Legendary actor Ernie Hudson, best known for his iconic role as Winston Zeddemore in the classic 1984 film Ghostbusters, has revealed the straightforward exercise regimen that helps him maintain remarkable flexibility and fitness at 80 years old. The celebrated performer appeared on NBC's Today show to discuss his daily commitment to physical activity, emphasising that consistency rather than intensity is key to his wellbeing.
A Simple Yet Powerful Daily Practice
Hudson detailed his approach, which centres around performing multiple sets of push-ups spread throughout his day. "When I get up, I like to do a set of pushups first thing and throughout the day," he explained to the Today co-hosts. "By the end of the day, I should have at least 100 pushups." The actor clarified that this total isn't achieved in one strenuous session but is accumulated in manageable increments, making the goal both practical and sustainable.
Prioritising Movement and Flexibility
When questioned about weight training or gym visits, Hudson stressed that his focus isn't on heavy lifting but on maintaining mobility. "I just think at this age it's more important to just be flexible to be able to present well, and to do the work that I do, it's required," he stated. He sometimes incorporates squats into his routine "just to get the blood flowing in the legs," highlighting a holistic approach to circulation and joint health.
The Blue Bloods star, who celebrated his 80th birthday in December, appreciates that his regimen requires no special equipment or gym membership, allowing him to exercise consistently even while travelling for film and television projects. This accessibility is a cornerstone of his long-term adherence.
Motivation Behind the Routine
Hudson's dedication stems from a personal desire to age actively and independently. He shared a poignant moment that reinforced his commitment: "I was working with a good friend who was on a walker, and I thought, 'You know what, I want to avoid that as long as I can.'" This experience underpins his philosophical outlook on aging, which he summarised with the resonant statement: "Aging is inevitable, but in the meantime let me do what I can do."
A Legacy of Performance and Wellness
Beyond Ghostbusters, Ernie Hudson has enjoyed a prolific career spanning decades, with notable roles in films like The Basketball Diaries and Miss Congeniality, and television series including HBO's Oz, Grace and Frankie, and Desperate Housewives. Recently, he reprised his beloved character Winston Zeddemore in the 2024 sequel Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
In a previous interview with The Independent around the film's release, Hudson reflected on his character's fulfilling narrative arc, seeing it as an "example of what's possible." He connected this to his own life aspirations, stating, "I want to be a healthy man. I want to be a man with at least a few dollars. My wife and I have been together almost 50 years. I want to be just an example of a good life." His daily push-up routine is a tangible manifestation of this commitment to vitality and purposeful living.
Hudson's revelation offers an inspiring and achievable model for maintaining physical health in later years, proving that disciplined, simple movements can significantly contribute to longevity and quality of life.
