Kristen Bell has never been one to shy away from honest conversations about fitness and body image.
The 44-year-old actress recently made waves starring in Netflix’s hit romantic comedy “Nobody Wants This,” where viewers couldn’t help but notice her seriously toned physique.
She even joked on Instagram Stories about how impressively jacked her biceps looked in certain scenes.
But Bell’s journey to physical strength wasn’t always straightforward—and the low-impact workout that finally clicked for her might surprise you.
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Pilates Changed Everything for Bell
Back in 2019, Bell opened up to Women’s Health about discovering Pilates at Studio Metamorphosis, marking the first time she’d stuck with any workout routine consistently.
For someone who’d always felt “mentally strong” but never physically powerful, this was transformative.
I’ve always felt mentally strong because I’m adept and can banter and hold my own in a good conversation. But I’ve never felt physically strong. I felt waifish…or pregnant. And I’m loving the fact that if we ever get attacked by ninjas, I would be a valuable asset.
Bell commits to Pilates classes three times weekly, a practice that helped her reclaim strength after having two children with husband Dax Shepard.
Rebuilding After Motherhood
The actress didn’t sugarcoat the physical toll of pregnancy on her body. She candidly discussed how having children Lincoln, 11, and Delta, 9, affected her abdominal wall.
Having children obliterated my abdominal wall. Good night. That’s a wrap. And I thought, ‘Well, it’s never going to come back. What do I need it for? I’m married. Spanx exist. You don’t get everything all the time.’
Pilates changed that defeated mindset entirely. Bell discovered strength wasn’t just gone forever—it could be rebuilt through consistent, intentional movement.
The Mental Health Connection
For Bell, the benefits of Pilates extend far beyond physical appearance. She experiences profound mental health improvements from her practice.
I feel so much stronger, and it’s a physical feeling, but it’s also a mental one. It should be the first stop for anyone who experiences depression or anxiety because it encourages serotonin and endorphins. I feel so much more centered, patient, capable. It sets the next 48 hours for me.
This connection between movement and mood isn’t just anecdotal—research consistently shows exercise boosts mental wellbeing through neurotransmitter production.
Bell’s advocacy for prioritizing fitness as mental health care reflects growing awareness among health professionals.
Beyond Pilates: Bell’s Full Fitness Approach
While Pilates forms her foundation, Bell doesn’t limit herself to one workout style. She incorporates cardio and strength training whenever possible.
Most days, I run or lift weights for at least 30 minutes. Or I’ll take a CrossFit class.
Her goal? Getting in and out of the gym within half an hour on busy days.
A Realistic Approach to Motivation
What makes Bell’s fitness philosophy refreshing is her honesty about days when motivation simply isn’t there. She refuses to beat herself up over missed workouts.
If I don’t have the energy, I refuse to beat myself up. Instead, I’ll do a 10-minute meditation or stretch class on YouTube to prioritize myself.
This flexibility prevents the all-or-nothing thinking that derails many fitness journeys. Movement counts, even when it’s gentle.
Bell’s Love Affair with Fitness Gadgets
The actress admits she’s highly susceptible to Instagram fitness advertising—and she doesn’t see it as a weakness.
If I see it, I’m getting it. I can’t tell you how susceptible I am to it—I just want to try everything.
Her collection includes:
- Resistance bands for strength work anywhere
- Gliding discs for low-impact cardio
- Foam rollers for recovery and mobility
- Various other tools discovered through social media
Bell joked about how well targeted advertising works on her, but her willingness to experiment keeps workouts fresh and engaging.
The Diet That Supports Bell’s Training
Bell maintains a vegetarian diet but avoids extreme restriction. Her eating philosophy centers on mindful portions rather than forbidden foods.
I’m not super restrictive. If they make au gratin potatoes, I’m going to have some, but I am mindful of the portion I take. I find that through conscious eating, I’m able to have all the rewards and also maintain a healthy, steady diet.
Her typical meals showcase balance without deprivation.
What Bell Eats in a Day
Breakfast might include egg whites with spinach, tomato, and feta cheese. She’ll often add a salt bagel with cream cheese as a mid-morning snack.
Lunch centers around what she calls a “garbage disposal salad”—lettuce loaded with avocados, raisins, carrots, blue cheese, and cucumbers.
Bell also loves preparing eight acorn squash at once, treating them as single servings for quick, nutritious alternatives to traditional salads.
She prefers cooking her own meals rather than ordering in or hiring a chef.
I get too much joy out of cooking. I wouldn’t actually feel comfortable coming home and having a meal served to me.
Why Low-Impact Doesn’t Mean Low Results
Bell’s transformation through Pilates challenges the misconception that you need high-intensity workouts to see real changes.
Low-impact exercise offers unique benefits that high-impact alternatives can’t always provide. These include improved core stability, better posture, enhanced flexibility, and reduced injury risk.
For women recovering from pregnancy or anyone dealing with joint concerns, low-impact options like Pilates deliver strength gains without excessive stress on the body.
Bell’s visible muscle definition—those biceps she joked about—proves that controlled, intentional movements build serious strength over time.
The Sustainability Factor
Perhaps most importantly, Bell found a workout she could stick with long-term. Consistency trumps intensity when it comes to lasting results.
Her three-times-weekly Pilates practice, supplemented with occasional cardio and strength work, creates a sustainable routine that fits her lifestyle as a working mother.
This balanced approach prevents burnout while still delivering the physical and mental benefits she values.
Bell’s Message About Body Image
Throughout her fitness journey, Bell has maintained refreshing honesty about body image struggles and victories.
She didn’t pursue strength training to meet external beauty standards. Instead, she discovered how powerful feeling physically capable could be.
Her willingness to discuss postpartum body changes openly helps normalize the reality that pregnancy transforms bodies—and that’s okay.
By sharing her journey from feeling “waifish or pregnant” to genuinely strong, Bell offers hope to anyone who’s struggled to find their fitness footing.
The actress proves that it’s never too late to discover movement that makes you feel powerful, capable, and mentally balanced—even if it takes trying several different approaches first.
