Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles.
One app.

Start reading

Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles. One news app.

Start reading

Marie Claire

Lifestyle

Ally Head

19 PT-approved celebrity workouts that promise to make your next sweat session a good one

Ally Head Adele Beyoncé Ellie Goulding Lizzo Victoria Beckham J-Lo Tracy Anderson

Celebrity workouts: Jennifer Aniston, Ally Head and Lizzo working out.

Celebrity workouts are actually a much more obvious go-to when it comes to a good sweat sesh than you might think. Wondering why? Well, the rich and famous have the resources - and by resources, we largely mean money - to spend on some of the best personal trainers, coaches, and gym workouts in the business.

It's no coincidence that so many famous people boast such strong bodies - they've got trainers on hand to personally guide them through their sessions and push them when they don't feel like it. And if that's not exercise motivation, we don't know what is.

While we - sadly - can't help on that front, we can bring you some of the best celebrity workouts to try yourself. Investing in a personal trainer will only ever be a positive thing, but if you can't afford it (thanks, cost of living crisis) or still have a little gym anxiety around starting, our advice is: try one of these. You can't go far wrong.

PSA here: you don't need to copy anyone's workout routine. Everyone's body is different, and so too will be the way they enjoy moving their body.

But, if you do feel a little overwhelmed at working out what workout's best for you, have a read of the sweat sessions of Kate Middleton, Kourtney Kardashian, Jessica Alba, Ellie Goulding, Beyonce, J Lo and more. Marie Claire UK Health Editor Ally Head has shared her take on them all, so you'll know which ones get her seal of approval. From yoga classes, to kickboxing, to weight training, to HIIT, there's a workout for everyone. Happy sweating.

Testing criteria for celebrity workouts

So, what did I look for when testing the below workouts? Simple - and the below are all things to consider when thinking about what workout you should go for. (Read how team MC test all of the products we include, here).

Has the workout been designed by a qualified fitness professional?
Is it easy to follow?
Is it a good length - not too short but not too long - and will you have time to finish it?
How expensive is it, and is it within budget for you?
Is it accessible to all fitness levels?
Is it doable from home or does it require a gym or studio?

19 celebrity workouts to try tonight

1. Victoria Beckham's Olympic weightlifting

Fun fact: former Spice Girls member and fashion designer Victoria Beckham has pivoted from being a cardio fan to trying Olympic lifting. While, as below, she still loves a hike in her free time, her go-to weekday workout is weight training.

As her trainer Bobby Rich explains, "it was becoming apparent to her that the benefits from her own training routines had become minimal. Despite spending daily 90+ minute sessions in the gym she was purely maintaining her fitness levels rather than improving in other meaningful ways. She was ready for a change.” She's now spending less time in the gym than ever but working out more efficiently: you can read all about her attitude shift, here.

Try it at home: You'll need between 35 and 90 minutes and, while you can weight train at home, Olympic lifting in particular will likely require a gym (if you're London based, our guide to the best gyms in London might help).

The workout: Olympic weightlifting is a form of strength training, but it actually takes some learning pre-starting. Our advice? Give one of Joe Wicks's weighted workouts a go, or, if you're really keen to learn, book a session with a PT.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "I'm a fan of Olympic weightlifting and loved it when I tried it. You can bank a great workout in a much shorter space of time and build lean muscle fairly quickly if you're consistent with your training and progressive overload. Not only that, but you learn a whole new skill, while you're at it."

2. Adele's strengthening Pilates

Adele's workout routine just about broke the internet when it was revealed that it - coupled with the buzzy Sirtfood Diet - had helped her lose a reported seven stone. And while many were quick to assume that the star went to extreme lengths for her new figure, Adele's personal trainer has previously said that the star's fitness success is all to do with balance, assuring us that 'getting skinny was never the goal.'

"This metamorphosis is not for album sales, publicity or to be a role model. She is doing it for herself and her son Angelo," Adele's former PT told Access Hollywood.

Proof that Adele is partial to a pilates sweat sesh came in the form of her instructor, Camila Goodis, who was reportedly introduced to the singer through Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field (casual.)

Try it at home: All you'll need is a hand towel, 20 minutes set aside, and a smooth floor.

The workout: Do this a number of times through, aiming to increase your duration every day.

2 room-length hand walks (using the towel to help glide your feet)
14 quad slides (two on each leg)
10 plank slides
1 floor-length scoot (again using the towel under your bum to help you move)

Repeat this as many times as is challenging (ensuring to keep tension in your abs throughout), increasing the number of reps daily.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "I love Pilates as it's a low-impact workout that doesn't get you massively sweaty but does really challenge all those tiny muscles you so often neglect in your core, arms, and legs. This workout was a great at-home option for if you've only got five minutes or so. For more of a challenge, book a Reformer class at a studio (Read my review of Reformer Pilates classes, here.)"

3. Ellie Goulding's weighted circuit

Ellie Goulding's long been an advocate for getting in regular gym workouts - she's spoken candidly in the past about how working out has given her both physical and mental health help, sharing: "Exercise makes me feel good about myself: it keeps me sane."

She's trained with loads of different pros, but shared with Vogue during lockdown that she'd been doing personal training sessions via Zoom with celebrity personal trainer Dan Roberts.

Try it at home: You'll need an hour set aside and some weights that err on the heavier side for you. Not sure where to buy them? Our guide to the best home gym equipment (starting at just £9.99) might just help.

The workout: Do this three to four times through, pausing after each set.

8 to 10 of weighted squats
8 to 10 bodyweight push-ups
8 to 10 weighted deadlifts
8 to 10 weighted lunges
8 to 10 inverted crunches

End your session with a kickboxing finisher to get your heart rate up - and enjoy.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "This is pretty much identical to the weight training session I do most weeks to support my marathon training when I'm preparing for a race. Safe to say, I love this workout - it's just long enough and leaves you feeling strong and capable of anything."

"Interested in the benefits of weight training or strength training for running? I've worked with several PT's over the years who share these compound exercises are the simplest way to make sure your body is both strong and injury-proof."

4. J-Lo's full body weighted intervals

Jennifer Lopez has always kept fit, as that iconic pole scene in Hustlers highlighted.

According to Hello! magazine, the star trains with PT David Kirsch, and often opts for high-intensity interval training. People, on the other hand, say she trains with trainer Tracy Anderson four to five times a week, training anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour - whatever she has time to do.

“She’s highly trained in picking up choreography, and she’s incredibly coordinated, so she can pick up things very quickly,” says Tracy. “She likes to be challenged, but she’s very, very aware of her body, and in one look to me can be like, ‘no that's not for me,’ and then I’ll move onto another move.”

Try it at home: Again, set aside an hour and do this three to four times through, remembering to take rest breaks.

The workout:

8 to 10 reps of bicep curl
8 to 10 lunges
8 to 10 push ups
8 to 10 kettlebell swings
8 to 10 sitting hip thrusts

Finish with a few sprints to get your heart rate up et voila.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "J Lo's workout is very similar to Ellie's - a weighted gym routine consisting primarily of compound exercises. As I mentioned, I do these weekly - they're one of the easiest ways to future-proof your body. From this set, I love kettlebell swings and hip thrusts - you'll feel totally badass being able to increase the weight you can lift week-on-week."

5. Beyonce's HIIT and weights hybrid

Beyonce is reportedly a fan of circuits, too, also opting for weight training. Weights are known to both challenge and tone your muscles, so is one of the best workouts for increasing your overall muscle mass.

She's believed to train with nutritionist and trainer Marco Borges, or so say Insider, and is seriously, seriously fit - she has to be, for the mega performances she puts on worldwide. Get ready for some burrrrn.

Try it at home: Much like J Lo, it's reported that Beyonce will workout for however long she has, so do what you can. Try three to four rounds of the below. As above: rest is also key.

The workout: According to a 2015 article from Glamour magazine, Bey's weekly workouts look a little like the following:

8 to 10 explosive push ups
8 to 10 rounds of 30 second sprints, pushing at an eight out of ten capacity
8 to 10 kettlebell squat-and-presses
8 to 10 single leg step ups
8 to 10 ab crunches

Make sure you take time to stretch at the end of your workout, too, because FYI workout recovery is key to fitness gains. Being a celebrity vegan, Beyonce also reportedly ends every session with a plant-based protein shake to aid muscle recovery. (Read our guide to the best protein powders, here).

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "I'll be honest - I used to love HIIT training but it took its toll on my energy levels (and knees) over the years so I now skip them in favour of something lower impact. This set is great for if you're short on time and looking for maximum fat burn. If you'd rather opt for muscle build instead, try one of the strength training workouts above."

6. Margot Robbie's Pilates

Not so keen on weights and circuits? Then you might want to try Margot Robbie's Pilates-inspired workout instead. It's not a sweaty high-intensity one - more of a low impact workout - but it'll strengthen your muscles over time, instead.

She's a great example of someone who leads a balanced lifestyle, once saying in an interview with The Telegraph: "I walk the line between having as much fun as possible and continuing to take care of myself. Eating well and exercise need to be prevalent in my life so that I can feel my best, but I don’t want to dwell on it too much.”

Try it at home: Margot loves reformer pilates, which has to be done in-studio on a - yep, you guessed it - reformer. In London, try studios like Heartcore, Frame, and Core Collective.

The workout: For an at-home pilates workout, we'd recommend checking out trainer Lottie Murphy or trying a pilates workout on FIIT, one of our go-to home fitness apps.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "Reformer Pilates was completely new to me when I first tried it, but I loved how quickly - and subtly - you built core and glute strength. My arms looked amazing and I totally fell in love with the slow-but-steady burn the class offers. Definitely recommend!." Read Ally's Reformer Pilates classes review, here.

7. Jessica Alba's quick HIIT sessions

During lockdown, it's reported that actress Alba started training with fitness coach Aaron Hines. Lucky for us, she's shared her go-to workout on her YouTube channel, too.

Try it at home: It's only ten minutes long, so this is a great celebrity workout option for a quick sweat session in your lunchtime. You can watch the video and follow along with Jessica herself, or give it a go on your own. Start with 30 seconds on, 30 secs off, for three rounds.

The workout: Expect lunge hops, mountain climbers and more lower body moves. It's a sweaty one.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "As above, I'm not personally a fan of HIIT, but I like this workout for getting a sweat on in a short space of time. Plus, it's really easy to follow and you can workout alongside Alba - which is fun!".

8. Kate Middleton's cardio go-to's and core circuit

Kate is said to be a huge fan of most forms of cardio - that is, running, swimming, skating, rowing, and tennis. The best part: most of these workouts can be totally free, are fairly easy to do, and require no personal trainer knowledge. She is also said to train her core with personal trainer Louise Parker, according to The Daily Mail.

Try it at home: This one's a case of booking a slot at your local tennis court, swimming pool or simply lacing up and heading out for a jog. If that doesn't tickle your fancy, try this one-move core circuit. Hold for 45 seconds, and complete 10 rounds.

The workout:

Forearm plank: Keep your core tight, your shoulders retracted and your glutes fired up and close to the ground to avoid risk of injury.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "I love running - I'm a marathon runner and don't think there's a better way of clearing your head than heading out for a jog. I'm also a fan of planks at the end of a workout - I've been told by many experts that, if performed correctly, they're a great way to strengthen both your glutes and abdominals."

9. Vanessa Hudgens' full body set

While she used to love spin classes - Vanessa once told Women's Health magazine, 'put me on a bike in a room with loud music, and I’m happy' - last year, she shared a strength-focused workout routine on her YouTube channel, like Alba. It's said that she trains with NYC-based PT Issac Calpito, who did the choreography for many of Ariana Grande's tours.

Try it at home: Set aside 45 minutes to an hour and try two to three sets of the following. Remember, if you're not sure about your form for any, skip the move and ask a PT to help you next time you're at the gym. Or, a handy tip, if you don't visit a gym: look up a tutorial for the move on YouTube. You're so welcome.

The workout:

8 to 10 plank walk outs
8 to 10 resistance band squats with side step
8 to 10 resistance band squat jumps
8 to 10 high knees and kick
8 to 10 weighted deadlifts
8 to 10 back squats

Dancing in between sets and twerking, optional.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "I'm also a fan of spin classes- SoulCycle or 1Rebel are my go-to's - and love the weight exercises in Vanessa's workout above. That said, I did find it a little long - I normally aim for five moves to avoid feeling rushed or like I'm trying to squeeze too much in. Do whatever works for you!".

10. Jennifer Aniston's yoga

Jen An is a big advocate for looking after your body, and she recently joined Vital Proteins as their Chief Creative Officer (read our full guide to collagen supplements, here).

So how does she workout? Good question. The actress is said to move regularly in loads of different ways. She's shared before that she does morning yoga, elliptical training and boxing. She also recently told Vogue that she loves weighted circuits where she 'throws heavy boulders around and pushes medicine balls and wiggling and shaking that big rope thing.' Battle ropes target both your upper body and abdominal muscles, but yoga is good for both body and mind.

Try it at home: Yoga is one of the simplest home workouts out there, and while it might not boost muscle building in the same way strength training does, if you regularly practice a more dynamic flow, like vinyasa yoga, you're sure to build core strength in no time. Trust us on this one—even ten to twenty minutes a day will reap rewards.

The workout: As with the pilates one, there are so many different yoga flows it's semi impossible to pinpoint one particular one. We love the YouTube Yoga with Adriene flows - there are hundreds to choose from - or the live streamed classes from studios like Triyoga.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "While I'm not a natural yogi, getting a few yoga poses in at the end of a busy day always calms my mind and reconnects me with my body (plus, it pretty much guaranteed good sleep). My favourite is yin - a sleepy, restorative and stretchy flow - or hot yoga - great for getting a sweat on."

11. Cindy Crawford's full body circuits

Model Cindy Crawford is thought to get a sweat on with her trainer Sarah Perla three mornings a week. She also dabbles in boxing occasionally, too.

Chatting to Shape magazine about her sweat sessions, she shared: "We do circuit training for the whole body using weights, some machines, and my own body weight with lunges and squats," she said.

"We usually do about 10 minutes of weights and then a five-minute cardio segment. Right now we are into running stairs, but we switch it up. We repeat the 10-minute weight and five-minute cardio at least three times and then we finish up with abs and stretching."

Try it at home: Sound like a bit of you? It's as Cindy said: try ten minutes of weights, then five minutes of cardio, three times round, with some ab work and stretches at the end. Simple.

The workout:

8 to 10 weighted squats
8 to 10 weighted lunges
8 to 10 weighted rows
5 minutes of cardio of your choice - sprints, cycling, skipping or other
1 minute plank.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "I used to train at F45 - a gym where the circuits above are a daily occurrence. The endorphin rush is great and you get fit, fast. Just make sure to prioritse workout recovery and take enough rest days, too."

12. Lizzo's strength circuit

Lucky for us, Lizzo loves to share her workouts on Instagram, and she's long been vocal about how good working out makes her feel both physically and mentally. She does a bit of everything - strength training, battle ropes, skipping and more.

Try it at home: Thought to train with Marcus Ely, the star's workout is guaranteed to get you sweating. Aim for four to five rounds.

The workout:

A minute all out on the battle ropes
A minute of the Superman core move
8 to 10 weighted squats
A minute of skipping at a fast pace.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "Again, this workout is short and sweet, high intensity and guaranteed to get your heart rate up and, in turn, boost your cardio fitness. I love the battle ropes element - it's really empowering feeling yourself getting stronger and being able to do them for longer week-on-week."

13. Rebel Wilson's HIIT sessions

Just like the Joe Wicks YouTube workouts, Rebel's favourite high-intensity interval workouts are great for fat loss and getting your heart rate up.

After what she's coined her 'year of health', the actress is glowing, and we're really, really here for it.

Try it at home: According to an interview with trainer Jono Castano in Women's Health magazine, Rebel's workouts look a bit like the following.

The workout:

10 calorie assault Bike
20 TRX Squats
12 per side standing bandit trunk rotation
10 per side deadbugs with a medball
30 seconds battle rope slams.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "This workout is spicy - gets your heart rate up and you sweating in no time. Again, it's focused on fat burn rather than muscle build - I thought a great option for a holiday workout."

14. Blake Lively's elliptical training

Like the sound of total-body toning workouts in the form of elliptical training? So does actress Blake Lively, who is said to train several times a week on the machine. Her trainer, Don Saladino, is NYC based.

Try it at home: According to an interview with the trainer in Harper’s Bazaar, Blake can't always fit in a full session as a busy working Mum. On days where she just doesn't have time for a weights set, she'll jump on the elliptical for ten minutes, it's said. Try the following for three to four rounds - and enjoy.

The workout:

8 to 10 reverse lunges
8 to 10 one-legged dead lifts
8 to 10 pushups
8 to 10 rows
8 to 10 kettlebell swings

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "I jumped on the elliptical for ten minutes last time I was at the gym and while it was fine, I'd far rather lace up and get outside for some movement and fresh air. Each to their own - workout what works best for you ."

15. Ariana Grande's arm circuits

According to Shape magazine and Ariana's trainer, Harley Pasternak, the singer is a big fan of upper-body workouts.

Try it at home: Think T-raises, tricep extensions, cable reverse flys and more. Try the following - but note, this one gets spicy, fast. Aim for three rounds.

The workout:

25 glute bridge skull crushers
25 standing rope tricep extensions
25 dumbbell t-raises
25 standing cable reverse flys.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "Yep, this one will burn! I always do full body strength training so a session focused just on my arms was hard. That said, it's a great length and means you're not in the gym for hours.

16. Jenna Dewan's dance sessions

Yes, dancing is a legit workout, and yes, it can be really, really fun if you let go a little (and that's your sort of thing). Jenna Dewan is said to be a fan - predictably so, as a professional dancer by career,

Try it at home: As with yoga and pilates, a dance workout is best done in a class for maximum fun.

The workout: You could whack on a bit of Katy Perry and try your lot, but to really push yourself, we recommend trying a The Fitness Marshall or Zumba Class dance lessons. All free, and all really fun.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "I tried a Fitness Marshall class and against all odds, really enjoyed it. I released loads of endorphins and felt great afterwards - happy and less stressed. I'd definitely recommend it!."

17. Rihanna's cardio sweat sesh

According to a Women's Health interview, pop star Rihanna's go-to workout? Well, it's a five 5km run followed by some pilates. Double whammy.

Try it at home: The best place to start as a runner beginner is Couch to 5km. It had more than 858,000 downloads from March to June last year when lockdown first struck, and for good reason - it's one of the best apps at gently easing your cardio fitness levels up. Or, if you're a keen runner, why not try and beat your 5km time this time around?

The workout: This one's super simple - lace up and head out. Bob's your uncle.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "While a run followed by Pilates was a bit much for me, I did test myself by trying a 5km time trial. I really enjoyed pushing myself and seeing how fast I could run - it's free, empowering and incredibly rewarding both physically and mentally. Why not give it a go?"

18. Khloe Kardashian's full body workout

The Kardashian's are all fairly vocal about their love of working out, with all five sisters training regularly. Khloe is said to work with personal trainer Gunnar Peterson every week, and sweats through 45-minute strength and conditioning workouts.

Try it at home: According to Women's Health, Khloe's workout is a full body strength workout best enjoyed in a gym, so you can add some weight. If you want to do as Khloe does, aim to repeat four times. Ready? Set? Sweat.

The workout:

20 overhead crunch rotation
20 banded 4x4 walks
20 renegade row mountain climbers
20 dumbbell presses
20 reverse lunge press

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "The only move I didn't love from this workout was the crunch rotation - a slightly-too-complicated move, in my opinion. I loved the rest of the circuit though and that you could tailor it to your fitness levels, doing as little or many rounds as you fancy."

19. Miley Cyrus' go-to Pilates workout

Pop superstar Miley Cyrus has long been open about her love of working out, thanking it for allowing her to perform her action-packed stage performances.

She loves hiking, yoga, and Pilates, and is said to practice yoga or Pilates nearly every day - so much so, that she even got her own Pilates studio installed in her LA home. Cyrus' former personal trainer, Mari Winsor, details that the singer normally aims for half an hour on the machine and will work through classic Pilates Reformer moves like sidekicks and ab crunches.

Try it at home: While we're not expecting you to invest in a Reformer machine - they're quite expensive - there are plenty of ways you can try Pilates at home.

The workout: I'm a personal fan of Fluid Form at home Pilates app, as it has plenty of options (from five to 45-minute long classes) and talks you through your workouts clearly. If you're really keen to try a Reformer, try to book in at a local studio.

Health Editor Ally Head's take? "I love both Reformer and mat Pilates, so can see why Miley is such a fan. It seriously boosted my overall strength when I first gave it a go in 2022. My advice would be to start with mat Pilates at home and build your way up. Our guides to Pilates for beginners and 20 minute Pilates at home might come in handy here. Curious about Reformer, in particular? View my Reformer before and after, here."

Shop our go-to workout kit now:

lululemon Energy Bra

Health Editor Ally Head has a few of these bras and wears them on repeat for running, strength training, yoga and more. Offering a medium support, it'll quickly become a favourite.

LNDR Super Keen Bike Short

Another piece of kit Health Ed Ally wears on repeat are these LNDR cycling shorts. The brand has impressive sustainability credentials and produces kit designed to last - a firm favourite in the MC UK fit kit rotation.

Tempo Tank

For hot summer runs, the floaty design of this Free People tank top is ideal for offering enough coverage without chafing or feeling too hot. Pair with leggings or cycling shorts to complete the look.

Frequently asked questions

What workouts do famous people do?

As we've highlighted above - a whole range. Remember, every body is different and so the types of workout you (and your body) like will vary from your Mum or best friend.

That said, popular options were running, strength training, Pilates, HIIT and spin classes.

How do you train like a celebrity?

Good question - and, short answer, it depends on which celebrity you mean. In truth, most celebrities mix up their workouts anyway, with stars like Jen An doing everything from yoga, running and strength training, and the Kardashians loving boxing, Pilates and Reformer.

The main focus should be on finding a workout that works for you and that you genuinely enjoy and look forward too - otherwise it'll never be part of a sustainable and realistic healthy lifestyle.

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here