Chip and Joanna Gaines’ New Fitness Journey

Chip and Joanna Gaines, renowned for their home renovation expertise, have embarked on a new chapter in their personal lives by embracing fitness together. During a recent appearance on the “Stronger” podcast hosted by Don Saladino, the couple revealed that despite knowing each other for nearly 25 years, they had never worked out together. Joanna expressed her surprise at this realization, noting that while Chip had trained for a marathon in the past, she was pregnant at the time, and they never considered exercising as a joint activity.

A Shift in Perspective

The decision to start working out together came after Joanna reached out to Saladino, a well-known fitness entrepreneur and coach. She recognized the need to invest more time in her wellness routine, especially after observing her parents’ health challenges. Joanna shared that witnessing her father’s recent knee and hip surgeries prompted her to take proactive steps towards maintaining her health.

Overcoming Challenges Together

In January 2025, Joanna shared on Instagram that she and Chip began their fitness journey together in September. Initially hindered by a college back injury, she struggled with basic exercises like push-ups. However, with dedication and support from Saladino, she proudly achieved fifty push-ups, marking significant progress. Joanna emphasized overcoming excuses related to age, injury, and busyness to prioritize fitness.

Focusing on Forward Motion

On the podcast, both Chip and Joanna discussed the challenges of comparing their current fitness levels to their younger selves. Joanna admitted that while she initially aimed to regain her teenage physique, working with Saladino helped her focus on moving forward rather than looking back. Chip echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining skills that once came naturally but emphasizing the importance of perseverance even when tasks become challenging.