Martha Stewart's Strict Fitness Routine Includes The Perfect Workout For Older Women

With everything she has going on, lifestyle expert Martha Stewart still carves out time in her busy schedule to make sure she gets her workout in. For three days a week, she gets up as early as 6:30 a.m. to do Pilates.

Speaking with Pamela Anderson for a February 2025 Elle feature, Stewart, who is well into her 80s, attributed her vibrant glow and perpetual vitality to many years of maintaining a strict Pilates routine. "I'm strong and I'm healthy. But I work at it. I take care of myself," she told Anderson, adding, "And I do have good heredity." Anderson chimed in, saying she also puts a lot of effort into taking care of herself. She eats healthy, dances, and enjoys the outdoors, whether for a walk or a little garden work, which also happens to be Pamela Anderson's favorite hobby that's the perfect stress-free workout for older women. "You don't do Pilates like I do, three mornings a week at 6:30 A.M.?" Stewart interjected. "Everybody wants Pilates."

After being approached with the idea of appearing on the cover of a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in 2023, the business mogul decided to start Pilates, as she only had a two-month window to get in shape. "I went to Pilates every other day and that was great," she told Today. Since then, the exercise has become a regular part of her health and fitness regimen. "I'm still going to Pilates every other day because it's so great," she said. Other celebs like Susan Lucci say it's her favorite low-impact exercise that's perfect for older women.

More and more women who have entered their golden years are finding the perfect balance with the type of movements and exercises that Pilates offers. It's especially suitable for older women looking for an effective workout with less strain on the body and mind, while it improves core strength, posture, and controlled movement. "It also is very good for strengthening one's bones, keeping one limber, working with aches and pains, [and] stretching out," Stewart told Women's Health. Whether she opts for exercising on a mat or reformer, the TV star works with an instructor. "I do a very intense program and it's nonstop for 45 minutes," she said.

As a longtime fitness enthusiast, Stewart has always maintained a strict routine, switching between Pilates and weightlifting. "I've worked out ever since I can remember," she told Women's Health. "Even when I get home late at night, I still go and do my workout." Even with a super busy work schedule, Stewart finds the time to stay active. "I walk a whole lot. I garden a whole lot. I go to work in New York [City] pretty much five days a week or do my traveling."

Aging has no doubt taken a toll on her performance and energy level, but she says she's still in top form. "I might not be as energetic as I used to be, but I'm pretty good," she said. "The amount of weights and things that I use are pretty much the same as they've always been, so I'm strong. I'm very strong."