Julie Bowen, known for her role as Claire Dunphy on the hit sitcom "Modern Family," has captivated audiences not only with her comedic talent but also with her radiant health and fitness. At 54, Bowen exemplifies the power of incorporating small, consistent steps into a wellness routine. Her approach is relatable and emphasizes feeling good, both mentally and physically. This article delves into Julie Bowen's workout routine and diet, highlighting her practical tips and strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst a busy career and family life.
Bowen's Fitness Philosophy: Small Steps, Big Impact
Bowen's fitness philosophy revolves around the concept of "small steps," a strategy she adopted between her first and second pregnancies. Instead of overwhelming herself with ambitious goals, she focused on incorporating manageable activities into her daily routine. This approach, supported by research from Wharton Business School professor Katherine Milkman, emphasizes the effectiveness of setting specific times for small, beneficial health actions.
"There's all these little steps you can do that make your body feel better, your brain feel better, and that sort of creates a spiral of good feeling, which is what we want to get to," Bowen stated, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive feedback loop.
Joint-Friendly Workouts and Outdoor Activities
Bowen prioritizes joint-friendly workouts, understanding the importance of adapting her exercise routine as she gets older. She enjoys biking and hiking, which provide excellent cardiovascular benefits with less impact on her joints. "I do a lot of biking and hiking," she told New Idea.
She also incorporates explosive exercises into her routine. “I really love explosive exercise with lots of jumping and push-ups, as you never know what is going to happen next. I have even tried CrossFit, but that is so brutal! I used to love yoga but these days, I just can’t get to a 90 minute class.
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Running: A Lifelong Passion
Running has been a constant in Bowen's life since her teenage years. Although injuries led her to give up competitive running, she continues to jog recreationally. In 2011, she told Runner's World that she tried to go for a jog at least every day, or her mood would dip. She finds that running helps her maintain her sanity and manage anxiety, especially amidst the demands of motherhood and work. "When I don’t get to run, I am a grump, but some days my schedule just doesn’t allow me to," she admitted, highlighting the impact of running on her overall well-being.
Bowen starts every day in what she calls a scruffy athlete look-workout clothes meant for comfort and convenience over style, so she can go for a run at a moment’s notice.
Swimming and Other Activities
In addition to running, Bowen enjoys swimming and yoga. She told Yahoo Beauty: “Swimming is great for your body. I also have a waterproof cover for my phone so I can listen to podcasts while I swim.
She adapts her workouts as she gets older to focus on rest and recovery. “You can’t do things in your late 40s that you could do in your late 20s, like just push through a run when it hurts,” she told Parade. “Cause if you do, it’s going to hurt for like a month. I definitely have had to incorporate taking care of myself into my fitness regime, which I always thought was kind of silly. I ride a bike a lot.
Working Out with Sofia Vergara
Bowen loves working out with her Modern Family co-star Sofia Vergara. “We are so different,” she told Runner’s World. “She is so graceful and athletic and she is a really good dancer, and I am like, ‘Put on the shoes and go on a straight line.’ I do yoga. I go swimming. I do that stuff. But it’s a totally different time commitment and needs a whole new set of equipment.
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Diet and Nutrition: Clean Eating and Simple Rules
Bowen follows a "clean eating" approach with simple rules. She avoids ultra-processed foods and focuses on whole, natural ingredients. "I eat really clean and have pretty simple rules: I try not to eat white food, like white rice, pasta and white bread," she told Parade. "There aren’t really any white foods that are good for you when you think about it. Marshmallows? Powdered sugar? Nope. I also like to see the ingredients.
Bowen loves big protein-packed salads every day. “I eat a lot of big salads and throw in chicken, shrimp or quinoa,” she told New Idea. “I can eat that day after day.
Occasional Indulgences and Balance
While Bowen prioritizes healthy eating, she allows herself occasional indulgences. “I need to eat ice cream every couple of weeks. If I don’t have it, I feel like I am missing out. This balanced approach prevents feelings of deprivation and makes her diet more sustainable in the long run.
Bowen told Runner’s World: “I eat healthily, but I am just as apt to have a bowl of cereal for dinner as I am to have, like, chicken and a salad. And a lot depends on what my kids are eating and what I eat off of their plates. My default mode is that I eat pretty clean salads and chicken. It used to be salad, salad, salad, and now it’s Dino Bites, peanut butter and jelly, and whatever. It’s fine.
Chicken Marbella Recipe
Bowen shared her recipe for Chicken Marbella: “You take a lot of thighs and legs-delicious dark meat-and marinate it all day in a giant Ziploc bag with prunes, brown sugar, vinegar, olives, and bay leaves. Then pop it in the oven for 45 minutes. To a girl from Maryland, it’s very sophisticated to have the sour tanginess of olives with the sweetness of prunes.”
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Tequila
“I’ve recently discovered tequila, thanks to my friends who are north of 35,” she told Health. “Good tequila makes you feel different. According to Doctor Google, my favorite doctor, it acts in your central nervous system in a different way [than other forms of alcohol]. If I have a glass of wine, and I’m a little bit tired, I’m ready to go to bed. But if I have a little tequila on the rocks, and I’m a little tired, I’m not more tired.
Prioritizing Sleep and Mental Well-being
Bowen emphasizes the importance of sleep for overall health. “I used to say, ‘Sleep is for the weak.’ But now, all the data says it is really good for you!” she told New Idea. “I now prioritize sleep and I realize that I function better when I sleep properly. When the kids were younger, I would stay up later for one-on-one time with my husband, but now we all prioritize sleep.
Bowen swears by Calm before bedtime. “Early in the pandemic, I was going through a stressful time and decided to try Calm,” she told New York Magazine. “It contains magnesium, so a little goes a long way. Too much can really upset your stomach. I’ll drink it with water before bed or as a cocktail mixer, which is my personal addition. It’s got a citrusy fizz that goes well with a little tequila and soda.
Skincare Line for Teenage Boys
Bowen started a skincare line for teenage boys. “Jill Biren and I wanted to make a product for tweens who are about to hit puberty and who maybe aren’t letting their moms into the bathroom anymore,” she told New York Magazine. “We created JB Skrub with our boys in mind, but it’s for anyone who identifies with boyhood.
Embracing Imperfection and Self-Care
Bowen's journey hasn't been without its challenges. She has been candid about her past struggles with an eating disorder and the pressures of maintaining a perfect image in the public eye. However, she has learned to embrace imperfection and prioritize self-care. She realized that she should give her children 75 percent of her time, tops. He said, "If you don't make time for you, they will hate you, and you will resent them."
IV Hydration Treatment
Bowen, 54, posted a picture of herself wearing black leggings and a gray sweatshirt, getting an IV hydration treatment. “Some days you just need a boost.