Christie Brinkley, the iconic supermodel, continues to captivate the world not just with her timeless beauty, but also with her vibrant health and youthful energy at 69. As she approaches her 70th birthday on February 2nd, Brinkley’s approach to fitness and wellness serves as an inspiration to many, proving that age is truly just a number. Her secrets aren’t about extreme measures but rather a holistic approach combining consistent exercise, a balanced diet, and a positive mindset. Let’s delve into the specifics of her regimen.
The Cornerstone of Christie’s Fitness: Consistent Movement
Brinkley’s fitness philosophy revolves around incorporating movement into her daily life, rather than relying solely on intense, sporadic workouts. This approach ensures she stays active throughout the day. Her routine is a mix of structured exercise and clever integration of fitness into everyday tasks.
The Total Gym: A Two-Decade Companion
For over 20 years, the Total Gym has been a mainstay in Brinkley’s workout regime. She describes it as a “trusted friend,” emphasizing its versatility. This single piece of equipment allows her to perform various exercises, including her favorite, leg presses which activate multiple muscle groups simultaneously. The Total Gym provides both concentric and eccentric movements, which she believes is the most effective way to work the body.
Spinning and Weight Training for Strength and Stamina
To maintain her cardiovascular health, Brinkley regularly engages in high-intensity spin classes. These sessions complement her strength training, ensuring a well-rounded fitness approach. Contrary to the misconception that weight training is only for the young, Christie embraces it wholeheartedly. She believes that lifting weights isn’t about bulking up but about maintaining strength and independence as she ages.
Yoga for Flexibility and Balance
Yoga is another crucial element in Brinkley’s fitness regime. She views yoga as more than just exercise, describing it as a “journey of self-discovery.” This practice not only improves her flexibility and balance but also provides a unique bonding experience with her pets, who often join her on the mat.
Integrating Fitness into Daily Life
Christie’s ingenuity lies in her ability to weave fitness into her daily routine. She performs leg lifts while brushing her teeth and does squats while drying her hair. She believes that this approach maximizes her activity level, proving that staying fit doesn’t always require a gym. She has even stated, “It’s just such a waste of time not to.”
The Rainbow Diet: Fueling a Vibrant Lifestyle
Brinkley’s fitness is complemented by her long-term commitment to a healthy, plant-based diet. She has been a vegetarian since she was 14, driven by her love for animals and her awareness of the impact of food choices.
A Vegetarian Approach
Brinkley’s vegetarian diet is rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, which she refers to as eating the “rainbow.” She ensures her meals are nutrient-dense, providing her with the energy she needs to sustain her active lifestyle. She emphasizes that she has avoided red meat and fowl since she stopped eating meat.
Emphasizing the Importance of Color
She developed the “rainbow diet” theory when she became a mother. Her aim was to ensure her children received an array of nutrients. She stresses that the more colors you can eat in a day, the better. She typically starts her day with an assortment of colorful fruit and incorporates various vegetables in her dinners.
Occasional “Cheating”
While largely plant-based, Brinkley allows herself to “cheat” a little when her body is telling her something. Over the years, she’s explored various dietary approaches, including vegan, macrobiotic, and lacto-ovo, but has always stayed away from red meat and fowl.
Skincare Secrets for a Radiant Glow
Beyond diet and exercise, Brinkley also prioritizes her skincare. Her routine focuses on natural methods and consistent care.
Exfoliation as a Daily Ritual
For the past 40 years, Brinkley has started each day by exfoliating her face. She credits this daily ritual for keeping her skin fresh and smooth. She was inspired to incorporate this into her daily routine after reading that men look five years younger than women due to daily shaving which is a form of exfoliation.
Sun Protection is Key
Another crucial part of her routine is consistent sunblock use. She admits she wasn’t always as diligent with sun protection in her younger days, but now she prioritizes it.
Natural Products and Hydration
Brinkley incorporates natural oils into her routine, letting them nourish her skin, followed by a day cream. At night, she uses gentle cleansers to remove makeup, followed by oils and a night anti-aging treatment. She also emphasizes drinking plenty of water to keep her skin hydrated. She has even created her own skincare line, modeled after her personal routine.
Beyond the Physical: A Holistic View
Brinkley’s approach to well-being extends beyond physical fitness and skincare. It’s about a mindset that embraces life, curiosity, and a positive attitude.
Embracing Age with Grace
Brinkley has openly discussed her approach to aging, stating she wants to embrace her wrinkles. She believes that sometimes people overdo it to try and stay young, looking “preserved,” and wants to have life show on her face. She is comfortable with herself and her journey.
A Positive Mindset
She maintains a sense of curiosity and adventure, which contributes to her overall well-being. She starts her days with movement, whether it’s a bike ride or a spin class, and incorporates activities she enjoys into her routine. She also finds joy in gardening and spending time in nature.
Self-Care and Stress Relief
Brinkley loves to dance and listen to music to lift her spirits. She enjoys using bath salts, finding it a great way to relax and wind down. She values self-care and prioritizes activities that help her manage stress, from spending time outdoors to enjoying her favorite rosé.
In conclusion, Christie Brinkley’s age-defying secrets are not just about specific workouts or products, but a comprehensive lifestyle that integrates movement, a healthy diet, skincare, and a positive mindset. Her approach is a testament to the idea that well-being is a journey, not a destination, and that aging can be a graceful and vibrant process.
