I spend a lot of time looking at photos of Marilyn Monroe and ones that always stand out in my mind are the early photos of her lifting weights and jogging. In the 1952 photos taken by Philippe Halsman she’s wearing a terry cloth bikini style top and jeans. Today we see photos of celebrities working out all the time so to see these images of an Old Hollywood Icon working out really blew my mind! If you’re a fan of Marilyn then you know she was open about her exercise routine and eating habits. I love this 1952 excerpt from Pageant magazine where she said: “Frankly I’ve never considered my figure so exceptional; until quite recently, I seldom gave it any thought at all. My biggest single concern used to be getting enough to eat. Now I have to worry about eating too much. I never use to bother with exercises. Now I spend at least 10 minutes each morning working out with small weights.” She goes on to say she couldn’t stand exercise if she had to feel “regimented about it.” Marilyn was a woman ahead of her time in many ways and I think her approach to fitness was definitely one of those ways!
For the most part fitness has always been apart of my life but it wasn’t until 2009 that I really started making it a priority. It wasn’t until the last year or so that I started to view working out as an essential part of my self care routine. I can honestly say I look forward to my daily at home spin classes! Each class and instructor has something different to offer which keeps things feeling fresh interesting.
Is exercise part of your self care routine? I’d love to know how you stay active!
Special thanks to Marilyn for inspiring this post AND shout out to my Mom who recently completed a half marathon at 60!!!
1950s style Western Jeans from Vivien of Holloway, Nike light-support shimmer sport bra.
Photography by Little Photo Fox.