Jane Fonda, the iconic actress, activist, and fitness pioneer, is 87 years old and continues to be a shining example of vitality and well-being. Her fitness journey, which began with her revolutionary workout videos in the 1980s, has evolved over the years, but her commitment to staying active remains constant. Fonda’s approach to fitness focuses on adapting her routines to suit her body’s changing needs, proving that age is no barrier to achieving a fit and healthy lifestyle.
The Evolution of Jane Fonda’s Fitness Philosophy
Jane Fonda’s fitness legacy began in the 1980s with her groundbreaking workout videos. These aerobic exercise routines revolutionized at-home fitness, making it accessible and enjoyable for millions. Fonda was one of the pioneers of home workout tapes, donning her colorful leotards, tights, trendy belts, leg warmers, and head “sweatbands.” Her 1982 video, Jane Fonda’s Workout, sold 17 million copies worldwide and became the top-selling VHS tape for six straight years.
Over time, Fonda’s approach to exercise has shifted to accommodate her changing body and priorities. Today, her routine emphasizes a balance of strength, cardio, flexibility, and mindfulness—a holistic approach that benefits both the body and mind.
Fonda’s Current Workout Routine
Jane Fonda’s current workout routine reflects her deep understanding of the human body and its capabilities. She combines strength training, cardiovascular exercises, and flexibility work to create a balanced regimen that supports her overall well-being. In a recent interview with People, Fonda said that she does ‘everything’ she used to do, but at a slower pace.
Here’s a breakdown of her fitness components:
Strength Training: Fonda works out daily with trainer Malin Svensson, who specializes in clients over 50. They focus on strength training with weights, alternating days of upper body and lower body work. Squats are one of Fonda’s “go-tos.” She says, ‘keeping your quads and your hips strong is really, really important.’
- Bodyweight Movements: Fonda incorporates bodyweight exercises to build functional strength and enhance balance. Examples include push-ups (modified if needed), wall squats, planks, and step-ups.
Cardio: Fonda aims to get in a daily cardio session, whether it’s walking outdoors or exercising indoors on a treadmill or bike.
- Walking: Walking is one of Fonda’s favorite cardio activities. It’s low-impact, accessible, and offers numerous health benefits. She enjoys walking outdoors in the woods, especially up and down hills. She walks briskly for 30-45 minutes, 4-5 times a week.
Flexibility: Fonda incorporates yoga and stretching into her routine to promote flexibility and mobility.
- Yoga: Yoga plays a significant role in Fonda’s fitness regimen, promoting both physical and mental health. She dedicates 20-30 minutes to yoga, focusing on poses such as Downward Dog, Warrior II, and Cat-Cow.
- Stretching: Fonda dedicates time to stretching after every workout session to enhance recovery and prevent muscle tightness. Her routine involves a full-body stretching routine for 10-15 minutes post-workout.
Key Principles of Fonda’s Fitness Approach
- Consistency: Fonda works out every day, making exercise a non-negotiable part of her daily life.
- Adaptability: She adjusts her workouts to accommodate her body’s changing needs and limitations. “I essentially do everything I used to do, just slower,” she told PEOPLE.
- Variety: Fonda mixes up her workouts to prevent boredom and ensure she’s working different muscle groups. “I work out every day, so it is important to mix up the way I move,” she explained to People.
- Mindfulness: Fonda emphasizes the importance of listening to her body and not pushing herself too hard. “My motto now is not for the burn. It’s slow down,” she told Vogue.
- Enjoyment: Fonda chooses activities she enjoys, making it more likely that she’ll stick with them long-term.
Fonda’s Diet and Nutrition
Along with staying active, Fonda maintains other healthy habits, specifically when it comes to sleep and nutrition, she shared with Vogue.
- Balanced Diet: Fonda eats a fairly healthy diet, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables. “I eat fresh fruits and vegetables every single day. I eat almost no meat. And I’ve cut way back on fish,” Fonda told Well + Good in a 2020 interview.
- Moderation: She’s not rigid when it comes to her diet and allows herself occasional treats. “You don’t want to feel deprived,” she says. “You can’t sustain that over the long haul. So, if you have a piece of chocolate, it’s OK—just don’t eat the whole box, or maybe take a longer walk tomorrow.”
- Plant-Based Focus: Fonda emphasizes a plant-based diet, cutting back on red meat and fish.
- Breakfast: She eats breakfast every morning. “Every morning, commit to starting the day with a nutritious breakfast. People who do so tend to lose weight,” she said in a video.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential.
- Avoidance of Fad Diets: Fonda avoids fad diets, recognizing that they are often unsustainable and unhealthy.
The Mental and Emotional Benefits of Fitness
For Fonda, working out is less about having a long life and more about having one worth living. ‘I don’t credit exercise with longevity—I credit exercise with having a good life,’ Fonda says. ‘You can live long and be unable to move very well or remain independent.’
Fonda also emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional well-being:
- Sleep: She sleeps eight or nine hours every night.
- Social Connection: She has good friends who make her laugh. “Laughter is a good thing too,” she says.
- Positive Attitude: She stays positive and has a good attitude. “I work out every day – and so, I have a good attitude and I stay positive,” Fonda said.
Tips for Staying Fit in Your 80s (Inspired by Jane Fonda)
- Consult with Your Doctor: Before starting any new exercise program, consult with your doctor to ensure it’s safe for you.
- Start Slowly: Begin with low-intensity activities and gradually increase the intensity and duration as you get stronger.
- Find Activities You Enjoy: Choose activities that you find enjoyable, as you’re more likely to stick with them long-term.
- Incorporate Variety: Mix up your workouts to prevent boredom and work different muscle groups.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body and rest when you need to.
- Stay Consistent: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, as well as strength training exercises at least two days a week.
- Focus on Balance and Flexibility: Incorporate balance and flexibility exercises, such as yoga or Tai Chi, to reduce the risk of falls.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Stay Socially Active: Socialize. Maintaining regular contact with friends and family members will help to keep you physically active and mentally sharp.
- Stay Positive: Maintaining a positive attitude.
Jane Fonda’s Virtual Reality Fitness Program
Ever the early adopter, the octagenarian Oscar-winning actress and activist is taking another technological leap, bringing her exercises to virtual reality with the help of Meta Quest’s Supernatural platform. Subscribers to the series can take one of four classes created by Fonda, including a nostalgic session harkening back to her aerobics origins, a boxing class led in tandem with rapper Ludacris, a stretching session to cool down, and a class that can be taken with friends. The Supernatural classes available include Flow with Jane Fonda, Box with Jane Fonda & Ludacris, Jane Fonda: Stretching, and Jane Fonda: Team Workout.
Conclusion: A Lifelong Commitment to Fitness
Jane Fonda’s incredible fitness in her 80s is a testament to her lifelong commitment to health and well-being. By prioritizing movement, maintaining a balanced diet, and staying positive, she continues to inspire people of all ages to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle. Fonda’s approach to fitness is not about achieving a certain body image, but about living a full and vibrant life.
