{"id":520795,"date":"2026-01-16T16:53:15","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T16:53:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/520795\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T16:53:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T16:53:15","slug":"ernie-hudson-80-swears-by-these-5-exercises-to-stay-in-shape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/520795\/","title":{"rendered":"Ernie Hudson, 80, Swears by These 5 Exercises to Stay in Shape"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ernie Hudson is redefining what ageing looks like, bucking trends so powerfully that the computer programs people use to recreate reality can’t begin to envision what he actually looks like. <\/p>\n

When fans congratulated the Ghostbusters actor as he neared his 80th birthday, Hudson took notice of a particular photo posted as a tribute. The image stuck out because the man in the photo looked nothing like Hudson does in real life \u2013 that person appeared to be about 50 pounds heavier, with heavy age lines in his face. Apparently when you ask AI what an 80-year-old Ernie Hudson looks like, it can’t fathom how fit<\/a> the man actually looks like IRL. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just awful,\u201d Hudson recalls in the latest episode of MH US’s podcast, Strong Talk, filmed just before his 80th birthday. \u201cI was surprised, but it\u2019s nice to know people are thinking of me at least.\u201d<\/p>\n

The people are thinking about Hudson. The actor was photographed a few years ago in a fitted black tee, and his fans had a hard time believing he was actually 78 years old at the time. Some commented that there needs to be an investigation on exactly why Ernie Hudson has barely visibly aged in 40 years \u2013 even though he has been a constant fixture onscreen since the 1970s.<\/p>\n

That’s exactly what MH fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S<\/a>. and exercise physiologist and strength coach Dr. Pat Davidson<\/a> did in the latest Strong Talk episode. There, Hudson speaks about the challenges of aging, what he does every day to stay in shape, and his thoughts on protein and bodybuilding.<\/p>\n

\""ghostbusters:<\/p>\n

Mike Marsland\/\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

First, Hudson wants to set the record straight. Lots of people online have come up with some creative ideas to explain his age-defying looks. But no \u2013 he doesn\u2019t eat anything special to keep him young. No, he hasn\u2019t spent money on a secret longevity hack. Hudson instead has focused on what he doesn\u2019t want to see. He knows ageing is inevitable, but there are aspects he can control, like his weight. Hudson has prioritised not letting his weight get too out of control and preventing his muscle from wasting away.<\/p>\n

He has five activities he does to keep his body in shape. He\u2019ll do three sets of push-ups<\/a> daily followed by bodyweight squats<\/a>. Then he\u2019ll do a plank<\/a> and some type of abdominal exercise, like a leg lift<\/a>. Every session then ends with a general stretch<\/a>. According to Hudson, a perk of this exercise regimen is he can do it anywhere whether it\u2019s the gym or in a hotel room. <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don’t need to get crazy with things, and you don’t need to. It really is about the basics and kind of doing a lot of what your mom says, like eat vegetables,\u201d Hudson explains. Walking is also a huge priority for the actor. He doesn’t get 10,000 steps every day, but he tries to hit the pavement wherever he is to keep the blood pumping in his legs. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s interesting because you’ve managed to get to this age, stay in shape, stay really functional, stay really able to move,\u201d Ebenezer observes. \u201cIt’s been less about strength training and rather discipline and more about staying active.\u201d<\/p>\n

But Hudson hasn’t completely ruled out strength training<\/a>. He just doesn\u2019t lift heavy as someone younger than him would. Instead, Hudson prioritises a larger number of repetitions \u2013 and a personal trainer to push him through it. \u201cI don’t want to get any bigger,\u201d he says. \u201cI’m not trying to be whatever, but I also don’t want my muscles to atrophy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Build strength, add muscle and strip body fat in 2026 with this simple four-week training plan from <\/strong>Men\u2019s Health <\/strong>fitness director Andrew Tracey. You\u2019ll also get a fully comprehensive nutrition guide, giving you the tools to create a smart, sustainable calorie deficit \u2013 without compromising your training. Tap the link below to unlock 14 days of free access to the <\/strong>Men\u2019s Health<\/strong> app and start training today.<\/strong><\/p>\n

CLICK HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, MS is the associate health & fitness for Men’s Health and has previously written for CNN, Scientific American, Popular Science, and National Geographic before joining the brand. When she’s not working, she’s doing circus arts or working towards the perfect pull-up.<\/p>\n