Walking, strength, balance, flexibility and a slower pace: the routine of the woman who made aerobics famous. In the 1980s, Jane Fonda’s workout videos had millions of people jumping, kicking and sweating in their living rooms. Four decades later, she is still exercising every day. The difference is in the pace.
“I essentially do everything I used to do, just slower,” Fonda told People in early 2025. At 88, her routine has shifted from high intensity to something gentler and more sustainable, and it looks a lot like what health experts recommend for staying strong as we age.
1. Walking, Preferably Outdoors
Fonda used to run. Today, walking is her cardio of choice. “My preferred cardio is walking,” she told W Magazine. “Depending on the weather, I also do the treadmill and bike indoors.” She told People she especially loves “being outdoors in the woods, especially up and down hills.”
Walking is low impact, easy on the joints and supports heart health. “You get your heart healthy through cardio,” she said.
2. Strength Training, Split by Body Part
Fonda alternates her strength sessions. “One day, I do upper body; one day, I do lower body,” she told W. Strength work matters even more with age, since muscle mass naturally declines over time. Strong legs make everyday movements easier, from climbing stairs to getting up from a chair.
3. Balance
Walking up and down hills on uneven ground does more than raise the heart rate. It also challenges balance and coordination, which help prevent falls. Simple exercises like standing on one foot or walking heel to toe can be added at home.
4. Flexibility
Stretching has a place in Fonda’s world too. She has led a stretching class for the Supernatural virtual reality fitness app on Meta Quest, bringing her trademark energy to gentler movement. Regular stretching helps keep joints mobile and makes daily movement more comfortable.
5. Slower, Controlled Movements
The most important change is the tempo. “The operative word is slower,” Fonda told W. “I do a lot of the same exercises I used to. I just do them slower.” Moving with control reduces the risk of injury and keeps muscles working throughout each movement.
What the Science Says
Her approach mirrors World Health Organization guidelines for older adults. The WHO recommends at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, such as brisk walking, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. For people over 65, it also recommends varied activities that emphasize balance and strength at least three days a week, to improve function and prevent falls.
In other words, walking, strength, balance and flexibility, done regularly and at a pace you can maintain, cover nearly everything the research supports.
How to Start
You do not need to begin at Fonda’s level. Start with a 20-minute walk most days, add two short strength sessions a week using bodyweight or light weights, and finish with a few minutes of stretching and balance work. If you have a health condition, check with your doctor first.
Jane Fonda, 88, has not stopped moving. She has simply slowed down, and that may be the smartest fitness advice of all.