Dick Van Dyke’s Fitness Secrets: How He’s Thriving at 99
At 99 years old, Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke is proving that age is just a number. The beloved actor, known for classics like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, recently opened up about his secrets to staying fit and youthful on Ted Danson’s podcast, Where Everybody Knows Your Name.
“I’m almost 100. This is insane,” Van Dyke joked during the conversation, leaving fans in awe of his energy and zest for life. But what’s his secret? According to the star, it all boils down to one simple habit: consistency.
“Somebody said, ‘To what do you attribute your age and physical condition?’ I’ve always exercised three days a week,” he revealed. “We go to the gym still, and I think that’s why I’m not stove up like my equals.”
Dancing Through Life—Literally
Ted Danson, who’s no stranger to the Hollywood spotlight himself, shared a delightful memory of Van Dyke’s gym antics from their time working out in Malibu.
“I would go to the same gym you did, and if I got there early enough, I would see you literally work out on some weight machine,” Danson recounted. “And then, almost like you were doing circuit training, you would not walk to the next machine, you’d dance. You literally danced to the next machine.”
Danson admitted he was so fascinated by the routine that he eventually approached Van Dyke to learn more. Danson recalled how Van Dyke told him about going to the gym and heading home to swim laps before taking a nap.
Stretching, Sit-Ups, and Staying Flexible
While he may not be doing full dance routines in the gym anymore, Van Dyke still prioritizes movement. These days, he focuses on stretching, sit-ups, and yoga to keep himself limber and active.
During a 2015 promotional tour for his book Keep Moving and Other Tips and Truths About Aging, the actor revealed that one of the toughest parts about growing older is letting go of activities you once loved.
“I can’t handle the tennis court anymore. I can still run and dance and sing,” he shared at the time. Van Dyke’s advice to others? Find joy in what you can still do.
The Secret to Happiness: Find What Fulfills You
“The point is to enjoy,” he said. “You have to pick what you enjoy doing, what fulfills you, what interests you.”
Whether it’s dancing, swimming, or simply enjoying lunch with friends, the star believes in the power of doing what makes your heart sing.
With his infectious positivity and relentless energy, Dick Van Dyke remains a Hollywood icon—and a fitness inspiration for all ages. Here’s to more dancing, stretching, and maybe even a few naps as he heads toward his 100th birthday milestone.
