Martha Stewart, the iconic businesswoman and lifestyle guru, continues to defy age at 83. With a career spanning decades, she remains a picture of health and vitality, captivating audiences with her youthful energy and radiant appearance. In a recent interview with Pamela Anderson, Stewart shared insights into her fitness regime, revealing that Pilates is a cornerstone of her active lifestyle, a practice she diligently maintains three times a week. But her commitment to wellness extends far beyond scheduled workouts.
The Core of Her Routine: Pilates and its Benefits
Stewart’s dedication to Pilates highlights its effectiveness in promoting strength, flexibility, and overall well-being, especially as one ages. As she mentioned to Anderson, she attends Pilates classes three mornings a week, starting bright and early at 6:30 a.m..
Pilates, a low-impact exercise, is known to improve core strength, posture, and flexibility. Its controlled movements and focus on precision make it a safe and effective workout for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. The benefits of Pilates include:
- Increased muscle strength and tone, particularly in the core muscles
- Improved flexibility and range of motion
- Enhanced posture and body awareness
- Reduced stress and improved mental focus
Stewart seemingly prefers using a reformer machine for her Pilates workouts. The reformer adds resistance and support, allowing for a deeper and more challenging workout.
Beyond the Studio: An Active Lifestyle on the Farm
While Pilates forms the foundation of her fitness routine, Stewart’s active lifestyle on her farm in Bedford, New York, further contributes to her overall well-being. “Just getting around from place to place on the farm and making sure the gardening is being done and the animals are taken care of is a lot of exercise,” she told Women’s Health. This constant movement and engagement in physical activities keeps her body strong and agile.
The Benefits of Staying Active
Beyond structured exercise, incorporating physical activity into daily life offers numerous health benefits, including:
- Increased cardiovascular health
- Improved bone density
- Weight management
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases
Stewart’s farm life naturally incorporates these benefits, as she tends to her garden, cares for her animals, and manages her property.
Horseback Riding: A Passion That Keeps Her Moving
In addition to her other activities, Stewart enjoys horseback riding, a passion that further contributes to her fitness. “I ride at least once a week, my beautiful Friesian horses,” she told Prevention. Horseback riding not only provides a full-body workout but also offers mental stimulation and a connection with nature.
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Stewart’s approach to health transcends physical exercise. She emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle that incorporates healthy eating, mental stimulation, and self-care.
Diet and Nutrition
Stewart is known for her commitment to healthy eating, often showcasing fresh, home-cooked meals using ingredients from her garden. Her focus on whole, unprocessed foods provides her body with the nutrients it needs to thrive. She starts her day with green juice and a cappuccino. She also avoids fast food.
Mental Acuity
Stewart recognizes the importance of keeping her mind sharp as she ages. “The first thing I do in the morning is a crossword puzzle to make sure I can still remember words,” she said in a 2021 episode of The Dr. Oz Show. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like crossword puzzles, reading, and learning new skills helps maintain cognitive function and reduces the risk of cognitive decline.
The Importance of Sleep
While she admits that she doesn’t find sleep particularly interesting, Stewart acknowledges its importance for overall health. Getting adequate sleep allows the body to repair and rejuvenate, promoting physical and mental well-being.
Skincare
Stewart takes care of her skin, although noting that she doesn’t spend a fortune on it.
The Power of a Positive Mindset
Beyond the physical aspects of wellness, Stewart emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset. In an interview with PEOPLE, she advised, “Be positive. Don’t be afraid of anything. Go for it.” Maintaining a positive outlook can significantly impact one’s health and well-being, reducing stress and promoting resilience.
Adapting and Evolving
Stewart’s ability to adapt and evolve throughout her life is a testament to her resilience and positive attitude. From building a successful business to embracing new challenges, she embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and growth. In fact, she started her “big business” when she was 50.
Lessons From Martha: Embracing an Ageless Lifestyle
Martha Stewart’s commitment to health and wellness offers valuable lessons for individuals of all ages. Her approach encompasses:
- Consistency: Regularly engaging in physical activity, such as Pilates, is crucial for maintaining strength and flexibility.
- Activity: Incorporating physical activity into daily life, whether through gardening, caring for animals, or simply walking, provides numerous health benefits.
- Balance: Prioritizing a balanced lifestyle that includes healthy eating, mental stimulation, and self-care is essential for overall well-being.
- Positivity: Maintaining a positive mindset and embracing challenges can significantly impact one’s health and resilience.
Stewart’s example demonstrates that age is just a number and that with dedication, a holistic approach to wellness, and a positive attitude, it is possible to live a vibrant and fulfilling life at any stage. Her lifestyle serves as an inspiration to embrace healthy habits, cultivate a positive mindset, and live each day to the fullest. By prioritizing fitness, embracing an active lifestyle, and nurturing her mental and emotional well-being, Martha Stewart continues to redefine aging and inspire others to live their best lives.
