Jane Fonda, the actress, activist, and fitness pioneer, continues to inspire generations with her vitality and commitment to health. At 87, she defies conventional notions of aging, showcasing an impressive level of fitness and well-being. Her secret? A balanced approach to exercise, nutrition, and mental wellness, adapted from her iconic 1980s workout routines.
The Evolution of Jane Fonda’s Fitness Philosophy
Fonda’s fitness journey began in the 1970s, after she broke an ankle bone. This forced her to stop her ballet exercises and to seek a new exercise regimen that would help her lose weight and stay trim without stressing her foot. She was referred to Leni Cazden, an exercise instructor who formulated a lengthy exercise sequence to burn calories.
Her groundbreaking workout videos in the 1980s revolutionized home fitness, making exercise accessible and enjoyable for millions. These aerobic exercise routines became a staple in living rooms across the world. Fonda’s influence transcended the realm of physical fitness, inspiring a cultural movement that encouraged individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles.
Over time, Fonda’s approach has evolved to accommodate her changing body and priorities, emphasizing a balance of strength, cardio, flexibility, and mindfulness. Today, she continues to adapt her routines, proving that age is no barrier to achieving a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Fonda’s Daily Workout Routine: Consistency is Key
Jane Fonda’s fitness mantra is simple: move every day. She maintains a consistent exercise routine, adapting the pace and intensity to suit her body’s needs. In a recent interview with People, Fonda said that she does ‘everything’ she used to do, but at a slower pace.
Strength Training
Fonda works out daily with trainer Malin Svensson, who specializes in clients over the age of 50. They focus on strength training with weights, alternating days of upper body and lower body work. She incorporates squats as one of her “go-to” exercises, emphasizing the importance of keeping the quads and hips strong. Resistance bands are also a staple in Fonda’s workouts, providing effective resistance without putting undue strain on the joints. Some resistance band exercises that Fonda does are bicep curls, tricep extensions, side leg lifts and glute bridges.
Cardio
Cardio is an essential component of Fonda’s fitness routine. She enjoys walking outdoors, especially in nature and on hills. Depending on the weather, she also uses a treadmill or stationary bike indoors. She includes stationary cycling in her cardio routine for a low-impact yet effective workout.
Flexibility and Balance
Yoga plays a significant role in Fonda’s fitness regimen, promoting both physical and mental health. She incorporates yoga poses such as Downward Dog, Warrior II, and Cat-Cow into her routine.
Flexibility and mobility are important in improving joint health and reducing pain for pain-free movement as you age.
Sample Exercises
Here are some example exercises that Fonda may include in her routine:
- Alternating Arm/Leg Plank
- Standard Crunch
- Vertical Leg Crunch
Diet and Nutrition: A Healthy and Balanced Approach
Along with staying active, Fonda maintains other healthy habits, specifically when it comes to sleep and nutrition.
Fonda follows a “fairly healthy diet” that is not overly restrictive. She focuses on eating fresh, whole foods and limits her intake of red meat, fish, and sugar.
Emphasis on Plant-Based Foods
Fonda prioritizes plant-based foods in her diet, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and salads. She has cut way back on red meat and fish, citing concerns about dwindling fish supplies.
Avoiding Fad Diets
Fonda rejects fad diets, emphasizing long-term lifestyle changes over temporary restrictions. She doesn’t even own a scale. She advises to not try to lose more than two to three pounds per week, max.
Importance of Breakfast
Fonda never skips breakfast, considering it the most important meal of the day. She believes that starting the day with a nutritious breakfast sets you up for success for the rest of the day.
Indulging in Moderation
Fonda allows herself to indulge in treats like chocolate in moderation. She believes that it’s okay to have a piece of chocolate, as long as you don’t eat the whole box.
The Mental Game: Staying Positive and Engaged
Jane Fonda’s commitment to well-being extends beyond physical fitness and nutrition. She emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional health, highlighting the power of positive thinking, social connections, and lifelong learning.
Prioritizing Sleep
Fonda sleeps eight or nine hours every night, which is critical for tissue restoration and hormonal releases. She creates a relaxing sleep environment by setting the temperature of her room to 68 degrees, turning on her ceiling fan, and using a weighted blanket.
Staying Socially Connected
Fonda emphasizes the importance of having good friends who make her laugh. She believes that laughter is a good thing for overall health and well-being.
Lifelong Learning and Activism
Fonda remains engaged in lifelong learning and activism, using her platform to advocate for various causes, including climate action, women’s rights, and social justice. She co-founded the Hollywood Women’s Political Committee in 1984 and the Women’s Media Center in 2005. She also has Jane Fonda Climate PAC, which is laser-focused on one goal: Do what it takes to defeat fossil fuel supporters and elect climate champions at all levels of government.
Embracing Aging
Fonda has a positive perspective on aging, viewing it as ascending a staircase, where you gain well-being, spirit, soul, wisdom, the ability to be truly intimate and a life with intention. She believes that people can become kinder and braver as they get older, and that they can stop caring as much about what others think.
Jane Fonda’s Legacy: Inspiring Generations
Jane Fonda’s impact on fitness culture and her advocacy for healthy aging have inspired generations. From her groundbreaking workout videos to her current fitness ventures, she has consistently demonstrated that age is no barrier to staying active and healthy.
Virtual Reality Fitness
Fonda has embraced new technologies to reach a wider audience. She collaborated with Supernatural, a virtual reality (VR) fitness platform, to create a four-part content series featuring cardio, boxing, and stretching workouts.
Message to Young People
Fonda wants young people to stop being afraid about getting older. She emphasizes the importance of keeping your body strong and flexible, as it’s something you may take for granted when you’re younger.
A Role Model for All Ages
Jane Fonda’s dedication to fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being serves as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to living a fulfilling and healthy life. Her balanced approach, combined with her positive attitude and unwavering commitment to activism, makes her a role model for people of all ages.
