Oprah Winfrey is proving that age is no barrier to strength and at 72 years old, she shared her latest gym session as she showcased her progress with planks, highlighting how consistent training helps combat bone and muscle loss, especially in women.
The talk show icon emphasized that daily strength training is essential, noting that women are particularly vulnerable to osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and raises the risk of fractures, making exercise a crucial preventive measure.
Winfrey‘s recent Instagram post revealed how she has evolved since 2024, comparing past workouts with current routines and demonstrating the benefits of long-term consistency in her fitness journey.
Back in 2024, Oprah struggled to hold a plank for more than 10 seconds, but through persistent effort with her trainer, Peter, she steadily improved her core strength and overall stability, gradually increasing her endurance.
“Planks are the most challenging exercise for me,” Oprah said. “My first one in 2024 lasted 10 seconds.
“Now I can do them for over a minute, with weights, and whatever creativity Trainer Peter throws my way.”
In the clips, she demonstrates weighted plank variations, performing a one-minute plank before extending for an additional 20 seconds, and even lifting a dumbbell while stabilizing her body with her other limbs, highlighting coordination and strength.
The video illustrates the importance of strength and flexibility, particularly for ageing women looking to preserve bone density, reduce fall risk, and maintain functional independence as they move into the latter stage of life.
How can I prevent osteoporosis?
Experts stress that resistance and weight-bearing exercises are critical in slowing bone loss, building muscle, and improving balance, which collectively reduce fracture risks as people age, especially women post-menopause.
Oprah‘s regimen includes planks, weighted movements, and multi-directional strength exercises, showing that functional fitness can simultaneously enhance bone density, core stability, and flexibility, making her routine both practical and inspiring.
Nutrition also plays a key role, with adequate calcium and vitamin D intake supporting bone formation, while regular exercise stimulates bone cells and strengthens the musculoskeletal system, reducing the risk of osteoporosis-related injuries.
Foods rich in calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, almonds, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based milks, while vitamin D can be found in fatty fish, fortified dairy, eggs, and mushrooms exposed to sunlight.
Medical professionals recommend combining resistance training with balance exercises, stretching, and cardiovascular activity, as these elements work synergistically to improve joint health, posture, and overall mobility in older adults.
By sharing her fitness journey, Winfrey underscores that aging well requires proactive measures, combining disciplined exercise, proper nutrition, and expert guidance to maintain strength, flexibility, and independence over time.
Through her transparency, she encourages followers to adopt strength training not only for aesthetic or athletic reasons, but as a vital tool to protect bones, support overall health, and improve quality of life long into adulthood.