But the secret to Ripa’s age-defying physique relies more on commitment than cardio. “She’s so consistent!” Kaiser raves. “Even on days when there are a million other things happening, she makes it a priority, like a meeting in her schedule. That’s the secret to any situation, whether you’re working out virtually or going into the studio.” Commit to something realistic and show up, it’s that simple.
Balance, however, is key to any workout routine, especially as we age. Studies have shown that muscle mass begins to decline as early as age 30. But at 50 years old, Ripa looks like the exception to that rule. The key to fighting the effects of dear old Father Time? Finding the right combination of strength, cardio and nutrition. “I constantly challenge Kelly with various props and strength combinations,” Kaiser explains, whether that be with bodyweight, heavy weights, lighter weights or rep variations. “Make sure you’re also eating enough protein and feeding your muscles the right nutrients. The more lean muscle you have, the faster your metabolism will be.”
To get you on the road to Ripa-level abs, here are three core moves our favorite talk-show host swears by—plus her go-to workout playlist—straight from Kaiser’s training book.
Need Some Workout Tunes?
Perform all three exercises without pause and then repeat. Psst, these pair perfectly with Ripa’s favorite pump-up jams:
1. Twisted Jackknife
Step 1: Begin in a plank position with your feet balanced on a stability ball.
Step 2: Pressing down into the tops of your feet, pike your hips into the air while keeping your shoulders over your wrists. Bend your knees slightly and twist your hips to the left bringing your knees to tap your left tricep.
Step 3: Return to the starting position and complete 10 reps, alternating sides.
2. Standing Oblique Reach
Step 1: Grab a pair of heavy dumbbells (Kaiser suggests 8 - 15 pounds) and begin standing with your hips slightly tucked and your knees slightly bent.
Step 2: Holding one weight in each hand down by your hips, lean to your left and reach the left weight down towards your left knee while rowing the right weight up toward your shoulder.
Step 3: Return to the starting position and complete 10 reps, alternating sides.
3. Six Pack Sizzle
Step 1: Lie down on your back holding one 8 pound dumbbell with your legs extended straight on the ground in front of you.
Step 2: Keeping the weight at your chest, tuck your chin and roll up as you lift one leg off the ground. Twist toward the lifted leg and bring the weight to that hip across your body.
Step 3: Slowly lower back down to the ground and complete 10 reps on one side. Switch to the opposite side and repeat.
And Now a Word From Her Nutritionist
As any fitness trainer will tell you, what you do after a hard sweat sesh is just as important as the workout itself. We checked in with Dr. Daryl Gioffre, celebrity nutritionist and author of Get Off Your Acid and Get Off Your Sugar to find out exactly how Ripa recovers—including her post-workout meal.
“The fuel you put into your body after a workout is the most important meal of the day,” he tells us. “After a workout, Kelly will have a big salad with microgreens, fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, which is loaded with alkalizing minerals such as magnesium, a powerful neutralizer of lactic acid,” which is a chemical byproduct of exercise that can build up in your muscles, leading to soreness, “to drive down inflammation and promote faster recovery. Kelly also adds some healthy plant-based keto fats, such as avocado, pine nuts, walnuts and pumpkin seeds, which energize and satiate, providing an additional source of protein for nutrient replenishment.” Is anyone else suddenly in the mood for a salad? After a particular strenuous workout, she’ll also mix in a mineral rehydration drink, like Dr. Gioffre’s own Acid-Kicking Minerals supplement.
Here’s How to Get Kelly Ripa’s Legs, According to Her Trainer
