10 Fitness Secrets from the Victoria's Secret Angels' Personal Trainer
by Lucy McLaughlin
Let's be real-who doesn't want to know the fitness regimens of some of the world's most beautiful girls? Luckily for you, we spoke to Doutzen Kroes's and Adriana Lima's trainer, Michael Olajide, Jr.! Michael is a published author and former professional boxer who took his training tactics out of the ring to establish Aerospace NYC, one of Manhattan's most elite fitness destinations. Now, the Angels' tricks are coming right to you! Michael is sharing his 10 hallmark fitness tips, and we're pretty sure you'll never look the same again. Take notes!
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1."Make your workout athletic emulation," Michael says. "If you do what an athlete does, you'll end up looking like one! Plus, it won't be boring like weight-lifting or other monotonous activities, and the benefits are guaranteed." His favorite Angel-approved technique? "Shadow boxing. It's great! You can also do the conditioning a boxer does, like jumping rope, ab work, and push ups to supplement your activity." If you're more of a lover than a fighter, Michael also approves of ballet, running, and cycling.
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2. "Create your playlist so your song selection gets more motivating as you workout," Olajide says. "Adriana loves new electronica for her workouts. For Doutzen, her husband is a DJ, so he works with incredible electronic and house music, which is extremely motivating. It has a great pace, so you can really move to it. Some of the girls also like hip hop, such as Jay Z or Rick Ross." The cardinal rule of music selection? "The last song should be the most impactful."
3. Opposites attract when it comes to your workout. "If you are a high energy individual, learn to be still. Take a yoga class," Olajide suggests. "Do something that's counterintuitive to your personality. If you're dedicated to yoga, try a strength or speed program."
4. "Work out at least 6 days of the week," he insists. "It doesn't matter the intensity or the length of time. Just make it a daily habit."
5. "Do mostly cardio. Healthy blood flow is the cure to what ails most of us," Olajide says. This is arguably the most important tip of them all. Good cardio is the cornerstone of a healthy body!
6. "Do a workout with a learning curve, or something that requires developing a skill," Olajide says. "Think boxing, ballet, or kick-boxing. Doutzen loves ballet and Adriana does everything from bootcamp classes to boxing." If you're a member of a sports team, you're already working on this item, so good for you! If you're not, pick up a tennis or a swim lesson, or hop into a dance class.
7. "Hire a personal trainer once in a while to boost your abilities and teach you new things," says Olajide For some people, planning a workout can be the bigger challenge than the actual workout itself. Fitness experts call that "gym-timidation." Personal training is a solid first step to conquering your fear and kickstarting a routine that works for you. A trainer will cater to your needs, abilities, and desired results. All you have to do is show up! If you already belong to a gym, ask one of the staff members to tell you more about the training packages they offer. If your gym doesn't offer training services or if you don't have a gym membership, look into personal training gyms in your area. Just remember Michael's advice: It doesn't have to be a year-long commitment. Save up for one month of training, then try a month on your own. Revisit your trainer when you (and your bank account) feel it's necessary.
8. Make a date of it! "Train with a friend. Whether he or she is faster or stronger than you or not, you will learn from teaching as well as being taught," Olajide says. They say misery loves company, you know...
9. "Take one day out of the month where you don't eat or drink anything processed or manufactured," Olajide says. That's right-we're putting away our Kit-Kats. Eliminating processed foods starts will aids your internal organs all the way to the most external (not to mention the largest organ of them all, your skin!). Pay attention to how your body feels the morning after eliminating processed flour, chips, and other bad-for-you ingredients. You just might be surprised.
10. "Master the jump rope," Olajide insists. "It's the most convenient, efficient, and effective workout ever!"
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