Kelly Ripa is no stranger to sharing candid moments with her Live with Kelly and Mark audience. 

Recently, the beloved daytime TV host opened up about an unexpected challenge she faces: engaging her glutes. 

During a fun segment on Friday’s episode, Ripa revealed that as she ages, she has to work harder to activate 

and engage her glute muscles — a common struggle for many as they get older.

The conversation was sparked by her husband and co-host, Mark Consuelos, who read an interesting article about the benefits of backward walking as an exercise. 

Consuelos explained that walking backward activates different muscles than walking forward, including the glutes, hamstrings, calves, and even stretches the quads and hips. 

As the segment unfolded, it became clear that Ripa’s humorous and relatable comments about trying to keep her glutes in check resonated with many viewers.

The Struggle to Engage Her Glutes

While discussing the benefits of backward walking, Ripa couldn’t help but reflect on her own experiences with staying in shape as she ages. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m going to speak on behalf of myself. The older I get, the harder it is to engage — and I’m constantly trying to engage my glutes,” Ripa admitted. In an amusing and candid moment, she added, “Like, I’m doing it right now. But they just don’t seem to — they don’t fire up the way they used to.”

This lighthearted admission was a relatable moment for many viewers, especially those who have experienced similar difficulties as they age. As Ripa shared her glute-engaging struggles, she playfully acknowledged the challenge of keeping up with the demands of fitness as you grow older.

Backward Walking and Its Benefits

The discussion about backward walking took a humorous turn when Consuelos mentioned that it engages muscles differently than forward walking. He explained that the exercise helps activate the glutes, hamstrings, and calves while also stretching the hips and quads. “You just need a spotter with you. You need somebody to walk behind you or just guide you,” Consuelos said, emphasizing the importance of safety while trying this exercise.

Ripa teasingly responded, saying that she is often the “humble guide” for Consuelos when he practices his backward walking. “I guide him around,” she said, making the interaction feel like a fun and genuine moment between the two.

A Beach Exercise for Safety

The conversation continued to be lighthearted and playful, with Live executive producer Michael Gelman chiming in from off-camera. Gelman suggested that the beach might be a safer place to try backward walking, as walking near water could help avoid accidents. Consuelos agreed, joking, “What are you going to do? Walk into the water?” Gelman’s suggestion added to the relaxed atmosphere of the show, with Ripa and Consuelos clearly enjoying the playful banter.

A Sneak Peek into Ripa and Consuelos’ Relationship

As co-hosts, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos share a dynamic and easy-going chemistry on Live with Kelly and Mark. Their candid and humorous exchanges give viewers a glimpse into their personal relationship. Their off-the-cuff comments about each other’s quirks, like Consuelos’ backward walking habit and Ripa’s glute-engagement struggles, allow fans to feel as though they are part of their everyday conversations. This chemistry is one of the reasons why the show continues to be so successful.

An Honest Moment on Aging

Ripa’s openness about the challenges of aging and staying fit — particularly her struggles with engaging her glutes — is a refreshing departure from the often idealized portrayal of fitness and health in the media. By sharing this personal struggle, Ripa connects with viewers who may face similar challenges and reminds them that it’s okay to laugh about the things that don’t work as well as they used to. It’s a message of acceptance and humor in the face of life’s inevitable changes.

As Live with Kelly and Mark continues to entertain its audience, moments like these, where Ripa and Consuelos share a laugh over everyday challenges, remind viewers that even celebrities face the same hurdles that everyone else does — and sometimes, the best way to handle them is with a little humor and a lot of heart.

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