In a surprising twist to their long-standing partnership, Joanna and Chip Gaines have embarked on a new journey together: working out. Despite being married for two decades, raising five children, and running multiple businesses, this mutual hobby has only recently become part of their routine. Joanna, now 46, shares that the motivation behind this change is her desire to stay fit for her youngest son, Crew, who is six years old. The couple has found a virtual trainer at their home gym on Magnolia Farm in Waco, Texas, where they push each other to achieve their fitness goals. This new phase in their marriage has brought them closer while also inspiring Joanna’s latest children’s book, The World Needs the Wonder You See.
In the heart of Waco, Texas, during a season of personal growth, Joanna Gaines reflects on the importance of staying active for both herself and her family. For over two decades, she and Chip have built a life filled with shared successes, from raising five children to establishing thriving businesses. However, it wasn’t until recently that they decided to add another chapter to their story—working out together.
Joanna explains that the inspiration came from wanting to set a good example for her children, particularly her youngest, Crew. “I feel like every choice I make now will affect me when I’m older,” she says. “I don’t want to wait until I’m 70 to realize I need to fix things.” With this mindset, the couple began meeting with a virtual trainer in their small home gym on Magnolia Farm. The sessions have not only improved their physical health but also strengthened their bond as they hold each other accountable.
This new routine has marked a fresh stage in their relationship, bringing them closer through mutual encouragement. Joanna adds, “It’s been fun because we’ve done so much together already, and now this is something completely different.”
Beyond fitness, Joanna finds daily inspiration in her son Crew’s outlook on life. His curiosity and wonder about the world around him have motivated her to slow down and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments. “He’s always looking out the window, noticing things first,” she says. “He has this childlike faith that if he just looks, he’ll find something amazing.”
This perspective has deeply influenced Joanna’s latest children’s book, The World Needs the Wonder You See, which explores the wisdom that can be learned from children. She emphasizes that while parents often think they are teaching their kids, it’s equally important to listen and learn from them. “What are the kids teaching me right now?” she asks. “And how can I bring that to life in a way that resonates with others?”
Through Crew’s eyes, Joanna has rediscovered the joy of finding wonder in the ordinary, reminding adults to embrace the same sense of awe and curiosity that comes naturally to children.
From a reader’s perspective, this story highlights the importance of continuous personal growth and the value of learning from those around us, especially our children. It serves as a gentle reminder to pause, reflect, and find inspiration in the simplest moments of life.