What do you think?
Rate this book
Angela Lansbury's Postive Moves
Based on her bestselling videotape of the same name, TV star Angela Lansbury presents her own easy-to-use, proven-effective approach to living--one that has served her well and has given her the vitality for which she is so admired. Includes an outline of her daily exercise regimen, her favorite recipes and more. 2-color photos throughout.
176 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1990
5 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Angela Lansbury
31 books16 followersDame Angela Brigid Lansbury, DBE.
Actress. Recipient of five Tony Awards and six Golden Globe Awards.
Nominated three times for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Nominated for eighteen Emmy Awards.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) bestowed upon her a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. She received an honouary Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2013.
She was apppointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1994 and elevated to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2014.
Actress. Recipient of five Tony Awards and six Golden Globe Awards.
Nominated three times for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Nominated for eighteen Emmy Awards.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) bestowed upon her a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. She received an honouary Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2013.
She was apppointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1994 and elevated to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2014.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 25, 2023
I have been mourning Angela Lansbury, my Hollywood grandmother, these last few months, and having recently turned 40 myself I decided it was a good time to check in on her program for “fitness and well-being” in one’s later years. I might be growing older, but I am still eager to look fabulous in Bob Mackie should I ever be called upon to host the Tony Awards.)
Ultimately, I found the great actress’s account of her fitness and diet regime a little thin/idiosyncratic, though I did mark a vegetable soup recipe I might try later this week. In truth, the book’s real value is the bit of light it casts into Lansbury’s life and upbeat personal philosophy. She left us without writing a full memoir, so we must be grateful for the few stories about growing up in England, balancing professional successes with personal struggles, etc., that she included here.
If the soup is a hit, I will report back…
Ultimately, I found the great actress’s account of her fitness and diet regime a little thin/idiosyncratic, though I did mark a vegetable soup recipe I might try later this week. In truth, the book’s real value is the bit of light it casts into Lansbury’s life and upbeat personal philosophy. She left us without writing a full memoir, so we must be grateful for the few stories about growing up in England, balancing professional successes with personal struggles, etc., that she included here.
If the soup is a hit, I will report back…
January 15, 2024
Got this as a Christmas prezzie for the kitsch factor / my current obsession with Murder She Wrote. Ended up charmed by it.
One star lost for typical anti-fatness to be expected from a “fitness book”, particularly of its era. Still love you, Angie.
One star lost for typical anti-fatness to be expected from a “fitness book”, particularly of its era. Still love you, Angie.
November 9, 2022
Timeless
August 21, 2020
Much of the advice seems to be good advice to talk, although there were a few things I disagreed with as something I would want to do, personally. But I love that she explains that this is what she does, and not necessarily what everyone should do, because that means that she is sensible enough to know that what works for one person won't work for another. I also liked the pictures, especially ones from her movies and broadway shows.
January 10, 2025
When I think of positive moves, I immediately think of a blend of fitness and overall well-being. And when it comes to someone who gracefully embodied this, Angela Lansbury is the first person that comes to mind.
In 2014, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire upon Angela Lansbury, honoring her exceptional acting career and her dedication to charitable endeavors. This prestigious title is the female equivalent of a knighthood.
Angela Lansbury passed away in 2022, just shy of her 97th birthday, but I’ll always remember her fondly from the classic black-and-white films I'd watched. She was a Broadway star and went on to voice iconic characters in animated movies like the dazzling 1991’s Beauty and the Beast and 1997’s Anastasia. However, I most vividly remember her for her starring role in the beloved television series Murder, She Wrote, where she played the sharp-witted Jessica Fletcher for 12 seasons from 1984 to 1995.
Not long ago, I came across her book Positive Moves, which resonated with me. In Positive Moves, Lansbury shares valuable insights on the importance of living in the present and cultivating positive relationships. She reveals that every morning, she would treat herself to a mini massage with aloe lotion, followed by 10 minutes of gentle stretches - a practice that helped keep her mind and body aligned.
Angela’s passion for simple joys like walking, dancing freely, gardening, and swimming comes through in her book. She credits these activities as key components of her fitness and well-being, encouraging readers to incorporate them into their own lives. Throughout the book, she often reflects on how she sought to learn from others and integrated their positive habits into her routine.
One of the things I appreciate about Positive Moves is how Lansbury shares a glimpse into her diet. She includes some of her favorite recipes, like her famous loaf and a delicious garden vegetable soup. I recently made the soup, and I can say it’s a recipe I’ll be returning to again and again.
What’s also delightful are the illustrations included in the book, some of which show Angela herself mimicking the poses. It adds a personal touch, and you can sense the warmth and dedication she had to her own well-being.
Angela Lansbury’s legacy is one of elegance, grace, and positivity, both in her work and in how she approached life. Her book Positive Moves is a testament to her approach to aging gracefully, staying active, and embracing a healthy, positive mindset.
In 2014, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire upon Angela Lansbury, honoring her exceptional acting career and her dedication to charitable endeavors. This prestigious title is the female equivalent of a knighthood.
Angela Lansbury passed away in 2022, just shy of her 97th birthday, but I’ll always remember her fondly from the classic black-and-white films I'd watched. She was a Broadway star and went on to voice iconic characters in animated movies like the dazzling 1991’s Beauty and the Beast and 1997’s Anastasia. However, I most vividly remember her for her starring role in the beloved television series Murder, She Wrote, where she played the sharp-witted Jessica Fletcher for 12 seasons from 1984 to 1995.
Not long ago, I came across her book Positive Moves, which resonated with me. In Positive Moves, Lansbury shares valuable insights on the importance of living in the present and cultivating positive relationships. She reveals that every morning, she would treat herself to a mini massage with aloe lotion, followed by 10 minutes of gentle stretches - a practice that helped keep her mind and body aligned.
Angela’s passion for simple joys like walking, dancing freely, gardening, and swimming comes through in her book. She credits these activities as key components of her fitness and well-being, encouraging readers to incorporate them into their own lives. Throughout the book, she often reflects on how she sought to learn from others and integrated their positive habits into her routine.
One of the things I appreciate about Positive Moves is how Lansbury shares a glimpse into her diet. She includes some of her favorite recipes, like her famous loaf and a delicious garden vegetable soup. I recently made the soup, and I can say it’s a recipe I’ll be returning to again and again.
What’s also delightful are the illustrations included in the book, some of which show Angela herself mimicking the poses. It adds a personal touch, and you can sense the warmth and dedication she had to her own well-being.
Angela Lansbury’s legacy is one of elegance, grace, and positivity, both in her work and in how she approached life. Her book Positive Moves is a testament to her approach to aging gracefully, staying active, and embracing a healthy, positive mindset.
July 9, 2023
Such an uplifting read! Though the book was published in 1990 a lot of Lansbury's advice is very present day.
The book recommends daily stretching and breathwork. Encourages visualisation to promote confidence and setting healthy boundaries to manage stress.
The content and writing style are so breezy and light it feels like you are sitting down with auntie Angela for a good chat.
Right from a childhood of dancing across Regents Park in a toga, Lansbury had a positive, practical approach to life. We could all learn a lot from her.
There are still a few elements that feel very much Of Its Time. However as Lansbury herself states, take only what is useful to you. I for one will be starting my day with some deep breaths and stretching in homage.
The book recommends daily stretching and breathwork. Encourages visualisation to promote confidence and setting healthy boundaries to manage stress.
The content and writing style are so breezy and light it feels like you are sitting down with auntie Angela for a good chat.
Right from a childhood of dancing across Regents Park in a toga, Lansbury had a positive, practical approach to life. We could all learn a lot from her.
There are still a few elements that feel very much Of Its Time. However as Lansbury herself states, take only what is useful to you. I for one will be starting my day with some deep breaths and stretching in homage.
November 3, 2022
This is a delightful and quick read that one is able to do with the author's voice just saying the words in your head. Published in 1990, Lansbury's thoughts on managing her weight, moods, effects of aging and staying mentally healthy are mostly timeless. Also, for such a talent to have not written a high profile memoir, the personal perspectives and stories contained in this work make it essential to any further understanding of her.
I read this in preparation of an "in memorial" episode about Lansbury for my podcast, Advanced TV Herstory. It's a solid read with a few of her own recipes and fashion insights. What's not to love?
I read this in preparation of an "in memorial" episode about Lansbury for my podcast, Advanced TV Herstory. It's a solid read with a few of her own recipes and fashion insights. What's not to love?
January 2, 2024
Lansbury did exactly what she said she would do in this book - she answered fans who asked her "What do you do...." She had her own priorities and routine but she made it clear it was descriptive - not prescriptive. This book was never intended to me a workout book or a weight loss book, as some reviewers seem to think. It is a letter, in reply, to her fans. She seemed to be following the diet and fitness guidance of the day and we know a little more now. Still, I found it engaging and inspiring.
November 9, 2020
I am right there with her when it comes to physical exercises, self respect and healthy eating.
Her heteronormative world view is rather hard to digest though.
Her art shaped my life so I am definitely here for good and the old lady just got 96 (I think) so I assume she knows what's up... I just ignore the old fashioned view on womanhood
Her heteronormative world view is rather hard to digest though.
Her art shaped my life so I am definitely here for good and the old lady just got 96 (I think) so I assume she knows what's up... I just ignore the old fashioned view on womanhood
January 31, 2019
My friend Jonathan found a copy of this at the thrift store and gifted it to me. Love this woman! Bedknobs & Broomsticks was one of my favorites growing up. She's still kicking it at 93, so these wellness tips must be legit. The exercise photos made me LOL.
April 21, 2020
Part of my pandemic exercise plan is to tackle all of my vintage workout books. Full review here:
I Did Angela Lansbury's Positive Moves.
I Did Angela Lansbury's Positive Moves.
September 24, 2017
LOVE IT. Angela is an international treasure. If you can track down the video, even better.
July 27, 2018
Really enjoyed the VHS so I bought the book!
February 21, 2020
Fantastic! So many easy-to-follow ways to look after both your mind and your body.
March 10, 2021
I love Angela as Jessica Fletcher and that's the reason I bought this book. It offers some wonderful advice on living your best life and in a way helps you figure out how to romanticize your life.
December 23, 2021
Pleasant read. Simple and practical advice on exercising and how women should view their bodies. Recommend
July 25, 2025
my only compliment is girl needs way more protein to her daily food intake
March 8, 2026
Some outdated health information but a nice book on aging well. Really enjoyed.
February 22, 2009
She really gives you an insight into her life. Her family during WW2. And her regiment on health.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2016
Wonderful book and video, if it's still available. My grandmother got these and I just loved them. Angela Lansbury is a treasure :)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews