Mindy Kaling shares exercise plan: She runs, hikes 20 miles a week
Mindy Kaling is opening up about her fitness journey.
"I'm feeling really confident in my body these days, which is not something that I've been able to say for my whole life, unfortunately," she told People in a story published Wednesday. "I feel great."
The 43-year-old shared that her love of running and hiking has helped, along with weight training. "I just tell myself I have to do basically 20 miles a week of either hiking or running. And so that's been incredibly helpful to me."
She added that it's "really a big commitment," pointing to her already busy schedule with her two small children Spencer, 2, and Katherine, 5. "It's hard with two kids that I wake up really early and I fit it in," she said. "And I basically live in workout clothes so I can get ... an extra mile in."
Kaling added that she also focuses on moderation in eating.
Beth Nicely, a NASM certified personal trainer and founder of The Limit, told USA TODAY Wednesday that Kaling's practices seem exemplary - she said she is "incredibly impressed" with the actress' routine as a personal trainer.
"I think that this is a great goal that she has for herself: 20 miles of hiking or running a week is very attainable," Nicely said. "Obviously you need to progress up to doing it, but she seems like she's progressed and really enjoys it."
Kaling's routine is one many can emulate, she continued. The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of cardio activity each week, so prioritizing heart-pumping exercise is important.
"She's on a great, attainable, sustainable track for cardio, whether that's running or hiking," Nicely said. "I'm a marathoner and I love running. So I love that she's doing that, but it's so important just alone for your heart health, especially for women."
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Nicely said it's always wise to consult your doctor before ramping up to a more rigorous exercise plan, but commended Kaling's routine. "She's not going overboard with her physical activity. She is cross training, keeping her bone density healthy, and with the cardio with her weight training."
We need to actually talk about it Jimmy Kimmel joked about Ozempic at the Oscars.
While Kaling is proud of her current physical state, she tries not to pay attention to the public discourse on her body.
"I know people are really interested in my body and the changes in my body, and I think it's flattering and sometimes it's just a little much, so I don't try to tune it in too much," she said. "The truth is that I spend so much time and energy trying to be healthy."
Kaling is among a large group of celebrities who have faced headlines about their body. The scrutiny around bodies is an issue that many — including Ariana Grande — have spoken out about, calling for that commentary to stop.
Ariana Grande speaks on weight scrutiny: Why comments on people's bodies should stop
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mindy Kaling exercise routine: She runs, hikes 20 miles a week
