The supermodel, who recently celebrated her 59th birthday, said she doesn’t exercise daily but keeps her routine consistent
Cindy Crawford has revealed her simple but effective workout routine, explaining that it’s especially ideal for her back issues. The supermodel, 59, doesn’t exercise every day but keeps things consistent across four to five days of the week.
“Currently, I do Pilates twice a week on a reformer, which I love,” she said to Lauryn Bosstick on the Him & Her Show. “And that, I’ve only been doing that for the last 10 years, and I have to say, like, because I sometimes get lower back stuff, even if my back’s hurting, I can do Pilates because I can modify it.
“And I have never gotten hurt doing Pilates. I know it can be really, really hard, too, but I find it very… opening and feminine in a way.” Although Pilates is frequently mixed up with yoga, the latter usually focuses on holding stances at a slower pace, while Pilates is more about muscle toning.
Individuals looking to shed pounds or build strength may therefore benefit from Pilates. However, medical professionals suggest it can help in the recovery of certain health issues, too.
Back pain and scoliosis, a condition in which the spine twists to the side, are just two conditions for which specific Pilates-style exercises are recommended. The NHS shares various example tutorials on its website.
Yet, guidance notes that it isn’t a guaranteed method to relieve painful symptoms and ‘more research is needed’ on the subject. Seeking GP advice first is also advised if you are keen to follow classes in these cases.
“More research is needed, but there is some evidence to suggest that pilates can be helpful for people who have lower back pain,” the NHS explains. “Regular pilates practice can help with posture, muscle tone, balance and joint mobility. It can also relieve stress and tension.
“…If you have back pain, you’re recovering from an injury, or have a health condition, speak to a GP before following these classes.” Besides Pilates, Cindy explained that she has a trainer working with her twice weekly to do more ‘old school’ fitness-related activities.
Free weights, lunges, push-ups, and running up the stairs are all part of this, though Cindy stressed that she is always keen to go hiking with a friend when the chance arises.
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“I probably work out four or five days a week, and then if I get an extra one in, or an extra hike, or a chance to swim, or something like that, that’s just great,” she said on the podcast. “It’s the long game, it’s the consistency, like, you don’t work out for one week and be like, ‘Ok, that’s good, I’m good,’ you know?
“So, I know that when I come back, I’ll get back into my routine.”
How often should we be exercising?
The NHS recommends that adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, spread evenly over a minimum of four to five days.
Moderate exercise refers to activities that bump up your heart rate and make you breathe faster. Biking, brisk walking, riding a bike, and dancing are all examples of these.
Meanwhile, vigorous activity is an exercise that makes you breathe even faster and harder. If you are working out at this level, you will not be able to ‘say more than a few words without pausing for breath’.
Running, swimming, and climbing stairs are all considered vigorous activities. “Adults should do some type of physical activity every day,” the NHS explains.
“Exercise just once or twice a week can reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke. Speak to your GP first if you have not exercised for some time, or if you have medical conditions or concerns.
“Make sure your activity and its intensity are appropriate for your fitness.”
