Julie Andrews Fitness | How She Stays Active at 90

A Lifetime of Movement

At 90, Dame Julie Andrews maintains an energy level that defies common expectations of aging. The iconic star of The Sound of Music does not attribute her vitality to a secret medical procedure or a complex regimen. Instead, she credits a simple, consistent habit of physical activity performed first thing in the morning. While the intensity of her workouts has shifted over the decades, the commitment to moving her body remains a fixed point in her daily schedule.

Her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, suggests that a secondary factor drives this sustained vigor: intellectual curiosity. Julie maintains a genuine interest in creative pursuits, which keeps her engaged with the world. Andrews herself confirms this, stating plainly that she is still learning. This focus on internal growth complements her physical routine, providing a structure that keeps her feeling remarkably young despite the passage of time.

Establishing a Physical Foundation

Julie Andrews developed her disciplined approach to fitness during the early years of her career in musical theater. Preparation for demanding roles like those at the London Palladium required high levels of stamina. To build this endurance, she adopted a practice of brisk walking in the countryside, often seeking out steep hills to increase the difficulty of her sessions. This early training instilled a work ethic that persisted long after her stage career peaked.

Her routines evolved during the 1990s to include more structured sessions. She frequently performed 45 minutes of stretching, aerobics, and ballet barre exercises to maintain her mobility. She did not approach these sessions as a means to reach a specific physical aesthetic. Rather, she viewed movement as a tool to keep her body supple. Her philosophy centered on finding activities she enjoyed and maintaining them over long periods instead of chasing fleeting fitness trends.

Adapting to the Reality of Age

While Andrews remains active, she acknowledges that aging presents specific challenges. During a 2024 interview with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, she noted that while she feels mentally like a woman in her 50s, the physical realities of being 90 can be a nuisance. Acknowledging aches and pains has become part of her reality. She does not ignore these limitations but chooses to adapt her output to what her body can handle.

This shift in intensity has not slowed her career output. She continues to lend her voice to high-profile projects, such as her role as the narrator in the series Bridgerton. Furthermore, she remains active in literary circles, co-writing children's books with her daughter. By adjusting her professional and physical pace while retaining her core habits, Andrews demonstrates a practical approach to navigating the later stages of life. Her story highlights that consistency, rather than extreme measures, serves as the most effective tool for long-term health.