At 39, Anna Kendrick is embracing a new chapter in more ways than one.
Fresh off her directorial debut in Netflix’s Woman of the Hour, the actress is not only commanding attention on screen—she’s also transforming her relationship with health and fitness.
What’s most surprising? She didn’t even start exercising until she turned 30.
Today, Kendrick’s wellness routine is built around balance, mental clarity, and low-impact workouts that keep her strong without burning her out.
Here’s how she made that transformation—and what she swears by now to stay fit in body and mind.
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From Zero Workouts to Full Wellness Shift
Kendrick openly admits she didn’t prioritize fitness in her 20s. When she finally started working out at 30, she was skeptical but quickly noticed the payoff.
“It’s the worst, and the worst part is I feel so much better,” she joked during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “That’s the worst part. Is that, like, it works.”
Initially, she approached exercise as a form of discipline—something she had to do rather than something she enjoyed. But over time, her perspective evolved. Now, the goal isn’t appearance but strength, flexibility, and quality of life.
“I definitely had to shift my thinking about it, from doing something to punish myself to doing something to make my quality of life better,” she told Shape.
Her Go-To Workouts: Low-Impact, High-Mindfulness
Rather than sticking to one strict regimen, Kendrick cycles through various forms of movement that blend strength with mental wellness.
1. Hiking for Mental Clarity
Currently, she’s in what she calls a “hiking phase.”
Living in a hilly area of Los Angeles inspired her to lace up her sneakers and head outside. “I realized I had to commit to going on a hike because I get my best ideas then,” she said. “It’s more like mental clarity. When I’m walking, I can work through whatever it is.”
2. Pilates and Barre for Strength and Sculpting
Kendrick has also fallen in love with Pilates and barre—two popular low-impact workouts known for their sculpting power and ability to improve posture and flexibility.
She’s experimented with equipment like the reformer, spring wall, and magic circle in Pilates sessions. Barre, which focuses on tiny, repetitive movements, gives her a full-body burn in less than an hour.
These formats are ideal for anyone looking for joint-friendly strength training that doesn’t sacrifice results. They’re also excellent for building core stability, balance, and long, lean muscle tone.
3. Yoga and Running—Then Restarting
Like many of us, Kendrick has gone through workout phases.
“Every time I try something new, I’m like, ‘I found it! I found the only workout I’ll ever need!’ Then I get so obsessed with it that I burn out and have to start over with something new,” she told Shape.
That’s included everything from yoga and Pilates to running and barre classes. She finds variety essential—not just to keep things fun, but to avoid burnout.
4. Treadmill as a Last Resort
While she owns a treadmill, she doesn’t love it.
“It’s my last choice if nothing else is available,” she said, noting that she once went through a rigid phase of working out every day. Now, she’s more realistic and aims for three to four workouts per week.
“I live in absolutes: I either exercise every day or I let myself off the hook,” she told the Los Angeles Times. But finding moderation has helped her stay consistent long term.
No Trainers, No Pressure
One thing Kendrick avoids? Trainers.
“I’ve never used a trainer,” she shared. “I’m slightly intimidated by the idea of somebody in my face.”
Instead, she prefers self-guided movement—walking, hiking, or following a Pilates or barre class—where she can focus without pressure.
She also avoids “boot camp”-style workouts that involve aggressive coaching. “The only thing I’ve never tried—because I know I would be bad at it—is workouts where they yell at you: ‘Come on! Get those knees up!’”
Her mindset shift mirrors a growing trend: choosing workouts for mental well-being, not punishment.
Nutrition and Sleep Play a Major Role
Kendrick’s approach to wellness extends beyond movement.
She avoids alcohol and dairy, particularly when preparing for singing roles. “Alcohol was easy,” she told the Times. “But dairy is in everything, so trying to avoid it is maddening.”
Rather than following restrictive diets, Kendrick practices moderation. “The times in my life when I tried to restrict the foods I love always backfired,” she said. “For me, it’s all about really being present in my body, not depriving it.”
Sleep is also non-negotiable. When working long days, she makes sure to clock in a full night’s rest, though she admits she’s not a fan of naps. “They throw me off the rest of the day.”
Why Her Routine Works
Kendrick’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start prioritizing your health—and that success doesn’t require an all-or-nothing mindset.
Her current blend of hiking, Pilates, and barre provides:
- Mental clarity through movement
- Improved flexibility and muscle tone
- Stress relief without burnout
- A sustainable approach to long-term fitness
And most importantly, it allows her to feel strong, empowered, and present in her own body.
As Kendrick said best, “Now it’s about the strength and flexibility aspects, rather than appearance.”
