STRONGER THAN EVER

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star talks to Us about staying fit and what the future holds

- JAIME HARKIN & ANDREA SIMPSON

Kyle Richards is in the best shape of her life. "I think back to when I was in my 20s and 30s, and I look K better than I did then, and that's after having four kids," says the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star. "It's definitely never too late!" Richards, 54, has made fitness a priority as she continues to navigate her separation from her husband of 27 years, Mauricio Umansky. (They are parents to daughters Alexia, 27, Sophia, 23, and Portia, 15; Richards also shares Farrah, 35, with ex Guraish Aldjufrie.) "When I was younger, I used to work out to lose weight," says the former actress. "Now it's for me - first and foremost, my mental health. The fact that it makes me look good is just a bonus."

You look fantastic. What inspired you to transform your body?

I had a breast reduction [in 2022], and I wasn't able to work out for eight weeks. At the time, I was on vacation in Europe, eating pasta and drinking wine and cocktails. By the end of the trip, I didn't recognize myself. I had also just lost my best friend to suicide, and I wasn't taking care of myself. After we left, I said, "That's it. I'm not going to have bad carbs - no sugar, no pasta, no bread, no alcohol. And I'm going to work out every single day."

Did you notice a big difference?

I started seeing results pretty fast. Even though I wasn't a big drinker, removing alcohol made such a difference in my skin and how I felt.

What do you do for exercise?

I've always worked out, but I was doing the same thing on repeat - I'd go on hikes and spin. I started including weights and running [and] hot yoga.

Your abs are amazing!

I wanted to get a tummy tuck when I had my breast reduction, and the doctor wouldn't do it; he said we'll talk about it [later]. I started doing a Peloton 10-minute abs thing, then 15 minutes every day.