, walking, or cycling.
Despite finding workouts to be less than exhilarating, Alba pushes through the discomfort by taking classes that keep her motivated and accountable. She acknowledges that exercising can be agonizing and states that there is nothing she’d rather do than work out. Alba prefers high-energy, high-intensity workouts that leave her feeling mentally clear and motivated to keep pushing herself. She enjoys hot yoga, sculpt yoga, and utilizes cycling as a form of meditation, often starting her day with a vigorous workout.
Alba prioritizes strength training with moderate weights and focuses more on upper body workouts than legs. She incorporates dance classes and spin classes with friends into her routine, finding them to be fun and fulfilling. Alba adjusts her workouts to accommodate her problem areas, like knees, and works closely with her trainer to tailor their sessions to avoid further strain. She practices gratitude and acceptance towards her body, feeling comfortable and appreciative of the things it enables her to do.
In terms of diet, Alba follows a balanced approach, eating plant-based meals four days a week and indulging in more flexible choices on the weekends. She understands the importance of a healthy diet alongside exercise, noting that slimming down is largely impacted by what you eat. Alba strives to avoid gluten, dairy, fried foods, and processed foods, opting for a diet rich in lean proteins and vegetables. Becoming a mother has helped Alba feel more confident in her own skin, shifting her perspective towards a more positive and accepting attitude towards her body.
As a busy mom and entrepreneur, Alba recognizes the challenges of maintaining a consistent workout routine and being kind to oneself when fitness goals are not always met. She has learned to mix up her workouts and not feel like a failure when she doesn’t achieve intense exercise goals. By focusing on a combination of exercise, diet, and self-compassion, Alba embodies a balanced and practical approach to health and fitness that emphasizes feeling strong, healthy, and appreciative of all that her body can do.
