Actress Jessica Biel recently disclosed that the highly toned physique she displayed in her role on “The Better Sister,” particularly noted in a viral white dress scene, was the result of an “unmaintainable” and “strictest and most rigid lifestyle” concerning her nutrition and fitness. Her candid admission on TikTok came in response to numerous fan inquiries about her workout routine for the show, where her sculpted back and arms garnered significant attention.
The Reality Behind the “Peak Shape”
Biel, 43, used the platform to provide a reality check, explaining that while she achieved a “peak shape” for the Amazon Prime series, it is not a condition she can consistently maintain. She stated, “I wanted to share that that peak shape in that show is not maintainable unless you are living the strictest and most rigid lifestyle with your nutrition and with your fitness, which I cannot do”. She emphasized that she is currently working to get “a little bit back toward that shape”. This transparency resonated with fans, who praised her honesty about the demanding reality of celebrity fitness.
The Role of Age and Adaptation in Her Routine
The actress also touched upon the impact of age on her fitness journey. She admitted to being “tired” and acknowledged that her “body’s not 20 years old anymore,” leading her to adjust her workouts to suit her current needs. Biel stressed the importance of building muscle and maintaining flexibility as crucial components of her routine, particularly as women age.
Key Exercises from Jessica Biel’s “Better Sister” Workout
Biel shared some of the specific exercises that contributed to her on-screen physique. These routines were guided by her “fitness friend,” Ashley Brown, a nutrition, strength, and Pilates coach, and she has also worked with long-time trainer Ben Bruno.
Lower-Body and Glute Focus
A significant part of her disclosed routine targets the lower body and glutes. Among the exercises she demonstrated or mentioned are:
- Barbell Hip Thrusts: Biel typically uses a barbell for this exercise but has adapted to using two 10 kg (approximately 22 pounds) dumbbells when a barbell is unavailable.
- Romanian Deadlifts (RDL): This exercise, which focuses on hamstrings and glutes, involves holding a barbell or dumbbells and hinging at the hips while keeping the back and legs straight.
- Hamstring Curls with an Exercise Ball: Performed lying on her back with feet propped on an exercise ball, she pulls her heels towards her glutes, bending at the knee, while keeping her glutes squeezed.
- Goblet Step-Through Lunge: This involves holding a dumbbell or kettlebell at the chest and stepping forward and backward into lunges.
- Cable Med Glute Kickback: When cable machines are not accessible, Biel substitutes with resistance bands to perform glute kickbacks.
Emphasis on Muscle Building and Flexibility
Beyond specific exercises, Biel emphasized that building muscle is a “key part” of her routine, alongside maintaining a “ton of flexibility”. She demonstrated a full split at the end of one of her workout videos, underscoring the importance of mobility. Biel also noted her ability to adapt her workouts while traveling, often substituting equipment like using dumbbells instead of barbells or resistance bands for cable machines. This highlights a practical approach to fitness, even when on the road.
