As women age, their bodies undergo a series of changes that can often be challenging to navigate. Brooke Burke, the 52-year-old television personality and fitness guru, understands these challenges all too well. With a career that spans decades in the spotlight, Burke has always been an advocate for health and wellness, but as she enters her 50s, she’s emphasizing the importance of weight training for women in this age group. Her message is clear: lifting weights is not just about building muscle; it’s about maintaining overall health and well-being.
Burke’s fitness journey has evolved over the years, and she’s eager to share the insights she’s gained with other women facing similar challenges. “This stage of my life as a woman, Mother Nature is just dishing out challenge after challenge for us,” Burke shared in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. She’s on a mission to dispel the myths and misconceptions that often surround weight training, especially among women in their 50s.
One of the most common fears that women have about weight lifting is the concern that they will become bulky or overly muscular. Burke is quick to debunk this myth, explaining that it takes an extreme level of commitment to heavy lifting and protein consumption to achieve that kind of physique. “Most women are afraid of heavy weights. And there’s this myth attached to it that we’re going to get bulky,” she said. “Not true. Like, we would have to consume so much protein and go so heavy and be so diligent about that program to really change the body.”
Instead, Burke emphasizes that the benefits of weight training go far beyond aesthetics. For women in their 50s, lifting weights is crucial for maintaining bone density, improving metabolism, and enhancing overall strength and coordination. These are all factors that become increasingly important as the body ages. “What I found, I’m in my 50s, no one prepared us for menopause and said, ‘Learn how to weight train,'” Burke noted. “The reason we need to weight train is for bone density. It’s bone health, osteoporosis. It shifts your hormones. It kicks up your metabolism. It creates strength. It allows you to develop more coordination so we can do other things.”
Burke’s own fitness routine has evolved as she’s gotten older. While she has always been active, she has recently started incorporating heavier weights into her workouts. “It’s the first time I’m really adding heavy weights. And heavy for me is like 10-pound arms, right?” she told Fox. Previously, Burke was known for her “booty burn” workouts, which focus on building curves in the glute muscles. But now, she’s expanding her focus to include overall strength training. “I’ve always added heavy weights to my booty burn programs to build curves in the glute muscles. But it’s making me stronger.”
The benefits of weight training extend beyond the physical. For Burke, it’s also about mental health and a holistic approach to wellness. She’s a firm believer that the way we approach our health should evolve as we age, incorporating both physical activity and mindful eating habits. Burke has also adjusted her diet to support her fitness goals, adding more protein to her meals to help build and maintain muscle.
“I’ve added protein to my diet because my body needs it,” she said. However, she’s not a fan of counting calories, preferring instead to focus on the quality of the nutrients she’s consuming. “I have enough stuff to count in my life,” she said. “There are so many calories in my smoothie, but here’s the difference — it’s nutrient-dense. It’s loaded with good fats. I’m fueling my brain. I’m feeding my body. I’m energizing my whole system.”
Burke’s approach to diet and exercise is rooted in a broader philosophy of wellness that she’s developed over the years. She believes that aging doesn’t have to mean giving up on the things you enjoy, but rather finding new ways to incorporate them into a healthy lifestyle. “Flavorful meals, herbs, spices, oils, it’s a different way of approaching wellness. Different than when I was in my 20s. It’s better, and it’s more fun,” she said. This positive outlook on aging is something that Burke hopes to share with other women, encouraging them to embrace the changes that come with age rather than fear them.
Burke’s career in the public eye has always been closely tied to her image as a fitness enthusiast. She first gained widespread recognition as the co-host of Dancing with the Stars, where her toned physique and vibrant energy made her a fan favorite. Since then, she has expanded her fitness brand, launching the Brooke Burke Body app in 2017, which offers a variety of workout programs designed to help women stay in shape. The app includes her signature “booty burn” workouts, as well as other routines that focus on different areas of the body.
As she’s entered her 50s, Burke has become even more committed to sharing her fitness knowledge with others. Her experience has taught her that staying active and strong is essential for maintaining health and vitality as you age. But it’s not just about physical strength—Burke is also an advocate for mental and emotional well-being, which she believes are equally important components of overall health.
In addition to her work in fitness, Burke has also found success as an author, actress, and entrepreneur. Her ability to balance these various roles while maintaining her commitment to health and wellness is a testament to her dedication and passion for helping others. She’s a strong advocate for women over 50, encouraging them to take control of their health and embrace the changes that come with aging.
For Brooke Burke, fitness is more than just a way to stay in shape—it’s a way to empower women to live their best lives at any age. Her message is clear: don’t be afraid to lift weights, and don’t be afraid to make changes that will help you feel stronger, healthier, and more confident. Whether through her fitness app, her books, or her personal example, Burke is inspiring women everywhere to take charge of their health and embrace the power of strength training as they age. As she continues to share her insights and experiences, there’s no doubt that Burke will remain a leading voice in the world of fitness and wellness for years to come.
