Nina Dobrev Talks Strength Training, Dance Workouts and Why Fitness Is Better With Friends

You know Nina Dobrev as the star of some of your favorite TV
shows and movies.

But when the actress isn’t gracing your screens, there’s a strong chance she’s working out.

With a self-proclaimed lifelong passion for fitness, last year, Dobrev upped the ante, teaming up with Reebok and Les Mills to become a Reebok Brand and Partnership Ambassador.

Les Mills workouts are group-fitness based, and it’s through these classes that Dobrev discovered the unique relationships that can be formed through fitness.

“The tribe really feels like a bit of a family,” she says. “Some of my trainers have become my good friends and the workouts we do together are so social and fun.”

Some of my trainers have become my good friends and the workouts we do together are so social and fun.

In fact, they’re so fun that many of Dobrev’s friends have started joining her for the classes.

“The tribe is growing,” she laughs.

“No longer am I slogging it out alone in the gym. My workouts have become something fun that I can do with my friends.”

This support system has also helped her to stay accountable.

When there’s great music and inspiring instructors to motivate you, it’s something that people don’t want to miss out on.”

“It might be a challenging workout, but when you do it in a group, it becomes fun,” says Dobrev. “It also fuels your competitive drive. With a little friendly competition, we can push each other to succeed.”

Dobrev notes that her tribe rarely does the same workout two days in a row.

“I get bored easily, so I love mixing things up. Plus, I know that getting a good variety into your routine is important, because if you do the same thing over and over again, you’re not shocking your muscles and you don’t get all the transformative benefits of exercise.”

Her personal favorite classes are LES MILLS BODYJAM™ and LES MILLS GRIT™, both pushing her to her limits.

LES MILLS GRIT™ incorporates strength training which was new for Dobrev who previously spent most of her time doing running and yoga.

“It’s only recently that I’ve gotten into strength training, and I love it. It’s changed everything,” she says.

It’s only recently that I’ve gotten into strength training, and I love it. It’s changed everything.

“Just doing one or two LES MILLS GRIT™ workouts a week has really taken my fitness to the next level. Now, I feel leaner and stronger than ever.”

While LES MILLS GRIT™ builds her strength, LES MILLS BODYJAM™ allows Dobrev to show off her killer dance moves and tone up at the same time. She recently worked with Les Mills to release a ‘Dance #LikeNina’ BODYJAM collaboration so you can rock out and work out right along with her.

“I’ve also been doing a ton of dance lately, which I freaking love!” Dobrev says. “Not only is it a great physical workout, it takes you to a different space and challenges your mind.”

Working up a sweat has become crucial to Dobrev’s daily routine and turned into something she truly enjoys.

“I have a mentality where I have to do physical activity every day, but it’s not just to get results. For me, the most important thing is that exercise is fun. I won’t do anything unless I enjoy it!”