In just under three weeks, Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima, Gigi Hadid, Taylor Hill, Josephine Skriver et all will take to the Victoria’s Secret runway in Paris for the sexiest fashion show of the year. But how will the genetically-blessed models amp up their workouts (and their diets) for their big moment on the catwalk? We’ve got the inside scoop on how the Victoria’s Secret Angels get in shape ahead of the show…
Adriana Lima
Veteran Angel Adriana Lima is a fan of working out, full stop. “The secret is to watch your portions but I also work out a lot. Working out a lot isn’t necessary but I am very active and my body can endure intense workouts,” Adriana told Hello! “I love working out and food is a source of energy so it’s very important. I also have two kids and they keep me pretty much in shape running around the house.”
Alessandra Ambrosio
Fellow long-time Angel Alessandra Ambrosio prefers Pilates to keep in shape, with ankle weights to make the exercises tougher. “It’s important to break a sweat every day, and I love the way Pilates makes me feel long and lean.” Alessandra told Self Magazine. “In Brazil, it’s all about the butt. Some girls naturally have the big round one, and they aren’t shy about it. Others have to work out to have it. For mine, I put five pound weights on each leg, get on all fours and kick each heel up toward the ceiling.”
Lily Aldridge
American Angel Lily Aldridge is a champion of barre classes for keeping her body toned and trim. “I love Ballet Beautiful,” Lily told Shape Magazine. “May Helen Bowers is my trainer. It’s changed my body in a beautiful way. But I hate running. I can’t get in that zone that people talk about. I don’t get it. I’m like ‘you’re lying!’”
Gigi Hadid
One of the newest Victoria’s Secret recruits, Gigi Hadid has made no secret of her love of two things: boxing and cheeseburgers. “Eat clean to stay fit, have a burger to stay sane,” is famously her mantra. The natural athlete (she was on every sports team imaginable at High School) loves being challenged during her workout and is a particular fan of Gotham Gym, where she is put through her paces in the boxing ring, toning her core while increasing her stamina at the same time.
Karlie Kloss
Karlie Kloss has a refreshing approach to exercise, whether it’s boxing, running or dancing. “I am constantly on the move and love to be active,” Karlie told Grazia. “I studied ballet my whole life, so dance is a huge part of life for me and part of my exercise routine. But I also love to learn and practice different ways to strengthen my body by trying out different strengthening exercises and intense workouts like ones I’ve done with Nike Training Club Master Trainers. I like to switch it up and think that’s the best way to really challenge my body and become stronger in every way.”
Josephine Skriver
One of the newly crowned Angels as of February 2016, Danish model Josephine has walked in every show since 2013. She shares a fitness Instagram account, @JoJa, with VS model Jasmine Tookes. "As a model you need to be in shape all year round, but I do amp up more for the Victoria's Secret show - usually less cardio but more toning,” newbie Josephine told Vogue. “So a lot of boxing at Gotham Gym in New York. I’ve also moved into a building with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, so I like doing that when I wake up."
Sara Sampaio
Portugese beauty Sara likes to mix it up when it comes to her fitness regime. "I try to work out two to three times a week," Sara told Hello! "I do a Physique 57 class, followed by a ModelFit class and end my week of workouts with my personal trainer. I like bringing a friend with me so we can help push one another. I also mix up my workouts so I don't get bored. I like to do a mix of running, Pilates, working out with a trainer, etc."
Taylor Hill
Cross-fit dedicatee Taylor Hill is one of the top models of the moment - which is no surprise when you consider her toned six-foot-frame, pillowy lips, turquoise eyes and strong brows. "I like high intensity sessions that I can get done quickly, so I do CrossFit at a gym in L.A., and when I’m in New York, I just work out in the gym in my building, doing weight training," she told US Vogue. "I don’t try to burn fat, I want to look toned and fit. For a Candice Swanepoel butt, I do weighted squats, or use ankle weights to do leg lifts on all fours. For my abs, I use a weighted ball and do twists for 20 reps. CrossFit is really intense, so I like to balance that training with yoga — it’s nice to have slow movements, where you can find inner peace."
Jasmine Tookes
Jasmine Tookes has an incredibly enviable body, but it's the result of hard work as well as genetics. "I stay fit all year round but start to work out a couple more times per week in the month leading up to the show," Jasmine told Vogue. "I love doing squats! I've also been doing the P90x workout - it's such a great workout. I like to work out seven days a week before the show, whereas I’d normally do three."
Watch our video below to find out more about the Victoria's Secret Angels...
SEE MORE: Gigi and Bella Hadid to walk in Victoria's Secret show together
SEE MORE: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is taking place in Paris for the first time ever