At 68 years old, Vanna White, the iconic co-host of “Wheel of Fortune,” continues to defy expectations with her remarkable fitness, even boasting the ability to perform five pull-ups. Known for her radiant presence and effortless grace on screen, White’s sustained energy and physique are not merely the result of good genes but a testament to a consistent and practical approach to health and wellness. Her routine, which combines strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and mindful eating, offers an inspiring blueprint for maintaining vitality at any age.
Vanna White’s Age-Defying Fitness Philosophy
Vanna White, born on February 18, 1957, has been a television staple for over four decades, and her commitment to staying active is integral to her long-standing career. She emphasizes a holistic approach, focusing on feeling good and strong rather than adhering to extreme measures. Her philosophy centers on integrating movement and healthy habits into her daily life, making fitness an enjoyable and sustainable part of her routine.
The Core of Her Routine: Strength & Cardio
White’s exercise regimen is a balanced mix of cardio and strength training, carefully designed to maintain her energy levels and muscle tone, especially for the sleeveless gowns she often wears on “Wheel of Fortune”.
Mastering the Pull-Up at 68
Perhaps the most impressive facet of White’s strength is her ability to perform pull-ups. She reportedly uses a pull-up bar left by her son, Nikko, and, despite initial reluctance to disclose the number, has admitted to being able to “bust out” around five pull-ups at once. This demonstrates significant upper body and core strength, a feat many younger individuals struggle to achieve.
Indoor Cycling for Cardiovascular Health
A long-time enthusiast of indoor cycling, White uses her spin bike five times a week to maintain her cardiovascular health. Rather than strictly following pre-programmed routines, she customizes her rides, often selecting immersive destination displays like the Amalfi Coast and incorporating challenging hills. She actively engages her entire body during these sessions, standing up to ride hills and using her arms for leverage on the handlebars, which provides an additional upper body workout.
Daily Dumbbells for Toned Arms
To ensure her arms remain toned for her demanding wardrobe, White keeps 10-pound weights readily accessible both at home and on the set. She dedicates time each day to arm exercises, performing at least 50 repetitions. She even shared an Instagram video showcasing her “pre-show workout” backstage, lifting weights in a dress and heels, highlighting her dedication to “keep the muscles going”.
Beyond the Gym: Active Lifestyle Choices
White’s fitness extends beyond structured workouts to encompass an active lifestyle:
- Golf: She enjoys golf, a sport she picked up again about six years ago, as a way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, often playing with her long-time boyfriend, John Donaldson.
- Hiking and Walking: When not filming, White finds joy in hiking with her partner. She also recognizes walking as an accessible and effective way to stay healthy at any age.
- Push-ups and Sit-ups: Regularly incorporating push-ups and sit-ups into her routine helps her maintain overall body strength and core stability.
- Mini Trampoline Workouts: A unique element of her routine includes 15 minutes of mini trampoline workouts three times a week, providing an engaging and effective way to move her body.
- Stretching: She prioritizes flexibility and prepares her body for the day with 10 minutes of stretching before heading to work.
Fueling Her Longevity: Vanna’s Diet Habits
Vanna White’s approach to nutrition is characterized by balance and mindful eating, which complements her active lifestyle. She focuses on consuming healthy foods in reasonable portions. Her typical daily diet includes:
- Breakfast: Often a cup of coffee followed by eggs, oatmeal with banana, or peanut butter toast.
- Lunch: Usually a fresh salad.
- Dinner: Generally consists of a piece of fish with rice and vegetables.
She also supplements her diet with a daily multi-vitamin and Vitamin C, noting that she “feels better” when she takes them. While disciplined, White allows for occasional treats, admitting to enjoying a “little doughnut hole” on set, but she wisely avoids stocking up on sweets at home to resist temptation.
Consistency and Discipline: Key to Enduring Wellness
White’s consistent commitment to her health is particularly impressive given her demanding work schedule. Although “Wheel of Fortune” only films about 34 days a year, these days involve shooting six episodes back-to-back, requiring sustained energy and physical stamina. Her dedication to fitting into “sample-size dresses” for her role serves as a constant motivation to maintain her physique.
Vanna White’s ability to maintain such a high level of fitness, including performing pull-ups, at 68 years old is a testament to her disciplined, varied, and positive approach to health. Her routine underscores that age is just a number when it comes to strength, vitality, and embracing an active lifestyle.
