Jennifer Aniston has revealed that she has become “much gentler” on her body in recent years, choosing to listen more closely to what it needs. The 56-year-old actress said she now understands her physical limits better than ever and has grown “smarter” with her fitness routines. Speaking to People magazine, she explained: “You have to really honour where your body is, which I’ve got so much better at as I’ve got older.”
++ Cheek swab test could help detect early signs of cancer risk
The Hollywood star noted that strength training has made the most significant difference to both her physical and mental wellbeing. Reflecting on her evolution, she said: “As I’ve become more educated about the body over the years, I’ve been able to become stronger than I’d ever thought.” Aniston credited her trainer, Dani Coleman, with helping her reshape her approach to exercise. She admitted that she once believed a workout had to involve 45 minutes of intense sweating to be worthwhile but now values balance and recovery just as much.
Beyond fitness, Aniston reflected on her early struggles in Hollywood, confessing that auditions were never her strong suit. Appearing on The Hollywood Reporter’s Drama Actress Roundtable alongside Nicole Kidman, Jodie Foster, Sofia Vergara, Brie Larson, Naomi Watts and Anna Sawai, she admitted: “When you’re in an audition room, you’re already at a disadvantage. Maybe you’d have chemistry with this person in another environment, but not in that situation.” She added with a laugh that she “waitressed forever” before landing her first acting job — a Bob’s Big Boy commercial.
++ Late-night social media use linked to poorer mental health, study finds
The Friends star also said she would never agree to perform intimate scenes during chemistry tests, calling the idea inappropriate. “I haven’t been told you’re going to have to lay down and [get intimate with an actor for a chemistry test], and if asked, I would never,” she stated firmly. Despite her initial insecurities, Aniston’s career has flourished, and she now says her focus is on maintaining a healthy balance — both physically and emotionally — as she continues to evolve in her work and personal life.
