Reviewed by Dietitian Katey Davidson, M.Sc.FN, RD, CPT
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Key Points
Jenna Fischer says weight lifting helped her feel stronger and more capable.
Strength training improved Fischer’s health without changing the number on the scale.
Lifting weights supported Fischer’s recovery and reduced medication side effects.
It’s never too late to take up a new form of exercise. Whether you’re interested in starting a walking plan or enlisting the help of a personal trainer, it’s no secret that regular exercise is good for our bodies and our brains. Still, some forms of exercise, like lifting weights, can feel especially overwhelming to beginners.
If you’re looking for a little extra weight lifting inspiration, look no further than The Office star Jenna Fischer, who recently chatted with her friend and co-host Angela Kinsey on the Office Ladies podcast about a cheer-worthy fitness milestone. During the “Chit Chat” segment of the podcast, Fischer shared that she’s been lifting weights for over a year and is feeling pretty amazing as a result.
When a listener asked what the duo’s workouts usually look like, Fischer was more than happy to share her accomplishment. “I would love to give an update on my weightlifting,” the 51-year-old actor said. “I have been weightlifting for over a year now, and I am so passionate about it.”
Fischer, who recently went through breast cancer treatment and is now cancer-free, said weight training has made her “physically stronger” than she’s ever been in her life. “I used to work out, but my workouts were always… geared toward burning calories and losing weight,” Fischer explained.
“The weight lifting is about something else,” she continued. “It’s about being physically strong and capable in my body. For me, it’s also about making me have less side effects from my medications because it’s been proven that that really helps. I can’t say enough great things about it. I love it.”
And there’s lots to love about learning how to pump some iron. Lifting weights can improve strength, yes, but strength training also helps with metabolic health, bone health and body composition.,, If you’re currently sticking to cardio or team sports for your workouts, some weight lifting could also help you shake up your routine—which has some health benefits, too.
Fischer shared that her workouts, which she started through the Bodyfit by Amy at-home workout website, have been about building strength, not losing pounds.
“I wanna say, I have been lifting weights for over a year with no change on the number to the scale,” she said. “This is really about strength, this is really about being capable, but I have lost an inch and a half in my waist.”
Fischer says after that chance meeting, she started working out with her trainer, Amy Kiser Schemper, in person as well. “It was so meant to be and I love her,” said Fischer. “I mean half of our training sessions are just her deprogramming my negative brain thoughts. She’s part therapist and her whole Instagram and all of her YouTube videos, they have that same energy. I adore her.”
Fischer says nutrition is part of her weight training plan, too, crediting protein shakes with helping her get in the extra protein she needs post-workout. “I like both the vanilla and the chocolate,” she says of the shakes, which have over 30 grams of protein per serving.
Looking for your own post-workout, high-protein snacks? Try our Chocolate-Peanut Butter Protein Shake or our favorite DIY Trail Mix recipe.
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