How Tracee Ellis Ross Stays Radiant At 52: Her Best-Kept Fitness & Self-Care Secrets Revealed
In Tracee Ellis Ross, we trust.
The California-born diva continues to inspire us with her vibrant energy, unshakeable confidence, and dedication to self-care. As the actress and beauty mogul recently celebrated her 52nd birthday, it's the perfect time to reflect on the rituals that keep her glowing and joyful. Known for her love of fitness, mindful travel, and nurturing wellness routines, Tracee exemplifies the power of prioritizing self-care.
Now, more than ever, Black women need to be intentional about how we care for ourselves. Here, we’ll dive into some of her go-to practices that keep her grounded, radiant, and aging gracefully—a true icon of self-love and wellness.
Take the Moments
In an interview with PEOPLE, the founder of Pattern Beauty emphasized the importance of meticulous planning and organization in presenting one's best self. According to Ross, setting up her Pattern headquarters necessitates "mapping out with military precision" to ensure a successful and effective operation.
“That is perhaps both an escape and a defense mechanism, and also how I get it all done. But I take the moments: what I call it is being mindful and slow between A and B. So instead of rushing between things, I really allow myself to be present between them.”
The rich auntie continued, “I'm not sleeping well. One of my responses to menopause has been I just am not sleeping well, but sometimes I'm able to sleep in. And this morning I was able to sleep in. And then I wandered around the city. So I get to recharge by being able to sleep in when I can, by being a person in the world, by cooking for myself, by taking a bath, by connecting and being with my family, all of those things.
"I'm just like everybody else, just trying to find the fun things to do, watching TV, way too much TV on my iPad.”
Tracee's Holistic Approach to Fitness
Keeping the mind and body strong is a top priority for this one. In the realm of fitness, the black-ish star adopts the Tracy Anderson Method, a renowned technique favored by a number of celebrities. In 2017, she told PopSugar, “I feel sexy, and strong and beautiful when I’m working out. The movements are very dancer-esque, and I’ve been really enjoying it.”
The method combines strength-training mat classes with dance-cardio classes, aiming to reshape your muscles into long, lean, and robust ones. This approach is said to be based on two decades of scientific research conducted by Anderson, who has helped women of various body types achieve a dancer's physique.
According to Tracee’s trainer, Jason Walsh, they’ve been focusing on full body patterns, and “her goal is increasing her overall strength and muscle coordination,” he told Shapein 2022. “We are always focused on reinforcing her fundamental movement patterns.”
From weights to kettlebells to battle ropes, there’s nothing the Girlfriends alum won’t try. Tracee also incorporates Gyrotonics into her fitness routine, prioritizing balance, strength, and flexibility throughout her body. The Gyrotonic Method employs specialized equipment designed to enhance an individual's well-being by opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, extending range of motion, and boosting strength and movement efficiency.
Her pre-workout meal: applesauce. “And I do not like applesauce at all. But I was told that that kind of pure, good-for-you sugar 15 minutes before a workout will make your workout more productive. Whether it works or not, I have no idea. But I suffer through eating the applesauce,” she confessed to The Wall Street Journal in 2022.
When it comes to her food, she makes most meals herself, even deeming herself the queen of the salad. It’s her way of loving herself which helps with avoiding sugar, dairy, and gluten. But if she wants a treat, she’s gonna have a treat. The actor told PopSugar in 2017, “I eat chocolate if I want chocolate. I’m a big salty person; I love olives, I love potato chips, I love French fries.”
Choosing Gratitude and Compassion for Her Body Over Judgment
Best of all, she is gentle with herself. During the pandemic, she got transparent about her journey. “With all the sharpness and harshness and violence and fear that has been around, perhaps the softness of my body is a blessing. It has been able to nurture me in a way that my mind could not... I really encourage and invite all of us to receive the wisdom of our bodies right now and allow the softness, the weight, the whatever — and be grateful. I made it through this year!"
Frequent Flyer
The enthusiastic globetrotter is collaborating with Roku to create a thought-provoking docuseries centered around the concept of solo travel. With her characteristic passion, Ross aims to honor and motivate individuals who embrace the unique journey of self-discovery, empowering them to live their lives authentically and courageously.
Tracee’s travel style combines comfort, practicality, and personal rituals to create a relaxed yet intentional experience. This is what we know from her interview with The Traveler.
Flying Attire: As an airport outfit, Tracee opts for “fancy sweats” by Pangaia, preferring oversized pieces with deep pockets and a hoodie for warmth. She also wears thigh-high compression socks to improve circulation.
Preparedness: She always carries a large tote and a roller bag with essentials, having learned from past lost luggage experiences.
Hydration & Health: Tracee challenges herself to drink at least two liters of water on flights to stay hydrated.
Comfort Over Everything
For vacations, she values sunlight-filled rooms and authentic local food, steering clear of overly experimental cuisine. She frequently revisits her favorite destinations, finding comfort in familiar places she knows well, including a longtime favorite in Mexico.
A bathtub is a must-have, helping her unwind upon arrival, while strong fragrances in hotel linens are a pet peeve due to her sensitive nose. She also likes to settle in by unpacking her bags and sanitizing her space.
Japan and Spain are top on her travel bucket list, and she hopes to visit soon.
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Featured image by Tracee Ellis Ross/Instagram
Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
Entertaining Like Ayesha Curry: Expert Advice For Holidays Done Right
Be prepared to wow the crowd.
It’s officially the holiday season, which means parties and gatherings galore. Between Friendsgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve celebrations, many of us are preparing to host loved ones in our homes one or two times between now and the end of the year. No matter the occasion or season, hosting for family and friends is a labor of love. But we can also agree that entertaining can be overwhelming, especially for first-time hosts.
As a seasoned host and entertainer, Ayesha Curry knows something about creating a memorable event for loved ones. Whether preparing for an intimate dinner with your immediate family or hosting a larger crowd, your guests will think you are a pro this holiday season with her tips on everything from welcoming guests to setting a beautiful table.
Q: What is your top tip for hosting?
Ayesha Curry:Part of being a great host is spending time with your guests, which means you can’t be stuck in the kitchen. Prep is key! I usually serve wine with the meal, but a cocktail or mocktail is a great way to greet guests. I prep the garnish the night before and batch the drink just before guests arrive. When the party begins, I pull everything out of the fridge and am ready to serve.
Writer Note: If you would like to offer non-alcoholic beverages for your sober or sober-curious guests, I love Saint Viviana Cab. It maintains full-body cabernet and flavor; no one will ever guess it’s alcohol-free. You can easily create a signature mocktail using Bittermilk’s Smoked Honey Whiskey Sour mix.
Q: Do you suggest any prep for serving or cooking?
AC:I lay out all my serving dishes and utensils the night before with little post-it notes saying what goes where. That way, I’m not digging around for anything. For more elaborate menus, I lay out quarter sheet pans and label them with tape according to the dish. I prep and measure everything for each recipe and then load each sheet pan with everything needed to make the dish. I wrap each tray in saran or foil, stack them, and place them in the fridge. Pull out the sheet pan you need when cooking, and everything is ready. It’s something I learned at the restaurant that saves so much time.
Q: What’s one item that should always be on a dinner party menu?
AC: Bread or roll with butter is excellent for holding guests over if the kitchen is delayed.
Q: What’s one non-menu item you should always have on hand?
AC: For a non-menu item, wine!
Q: How do you decide on a theme or menu for a gathering?
AC: It all starts with the occasion and the guest list. If it’s a group that doesn’t know each other very well, I may get more elaborate with the theme to help break the ice. For a group of friends or family who don’t get to see each other very often, I usually keep it simple so the evening can be all about catching up. A great playlist, good wine, and a family-style menu are all you need.
Q: Should attendees be expected to bring a gift?
AC: If I’m hosting, I’m not expecting gifts. The gift is taking time to come over and enjoy a meal with me! But bringing something to enjoy at the gathering, like a bottle of wine, is always appreciated.
Q: What are three affordable gifts that guests can give a host?
AC:A bag of excellent coffee is a beautiful gift for a host. Sweet July’s House Blend Coffee is sourced from all-female co-ops, so it’s a gift I love to give to the women in my life. Whether it’s being served after dinner or just for the host to enjoy on their own, you can’t go wrong with a bag of high-end coffee.
Fresh flowers are great if you have a host who likes total control over the food and beverage menu. Go for something neutral in color that can work with any décor.
The Sweet July Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar set is my go-to host gift. Bottled in Napa, it’s a gift any foodie will appreciate - and use!
Q: What are some creative tablescape or decor ideas that you love?
AC: I like to keep my dinnerware neutral and classic (like this ceramic collection in nutmeg) and infuse color and texture through linens. For centerpieces, I want to use what I have in my yard. If it’s summer, it might be flowers or greenery, but interesting branches can also look architectural in tall, clear vases next to tapered candles in the colder months. There’s no need to spend a ton of money on flowers.
With Ayesha’s tips, you can create a holiday gathering that your family and friends will cherish forever.
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Featured image by Getty Images