Natalie Morales in a Bikini: Why the News Icon’s Fitness at 53 Still Goes Viral

Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on the internet looking for fitness inspiration, you’ve probably seen those shots of Natalie Morales in a bikini. They usually pop up every summer like clockwork. One minute she’s reporting on a hard-hitting story for CBS Mornings, and the next, she’s trending because of a vacation photo or a charity swim.

But here’s the thing. People act like it’s some big mystery how a 53-year-old journalist maintains that kind of physique while juggling a career that requires 3 AM wake-up calls. It isn't magic. It's actually kind of intense.

Morales has been a staple on our screens for over two decades, moving from the Today show to The Talk and now her current roles at CBS. Through all that, her commitment to being an elite athlete hasn't wavered. She isn't just "active." She’s a marathoner. A triathlete. Someone who literally climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for charity. When you see her in a swimsuit, you aren’t looking at a "beach body" made in a month; you’re looking at the result of decades of "pounding the pavement," as she often calls it.

The Reality Behind Those Viral Vacation Photos

Most people see the images and think "genetics." Sure, her Brazilian roots (thanks to her mom) probably help, but Natalie is vocal about the grind. She’s dealt with the same stuff we all do as we age. In recent interviews, she’s opened up about perimenopause, thinning hair, and the realization that her body can't handle the same 26.2-mile beatdown it used to.

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"At 53, things hurt a little more," she basically admitted recently. She’s had to pivot from those grueling marathons to things like "funyasa"—her own blend of yoga—and weight training.

Why the Public is So Obsessed

There is a specific reason why "Natalie Morales in a bikini" stays a top search term. It’s the relatability factor mixed with a bit of "how does she do it?" fascination. In a media landscape that often feels filtered to death, Morales is remarkably transparent. She admits to getting Botox. She talks about using drugstore toothpaste and dealing with "the gunk" on her skin after being in heavy TV makeup all day.

When a photo of her at the beach goes viral, it resonates because she looks strong, not just thin. It’s a "life in motion" aesthetic.

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Shifting Gears: From Marathons to Mindfulness

For a long time, running was her therapy. She started in high school as a way to deal with the stress of moving around as a "military brat." But lately, she’s had to listen to her body. Plantar fasciitis and piriformis syndrome—which is basically a literal pain in the butt—forced her to retire the racing bib.

She hasn't stopped moving, though. Not even close.

• Hot Yoga with Weights: She’s a big fan of CorePower Yoga. It’s that mix of "breathe and focus" with actual muscle-building resistance.
• Horseback Riding: This is her new obsession. She’s called it her "therapy" and even jokes that she "feeds her therapist hay."
• The "Kit" Influence: Her friendship with Kit Hoover is legendary. They often spend their work breaks hiking together instead of sitting in a trailer.

The Longevity Secret Nobody Talks About

We focus on the muscles, but for Natalie, the fitness is about the brain. Her family has a history of Alzheimer's and her father suffered a stroke at 52. That’s a heavy shadow to live under.

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She exercises because she’s terrified of losing her cognitive edge. She does crosswords. She learns new languages (she's fluent in Spanish and Portuguese). She’s basically trying to "future-proof" her brain by keeping her body in peak condition.

It’s a sobering reminder that while the internet might be looking at the bikini, she’s looking at the MRI results. She wants to be present for her sons and her husband, Joe Rhodes. That’s the real "why" behind the 5 AM workouts.

What You Can Actually Learn from Natalie’s Routine

If you want to pull off the "Natalie Morales look," it’s less about a specific diet and more about a lifestyle shift. She’s not into deprivation. She’s famously said, "Give me wine, cheese, and chocolate, and I’ll talk for days."

1. Stop "Should-ing" Yourself: She recently talked on the Wild Card podcast about how she’s letting go of what she "should" look like.
2. Weight-Bearing Exercise is Non-Negotiable: Especially for women in their 50s. You need the bone density.
3. Sun Protection is Key: She swears by tinted SPF 50. You don't get that glow by burning.
4. Embrace the Pivot: If your knees hate running, find a horse. If your back hates the gym, find a pool. Just don't stop moving.

The "Natalie Morales in a bikini" phenomenon isn't going away because she continues to represent a version of aging that feels aspirational but attainable. It’s about grit, sunscreen, and the willingness to sweat when you’d rather be sleeping.

To get started on a similar longevity-focused path, focus on adding one weight-bearing session to your weekly routine and prioritizing a consistent SPF 50+ application to protect your skin's elasticity as you age.