Fabulous Over 50: Meet the Trainer Who Keeps Jane Fonda and Jamie Lee Curtis Fit
In the quest for eternal youth, personal trainer Malin Svensson has become a go-to fitness guru for the 50-plus crowd in Hollywood. With a client list that includes celebrities like Jane Fonda, Jamie Lee Curtis, Maria Shriver, and even the daughter of Barbie doll creator Ruth Handler, Barbara Handler, Svensson’s Nordic Body fitness philosophy and approach to life have become increasingly popular.
Svensson firmly believes that age is just a number and doesn’t define a person’s overall well-being or physical abilities. I’m empowering the 50-plus crowd to live a fun, healthy, and fulfilling life, she says. We want to not only look good but also continue enjoying all the activities we used to do in our 40s and 50s as we age. Maria Shriver, one of Svensson’s clients, praises her focus on balance, movement, and strength as essential elements of aging gracefully.
Svensson’s training approach emphasizes building strength while preventing potential injuries and reducing aches and pains. Drawing upon her background as a nationally ranked runner in Sweden and her master’s degree in physical education, she treats all her clients like athletes. Her Nordic Body system consists of nine functional strength-training exercises that target all the major muscle groups.
Among Svensson’s notable clients is the legendary Jane Fonda, with whom she has been working for over a decade. Despite being 86 years old and having specific physical considerations, Fonda feels completely supported and cared for by Svensson. Malin is one of the kindest, most caring, forgiving, and careful trainers I’ve ever had, Fonda shares. She describes the moment when Fonda approached her at the gym as a starstruck experience, comparing it to if the Dalai Lama were to hire a spiritual teacher. Fonda’s trust in Svensson’s expertise and personalized care speaks volumes about the trainer’s reputation.
In addition to providing in-person training sessions, Svensson adapted to the pandemic-induced changes and launched an online program through Nordic Body’s website. Surprisingly, Svensson credits actress Lily Tomlin for inspiring her to take this step. Tomlin expressed her preference for virtual workouts, which challenged Svensson’s preconceived notions about her clientele’s willingness to embrace online fitness. Realizing that if Tomlin, in her 80s, saw the value in it, then others might as well, Svensson decided to expand her reach and meet the demands of a changing world.
Barbara Handler, another long-time client of Svensson, highly admires her trainer’s ability to improve strength, balance, and flexibility. She attributes her successful recovery from a fractured ankle to Svensson’s training, which focused on these crucial elements. Many of Svensson’s new clients come through referrals, such as Jamie Lee Curtis, who was introduced to Svensson by her best friend, Suzanne Yankovic. Curtis applauds Svensson’s advocacy for embracing strength, flexibility, and mental agility, regardless of age.
Svensson’s dedication to helping others extends beyond her one-on-one training sessions. She offers an online certification program for fitness professionals interested in becoming Nordic Body trainers. Additionally, she plans to launch a licensing program for luxury gyms and fitness centers later this year. To further inspire and motivate individuals, Svensson is releasing a monthly podcast in May called Age & Attitude, featuring her notable clients and sharing inspirational stories.
Malin Svensson’s passion for empowering the 50-plus crowd is evident in her training methods and the success stories of her clients. Her refreshing philosophy on aging and commitment to helping others live fulfilling lives is admired by Hollywood’s elite. With her online programs, certification courses, and upcoming podcast, Svensson is set to make a lasting impact on the fitness industry and motivate people of all ages to pursue their fitness goals.
As Svensson says, This is my passion – to get us 50-plus motivated. And with her notable celebrity clientele attesting to her expertise and care, it’s clear that Svensson is on a mission to redefine what it means to age gracefully and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.
