Today’s the day that I went to the studio of producer/director, Darren Capik to be interviewed about my history in the fitness business, how I started it, why I am interested in doing programs for boomers and older folks, how being healthy is related to self empowerment, to owning your body and not giving it away, exposing it to disease, or burdening it with obesity. We covered a lot of ground over the seven hours I was there. There are the dvds I am going to be making in a month and a number of other extremely exciting projects that will be heard round the world if we do our job right. Richard Simmons is in on it with me (among other famous fitness gurus) and he was kind enough to come over to do part of the interview with me and then on his own, also talking about why he does what he does…what he has been doing since the early 1970s. He is in such amazing shape, still overflowing with good humor and song. I lost track of the number of Broadway tunes he sang in the 2 1/2 hours he was with me. I was sad when he left.
With Karen Kawahara, my makeup stylist, looking at the monitor of what we just shot
Waiting in front of the lights to start the first interview
Richard Simmons just arrived to join me in the interviews. Doesn't he look fantastic!!
Can't be serious around Richard for long.
Richard and I being interviewed...and, actually, it did get serious (and quite moving) for awhile
With Darren Capik, producer/director of my new dvds
Yesterday’s blog about Valentine’s Day will come tomorrow because the photos from last night’s party haven’t been sent to me yet.
Stay Tuned
Timothy Dougherty
Interesting Jane , your in a media you enjoy.
Should be a interesting experience to see how the new workout video do.When you think how fitness expert and bodybuilder, have done in our social and business world , from Jack LaLanne to Governor of California ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER. Jack LaLanne (born September 26, 1914)must be the oldest workout master and business fitness expert. Arnold is in a class of himself,hehe. Now you Reinvent the media again. Should be interesting , good luck on this one.
Tim (C.)
I have to say you do look fabulous! I cannot wait to see the new videos, and see if I can rent the older ones.
Sarac
Can I just say, props to you for posting those pics of you with Richard’s sweat on your shirt.
Colleen
Jane – can’t wait to see the new DVD’s because I sure need to do something to look as fabulous as you do. Looking at these pictures, no one would ever, ever, guess your age. It’s not just in the hair and makeup either, happiness shows in your face and you have a body to die for. Keep up the good work. Love you.
C
millie
Looking forward to that workout dvd!!!AND I need your makeup artist. She is amazing! You look 30 yrs. younger!!No kidding!!!xx
chad
I like the hair! Seems to be a modern take on your early 70s looks. Must be hard to keep up with Richard’s energy (Richard Simmons not Richard your boyfriend). Love to hear about your take on more Oscar picks this year. I also hope you will be one of those that presents. My favorite part was how other actors talled about the nominees. Everybody had their special moment and was not simply honored to be nominated.
dhenein frederique
fine ! you making a new workout’s dvd! regret the old ones that were pretty good weren’t reedited in Europe! on this pictures like your short-hair cut, i read the coms of the other posts on Eve Ensler, one man was agressiv and you left the comment and answered open-heartedly with humor and cleverness!! and that a part of you, i like very, very ,very much!!you’re a great lady! frederique dhenein
Jason
Hi Jane,
You look great although I must admit I am trying to get used to the new hairstyle. I think it’s because the cut you’ve had for the past few years was absolutely fantastic.
Anyway, it’s probably cos I’m jealous because all mine fell out!!
Can’t wait to see the new DVDs. Are they going to be on different levels for beginners and advance like they used to? I’m wondering about getting them for my mother. She always says exercise makes her feel nauseous. But I would like her to start doing something for her health.
By the way, how do you stay so slim? Is it genes or do you have to work at it? Don’t you have urges to pig out sometimes?
I never thought that weight would play such an important role in my life but it seems that after 30 nothing I could do could make me thin. So frustrating. It’s the bane of my life.
Take care and keep up the good work.
Best wishes from Germany
Jason
jeannette
cutie . . . so looking forward to what you will come up with next . . .luv
Lynn
Jane, It really is obvious from the new photos that something is different about your face. Restalyne, Collagen or the like.
I am sure you won’t publish this, but I feel I need to ask you, IF you are going to do “things” to your face, why not be HONEST about it?
It is such a disservice to women of a certain age to be such a role model for women and NOT say anything about it. It leaves women feeling that the skewed standards that society is forcing upon us are okay.
I know it is a private decision, but the fact that you are in the public eye, I think your fans have a certain need for your honesty about things like this.
You are so honest about other things, why hedge on this? I just don’t understand.
And you do look great, not so distorted like some!
I struggle with the decision to do “something” or not, my husband is younger than me by 15 years. He DOES NOT want me to do anything to my face, but I am feeling the pressure from society.
I hope I can not give in to that pressure.
I fear we will never know what a “normal” woman of 60 or 70 looks like it a fear years.
It is kind of a generic look women are getting these days…..they all look alike.
Abbie Scott
Hi Jane, I’ve been following your blog since day one and it has been both an inspiration and entertainment,.. I was one of the models for your book Pregnancy, Birth,and recovery.. Lots of pix of me in book .. my favorite on page 62 taken 9 days before delivery and the the other taken a week after delivery.. see page 200. I think I was a great example of what exercise can do.. One thing that was never mention in the book was my age which was nearly 43 at the time.. you and I are just the same age…I had been a dancer in New York and I think that helped… I have had 3 sons, 3 grands a few husbands.. and a two bouts of breast cancer… Am still the same weight and LOOK pretty good BUt am in crappy condition if the truth were know… When I read you were doing a new exercise DVD for older gals I thought Hmmm that would be interesting if I could be involved… I live in LA . please don’t think me presumptive I so believe in working out for all reasons but have lost the drive and have inhibitions and unexplained fears.. there must be others like me… Think what you are embarking on is exciting and NEEDED. I’d be a willing model for you once again.. might be a clever tie in with other book… same woman 28 years later .. look forward to your reply.. Warmly, Abbie
Susan
Hi Jane,
Love the new haircut; its shorter, right?
Karen
Hey Jane, still exercise to your old video when I get a chance, love the way that you had people of different shapes and ages in your videos doing different versions of your exercises, that was really different back then. Keep up the good work and I hope to see you on the silver screen again soon!
Nina Rhodes
Dear Jane: I do not know if you remember me but I opened the Ruffage and Anatomy Asylum with Richard Simmons in the 70’s and trained him and taught Leni who later came to teach for you. I admire all the you have done to enhance and inspire the lives of so many people. It is always a gift and an honour to be able to serve . Richard and I just had a wonderful reunion at his home a few weeks ago and indeed he does look wonderful. It was a sentimental get together and a wonderful trip down memory lane. I wish you all that you give so generously to return to you tenfold. Thank you …Nina Rhodes
laura
Jane, you look fantastic. I am 50 and am looking to have some work done. In southern CA, finding a GOOD surgeon is difficult. Can you share the name of your surgeon?
Diane Roloson
Jane, I am really looking forward to your new dvds. My first Jane Fonda video was one you did for pregnant women in the 80s. I was 44 at the time, a Major in The US Air Force, stationed in Osan Korea, and trying to keep in shape as I had to work right up to the last and then had only a month leave afterwards. Your workout was a lifesaver to me both before and after. Now I’m almost 69, still active but looking for a new routine especially when I’m at my cottage in Savusavu Fiji. Have a wonderful large screened in porch overlooking the bay which is perfect for working out. Thanks so much for being such an ideal role model for those who just want to stay young for as long as possible.
Carol
Your line “…burdening your body with obesity” stopped me in my tracks. As an obese woman with a busy life, words cannot describe the burden on my body. Which, of course, directly tranlates to my mind and spirit. You being a positive solution-finder for prevention is a great mission. We also need more people willing to be compassionate towards helpful solutions for those of us already burdened. Coincidentally to your blog post, I just ‘met’ Richard Simmons on his Sweatin to the Oldies and he is remarkable. Here’s to embracing the sweat!! Thank you for your life example of health.
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PJ Gaynard
Hi Jane!
My wife does your old vhs workout tape all the time and loves it. We both love the song Leslie Lilien does on your tape entitled “Do It”. Is there anyway to get a clean version of this song? We’d certainly be willing to pay for it! We love the song so much, and we want to share it with friends.