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Nina Dobrev on the 1 thing that changed her workout routine

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Nina Dobrev on the 1 thing that changed her workout routine

Nina Dobrev has always led an active lifestyle, but the actor really got serious about her workout routine when the pandemic hit.

“I used a personal trainer and relied on a lot of outside sources for my fitness — especially because I used to be so busy traveling and working,” she previously told Shape. “But once I was home, I realized I didn’t have much (gym equipment) at home so I went into a mad dash.”

Over time, the star slowly accumulated equipment to fuel her home workouts.

“I’m really proud of my home gym, I use it a lot,” she said. “It’s really nice to have that flexibility of working out, whether it’s really early in the morning before I got to set, or really late a night when I get home from set, or after a long flight.”

On a similar note, the 35-year-old has also been conscious about revamping her diet in recent years.

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“I’m getting older and more conscious of what I eat and how I eat it and what I do,” she previously told Women’s Health. “Doing something different (each day) has been the most fun, and I’ve seen the most benefit because you shock your system.” 

Dobrev’s hard work certainly seems to be paying off. Ready to learn from her balanced approach to health and wellness? Read on for some of her most relatable tips and tricks.

She likes working out with friends

When you’re heading to the gym by yourself, it’s easy to back out if you’re not feeling motivated. But when you’re meeting a group of pals, you tend to hold yourself accountable more often than not.

Dobrev told W Magazine, in 2017, that she has a text message chain with some girlfriends called “We Work Out.”

“Whoever wakes up first will put in the workout for the day and we’ll all either say yay or nay,” she said.

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When she’s sweating it out with her besties, Dobrev finds herself more determined to give the workout her all.

“When you do it with your friends, it motivates you to have a little bit of healthy competition,” she told People. “You want to give up, but you look over and you see that your friend is still going, so you keep going even more and push through the burn.”

After all, “misery loves company,” as she told the publication.

“If you’re going to be sweating and working hard it is better to do it with your buddies by your side,” she said.

She loves Les Mills workouts

Dobrev is always down for trying new workouts to avoid a fitness plateau, and she’s a big fan of the fitness company Les Mills.

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“I absolutely love Les Mills workouts because they have everything from yoga to HIIT to boxing — and I can do them online from wherever I am. The 30-minute Les Mills Grit class is super quick, but it will kick your a– — it’s definitely the most bang for your buck,” she told Refinery29.

She enjoys toning her core and butt

In 2017, Les Mills Coach Lissa Bankston opened up about her client’s go-to workouts, revealing Dobrev gravitates toward interval and circuit training “that mimics the moves that you might do in a HIIT workout.”

“I usually incorporate something I call ‘push, pull, rotate’ where we train the upper body, lower body and core with those three modalities. And Nina loves working her core and her butt — so there’s always a little finisher of core and butt work too!” she said during an interview with the fitness company’s website.

She live an active lifestyle, but doesn’t punish herself when she skips a workout

Dobrev is committed to her fitness routine, but she also gives herself a break when she needs one.

“Everyone has off days, and if someone says they don’t, then they’re probably lying. The key is to take it day by day. If you don’t feel like working out or eating healthy one morning, just take some time to yourself and hit the refresh button. Tomorrow is a new day,” she told Refinery29.

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Penciling in a workout is always a struggle when you’re busy, but Dobrev does her best to carve out time to get her heart pumping frequently.

“It sounds simple, but I really just try to prioritize exercise. Everyone has stressful days — including me — but finding that 30 minutes every day to get your endorphins going is important. Even a short workout session gives me so much energy and provides me with the fuel that I need for the day ahead,” she said.

She decompresses with yoga

Working out for your physical and mental health can help ensure that you reap all the benefits of your fitness routine. Yoga is one way Dobrev sneaks in a mental break while simultaneously toning her body.

“I love to get in a yoga class when I can. It’s nice to just let go of everything, meditate and work on my breathing. And if I’m ever in a bad mood or having a tough day, I’ll put on some uplifting music — that really has the power to shift my energy,” she told Refinery29.

She enjoys the opportunity to unplug from technology while working out

Dobrev lives a busy lifestyle, but she purposely tries to unplug when it comes time to work out.

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“We’re constantly connected to all these devices, so your workout is a time where you’re not reachable,” she told W Magazine. “You’re doing something for yourself, and it’s your you-time — or my me-time, in my case.”

Her dog ‘motivates’ her to work out

Even Dobrev has days where she isn’t pumped to work out, but her furry friend Maverick helps her keep her head in the game.

“Maverick comes to the gym with me every single day at the Reebok hub in L.A.,” she previously told People. “They even have dog beds and toys all around! She interrupts workouts and licks my face, but motivates me when I am ready to quit. Right now she is only 15 pounds, so I will lift her instead of the weights in my workouts!”

Having a dog is sort of a built-in excuse for Dobrev to stay active and take a breather from her hectic schedule.

“It’s obviously important exercise for her, too. It’s a great way to get out of the house and have a moment to decompress. I like to put on some music while I walk her, and it’s kind of like a meditation and a great bonding moment for us,” she told New Beauty.

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She eats frequently to fend off hunger

When you’re really hungry, you’re more likely to make poor food choices. But when you eat more regularly, you can keep your body fueled throughout the day.

While talking with Women’s Health, Dobrev said she aims to eat every two hours whenever she can.

“I feel healthier,” she said. “You’re happier when your body is full, your brain functions better, and you’re a nicer person. I would get hangry, I think, because I was so busy running around that I wasn’t the best version of myself.”

She seeks ‘balance’ in her diet

What fun is life if you can’t chow down on your favorite foods once in a while?

“Again, it’s all about finding a balance — my go-to is seared salmon with roasted veggies, and I also love some truffle fries and a cheddar cheeseburger with lots and lots of ketchup,” Dobrev previously told Refinery29.

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She slots in time for stretching, especially after running

Stretching is an important part of Dobrev’s fitness routine, especially when she’s running.

“My hips get really tight,” she previously told Self.

The star said she likes to warm up by stretching for three minutes or so before exercising and 15 minutes after finishing her workout.

While talking about her favorite stretch, pigeon pose, she described it as “great for maintenance and keeping everything loose.”

She fuels her body before and after a workout

Before she works up a sweat, Dobrev regularly noshes on her homemade protein balls, which she makes with a range of ingredients, including almond butter, coconut, bananas, collagen powder and bacon.

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“There’s so many amazing, yummy things in these tiny little balls,” she said. “They’re insane,” she told W Magazine.

Post workout, the star often enjoys a homemade smoothie with similar ingredients.

“That’s the trick to nutrition for me, has been eating things that make me feel like I’m cheating,” she said, “But I’m not.”

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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

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Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’

Forget boring home workouts, on-demand HITT classes and cold winter runs.

The latest wellness trend bouncing around TikTok involves a workout you might not even realize you’re doing, and that’s the point. It’s called rebounding. This low-impact exercise involves jumping on a mini fitness trampoline — called a rebounder — to get your heart pumping and support lymphatic drainage.

On Amazon, this best-selling model is currently on sale for just $129. It measures in at just 40 inches, making it ideal for small spaces while still offering room for an adult to jump, squat and jog in place. Users swear it gives them a seriously effective full-body workout, and many remark that it’s “so much fun” to use.

Clinical trials also back the benefits: a 12-week rebounding program for overweight women showed significant improvements in body composition as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

Ready to jump on the rebounding trend, too? You’d better hop on this Amazon deal fast.

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This sleek rebounder by BCAN is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to pre-assembled bungees and simpel video tutorial.

Reviewers say it’s completely changed their workouts, with one remarking they “feel like a little kid again.” Others have also noted it’s much easier on their joints than higher-impact exercises.

“It absorbs impact well and allows for a nice, smooth rebound that is gentle on the joints, making it perfect for a low-impact cardio workout,” one person explained. “Whether I’m doing high-intensity intervals or simply bouncing for fun, the movement feels fluid and responsive.

The BCAN model features an upgraded handlebar for added stability. It’s 8mm premium bungee — with a durable woven outer layer and a 350-strand natural latex core — delivers smooth, quiet bounces, so you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others.



This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

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Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’

Exercise is often spoken about in the context of physical fitness – stronger muscles, better stamina and improved overall health. But its value, especially for children, extends far beyond the body. Regular physical activity can quietly shape character, teaching lessons about effort, patience, discipline and resilience that mirror how the real world works. From learning to cope with discomfort to understanding that progress takes time, exercise can become a powerful training ground for life itself.

Exercise is important for kids. (Image generated via Google Gemini)

Also Read | Chennai fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares 5 simple things to focus on for long-term fitness

Chennai-based fitness trainer with 18 years of experience, Raj Ganpath – founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy – is shedding light on why exercise is important for kids, with the benefits going beyond health and fitness. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, he explains how the impact of exercise extends far beyond physical wellness, shaping resilience, discipline and long-term character development.

Embracing discomfort

According to Raj, exercise is one of the healthiest ways to help children learn how to sit with discomfort in a safe, structured and sustainable way. Life inevitably brings challenges and unease – something adults understand well – but many children today are shielded from situations that test their resilience.

He explains, “Exercise is a great way to experience this discomfort in a safe and sustainable manner. Lifting weights, holding a plank, doing cardio, repping till it burns, all of these things are opportunities to embrace discomfort, opportunities to put themselves in a place where they’re not comfortable and learn from it, opportunities to practice physical and mental resilience.

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Learning hardship

The fitness trainer emphasises that hardship is an inevitable part of life, and meaningful success often requires pushing through moments of difficulty. While most adults recognise this truth through lived experience, children may not always have the same exposure to challenge. Raj believes exercise can bridge that gap.

He elaborates, “It will teach them that they need to do hard things if they want to accomplish something. Getting through a very hard workout, setting a goal and achieving it, completing a task. All of these things are not just random chores. These are incredible opportunities – opportunities to experience hardship and build fortitude.”

Delayed gratification

In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for instant gratification is stronger than ever – and children are growing up at the centre of it. With technology, streaming platforms and 10-minute delivery services, almost everything is available at the tap of a screen. As a result, the ability to wait, persist and work steadily towards a long-term goal can easily take a back seat. Exercise, notes Raj, offers a powerful counterbalance.

He explains, “Everyone wants everything right away today. This is true for us adults too, but it is even more true for our kids because this is the only world they know. A world where everything happens right then and right there, whenever they want it, wherever they want it. Exercise will teach them to wait, to be patient, to trust the process, to fail and still keep going, to work towards something larger that they will get much later. This is a very important character building quality and will serve them well for many, many years to come.”

The fitness trainer concludes, “Exercise is not just about health and fitness. It is a simulation of life itself. A ready-made character building tool available to you to help prepare your kids for life, the raw and real life that they’re going to have to deal with no matter what. So make sure they build the habit and make sure they embrace it.”

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Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

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What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack

The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.

We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.

How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?

While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.

“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.

The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.

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“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”

Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day

  • Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
  • Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
  • Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
  • Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
  • Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
  • Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
  • If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.

The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”

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