Training for Every “Era:” How Taylor Swift's Workout Routine Inspires Us

Inspired by my daughter, I’ve become a Swiftie. Rachel and I are so excited to see Taylor perform this Fall in Indianapolis at the same venue where we were spectators at the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials earlier this summer.

Not only is Taylor Swift an incredible entertainer, she’s also an incredible athlete. Her sport is performing – on stage for three hours without rest. Her workout routine must prepare her for that grueling, yet exhilarating, challenge. Thank goodness for us, she trains!

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Ahead of the Eras Tour’s debut, Taylor revealed her determination to make each show worth every penny fans spent on tickets. "They had to work really hard to get the tickets,” she told TIME. “I wanted to play a show that was longer than they ever thought it would be because that makes me feel good leaving the stadium."

Taylor's trainer, Kirk Myers of The Dogpound, shed light on how he prepared her for this massive physical and emotional undertaking. "Taylor is the most resilient person I have ever met,” he told Vogue. “It's super inspiring to see her consistently overcome obstacles and become better and stronger in the end. This also translates into her training and throughout her workouts."

Taylor’s Intense Training Regimen

Taylor started her intensive training six months before her first show, knowing that this would be the most physically demanding challenge of her career. Each Eras tour show runs for approximately three hours and 15 minutes, during which she sings 44 songs across nine albums and dances almost the entire time.

To prepare, Taylor took an unconventional yet effective approach: she trained by singing on the treadmill. “Every day, I would run on the treadmill, singing the entire set list out loud,” she said. “Fast for fast songs, and a jog or a fast walk for slow songs.” This not only built her stamina, but also trained her vocal cords to perform under physical stress. Runner’s World estimated that Taylor ran about 16 miles during each workout! Wow! She aligned her pace with the beats per minute of her setlist songs.

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Everyone is an Athlete

This brings us to a crucial realization: Everyone is an athlete. Whether you're preparing for a global tour like Taylor Swift or simply aiming to stay active, dedication to physical fitness is paramount. Taylor is 34 going on 35, and as she navigates her career, she’s also setting an excellent example for those approaching perimenopause.

Getting your physical movement in check around this age, before perimenopause, is crucial. It’s akin to training for a sport. Perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause, can bring a host of changes—fluctuating hormones, weight gain, and a slowdown in metabolism. Regular exercise helps combat these changes by boosting metabolism, maintaining muscle mass, and improving mood and energy levels. Trust me, we want to be in excellent physical condition no matter how severe your symptoms may be. 

Just as Taylor trains for the stage, we can train for life. Incorporating a mix of metabolic work, strength training, and mobility exercises will prepare our bodies for the demands of perimenopause and beyond. Consistency is key, and finding an activity you enjoy makes it easier to stick with it.

Remember, you don’t have to run 16 miles while belting out your favorite songs to be an athlete. Start where you are, and build up gradually. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a dance class, or a strength training session, the goal is to keep moving.

And let's not forget the joy of music in our workouts. Our daughter Rachel, an avid Taylor Swift fan, loves to dance around the house to Taylor's hits. Frankly, at least half of my workouts include jamming! 

So, take a cue from Taylor Swift. Embrace your inner athlete, prepare for the changes that come with perimenopause and menopause, and train for life. Just as Taylor has proven through her rigorous tour preparation, resilience and dedication can lead to remarkable strength and endurance. And who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire the next viral workout challenge.

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SEE ALSO: HOT TAKE: Fasting Is Not for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause