Jane Fonda, the iconic actress and fitness guru, proves that age is just a number. At 87, she maintains a remarkably consistent workout routine, adapting her exercises to suit her current physical capabilities. Fonda emphasizes that while her pace has slowed down, her commitment to fitness remains steadfast.
“I essentially do everything I used to do, just slower,” Fonda shared in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. While she enjoyed running in the past, she now favors walking, particularly in nature. “I love being outdoors in the woods, especially up and down hills,” she added.
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Fonda believes in the importance of variety in her fitness regimen to prevent plateaus and maintain engagement. “I work out every day, so it is important to mix up the way I move,” she explained. Her routine includes alternating upper and lower body strength training days, supplemented with cardio exercises like walking.
Fonda’s dedication to fitness extends back to the early 1980s when she launched her groundbreaking workout videos and book, Jane Fonda’s Workout. These resources revolutionized the fitness landscape for women, providing accessible and effective workout routines.
“When I was starting out, there weren’t many rigorous forms of exercise available to women,” Fonda recalled. She credits Leni Kasden, a charismatic teacher from the 1970s, for teaching her the foundational workout principles. Fonda’s videos garnered international acclaim, empowering women to embrace fitness and build strength. She shared anecdotes of receiving letters from women around the globe who found empowerment and confidence through her workouts.
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Currently, Fonda is collaborating with Supernatural, a virtual reality (VR) fitness platform available on Meta Quest. This four-part series features Fonda coaching VR fitness classes, blending boxing and flow exercises. The series includes: Flow with Jane Fonda, Box with Jane Fonda & Ludacris, Jane Fonda: Stretching, and Jane Fonda: Team Workout.
Fonda expressed her surprise at the seamless transition from VHS to VR, stating, “Going from VHS to VR, I was surprised by how easy Supernatural was to pick up.” She sees this collaboration as a bridge between the past and future of fitness. Fonda highlighted the significance of music in her workouts, emphasizing the motivational power of an upbeat playlist. “Having the right music can make or break the workout, especially in cardio and aerobics,” she noted.
For Fonda, this venture into VR fitness represents a full-circle moment. “Fitness is such a big part of my life, so to get to do it with today’s technology is a full-circle moment,” she reflected. Her enduring passion for fitness and her willingness to embrace new technologies continue to inspire individuals of all ages to prioritize their well-being.
