Carrie Underwood has never shied away from sharing her passion for health and wellness, but the country superstar’s approach to fitness has shifted dramatically over the years. Now 41, Underwood says she’s focused less on meeting industry-driven standards and more on building lasting health—both for herself and her family.

A Shift from Aesthetics to Longevity

In a candid 2023 interview with People Magazine, Underwood reflected on her early motivations: “I feel like earlier in my career I was working out more to be a certain size or fit into a certain aesthetic that I thought I wanted to be. And now I feel like I work out more to be strong and to have energy and longevity.” It’s a sentiment that echoes across her public statements and is now at the heart of her wellness philosophy.

“I’ve worked out a whole lot and been frustrated because it wasn’t the results that I wanted,” she explained. “I feel like now at this point in my life, you really do learn that it is a lifestyle, it’s balance. It really is playing the long game, right?”

Building a Sustainable Routine

Underwood’s current routine is all about adaptability. As a touring artist and busy mother of two boys, she often uses her fit52 app for workouts that can be done with minimal equipment, wherever her schedule takes her. Strength training, cardio, and stretching are all key components—alongside regular practices like yoga and foam rolling for recovery.

Her diet has also evolved to prioritize health and satisfaction. Underwood follows a vegetarian, mostly plant-based approach, with staples like sweet potatoes, quinoa, eggs, tofu, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. She isn’t rigid about indulgence, allowing for treats like dark chocolate in moderation, emphasizing that consistency and self-kindness matter more than perfection.

Hydration remains a priority, too: Underwood tracks her water intake using BODYARMOR SportWater and gamifies her daily refills, making it a fun and achievable wellness goal.

Motivation: Family and Longevity

Underwood’s biggest motivator? Her family. “I want to take care of myself just so I’m able to be around for my kids for as long as possible, and actually be able to keep up with them,” she said, referencing sons Isaiah, 7, and Jacob, 3. Her demanding career, which includes high-energy concerts and marathon days on tour, makes stamina essential—but her ultimate goal is being present and active for her children’s milestones.

As she puts it, her fitness journey is now less about fitting a mold and more about “mommy multitasking”—balancing shows, home life, and staying healthy, even when it means squeezing in a workout between loads of laundry or during downtime on tour.

Wellness Beyond the Gym

Mental health and community are equally important in Underwood’s routine. She regularly shares her progress and setbacks on social media, encouraging her fans to embrace effort and consistency over unattainable standards. Her fit52 app and food journal help her (and users) track meals, workouts, and calories burned—not for perfection, but for honest self-awareness.

Underwood’s commitment to flexibility, recovery, and self-compassion underscores a broader cultural shift in health and fitness—one that values long-term well-being over quick fixes or superficial goals.

A New Era of Wellness

With her evolving approach, Carrie Underwood continues to inspire fans to see fitness as a journey, not a destination. “It’s not about being a certain size,” she says, “it’s about being strong for the long haul.” In an industry obsessed with image, Underwood’s message is refreshingly real—and a testament to the power of playing the long game.