Erika Jayne is ready for the stage, but it’s her transformation off-stage that has sparked conversation. The “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star, preparing to reprise her role as Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway, has been open about the changes in her physique — and the one activity she credits for her recent weight loss.
As the 53-year-old prepares for her return to Broadway, Jayne shares how her fitness routine, diet, and personal health have evolved as she works to stay in top shape for her demanding performances.
Staying Fit for Broadway
Erika Jayne’s schedule is packed with intense rehearsals, including six-hour sessions for Chicago, where she balances vocals, choreography, and stage direction. Yet, while dance rehearsals themselves are physically demanding, Jayne maintains a disciplined fitness routine to complement her Broadway rehearsals.
She works out twice a week at HVY Industry gym in Los Angeles, where she focuses on strength training with her trainer, David Scott. “Lifting weights is all about preserving muscle and bone density, which changes with menopause,” Jayne explains. Strength training has become an essential part of her routine, particularly as she navigates the hormonal changes that come with aging.
Jayne also incorporates Pilates into her workout regimen, attending classes at Motivate Pilates. “It’s a nice combination,” she says of the pairing. “Strength training gives you one type of fitness, but Pilates adds a certain kind of strength.”
The Broadway Rehearsal Challenge
Despite her regular workout schedule, Jayne admits that rehearsals for Chicago demand so much energy that additional training is often sidelined. “When you rehearse for Broadway, you don’t have time for anything else,” she says. Rehearsing for the role of Roxie Hart, which she first played in 2020 before the pandemic halted her run, involves rigorous practice. “We do vocals, choreography, and then we put it all together,” she explains.
As she prepares for her return to the stage, Jayne says she feels a sense of responsibility to give the audience a performance worth remembering. “I want people to come and forget their life for two hours and just have a good time,” she adds.
Diet: Protein Is a Priority
In terms of her diet, Jayne prioritizes protein to help maintain her muscle mass. “It’s hard to keep muscle on post-menopause, so protein is key,” she explains. Her go-to meals include chicken or steak, along with pasta when she’s in full rehearsal mode. “When you’re rehearsing for a show like this, you can eat anything,” she jokes, though she tries to eat lighter on her days off.
At 130 pounds, Jayne says she feels healthy and strong. “At 53 years old, I work out, I have great blood pressure, and I feel good,” she says. “That’s why I can still perform on stage — still putting on shoes, kicking my legs, and razzle-dazzling.”
Knee Care and Injury Prevention
While staying fit, Jayne also focuses on protecting her body, particularly her knees. She has undergone three knee surgeries since she was 16, which have left her with lingering instability. “My patella doesn’t glide properly,” she explains, making it important to keep her legs, quads, and calves strong.
Her commitment to injury prevention helps her maintain the stability needed for dance and fitness routines, ensuring she remains injury-free despite the physical demands of her performances.
Motivation from Her Costumes
For Jayne, her fitness and diet are often inspired by the costumes she wears on stage. “What kind of silhouette am I going to have? What kind of lines will I create?” she reflects on her costume fittings for Chicago. She adds that feeling comfortable in her clothes is vital for her performance. “I hate feeling tight in something I have to wear on stage,” she says, adding that discomfort can disrupt her entire show.
Despite rumors about weight loss medication, Jayne has been transparent about her health journey. “I lost weight hormonally,” she says, attributing the change to menopause rather than weight loss drugs like Ozempic.
A Healthy and Active Lifestyle
Ultimately, Jayne’s approach to health is one of balance. “I’ve taken care of myself as best as possible with the resources I have,” she states. As she prepares for Chicago and her continued television appearances, Jayne’s commitment to fitness, diet, and self-care remain key to her success both on and off the stage.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET and streams on Peacock the following day.
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