This Is What 20 Years Of Pilates Looks Like

For the past two decades, Denise Richards has maintained her slim, strong physique, not to mention her sanity, while raising three kids, appearing in nearly four-dozen film and television roles and dealing with her share of hardships along the way. And the former Bond Girl’s secret weapon is better than anything 007 might be stashing. It’s Pilates.

- Claire Connors

A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN DENISE RICHARDS ’ LIFE SINCE HER BREAK THROUGH ROLE IN THE SIZZLING-HOT 1998 CRIME DRAM  WILD  THINGS . Since then, the now 46-year-old actress has appeared in more than 75 television and film projects, including starring as Bond Girl Dr. ChristmaHer Pilates teacher keeps her mind and body in alignment. s Jones in The World is Not Enough, and in next year’s sci-fi thriller, Alpha Code. Her personal life has been just as eventful. In 2002, she married actor Charlie Sheen, with whom she has two adorable, tow-headed daughters, Sam, 13, and Lola, 11; after divorcing Sheen, she adopted a third child with special needs, Eloise, who is now six.

One thing that hasn’t changed is Richards’ nearly flawless body, which is as sculpted and toned as it was when she was in her 20s. Her age-defying secret? A two-decades-long devotion to Pilates. “I’ve always loved to be fit and active,” she says. “I had tried all kinds of workouts in my early 20s, but Pilates made my body feel unlike any other exercise I had ever done.”

Of course, the first time she saw the Reformer she was understandably confused. “I came from classic gym machines and weight lifting,” she explains. “I couldn’t figure out what you could do on a Reformer to make you feel like you’d worked out.” She quickly learned that Pilates was definitely a real workout. “Anyone who thinks that Pilates isn’t challenging enough hasn’t found the right teacher.”

Twenty years later, she has the hard abs, lean, toned limbs and impeccable posture that is proof positive that Pilates has remained her practice of choice. The busy mom of three tells us how the method continues to help her stay strong—and grounded—and why it never, ever gets old.