Oprah Winfrey Marks 72nd Birthday with Impressive Gym Deadlift Display
In a vibrant celebration of her 72nd birthday, media mogul Oprah Winfrey took to Instagram to share a captivating video of herself mastering deadlifts during a gym workout session. The television icon, who has been candid about her transformative weight loss journey aided by medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, flaunted her slimmer physique while humorously admitting she once had no clue what deadlifting entailed.
A Birthday Workout with a Touch of Humour
Dressed in dark navy leggings and a long-sleeved blue shirt, complemented by comfortable white sneakers and a thick headband holding back her hair, Winfrey executed reps with a weighted barbell. After completing the exercise, she walked towards the camera and quipped, 'I didn't know what a deadlift was.' She elaborated on this amusing revelation, recalling a past conversation with singer Adele. 'I remember Adele told me she was deadlifting and I pretended to know what she was talking about,' Winfrey shared, including a clip from their 2021 interview where Adele mentioned lifting up to 170 pounds, leaving Oprah visibly stunned.
Embracing Strength and a New Decade
In her Instagram caption, Winfrey penned a reflective message about aging and fitness. 'Life at 72 is looking different than every other decade,' she wrote. 'Two summers and two new knees ago, I decided to add strength training to my workouts because we all need to maintain muscle as we get older.' While modestly noting she isn't Olympic-ready like Adele, she expressed feeling stronger and encouraged others to try new activities, stating, 'So in honor of another trip around the sun for me, go try something new. You never know where it will lead you.'
Reflections on Aging and Healthier Living
During a recent appearance on the Today show, Winfrey discussed her peaceful acceptance of aging, emphasizing a sense of urgency to live well. She also reflected on her knee surgery, describing it as 'the best thing' she did after years of discomfort exacerbated by being overweight. Winfrey has adopted a rigorous fitness regime, working out six days a week with activities like treadmill running, hiking, and weight lifting. 'I don't recognize the person who feels sluggish when she doesn't work out,' she told People magazine, highlighting her newfound vitality.
Weight Loss Journey and Medication Insights
Winfrey's weight has fluctuated over the years, peaking at 237lbs in the early 1990s. While her current weight remains undisclosed, she aims for 160lbs. She has openly discussed using GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, as tools to manage weight without self-blame. 'I thought it was about discipline and willpower. But I stopped blaming myself,' she expressed, feeling more alive than ever. In a candid moment, she recalled gaining 20 pounds after stopping the medication, realizing that 'food noise' returned despite healthy eating habits.
Overcoming Shame and Promoting Wellness
Winfrey has been vocal about ending the shame associated with weight struggles, both from others and herself. 'I'm absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself,' she declared. She co-wrote a book, Enough: Your Health, Your Weight, and What It's Like to Be Free, with Dr. Ania Jastreboff, delving into her experiences and the role of medications in achieving health freedom. The book, released on January 13, aims to inspire others on similar journeys.
Through her birthday deadlift showcase and heartfelt reflections, Oprah Winfrey continues to inspire with her commitment to fitness, honesty about weight loss challenges, and embrace of a vibrant, healthier lifestyle in her seventies.
