Jennifer Lopez, arrives on the red carpet at the 2020 Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 2, 2020. Jlo172.
Credit: Omar Ornelas/The Desert Sun, Palm Springs Desert Sun via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Influencers are swamping Instagram Reels with the newest workout trend: Jennifer Lopez-style strength training.

No matter if it’s fans or medical-led wellness accounts, they are all saying the same thing: this workout is perfect for women post-35 who need a fitness reset.

It’s not about how much you do, it’s about what you do when working out that matters to keep your strength and physique in top shape. Keep reading to learn more.

Working Smarter Not Harder

It’s a well-known saying, but “working smarter, not harder” is especially applicable to Jennifer Lopez’s workout routine. Lopez looks incredible for her age, maintaining a slim figure with lots of muscle.

While everyone may think she trains harder to get there, it’s simply not true. She trains smarter, not chasing longer workouts or relying on cardio.

Instead, she focuses on one thing: building muscle. This process is crucial for women who are over 35, trading how they trained when they were 25, for something that will build muscle and keep them looking young and healthy.

Jennifer Lopez’s Workout

Jennifer Lopez’s workout is not rocket science. While we don’t have specific exercises she completes during her workouts, there is a framework to her weekly sessions.

J-Lo completes short, heavy lifting sessions two to three times per week. It provides maximum efficiency to every rep and counters age-related muscle loss, keeping your metabolism high and staying lean and youthful.

Another key piece of J-Lo’s routine is including protein with every meal, fueling her muscle growth even during exercise days.

Protecting Your Future Self

rows of weights black and white
Credit: Luis Reyes

One of the Instagram influencers (a nurse practitioner) backs up Jennifer Lopez’s strategy with scientific posts about the importance of preserving muscle mass as we age.

Muscle can help burn fat, even during rest periods. It can also protect our bones from osteoporosis, help the body utilize sugar more efficiently, and keep us looking and feeling young for years to come.

This is especially important as we grow older. After you pass 35, you naturally lose muscle, which leads to slower metabolism and less strength. Doing hours of cardio will not save your slim physique; muscle is the key to staying healthy for longer.

The best way to do that is through a couple of targeted approaches, listed here:

  • Include protein in every meal
  • Lift heavy weights 2-3 times per week
  • Focus on quality over quantity during workouts
  • Build muscle when you’re younger to preserve your future health

It’s never too early to start thinking about the future, and the best way to prepare your body for natural aging processes is by protecting it now.

So, it may be worth considering Jennifer Lopez’s workout for your next session, and see how heavy weights can transform your strength and shape.