At 50, Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank is stepping into this stage of life with a strong mindset: stay grounded, feel strong, and move with intention. As a new mother to toddler twins, Swank is learning how to balance parenthood with personal well-being.
“Exercise took a back seat for a little while,” she told Women’s Health, where she appears as the May cover star. Like many new parents, she had to adjust her priorities. But now, she has found a routine that helps her stay active and clear-headed. When her twins are napping, she uses the time to get moving—whether it’s walking on a treadmill while reading scripts, practicing Pilates, or playing tennis.
“Right now, my go-to is tennis and Pilates,” Swank said. “I used to do three days a week of strength training. I love lifting. It just makes me feel really grounded in my body.”
To save time and stay consistent, Swank is building a gym at home. Her newest addition is the AmStaff Fitness SD-5000 All-In-One Smith Machine. She describes it with pride, holding up a photo like a proud parent. For her, convenience is more than a luxury—it’s a way to keep fitness part of her daily life.
Physical activity has always played a role in Swank’s life. She was once a competitive swimmer and gymnast. Now, her focus is on energy, long-term health, and setting an example for her children. “I’m a very different parent than I would’ve been even in my early 40s,” she said. “I’m much more present. I’m really interested in their brains, what makes them tick—and I’m not divided. I can be hands-on and focused.”
Her wellness approach goes beyond exercise. Swank follows a mindful diet. She avoids dairy, eats little meat, and chooses meals that are rich in protein and energy. Her typical meals include morning porridge, sardine salad on sourdough bread, and coconut yogurt with granola in the evening.
Above all, Swank says her secret to well-being is perspective. “Energy is flowing when you’re happy to be where you want to be—because you made a choice to be there,” she said.
