Jennifer Lopez is an icon. From her undeniable talent, to her stunning beauty, and her incredible physique, her fans (and even her critics) can’t seem to get enough of her.
The 51-year-old singer and actress has always had a killer body, but she’s been particularly killing it lately, especially when it comes to her legs and midsection.
The JLo Workout
Jennifer’s personal trainer, David Kirsch, has revealed the secrets behind the star’s enviable figure, and luckily for us, it’s not all unattainable celebrity magic.
In fact, it’s a combination of hard work, discipline, and a few specific exercises.
Step-Ups
David Kirsch says that step-ups are one of Jennifer’s favorite leg exercises. This probably isn’t surprising considering how toned her legs are! To do a step-up, you’ll need a sturdy bench or step.
Place one foot on the bench and step up, bringing the other leg up with you. Once you’ve reached the top, step back down with the same foot and repeat with the other leg. Try to do three sets of 15 reps per leg.
Plank with Leg Lift
If you’ve ever looked at photos of Jennifer’s midsection, you might be thinking it’s basically impossible to achieve that level of definition.
But according to David Kirsch, the plank with leg lift is one of the exercises that helped make it possible for JLo, and it can help you get there too (eventually). To do a plank with leg lift, start in a traditional plank position (with your forearms and toes on the ground), then lift one leg up while keeping your hips parallel to the floor. Hold for a few seconds and then switch legs.
Try to do three sets of 10 reps per leg.
Jumping Lunges
If you’re a fan of intense workouts, this one’s for you. Jumping lunges are a challenging exercise, but they’re great for getting your heart rate up and working all of the muscles in your legs.
To do jumping lunges, start in a lunge position with one leg in front of the other and your knees both at 90-degree angles. Then, explosively jump up and switch legs mid-air so that you land with the opposite leg in front. Continue jumping and switching legs, trying to stay low and keep the same form as you would with regular lunges. Aim for three sets of 10 reps per leg.
Side Plank with Oblique Twist
This exercise is a bit of a mouthful to say, but it’s worth learning because it’s highly effective at slimming down your midsection.
Start in a side plank position (with one forearm and foot on the ground and your body forming a straight line), then reach the other arm towards the ceiling. From there, bring your arm down and tuck it under your body, twisting your hips and core. Return to the starting position and repeat the twist for the other side. Try to do three sets of 10 reps per side.
The Results of Jennifer’s Workouts
There’s no doubt that these exercises are intense, but there’s also no doubt that they work. Just take a look at Jennifer! She’s in incredible shape and clearly puts a lot of time and effort into her workouts.
Of course, they’re not the only exercises she does, but they’re a good place to start if you’re looking to get legs and a midsection like JLo.
Take Inspiration from Jennifer Lopez, and Find Your Own Ideal Workout
Of course, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different. What works for Jennifer may not work for you, and vice versa.
The key to finding your ideal workout is to choose an exercise program that you enjoy and can stick to, whether that’s a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) routine, yoga, or anything in between.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking to transform your legs and midsection, look no further than Jennifer Lopez’s favorite exercises.
Step-ups, plank with leg lift, jumping lunges, and side plank with oblique twist are all great options for toning your muscles and slimming down. And if you want to see real results, you’ll need to put in some time and effort (just like JLo does).