Photo credit: Instagram)
(Photo credit: Elise Neal Instagram)
By Derrick Lane
Elise Neal, a self-proclaimed “southern girl,” is known for playing memorable, award-nominated roles in movies such as “Hustle and Flow,” The Real Husbands of Hollywood, Hollywood Divas, movies like Logan with Hugh Jackman and many more.
Her model-like physique hasn’t gone unnoticed either…she’s been turning heads for years. In fact, the now 60-year-old Elise (yes, hunny…she’s 60 and fine!)
In 2015, actress Elise Neal posted a few bikini pics on Instagram to show off her amazing, fit body — and it immediately broke the internet. Why? Because the jaw-droppingly beautiful actress looks like women half her age!
Now that Neal is 60, she’s still turning more heads than women half her age. But how does she do it?
Elise has revealed some of her healthy eating and workout tips that help her maintain her sexy look.
Dancing is Her Secret Ingredient
“I started dancing at 6 years old, so fitness is something I do regardless,” Neal told People. “I train and work out really hard regardless of whether I’m in a film, or if I have to do something physical for a project or not. I’ve enjoyed being fit my whole life.”
“As a dancer, you could do six classes in a day, and that’s just kind of the lifestyle,” she said. “Working out an hour or an hour and a half every day is the norm for me unless it’s really, really hectic. I just love it. I feel better, I sleep better, I don’t get angry with people so much. It helps me all the way around. I’d like that feeling to continue so I try my best to keep it up.”
Dancing, as you can see if you follow her on her Instagram, has really helped her to develop (and stick with!) a fitness routine.
In addition to dancing, Neal has launched her own fitness boot camps that share exactly what workouts she does, as well as what she eats to maintain her internet-breaking body:
Prioritizing Strength Over Size
One of the biggest shifts Neal has discussed is moving away from aesthetic-only fitness goals and toward functional strength and health markers.
At 60, her focus includes:
Maintaining bone density
Supporting joint health
Preserving balance and coordination
Enhancing metabolic health
This mindset aligns with growing research showing that strength training can help reduce the risk of falls, fractures, and chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Neal frequently incorporates:
Squats and lunges
Deadlift variations
Core stabilization exercises
Upper-body resistance training
Her training style reflects a modern understanding of aging — strong is the new slim.
Two smiling Black women posing in a TV studio. The woman on the left wears a black faux leather peplum jacket and pants with gold necklaces. The woman on the right wears a vibrant green satin-like dress.
(Photo credit: Elise Neal Instagram)
Nutrition: Fueling Performance and Longevity
Fitness alone doesn’t explain Neal’s vitality. She has also emphasized mindful eating habits that support energy and recovery.
Her general nutrition approach includes:
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High-Protein Meals
Protein supports muscle repair and helps maintain metabolic rate. Neal reportedly prioritizes lean sources like fish, chicken, eggs, and plant-based proteins.
Hydration and Skin Health
She consistently speaks about drinking plenty of water — not just for fitness performance but for maintaining healthy skin.
Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods
Her diet leans toward vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, helping reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
Portion Awareness
Rather than strict dieting, Neal promotes balance and moderation, which helps avoid burnout and yo-yo weight changes.
Recovery and Mental Wellness Matter Too
An often-overlooked aspect of fitness at any age — especially after 50 — is recovery. Neal has highlighted the importance of rest, stretching, and mental health practices.
Her wellness habits reportedly include:
Adequate sleep
Yoga and flexibility training
Meditation or mindfulness practices
Limiting stress where possible
Chronic stress can accelerate aging processes and increase disease risk. By prioritizing mental wellness, Neal supports both her physical performance and emotional resilience.
