‘Little House on the Prairie’ Alum Melissa Gilbert Shares Favorite Workout and 1 Relatable ‘Blessing’ of Exercising at Home
Melissa Gilbert had a starring role in the Little House on the Prairie cast for nine seasons. Playing Laura Ingalls for the entire run of the series, Gilbert is still recognized as her character from Walnut Grove and maintains a strong fan base.
Active on social media, Gilbert just posted her latest workout after undergoing neck surgery and wanted to share the wealth with her followers.
‘Little House’ cast member Melissa Gilbert has had several neck surgeries
Gilbert has been open about her neck and spine issues, sharing that her third spinal fusion in 2016 had failed. Undergoing another surgery in November 2020, the Little House alum continues her recovery and recently shared how she is getting back into shape.
“Guys, this is my very favorite workout of all time!” Gilbert wrote on Instagram on Feb. 23. “@cardiobarre. It’s creator, my pal @richardgiorla created it after a massive hip injury. I started doing it after my first neck surgery about 20 years ago.”
At 56 years old and very attuned to what works best for her personal fitness, Gilbert raved about this particular routine at this phase of her life.
“I’ve done every workout imaginable in my lifetime and my body just loves this one best,” the former Dancing With the Stars contestant explained. “It builds beautiful long, lean, toned muscles and flexibility. Very, very important for all women but especially the menopausal women like me. I started back a few days ago as I’ve healed from my last neck surgery and work is on the horizon.”
Melissa Gilbert of ‘Little House’ sees the upside of home workouts
With the coronavirus (COVID-19) shutting down gyms and exercise classes in many states, Gilbert discovered a positive in working out at home.
“Also, if I’m being honest I’ve gained a bit more than the standard Covid-19,” Gilbert revealed. “More like the Covid-25. One blessing of not being able to go to class because of the virus, is that I am not feeling intimidated by all the young, bendy, beauties in class. I’m competing with no one but myself.”
The Little House star shared how to obtain classes both online and for those who have spotty WiFi connections.
“Classes are streaming online,” Gilbert wrote. “But, if you’re like me up here in the #catskills and your internet sucks, #cardiobarre has DVDs for sale on their website.”
Health and wellness are priorities for ‘Little House’ alum Melissa Gilbert
The Little House actor encouraged her followers to ease into the exercise routine, and focus on getting stronger and more flexible.
“If you try this workout, start slow, don’t not push, be patient with yourself and your limitations,” Gilbert advised. “I promise that, in time, you’ll see progress. I’m a few days in and I can already feel my strength and flexibility increasing a wee bit. … Here’s to a healthy and strong 2021!!
Prior to her surgery, Gilbert called upon her former Little House character to help her be brave as she faced another procedure amidst the pandemic.
“I’m channeling my inner Halfpint for this one,” she wrote on Instagram on Nov. 16. “The one who believes anything is possible. The one with courage and moxie to spare!!”
Gilbert updated her followers seven days post-op with good news, along with a video explaining her procedure.
“Though I am only one week out, it is clear that this surgery for me has been a life altering experience,” Gilbert wrote. “On this Thanksgiving day though I am isolated from all of my loved ones, I am so filled with gratitude.”
