February 13, 2026, 7:17 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
The years go by, and age doesn’t spare Hollywood legends. Among them is Kevin Costner, who celebrated his 71st birthday this January. Yet, like many of his famous celebrity peers, the star actor remains quite fit. FITBOOK reveals how he does it. Spoiler: Lifting weights daily and radical diets aren’t the only factors, and Jennifer Lopez plays a role.
First of all, Kevin Costner follows less strict routines than, for example, Sean Penn. The former “Yellowstone” actor has chosen a more balanced and modest approach to staying healthy. His mindset helps him age gracefully. For his 68th birthday in January 2023, he shared the following on Instagram: “Don’t believe what they say about aging. Every past year is a gift, and it gets better with time. Thank you for the birthday wishes.” The multiple Oscar winner consciously embraces aging.
What Jennifer Lopez Has to Do With Kevin Costner’s Fitness
But Kevin Costner also needs to stay fit. It’s known that at the start of 2025, he set a goal to get in top shape and gain nearly five kilograms of muscle mass. The reason: The 71-year-old spent a few days in Aspen with Jennifer Lopez and other friends. And J. Lo, who at 56 remains incredibly in shape, apparently inspired him.
An unnamed insider told the U.S. magazine “People” that J. Lo’s “incredibly fit” body and her “eternally youthful” aura had a “big influence” on Kevin Costner’s decision to improve his fitness. “She is one of the people who inspires him to go to the gym and prove that age is just a number,” added the unnamed source. “Of course, it requires a lot of commitment, not just in the gym but also in the kitchen.” This includes a protein-rich diet plan from his personal chef, tailored to his training program.
“He wants to be able to take off his shirt and show a six-pack, like he did in his heartthrob days. And his trainer has told him that this is quite possible at his age, so he’s pretty motivated,” said the unknown expert.
“Like a Child Who Didn’t Want to Eat Vegetables”
However, unlike many other Hollywood stars, Kevin Costner long avoided any juice cleanses and strenuous workouts. He revealed a few years ago to “Entertainment Weekly” that he declined a green health drink from Woody Harrelson on the set of “The Highwaymen.” “He places great importance on health,” Kevin Costner admitted. “I shook my head like a child who didn’t want to eat vegetables anymore.”
Alternatives to the Gym
Otherwise, it’s known from earlier reports that Kevin Costner preferred a “daddy workout” over a dumbbell workout. Especially when his children were young, he chose parenting over going to the gym. “Forget dumbbells. I just lift my kids about a million times a day and chase after them when they run off in all directions,” he told the “Chicago Sun Times.” He also grew up with traditional American sports like basketball, baseball, and American football. So, he probably shot some hoops now and then.
The Love of Nature
Kevin Costner also attributes his longevity to spending a lot of time in nature and being active outdoors. “I believe one of the most important factors is that I’m not idle. I’m on the move. I go outside and make the most of my life,” he told “GQ Australia.” Among his hobbies are fly fishing and horseback riding, preferably along the coast in Santa Barbara with his children, searching for crabs.
Also high on the list: sweaty manual labor on his ranch in Aspen, Colorado, which he manages himself. “I don’t herd cattle, but I work on it. I build the roads and do all the other stuff, just because that’s how it’s done,” he told talk show host Conan O’Brien on his “Late Night” show.
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Kevin Costner Is a Hunter and Gatherer
As one might guess from his enthusiasm for the outdoors, his attitude toward food is quite similar. Although Kevin Costner hasn’t revealed much about his favorite dishes, some insights from interviews suggest that he leans toward being a hunter and gatherer.
During the “Entertainment Tonight” tour of his Santa Barbara estate, he looked out at the coastal view and said, “I go right out there to catch lobsters.” And the sea creatures have plenty of protein. In another interview on “The Rich Eisen Show,” he revealed that he has also hunted quail and rabbits and collected special mushrooms. This means his diet is likely very nature-oriented.
Music as a Fountain of Youth
And finally, Kevin Costner’s love for music continues to this day, keeping him young. The actor still performs as the frontman with his rock/country band “Modern West” and even goes on tour. And honestly, what keeps you younger than a relaxed evening with friends and strumming a guitar?