Denise Richards, 55, Reveals How She Keeps Her Abs Rock-Hard Decades After Fame

Denise Richards, who rose to fame in the 1990s as a pin-up icon, continues to impress fans with her incredible physique at 55. Even as a mother of three, the former Playboy model shows abs that many would envy. While she has faced rumors about plastic surgery, Denise has been open about her procedures, saying, “I have only done my boobs and I am very open and honest about that. I have had the same nose, if people look it up, and the lips.”

Her fitness journey has included major changes to her diet. In 2019, she went gluten-free after fans on Real Housewives noticed her enlarged thyroid.

Denise shared on social media, “It’s amazing to me in a short time eliminating gluten from my diet how much my thyroid has changed. A few of you pointed out after the #RHOBH reunion that my thyroid was enlarged. You were right, it was something I ignored until pointed out. I had no idea how much our diet really can affect our body and for me how toxic gluten really is … I thank all of you who sent me messages. #selfcare.”

Denise also reintroduced meat and fish into her meals and prefers grazing throughout the day rather than sticking to traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She told Women’s Health, “Usually I like lunch or dinner food for breakfast, but sometimes I’ll do typical breakfast food, like an omelette with buffalo mozzarella, tomato, and basil.” She snacks on fresh vegetables, cheese, and nuts and enjoys cooking meals like roasted chicken with vegetables or artichokes with balsamic drizzle.

When it comes to exercise, Denise relies on Pilates, dance, and hiking. She explained to HuffPost, “My secret to staying in shape is consistency. When I consistently stick to my routine, that is when I feel my best. I also think you need to work out for your own body. Just because something works for someone else, doesn’t mean it will work for you.”

Regarding her famously toned abs, she told Self, “I am very active. I found what works for my body—everyone’s body is different. For me it’s Pilates and dance. My abs get the best workout with my Pilates reformer—I had two C-sections and it was the only thing I found that got my tummy flat.”

Denise also uses modern technology to maintain her figure. She is a fan of Emsculpt Neo, a non-surgical body contouring device that combines electromagnetic and radio frequency energies to build muscle and reduce fat. The device targets the abdomen, triggering 20,000 muscle contractions in a 30-minute session—equivalent to 20,000 sit-ups.

Denise Richards’ approach proves that staying in shape is a combination of smart diet choices, consistent exercise, and using tools that work for her body. At 55, she is a reminder that age doesn’t define fitness or confidence.

What do you think of Denise’s fitness routine and her impressive abs? Could her diet and exercise tips inspire your own routine? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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