That's Fit

Curious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy.

My guest this week became famous as one of the hot, yet capable babes of Charlie's Angels. This role that burned Cheryl Ladd's name and face into our minds forever, in my opinion, will not in the end, be what we remember her for. We spoke recently both over the phone and in person, and she definitely showed a side of her I hadn't expected to see.

Although stunningly beautiful, and more capable of turning heads at age 57 than most women are at 25 ... Cheryl's most impressive quality in my book is her willingness to take care of other women. She's investing a lot of time in guiding and educating other Baby Boomer women about menopause. Menopause is often a taboo, hush hush topic. But Cheryl has embraced her age and stepped up to the plate to help make her personal experience with menopause an educational experience for others. She shared a bunch of private experiences with me and offered advice for growing more beautiful each year. Read on to learn how to age as gracefully and gorgeously as she has.

Fitz: You're an iconic figure in beauty. You've aged flawlessly, and to me ... you're prettier today than you were 30 years ago starring in Charlie's Angels. What can we do, to be more like you?

Cheryl: First of all, I think it's most important for women to have a close relationship with their doctor. It's important to trust your doctor, so when things go weird you are comfortable addressing the situation and taking care of things. Be proactive with your health! You also have to love yourself! Beauty comes from the inside first.

Fitz: Well your outside is pretty fantastic too. Let's start with your fitness routine. What do you do to stay in such great shape?

Click here for a sneak peek at Fitz's live interview with Cheryl!

Gallery: Celebrity Fitzness Report with Cheryl Ladd

Cheryl: I do water aerobics three times each week, a kickboxing/yoga class twice each week, and walk up "Butt Hill" often.

Fitz: Butt Hill?

Cheryl: Yeah! The driveway to my house is half a mile long and very steep! My girlfriend and I walk up and down the driveway twice with the dogs for a total of two miles. The workout is a killer for our butts, so we call it Butt Hill.

Fitz: Do you love your butt?

Cheryl: I don't think any woman loves her butt. In fact, I work out so hard, I often wonder what I would be like without all of this hard work. Ack!

Fitz: I wouldn't want to know what I'd be like without all of the effort either. So what about your eating habits?

Cheryl: For the most part I'm a low-carb girl. I do however enjoy scalloped potatoes a lot. And I never say "never" to anything. I just consistently make good choices.

Fitz: What is your favorite healthy dish?

Cheryl: I love to go to the gourmet market near my home after the gym. I go in there in my gym clothes and head straight to the salad bar. I load it with veggies, chicken and more. It's truly a glorious salad and I love it. I also adore blueberries. I don't think anyone could ever consume too many blueberries.

Fitz: Mmmm. I could devour blueberries by the pound as well. Good choice! What is your favorite not-so-healthy dish?

Cheryl: Golly, that's easy! The Baskin Robbins near me stopped carrying it, but I love their Lemon Custard ice cream. I literally dream about it. I also love any type of potatoes.

Fitz: And now on to skin care. You really have aged flawlessly. Do you use fancy Hollywood skin care products?

Cheryl: I really just don't wear makeup on most days. If I go out in the daytime, I'll cover up my shiny spots or blemishes, but other than that ... I keep it low maintenance and simple. I also have a pretty good moisturizing routine. Now, when I'm on film it takes a whole wrecking crew to load me up with makeup. But that's not my norm.

Fitz: How do you feel about Botox, plastic surgery and other more invasive measures to prevent aging?

Cheryl: I'm not opposed to people doing minor procedures if it makes them feel good. Little lifts and tucks here and there are fine if it makes someone happy. I do believe it gets weird if people go too far. We should embrace aging. We can't stop it all the way and if we try, it ends up looking strange!

Fitz: You've been married for quite a while.

Cheryl: 27 years!

Fitz: Do you still try to look pretty for your husband?

Cheryl: We're obviously super comfortable and casual with each other at this point, but yes ... I still try to look nice for him.

Fitz: Does he still give you great feedback?

Cheryl: Of course! He'll often tells me I'm beautiful.

Fitz: Being Cheryl Ladd, the world expects all of your days to be perfect. Do you ever have gross days?

Cheryl: Absolutely! I often feel bloated, zitty or hate my hair.

Fitz: Unlike most people, you have to get in front of cameras when you're feeling that way. Any tricks to getting past it?

Cheryl: First, I call in my inner-girl when my outer-girl is not looking so hot. I also have some great dresses that are loose around the middle. I pair those with some great heels, fabulous jewelry and amazing makeup. That usually does the trick!

Fitz: You know, it's nice to hear how hard you work to stay fit and be healthy. I think a lot of people think celebrities have some magic gene that keeps them gorgeous and thin forever.

Cheryl: Unfortunately, there is not! There are no free rides for any of us!

Fitz: It's important for people to know that. So do you have a favorite place to vacation?

Cheryl: We love to go to Scotland, because my husband is Scottish. We also love Hawaii.

Fitz: Do you exercise on vacation?

Cheryl: I always exercise. If I don't, I feel like I can't eat! We golf a lot in both Scotland and Hawaii. I love how the gentle breezes caress my skin in Hawaii. I do a lot of walking and swimming while there. We also eat a lot of sushi.

Fitz: You've spoken out to support women going through menopause. Why is that so important to you?

Cheryl: Because for every woman, it is new and strange! The whole experience is kind of like going through puberty. And just like puberty ... there is not a one-size-fits all experience! Some girls had one-day periods that were light and we all hated them, right? The rest of us were tortured! Menopause is just as unique to each woman going through it. A side affect of menopause for me was waking up with heartburn. It was solved easily though. Since I have a great relationship with my doctor, I just went in for a quick visit. He told me not to worry, gave me some Prilosec OTC and the heartburn stopped! Things like that were easier for me to handle because of my proactive attitude and comfort with my docs.

Fitz: What type of doctor do you see that can handle all of your needs?

Cheryl: I have a few of them: a family practice doctor, a gynecologist and an endocrinologist. I believe it's vital for women to find a doctor they can be consistent and comfortable with. If each woman has a great relationship with their doctor, they'll be more likely to go and get all the little things taken care of so they never turn in to big things.

Fitz: Everyone should have that.

Cheryl: Of course they should! We also need to be proactive when we arrive at the doctor's office. Have questions written down, be prepared. The doctor is not Oprah Winfrey and they don't have all day to be inquisitive. We need to take control of our concerns and be ready to address them.

Fitz: That is fabulous advice.

Cheryl: It's worked for me!

Fitz: Thank you for spending so much time with me, Cheryl. You're a really talented actress, and a lovely person with a stunning outside. I appreciate you getting real with me for the AOL audience.

You can see more of Cheryl at CherylLadd.com.

Cheryl also recommends visiting KnowMenopause.com.