Skip to content
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

6 Ways White Lotus Star Aubrey Plaza Stays Slim, According to Her Trainer 

In an exclusive interview with Celebwell, Aubrey Plaza's trainer Patrick Murphy breaks down her diet and workouts.

Los,Angeles,,Ca.,February,18,,2023:,Aubrey,Plaza,At,The
Shutterstock

Known for her deadpan humor and for making her characters so impressionable that people talk about them years later (April Ludgate-- Parks and Recreation), Aubrey Plaza is a force that can do it all--TV, film, theater, and produce. The talented star recently scored her first Emmy nomination for her role in the dark comedy White Lotus and will soon make her stage debut in the Off-Broadway show Danny And The Deep Blue Sea. While Plaza is notorious for her comedic timing and off-kilter funny side, there's a seriousness to her. She's very deliberate in every career move, but that's not the only thing she's laser-focused on. Plaza makes her health a priority and works with celebrity trainer Patrick Murphy, CPT, CES, PES, OPT-Prenatal Client, to get her red carpet ready. Patrick, who has worked with A-listers Jennifer Lawrence, Keanu Reeves, Zac Efron, and Cameron Diaz, exclusively reveals to Celebwell how he helps get Plaza in amazing shape.


1. She Does Postural Workouts

Los,Angeles,,Ca.,February,18,,2023:,Aubrey,Plaza,At,TheShutterstock

Good posture isn't something many think about, but standing and sitting up correctly has important benefits including improved spine and neck health, better breathing, fewer headaches, increased energy, and more. "Corrective exercises produce positive adaptations," Murphy says. "We are in the world of automation, everything is in front of us. Our spines are in constant flexion, and our arms reach forward, all day, with protracted, elevated shoulders, forward heads, and more. He adds, "Fitness programs need to combat our physical behaviors. My job is also to spotlight how you carry yourself outside of the gym. Establishing optimal posture and alignment produces a pain-free client." Murphy shares the postural workouts Plaza does below.

Foundational Corrective Exercises Plaza Performs

- "Mat hip extensions (hip thrusts)

Strengthens the muscles that become weak from seated positions, ie., mid/low back, and glutes.

- Mat Superman (full body extensions)

Strengthens posterior chain, ie., upper n lower back

- Band horizontal reverse flys

Strengthens mid/upper back, rear shoulders

- Band vertical “W” presses

Strengthens upper shoulder girdle and neck"

2. She Does Cardio Blast Workouts

Los,Angeles,-,Jan,06:,Aubrey,Plaza,Arrives,For,TheShutterstock

Murphy, who has studied nutrition for over 25 years and is an expert in reducing body fat, emphasizes the importance of cardio. "Training the cardio-respiratory system is vital for action roles," he tells us. "Creating a high-endurance heart allows talent to shoot physical scenes over and over again. High-intensity workouts also challenge your nervous system and keep you young." Murphy gives us an inside look into Plaza's cardio workouts.

Cardio-Respiratory Exercises:

- "Ski-erg intervals, 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest, 8 rounds

- Assault Bike intervals, 20 seconds work, 10 seconds rest, 8 rounds

- Inertia Wave, 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest, 8 rounds

- Sled pushes x 10

- Row-erg, 500 meters, 1 min Rest repeat 2x’s"

3. She Does Strength Training Workouts

Crop,Woman,In,Gray,Sports,Bra,Holding,Black,Dumbbell, weightsShutterstock

Murphy also stresses how strength training is a must. "Building strength, lean mass, and bone density is truly anti-aging," he says. "We use free weights, cables, bands, and a few machines." Here's the strength training moves Plaza does.

Strength Training Exercises for Plaza

- "Cable squat row combo

Compound exercise which covers the upper and lower body

- Push-ups

Upper body/core

- Dumbbell walking lunges

All legs

-Glute drive hip thrust machine

Posterior chain exercise is great for the glutes, hips, and lower back"

4. She Avoids Flour Products

Rustic,Homemade,Spelt,Flour,Bread.,Healthy,Food,Concept.,Copy,SpaceShutterstock

Murphy encourages all of his clients to make healthy lifestyle choices and avoid bad food options. "Stay away from flour products, high-preservative foods, and alcohol." He adds, "I created a MEAL GUIDE which covers my foundational approach to the whole food diet. The food lists in the guide share what to eat and what not to eat."

5. She Eats Whole Foods

Healthy,Lunch,-,Baked,Salmon,,Grilled,Zucchini,,Arugula,Tomatoes,SaladShutterstock

Working out is just part of staying healthy--a good diet is important as well. "I have Aubrey work on following a whole foods diet," Murphy says. She "limits all highly refined processed foods and beverages as much as possible."

6. Healthy Energy Shots

Close,Up,Of,A,Healthy,Ginger,Lemon,Turmeric,Shot,¬ÄìShutterstock

A busy schedule and hard training take a lot of energy, so Murphy also recommends to his clients plant-based Clean Energy shots that are packed with nutrients. He shares, "I’m training clients for 10-12hr days and I also need energy for my own personal workouts. I’ve tried dozens of pre-workout powders, energy drinks, etc. I always crash hard, mid-day, and then struggle with quality sleep. I’ve finally found an energy shot that’s loaded with amazing high-quality ingredients.”

More For You

2024 TCA Winter Press Tour – Hallmark Media
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images

Unveiling the Workout Secrets That Keep Alison Sweeney in Star Shape

Alison Sweeney is known for a lot of things. She was the host of the NBC reality series, The Biggest Loser. She also plays Sami Brady on the soap opera, Days of Our Lives. Sweeney is known for her appearances in several Hallmark movies. She’s appeared in The Wedding Veil series, the Chronicle Mysteries series, and as the title character in the Hannah Swensen Mystery series. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 7 ways Alison Sweeney stays in shape and the photos that prove they work.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rocketman Red Carpet - The 72nd Annual Cannes Film Festival
Laurent KOFFEL/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Eva Longoria Does These Exact Things to Stay So Fit

Eva Longoria, 46, is one of the fittest female stars in Hollywood, as can be demonstrated by the slew of swimsuit snaps she has been sharing this summer. The activist and Desperate Housewives actress, star of the current film The Boss Baby: Family Business, doesn’t pretend her toned curves come naturally: Her Instagram feed is also filled with lots of photos and videos about her incredibly hard core diet and fitness ethos. Something must be working, given how good she looked on National Bikini day last week. Here is everything she does to stay so fit—including her diet, workout, and wellness secrets, and the photos that prove they work.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chadstone AW19 Campaign Launch
Getty Images

Rebecca Judd in Bathing Suit "Sits by the Pool"

Rebecca Judd is making a splash at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The wife of footballer Chris Judd flaunts her famously fit figure via her latest Instagram Stories, sitting poolside at the famous Los Angeles resort in her swimsuit. “Avoiding jet lag by sitting by the pool all day,” she revealed in the caption. How does the mother-of-four keep herself in such fantastic physical form? Read on to see 9 ways Rebecca Judd stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!

Keep ReadingShow less
The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty" - Arrivals
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

7 Fat-Burning Tips From Kerry Washington for a Toned and Strong Body

Kerry Washington began her career appearing in the film Magical Makeover. She would then star in the films, Save The Last Dance, Bad Company, She Hate Me, and Django Unchained. Washington then transitioned to TV, starring in the ABC political drama, Scandal. Washington would then play the lead in the HBO film, Confirmation, a lead in Hulu’s Little Fires Everywhere, and in Netflix’s The Prom. How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 7 ways Kerry Washington stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!

Keep ReadingShow less
2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - Arrivals
Toni Anne Barson/WireImage

10 Ways Kate Hudson Gets Her Body “Stronger and Tighter”

The older Kate Hudson gets, the more committed to her fitness regimen she becomes. Over the the past week, the 42-year-old has shared a few video clips on social media of some of her hardcore workouts. “I love when it’s over! Getting stronger and tighter with movements but it never gets EASIER! We keep going!” she captioned her latest clip, showing off her strength and flexibility with a tricky move. How is Kate Hudson getting “stronger and tighter” as she ages? Celebwell has rounded up some of her best fitness tips and tricks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ivy Ferguson poses for a playful selfie.
Ivy Ferguson / Instagram

Ivy Ferguson in Two-Piece Workout Gear is "Otherworldly"

Ivy Ferguson is a professional model. She is known for her work as a Fashion Nova ambassador. Ferguson also has a large following on Instagram. Last month, she went to Cathedral George State Park for a hike, and shared highlights on her account. Ferguson captioned the post, “Otherwordly.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Kelsey Wells arrives to The Influential NYFW Creator Lunch: Influence & Style.
Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Kelsey Wells Shares "Slow and Controlled Workout"

Kelsey Wells is encouraging her followers to slow down their workout routine. In a new social media post the fitness trainer and influencer flaunts her flat abs in a crop top and leggings while exercising and educating her fans. “All my bad*** lifting babes listen up,” she writes in the caption of the Instagram video. “BOTH the eccentric (lowering) and concentric (lifting) phases should be slowww and controlled for maximum benefit— especially in strength training.” How does she approach diet, fitness, and self-care and why should you consider slowing down? Here is everything you need to know.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tiana Musarra is white hot!
Tiana Musarra/Instagram

Fashion Influencer Tiana Musarra Shares "Glute Guide"

Tiana Musarra is an influencer and fitness expert. She recently released a guide to working out your glutes. A few weeks ago, Musarra advertised it in an Instagram post. In it, she posed in gray workout clothes. Musarra captioned the post, “WERE LIVE! 🏋🏽♀️ my glute guide is here! whether you workout at home or the gym this is effective for both! LINK IN BIO!”

Keep ReadingShow less
Brittany Mahomes arrives prior to the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Ceremony.
Fernando Leon/Getty Images

Brittany Mahomes is "Feeling Very Pregnant"

Brittany Mahomes is showing off her baby bump in a two-piece exercise set. In a few new social media posts shared by the expectant mother, the WAG looks amazing as she exercises with her personal trainer, wearing purple workout gear. “Feeling very pregnant,” she wrote across one of the Instagram Stories. “Third trimester is my favorite stage when it comes to training,” her trainer, Kirstey Rae added in another Story. “There’s studies that show your body basically goes into superhuman mode to prepare for childbirth.” How does she approach diet, fitness, and self-care? Here is everything you need to know about her lifestyle habits.

Keep ReadingShow less