Carrie Underwood has long been recognized as a powerhouse—not just on the country music stage, but in the fitness world as well. Yet even as the multi-platinum artist continues to wow audiences, launch her own workout gear line, and juggle the demands of motherhood, her approach to staying active has evolved into something far more relatable: flexibility, balance, and self-compassion.
From Rigidity to Realism: A Fitness Journey
Before becoming a mother, Underwood followed an intensely structured routine, often working out six or seven days a week. But family life and a thriving career forced a shift in priorities. “You just have to cut yourself some slack,” she told People.com in 2017—a sentiment she’s continued to echo over the years.
Recent interviews in 2024 and 2025 reinforce that her “do what you can” philosophy isn’t just a fleeting trend. Underwood now accepts that sometimes a workout means squeezing in a 20-minute session or getting creative with exercise while on the move—whether it’s running after her kids or doing pull-ups at the park.
What Carrie’s Workouts Really Look Like
Underwood’s current routine is defined by adaptability and variety. Here’s a closer look at how she stays in shape without letting perfect become the enemy of good:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Historically six days a week, but now fits in workouts as life allows—sometimes just one or two times weekly. |
| Duration | Quick 20-minute sessions or longer routines (up to 90 minutes) when her schedule permits. |
| Exercises | Running, strength training (free weights, bands), cardio intervals, yoga, and innovative “card-based” workouts. |
| Creative Hacks | Deck-of-cards workout assigns exercises by suit; on-the-go fitness includes stroller cardio and playground pull-ups. |
| Pre-Event Prep | More cardio, fewer weights before big events or shoots to avoid muscle puffiness. |
Her long-time trainer, Eve Overland, also helps craft these diverse sessions for the Fit52 app, ensuring Underwood—and anyone following along—gets a mix of movement that can work for almost any schedule.
The Power of Self-Compassion
At the core of Underwood’s approach is her commitment to “cutting herself slack.” She’s vocal about the importance of accepting that not every week will look the same. “Sometimes it’s one or two times a week and that just kind of has to be OK,” she’s explained. For Underwood, it’s not just about fitness—it’s about feeling good, being present for her family, and setting a healthy example for her sons.
Her workout motivation is also bolstered by family support, and by the confidence she feels wearing her own CALIA by Carrie Underwood activewear line. “I always feel better going into a workout if I love what I’m wearing,” she’s shared.
Nutrition, Recovery, and Holistic Wellness
While workouts are central to her routine, Underwood doesn’t neglect recovery or nutrition. She follows a primarily plant-based diet, focusing on whole foods and making healthy swaps (think slow-cooker veggie lasagna and banana-based “nicecream”). Recovery practices like yoga, stretching, foam rolling, and massage guns help her stay injury-free and ready for whatever life—or tour schedules—throw her way.
Sticking with What Works
Even as trends come and go, Underwood’s “fit it in when I can” mindset remains consistent. Recent reports from 2025, including features in StyleCraze and Fort Nash, highlight her use of bodyweight exercises and commitment to realistic, sustainable fitness goals. The takeaway? For Carrie Underwood, perfection isn’t the goal—progress, adaptability, and self-kindness are.
Her journey resonates with fans balancing families, careers, and wellness: you don’t have to do it all, all the time. Sometimes, cutting yourself slack is the healthiest choice you can make.
