Jen Affleck Calls ‘DWTS’ Training a “Humbling” Journey Just Weeks After Giving Birth
The ballroom is about to meet one very determined new mom. Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck is stepping onto the Dancing With the Stars stage for Season 34, and the timing couldn’t be more jaw-dropping — she’s joining the competition just eight weeks after giving birth to her third child with husband Zac Affleck.
At only 26, Jen is juggling newborn feedings, diaper changes, and now, dance rehearsals under the bright lights of a national stage. When asked how she’s handling it all, she admitted with refreshing honesty:
“I’m out of shape. It’s been a year since I’ve worked out. I’m excited to get back into shape.”
For Jen, her approach to postpartum recovery wasn’t just about bouncing back — it was about setting herself up for this exact opportunity. She revealed that part of the reason she chose a natural childbirth with her youngest, daughter Penny, was to prepare for the demands of DWTS.
And prepare she has. If history is any indicator, Jen is no stranger to pushing her body to its limits. After the birth of her second child, Luca, she ran the New York City Marathon just three months postpartum. This time around, she’s channeling that same grit into grueling rehearsals filled with lifts, flips, and choreography that test both her stamina and her healing body.
“That’s definitely been challenging because I am still healing from having a baby,” Jen confessed. “So it’s been a bit humbling, but it’s been fun.”
Her partner this season is none other than Jan Ravnik, a Slovenian dancer best known for performing on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. The two are already building a strong partnership — one based on a bit of give and take.
“I told him, ‘Hey, you can push me as much as you want, as long as we post content,’” she laughed. “I’m pushing him with the content and he’s pushing me with the dance.”
It’s a smart deal for a reality star whose social media savvy is just as sharp as her determination to compete. And while Jen admits the lifts and flips have been intimidating, she says Jan is “just excited” to finally bring his talents to the ballroom floor.
Jen isn’t the only SLOMW star stepping into sequins this season. Her costar Whitney Leavitt is also competing, paired with seasoned pro Mark Ballas. The two women found out together during their show’s reunion in July, leading to some friendly competition. Jen teased Whitney at the time, joking:
“I hope you know you’re going down. Just kidding. Bring it on.”
With three kids under four — Nora (3), Luca (2), and baby Penny (just 2 months old) — plus a massive reality show fanbase and now a DWTS run, Jen’s plate is overflowing. But if her history of bouncing back and thriving under pressure is any indication, she may just turn those sleepless nights and tough rehearsals into one unforgettable season.
Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars kicks off September 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
