Paula Abdul, a name synonymous with dance, music, and ageless energy, has captivated audiences for decades. At 62, she continues to impress with her vibrant performances and youthful appearance. Despite enduring multiple spinal surgeries and chronic back pain from a 1992 plane crash, Paula remains passionate about performing. So, what are her secrets to staying healthy and in such incredible shape? This article delves into Paula Abdul's diet, exercise routine, and overall approach to well-being, drawing from various interviews and insights she has shared over the years.
A Lifelong Love of Dance
"I've been fortunate because dance has always been a part of my life," Abdul told Fox News Digital. This passion for dance isn't just a career; it's a cornerstone of her fitness regimen. From choreographing for The Jacksons at a young age to her time as a Laker Girl, dance has been a constant in her life. "I don't ever feel like I'm working out," she explains, highlighting the joy and natural movement that dance provides.
Abdul emphasizes how moving your body can help mental health problems. "Especially when people are suffering from any mental health problems, I always say, ‘Move your body. Listen to your favorite music. Crank it up. Move your body,'" she explained to Fox News Digital. "Dance is the one visual medium that also affects your serotonin levels. It’s like when you dance, there's nothing like it. Words and music are everything, and they say it's the language of everything."
Rigorous Fitness Routine
While dance is integral, Abdul also incorporates a structured workout routine into her daily life. Paula recently started training for her upcoming tour. “I’m not taking anything for granted, so I’m trying to get into the best shape I can now,” she said. Her fitness routine is rigorous. Paula starts her day at the gym with 30 minutes of cardio, followed by an hour of strength training with her personal trainer. After the gym, the American Idol star spends about 90 minutes going over choreography for her show and then spends about an hour doing isometric exercises and stretches with a physical therapist to warm her body up before a performance. Paula's trainers constantly challenge her with new exercises targeted at different muscle groups - which has even included eye-watering upside-down ab crunches.
She also incorporates "freestyle fitness" into her routine, including walking the stairs, hiking, and taking her dogs for a walk. She finds that filling her meals with non-starchy vegetables, fruit and soy products agrees with her.
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Diet and Nutrition
Paula Abdul's diet focuses on maintaining a healthy balance and nourishing her body with wholesome foods. She enjoys healthy grains like quinoa, and her protein sources include egg whites, tofu, chicken, and shrimp. "I make sure that I eat healthy grains like I love quinoa and I mix some protein in," she shared. The Forever Your Girl singer doesn't slack in the gym either and makes sure to work out most days, in addition to performing her rigorous dance routines on stage.
When it comes to her daily diet, Paula's go-tos are fruit, vegetables, and coconut water. She tries not to deny herself anything, but Paula finds that filling her meals with non-starchy vegetables, fruit and soy products agrees with her.
Abdul also follows a low-alkaline diet, which helps her minimize inflammation in her body. She told people.com, “When you have RSD, the best thing to do is lower your acidity to slow inflammation, so I follow a low alkaline diet.
Mental Well-being and Positivity
Beyond the physical aspects, Paula Abdul emphasizes the importance of mental well-being and a positive outlook. "Right now is a time we need to all come together and keep the faith, walk in gratitude and surround yourself with the people of like-mind - cut from the same fabric," she told Fox News Digital on the importance of relationships. "As you get older, relationships are everything. It's so important to cultivate history with relationships. If you don't know me - I'm all about positivity and happiness and spreading joy."
For Paula, pain is also a mental battle that helps her build confidence. When taking care of others, don’t forget to nurture yourself. Give yourself a quiet moment alone today and just breathe.
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Self-Care and Recovery
With such a demanding schedule, self-care and recovery are crucial for Paula Abdul. She shared that she does lots of stretching, Pilates, yoga, and massages and also gets a lot of rest in between performances and rehearsals. After a performance, Abdul’s own personal gratitude is to get quiet, stretch and meditate.
Skincare
Apart from diet and exercise, Abdul also focuses on her skincare. Outside of diet and exercise, Paula's simple tip for looking fantastic is to never go to bed with makeup on. "No matter how tired you are or what time it is, you need to have a good face routine," she stressed.
Embracing Aging Gracefully
Paula Abdul has a positive outlook on aging, stating, “I feel like I’m aging as gracefully as one can be, with a healthy outlook. Dancing with passion every day keeps that going."
She admits that being on stage takes work. Fortunately for her, dancing is still just as meaningful, because it is something she’s done since she was just 8 years old. For her, dance is one of the most precious gifts of her life and it largely contributes to aging gracefully.
Addressing Speculation
Of course, with fame comes scrutiny. Some have speculated about Abdul's appearance, with comments about her weight. One more speculated, "She always has been in shape. She is too thin in my opinion. She honestly looked like she was on Ozempic," with another person echoing, "No big deal. Liposuction." This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations.
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Current Projects
These are exciting days for Paula Abdul. While focused on touring, the former 'American Idol' judge remains open to new opportunities, whether in television or teaching dance. Abdul told the outlet, "There's so much great new talent out there that I've learned to stay a student because for me if I stay a student, then I'll continue being a good teacher. Paula and NKOTB, the five-member singing group that includes Blue Bloods actor Donnie Wahlberg, will be heading out on a 45-plus-city tour next summer. Paula is also thrilled about How to Dance in Ohio, a Broadway musical she’s producing, which began previews on November 15. “It’s about young adults who are on the autism spectrum getting ready for their first formal dance,” she said. “ Never before on Broadway has the lead cast included seven people on the autism spectrum.She was prepping for her new Las Vegas residency, “Paula Abdul: Forever Your Girl,” at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino on August 13 where she had put on the hard work, starting each day before the sun and going until late at night.