Dick Van Dyke, the beloved actor of Mary Poppins and The Dick Van Dyke Show fame, is proving that age is just a number. At 99 years young, he continues to defy expectations with his vibrant energy and remarkable fitness. As he approaches his 100th birthday on December 13th, 2025, the legendary entertainer has revealed some of his secrets to staying active and healthy, captivating fans worldwide.
The Gym is Key
Van Dyke recently shared his fitness routine on the Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast, hosted by actor Ted Danson. The secret? He still hits the gym three times a week. “Somebody said, ‘To what do you attribute your age and physical condition?’ and I said, ‘I’ve always exercised’,” Van Dyke explained. This dedication to regular exercise is clearly a cornerstone of his well-being. He emphasized that he believes this commitment to fitness is why he is “not stove up like my equals”.
Dancing Through the Workout
What makes Van Dyke’s routine even more unique is his approach to moving between workout machines. Danson recalled observing Van Dyke’s unique style at the gym: “If I got there early enough I would see you literally work out on some weight machine. Then, almost like you were doing circuit training, you would not walk to the next machine, you danced. You literally danced to the next machine and I watched that for a couple of weeks.” Van Dyke’s wife, Arlene Silver, confirmed that he continues to dance his way through his gym sessions. This playful approach keeps his workouts fun and engaging.
A Well-Rounded Regimen
Beyond his unique gym style, Van Dyke incorporates a variety of exercises into his routine, including stretching, sit-ups, and yoga. He also uses weight machines to maintain his strength. After his gym sessions, Van Dyke doesn’t stop there. He heads home for a swim in his pool before taking a nap. This combination of cardio, strength training, and rest contributes to his overall fitness.
Diet and Mindset
While exercise is clearly vital, Van Dyke also pays close attention to his diet. He prefers to eat “light and fresh” meals, avoiding overly processed and fast foods. He isn’t a big fan of meat, consuming it perhaps only once a week. Blueberries are a daily staple, and he monitors his sugar intake. He also starts his day with a cup of coffee.
The Sweet Treat
Despite his healthy eating habits, Van Dyke indulges his inner child with a nightly treat: a piece of candy. He admits that when he was a kid, he always dreamed of being able to eat candy every night. This little bit of fun underscores his belief in maintaining a joyful approach to life, regardless of age.
A Positive Outlook
Van Dyke also emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset. He approaches each day with enthusiasm and embraces the joy of movement, particularly through dancing. In a 2023 YouTube video, he stated that his positive mindset and vigorous exercise routine are key to his remarkable health and longevity.
More Than Just Fitness
Van Dyke’s active lifestyle is complemented by his continued engagement with his career. He has recently appeared in a Coldplay music video and received a Daytime Emmy award for his role in Days of Our Lives. In 2024, he became the oldest person to ever receive this nomination and win the award.
Still Performing
His career spans more than seven decades, including roles in TV shows such as The Dick Van Dyke Show, movies such as Mary Poppins, and even a stint on The Masked Singer. He even had a CBS birthday special, Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic. He continues to perform, showcasing his boundless enthusiasm.
Embracing Aging
Despite the challenges of aging, Van Dyke focuses on what he can do rather than what he has lost. He has had to give up tennis but continues to run, dance, and sing. He is an inspiration to many, demonstrating that it’s possible to maintain an active and fulfilling life at any age.
Key Takeaways
Dick Van Dyke’s fitness secrets can be summarized as:
- Regular Exercise: He goes to the gym three times a week and incorporates a variety of activities including stretching, sit-ups, yoga and weight machines.
- Joyful Movement: Dancing between machines makes his workout fun and engaging.
- Balanced Diet: He prefers fresh meals, avoids processed foods, and enjoys daily blueberries.
- Positive Mindset: He embraces life with enthusiasm and indulges his inner child.
- Continued Activity: He remains actively engaged in his career.
Van Dyke’s approach emphasizes the importance of consistency, joyful movement, and a positive outlook for maintaining health and vitality. As he approaches his 100th birthday, he serves as an example that age does not have to be a barrier to living a full and active life. He hopes to have a “big party” to celebrate his milestone birthday.
