It’ been two years since Serena Williams announced her retirement from professional tennis, but the athletic legend isn’t exactly slowing down. At 42, Williams is finding new ways to stay active and engaged, embracing her role as a mother and continuing her commitment to fitness.

“As a mom, I’m actually way more active than what I was during tennis,” Williams shared on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna earlier this year. Despite no longer competing in major tournaments like Wimbledon, she finds her days filled with activity, thanks to her energetic daughters.

During her tennis career, Williams maintained an intense training regimen, often pushing her body to its limits. She revealed to MasterClass that she used to “almost break my body down” to be “ready for anything.” Now, while she doesn’t need such a hardcore workout routine, she’s still dedicated to staying in shape.

Williams keeps her energy levels high through a variety of cardio exercises. “I do HIIT workouts (high-intensity interval training), a little stretching, a little strength training, but mostly cardio training,” she told Vogue in 2022. She is also a fan of the Tonal home gym system, a smart gym company she has invested in. “I do the cardio exercises on Tonal, which is really helpful for me just to get my body back and used to calisthenics,” she shared.

Her fitness regimen also includes time on her Peloton bike, which she finds incredibly motivating. “Those Peloton people are so inspirational!” she told Self in 2021. 

While Williams goes hard at the gym, she’s also mindful of the importance of rest and recovery. She listens to her body and knows when to take breaks. In 2022, she told Vogue that she enjoys running but opts for the elliptical when her knees need a gentler option.

Williams takes a practical approach to nutrition. “My philosophy is eat to live. Don’t live to eat,” she told Women’s Health in 2021. She enjoys her treats but primarily views food as fuel for her body. Her dietary habits have evolved over the years, including a period when she adopted a vegan lifestyle to support her sister Venus, who was diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome.

“I realized that I didn’t feel weaker, I didn’t feel like (my body) was missing something, and I actually had a lot of energy,” she told Essence in 2022. Today, she follows a mostly vegan diet, allowing some flexibility for non-vegan foods occasionally.

Hydration is another key aspect of Williams’ wellness routine. She aims to drink a gallon of water daily and relies on Gatorade when she needs an extra boost. “Hydration is super important for everything from skin to muscle recovery,” she told Glamour in 2021.

Even during pregnancy, Williams didn’t slow down her workouts. She shared her pregnancy fitness routine on YouTube, emphasizing the importance of staying active even while expecting.

After giving birth to her second daughter Adira in 2023, Williams took a practical approach to getting back in shape. She shared her journey on social media, encouraging other mothers with her realistic and positive attitude. “Loving yourself is essential,” she posted on Instagram, highlighting the importance of self-love at every stage of life.

Williams is also dedicated to raising confident daughters. “What I’ve learned about embracing my power and strength and what I would like to pass on to my daughter is to love who you are,” she said during an interview with Tonal home gym in 2022.

From her rigorous tennis training days to her dynamic life as a mother and fitness enthusiast, Serena Williams continues to inspire. Her journey is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to health and well-being. As she navigates this new chapter, Williams shows that the spirit of a champion extends far beyond the tennis court.